Item 1. Business
Overview
Keysight Technologies, Inc. ("we," "us," "Keysight" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware on December 6, 2013, is a technology company providing electronic design and test solutions that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment, validation, optimization and secure operation of electronics systems to communications, networking and electronics industries. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product lifecycle, including start-up assistance, instrument productivity, application services and instrument calibration and repair.
We have a comprehensive sales strategy that uses our direct sales force, distributors, resellers and manufacturer's representatives. The strategy varies based on the size of customer, the complexity of solutions and geographical coverage. We generated $3.9 billion, $3.2 billion and $2.9 billion of net revenue in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of October 31, 2018, we had approximately 12,900 employees worldwide.
Net revenue, income from operations and assets by business segment as of and for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are shown in Note 19, "Segment Information," to our consolidated financial statements.
We had more than 17,000 direct customers for our solutions and services in fiscal year 2018 and greater than 32,000 customers including indirect channels. No single customer represented 10 percent or more of our net revenue. Many of our customers acquire solutions and services across multiple segments.
Strategies
With a singular focus on electronic design and test and optimization, we deliver market-leading solutions across a wide range of industries, including commercial communications, networking, aerospace, defense and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor and electronic industrial. Our research and development efforts support our customers' design and test challenges across the entire development lifecycle, beginning with simulation and prototype development and validation, through volume manufacturing test and operational optimization in the network. Our goal is to increase the productivity of our customers and reduce their project time-to-market independent of the specific form factor required. These form factors range from complete application-specific solutions and feature-rich benchtop or handheld instruments to customer configurable modular solutions. All of these solutions utilize a common portfolio of market leading software and hardware technologies, along with the ability to provide multi-vendor managed services built upon Keysight’s global repair and calibration capabilities. This enables our customers to develop and deploy solutions to address the most rapidly evolving new technologies.
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New wireless communication measurement solutions. We are investing in the development of new wireless communications test solutions to satisfy the commercial communications end market, which is being driven by growth in mobile data and evolving wireless standards, particularly 5G. With our technical breadth and expertise and strategic engagement with market-leading customers and partners around the world, we have leading-edge solutions for 5G applications available and have been first to market with many 5G solutions.
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New automotive design and measurement solutions. We are actively investing in the development of new automotive test solutions to address the rapidly emerging electric, hybrid electric, connected and autonomous vehicle segments. In
support of this strategy, over the prior two years, we have introduced 70 new solutions covering vehicle intelligence, connectivity, power and security. With the addition of ScienLab, we significantly enhanced our ability to deliver application-optimized, customer-specific test solutions for the development and production of charging technology and infrastructure, energy storages, battery management systems, inverters, and DC/DC converters.
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First-to-market network test solutions. The rapidly growing number of high-speed, connected devices requires service providers and data center operators to continuously update their networks to deliver higher levels of data transfer performance, improve customer quality of service and enhance network security. The acquisition of Ixia in fiscal 2017 established Keysight as a market leader in next-generation network test and network visibility solutions. With the addition of these capabilities to our portfolio, we are uniquely positioned to deliver complete end-to-end communications network solutions, spanning the entire network from data center through the core and radio access network all the way to wide bandwidth mobile devices, up and down the protocol stack.
Strengths
Our electronic measurement business originated in 1939. Our legacy encompasses more than 75 years of innovation, measurement science expertise and deep customer relationships. We conduct business annually with over 32,000 customers that are developing electronic products, including many Fortune 1000 companies. We help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. The following strengths are significant:
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Technology Leadership as a Competitive Differentiator. Proprietary software and hardware technologies unavailable on the commercial market and developed by our fourteen research and development centers around the world enable many Keysight products to deliver the best design and measurement solution capability available for our customers’ engineering requirements. Keysight’s technology leadership is noteworthy because we strive to deliver first-to-market solutions for our customers, ahead of our competition, allowing the customer to also be first with their products, gaining a competitive advantage. Built on an intellectual property foundation developed over several decades, Keysight’s EDA computer aided design software for radio and microwave frequency designs is the premiere tool used by over two-thirds of the world’s engineers doing design work in this field. Some of Keysight’s hardware technologies are designed and manufactured in our own in-house integrated circuit fabrication facilities, which were purpose-built and optimized to deliver unmatched performance and capabilities across the broad portfolio of Keysight instruments. Once developed, these technologies can be deployed into multiple-instrument form factors, which include feature-rich instruments, modular instruments and handheld portable instruments. For Keysight, deploying technology across all instrument form factors provides multiple revenue streams from a single technology investment. Keysight is recognized as being a technology leader in six core product instrumentation categories: RF and Microwave Design Simulation software, Network Test, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Signal Analyzers and Signal Sources.
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Broad Portfolio of Solutions to Address Customer Needs. Keysight has the broadest portfolio of electronic design and test solutions in the industry. Our hardware product portfolio spans many technologies, price points and form factors. We address time and frequency domain applications with RF, microwave, high-speed digital and general instrumentation. In addition, we have a broad portfolio of software products to enable customer success, including EDA software for RF and high-speed digital design, software tools for programming and a broad range of measurement application solutions. These help our customers make specific measurements quickly and consistently. Keysight is recognized as being a leader across our five key markets: commercial communications, aerospace, defense and government, electronic industrial, network test and visibility, and services.
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Industry-Leading Commitment to Product Quality and Reliability. Keysight has a reputation in the industry for high-quality and high-reliability electronic measurement instrumentation and software. Ensuring quality and reliability is an integral part of our new product development processes.
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Large Installed Base. We have a large worldwide installed base of equipment because of the breadth of our solutions portfolio and our long history of producing high-performance and high-quality solutions. This installed base enables a strong and growing Services Solutions Group, which provides a wide range of calibration and repair services, on both a per incident and contract basis, and provides a significant source of loyal customers for future sales.
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Sales Channel with Global Reach. We have a worldwide and comprehensive sales channel. We have experienced management teams and highly technical sales and application engineers in all parts of the world, including a strong local presence in emerging markets. Our sales channel strategy is segmented by customer size, customer location and product characteristics. We deploy a direct sales organization focused on selling high performance products and industry solutions to global and geographic accounts. Most of our sales in international markets are made by foreign sales subsidiaries. In countries with low sales volumes, sales are made through various representatives and distributors. However, we also sell
into international markets directly from the United States. Approximately 75 percent of our business comes from customer interactions with our direct sales organization. To ensure broad geographic coverage and further drive growth, we maintain a network of over 650 channel partners to complement our direct sales force.
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Centralized Order Fulfillment. Our order fulfillment organization allows us to leverage the scale and scope of our business to provide high-quality, market-leading instrument solutions to our customers while generating competitive gross margins. Keysight has a central order fulfillment organization that supplies solutions to customers across geographies. Our Penang, Malaysia site is our largest manufacturing facility, with a proven track record of operational excellence, technology capability and quality. We have an established network of suppliers and subcontractors, especially in Asia, that complements our in-house capabilities.
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Business Model. Our operating model incorporates a substantial amount of cost structure flexibility with the intent to be materially profitable across a range of economic and market conditions. Our variable compensation programs, sales channel strategy and the outsourced components of our supply chain have been implemented to improve the flexibility of our cost structure.
The Keysight Leadership Model
Keysight's Leadership Model (“KLM”) is the company's framework to continuously deliver value to our customers, stockholders and employees. KLM provides the structure to execute Keysight's strategy. This model encompasses seven interlinked areas of focus centered around our customers, including: Customer Success, Market Insight, Capital Allocation, First-to-Market Solutions, Operational Excellence, Employee Growth and Keysight Values.
More information on the KLM can be found at https://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/leadership.shtml.
Operating Segments
On April 18, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Ixia, which became a separate reportable operating segment, the Ixia Solutions Group (“ISG”). As a result, Keysight has four segments: Communications Solutions Group, Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, Ixia Solutions Group and Services Solutions Group.
Communications Solutions Group
The Communications Solutions Group serves customers spanning the worldwide commercial communications and aerospace, defense and government end markets. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. This business generated revenue of $2.0 billion in fiscal 2018, $1.7 billion in fiscal 2017 and $1.8 billion in fiscal 2016.
Communications Solutions Group Markets
Our Communications Solutions Group serves the following two markets:
Commercial Communications Market
We market our electronic design and test solutions to network equipment manufacturers (“NEMs”), wireless device manufacturers and communications service providers, including the component manufacturers within the supply chain for these customers. Growth in mobile data traffic and increasing complexity in semiconductors and components are drivers of test demand across the communications market.
NEMs, including chipset providers, manufacture and sell products to enable the transmission of voice, data and video traffic. The NEMs’ customers are communications service providers that deploy and operate the networks and services, as well as distribute end-user subscriber devices, including wireless personal communication devices and set-top boxes. To meet their customers’ demands, NEMs require test and measurement instruments, systems and solutions for the development, production and installation of each optical, electrical and wireless network technology.
Wireless device manufacturers require design and test solutions for the design, development, manufacture and repair of a variety of mobile devices. These mobile devices are used for voice, data and video delivery to individuals who connect wirelessly to the service provider’s network. The device manufacturers’ customers are large and small service providers, enterprises and consumers who purchase devices directly from retailers. Wireless device manufacturers require design and test solutions that enable technology development in conformance with the latest standards.
Communications service providers require reliable data center and network equipment that enables new service offerings and allows their networks to operate with ever-increasing capacities. To achieve this, communications service providers require a range
of sophisticated test instruments and systems to ensure conformance to communication standards and network requirements and to evaluate network performance.
Component manufacturers design, develop and manufacture electronic and optical components and modules used in network equipment and mobile devices. The component manufacturers require test and measurement products to verify that the performance of their components and modules meets the specifications of their customers.
Aerospace, Defense and Government Market
We market our electronic design and test solutions to manufacturers and research laboratories within the aerospace and defense industries. This market includes commercial and government customers and their contracted suppliers. Electronic warfare and modernization of satellites, radars and surveillance systems worldwide are the drivers of test demand within the aerospace and defense market.
Government customers include departments or ministries of defense and related agencies around the world. Contractors support the government and commercial customers by providing design and manufacturing capabilities for a variety of programs. We also sell to sub-contractors and component manufacturers within the supply chain.
Customers use our electronic design and test solutions to develop and manufacture a wide variety of electronic components and systems used in aerospace and defense industries, including commercial and military aircraft, space, satellite, radar, intelligence and surveillance. Customers test the electrical parameters of a broad spectrum of components and assemblies and final products and often require large systems containing multiple electronic instruments.
Communications Solutions Group Solutions
Our electronic design and test solutions include software-driven RF and microwave instruments, digital instruments and various other general purpose test instruments and targeted test solutions. We offer these products and related software in a variety of form factors, including feature-rich, modular and handheld solutions, depending on the specific requirements of the customer application.
Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Software
Our EDA software models, simulates and analyzes product designs at the circuit and system levels, across RF/uW, high-speed digital, power electronics and semiconductor markets. R&D engineers use the software to predict the behavior of designs prior to building a prototype. They identify and correct issues with the design and optimize performance in a virtual environment, thus reducing the number of design iteration which speeds time to market and reduces cost.
RF and Microwave Solutions
Our software-driven RF and microwave test solutions and related software tools are used mainly in wireless and aerospace and defense applications. These solutions are required for the design and production of wireless network products, communications links, mobile devices and base stations. RF and microwave test instruments include signal analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, one-box testers and power meters. Our measurement application software is an integrated extension of our hardware solutions and enables a wide range of measurement capability used across all end markets to design and manufacture next-generation electronic components and products. Software tools are used to design and test the software portion of wireless devices and test the performance of networks.
Digital Solutions
Our software-driven digital test solutions are used by research and development engineers across a broad range of industries to validate the function and performance of their digital product and system designs. These designs include a wide range of products from simple digital control circuits to complex high-speed systems such as computer servers and the latest generation gaming consoles. The test solutions offered include oscilloscopes, logic and serial protocol analyzers, logic-signal sources, arbitrary waveform generators and bit error rate testers. Our customers also use our high-frequency EDA software tools to model signal integrity problems in digital design applications as digital speeds continue to increase.
Other Solutions
Our suite of fiber optic test solutions measure and analyze a wide variety of critical optical and electrical parameters in fiber optic networks and their components. Components that can be tested with our solutions include source lasers, optical amplifiers, filters and other passive components. Test solutions include optical modulation analyzers, optical component analyzers, optical power meters and optical laser source solutions.
Communications Solutions Group Customers
Our customers include commercial companies and government agencies around the world. We have customers across the product lifecycle that design, develop, manufacture, install and monitor a variety of commercial and government communications networks. Commercial customers include original equipment and contract manufacturers of electronic components, semiconductors, wireless devices and network equipment, as well as network service providers that implement, maintain and manage communication networks and services. Other commercial customers include defense contractors and sub-contractors. Government customers include departments or ministries of defense, government agencies and related research institutes. Our customers use our solutions to conduct research and development to manufacture, and to install and maintain radio frequency, microwave frequency, digital, semiconductor and optical products and systems.
No single customer represented 10 percent or more of the group's net revenue.
Communications Solutions Group Sales and Support
Our direct sales force focuses on addressing the needs of our largest customers and recommending solutions involving the effective use and deployment of our equipment, systems and capabilities. Some of our direct sales force concentrates on more complex solutions such as our high-performance instruments, where customers require strategic consultation. Our direct sales force consists of field and application engineers who have in-depth knowledge of the customers’ business and technology needs. Our application engineers provide a combination of consulting, systems integration and application and software engineering services that are pervasive across all stages of the sale, implementation and support of our complex systems and solutions.
To complement our direct sales force, we have agreements with channel partners around the world. These partners, including resellers, manufacturer’s representatives and distributors, serve customers across both the commercial communications and the aerospace, defense and government end markets and are expected to provide the same level of service and support as our direct sales force. Lower dollar sales transactions are also served by our tele-sales and electronic commerce channels.
Communications Solutions Group Manufacturing
We concentrate our Communications Solutions Group manufacturing efforts primarily on final assembly and test of our products. To maximize our productivity and our ability to respond to market conditions, we use contract manufacturers for the production of printed circuit boards, sheet metal fabrication, metal die-casting, plastic molding and standard electronic components. We also manufacture proprietary devices and assemblies in our own fabrication facilities for competitive advantage. We have manufacturing facilities in California and Colorado in the United States. Outside of the United States, we have manufacturing centralized in Malaysia with other manufacturing facilities in China, Germany and Japan. Our Penang, Malaysia site is our largest test and measurement manufacturing facility with proven operational excellence through scale, scope and expertise.
Within our business, there are three technology centers that collectively provide key components and sub-systems. The three technology centers are located in Boeblingen, Germany; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Santa Rosa, California. These technologies include optical components and sub-systems, microwave monolithic integrated circuits, thick and thin film circuits, high speed probes and precision machining. Our technology centers provide a competitive advantage by developing unique technologies for our solutions.
We generally only manufacture products when we have received firm orders for delivery and do not generally hold large stocks of finished inventory.
Communications Solutions Group Competition
The market for electronic design and test solutions is highly competitive across our targeted markets. In the commercial communications market, our primary competitors are Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, Anritsu Corporation, Tektronix, Inc. (a subsidiary of Fortive Corporation), LeCroy Corporation (a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies), National Instruments Corporation, Teradyne, Inc. and VIAVI Solutions Inc. In the aerospace, defense and government market, our primary competitors are Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, LeCroy Corporation, Tektronix, Inc. and VIAVI Solutions Inc.
We offer complete solutions that include a wide range of products and related software that compete primarily on the basis of product quality, differentiated capability, first-to-market leading-edge technology and long-term value to our customers.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group
The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets, focusing on high-value applications in the automotive and energy industry and measurement solutions for consumer electronics, education, general electronics design and manufacturing, and semiconductor design and manufacturing. The group
provides electronic design and test software, instruments and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment. This business generated revenue of $965 million in fiscal 2018, $836 million in fiscal 2017 and $776 million in fiscal 2016.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Markets
We market our electronic design and test solutions to customers with significant electronic content across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets. These industries design, develop and manufacture a wide range of products, including those produced in high volumes, such as computers, computer peripherals, electronic components, consumer electronics, enterprise servers, storage networks and automotive electronics. The components, printed circuit assemblies and functional devices for these products may be designed, developed and manufactured by electronic components companies, original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") or contract manufacturers. Other industrial applications for our solutions include power, energy, automotive, medical, research and education.
Customers use test solutions in developing and manufacturing a wide variety of electronic components and systems. These customers’ test requirements include testing the electrical parameters of digital, radio frequency, and microwave frequency components and assemblies; testing multiple parameters of the printed circuit boards used in almost every electronic device; testing of the final product; and testing of systems containing multiple electronic instruments. For semiconductor and board test applications, customers use our solutions in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of semiconductor and printed circuit assemblies.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Solutions
Our software-driven electronic industrial solutions include design and design verification tools, a broad range of electronic test and measurement instruments, comprehensive manufacturing systems, material analysis and university education solutions to train the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Design tools include design-for-test (“DFT”) for printed circuit assemblies and automotive radar, and EDA software for wireless and wired communication links in industrial, automotive and power semiconductor devices.
Design verification solutions include physical signal characterization and protocol compliance, notably for those links used in industrial, energy and automotive devices and products. Major automotive and battery manufacturers are electrifying transportation and changing how electrical energy is generated, stored and controlled. Examples of verification solutions include those that help design engineers qualify and characterize power semiconductor devices, photo-voltaic/electrical vehicle/storage inverters, AC power analysis, DC battery cells/modules and automotive body/safety/engine electronic modules. High-precision and higher-bandwidth power analysis products address the increased power efficiency required with the proliferation of battery-powered and energy-efficient devices. We also have the solutions required to test the components in the electrified drive train.
We offer the broadest portfolio of general-purpose measurement solutions in the market - from handheld test tools to bench measurement instruments and precision measurement solutions. They come in a wide variety of form factors, such as Bench (one-box), Handhelds (portable) and Modular, to support a variety of electronic measurement, power and signal requirements throughout our customer’s workflow in design, manufacturing and deployment of their products and processes. Many of these general purpose products are designed for demanding environments, and all provide high performance capability to ensure our customers can trust the measurement science provided by Keysight. Capability includes Digital Multi-Meters, Function Generators, Waveform Synthesizers, Counters, Data Acquisition, Audio Analyzers, LCR Meters, thermal imaging, low-cost USB modular, precision SMU (“Source Measurement Units”), ultra-high precision device current analyzers, test executive software platforms and a wide variety of power supplies ranging from bench to highly scalable AC/DC modular supplies and electronically programmable loads. These instruments are increasingly integrated with solution-specific software that enables our customers to dramatically accelerate and improve the effectiveness of their product design, design validation, manufacturing and support activities. Our solutions also support fundamental measurement science for voltage, current, frequency, signal pulse width, sub-nanometer distance and complex electronic measurements. This enables industry and government customers to measure fundamental electrical parameters.
Comprehensive manufacturing systems include: printed-circuit-board-assembly testers that ensure complex boards and components are assembled properly, IC parametric testers that ensure semiconductor wafers are processed consistently with high-precision and sub-nano-meter positioning sub-assemblies for semiconductor wafer manufacturing. We provide effective and efficient manufacturing test solutions for complex transportation electronic control/safety systems that include radar, autonomous capability, and state-of-the-art wired and wireless components. Our flexible and scalable manufacturing systems offer the best-in-class value to enable our manufacturing customers to deliver outstanding yield, quality and productivity resulting in lower overall cost of test.
Our highly regarded test and measurement products and software have a long history of broad adoption and use in universities and research centers that teach the next generation of engineers and scientists and enable basic research to flourish. Increasing global competition in education is driving the need for efficient and timely education solutions, and we are making those available in areas such as IoT, 5G communications technology and smart devices.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Customers
Our customers include original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers of electronic industrial products and services. These customers use our solutions to perform research and development and to design, manufacture and support their products and services. Customer products include semiconductor devices, printed circuit assemblies, electronic modules and systems. Our customers range from the largest multi-national global companies to the smallest start-ups and include universities and government agencies around the world. Our automotive customers use Keysight's solutions to develop, test and manufacture the electrified drive train, battery management systems, e-mobility and V2X that will enable EV/HEV vehicles to be fully autonomous.
No single customer represented 10 percent or more of the group's net revenue.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Sales and Support
Our direct sales force focuses on addressing our largest customer needs and recommending solutions involving the effective use and deployment of our equipment, systems and capabilities. Some of our direct sales force concentrates on more complex solutions, such as our high-performance instruments, where customers require strategic consultation. Our direct sales force consists of field and application engineers who have in-depth knowledge of the customers’ business and technology needs. Our application engineers provide a combination of consulting, systems integration and application and software engineering services that are pervasive across all stages of the sale, implementation and support of our complex systems and solutions.
To complement our direct sales force, we have agreements with channel partners around the world. These partners, including resellers, manufacturer’s representatives and distributors, serve customers across the automotive and energy, general electronics measurement and semiconductor measurement markets and are expected to provide the same level of service and support as our direct sales force. Lower dollar sales transactions are also served by our tele-sales and electronic commerce channels.
In order to address the growing needs of customers involved in design and development of the latest electronic technologies for the growing automotive sector, we have opened three automotive applications centers in Boeblingen, Germany; Novi, Michigan (USA); and Shanghai, China. These centers underscore our commitment to work with and serve customers in local proximity to support innovative technology projects that will drive the automotive and energy industries. The new centers include customer electronic test and measurement labs, technical experts, and state-of-the-art test equipment, as well as a customer training facility for hands-on workshops and seminars. These centers address the needs of our automotive OEMs, electronic components suppliers, semiconductor chipset manufacturers, battery and charging infrastructure providers and compliance labs, where we provide bumper-to-bumper test solutions across the whole ecosystem for the connected car.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Manufacturing
We concentrate our electronic industrial measurement manufacturing efforts primarily on final assembly and test of our products. To maximize our productivity and our ability to respond to market conditions, we use contract manufacturers for the production of printed circuit boards, sheet metal fabrication, metal die-casting, plastic molding and standard electronic components. We also manufacture proprietary devices and assemblies in our own fabrication facilities for competitive advantage. We have manufacturing facilities in California and Colorado in the United States. Outside of the United States we have manufacturing centralized in Malaysia, with other manufacturing facilities in China, Germany and Japan. Our Penang, Malaysia site is our largest test and measurement manufacturing facility, with proven operational excellence through scale, scope and expertise.
Within our business, there are three manufacturing technology centers that collectively provide key components and sub-systems. The three manufacturing technology centers are located in Boeblingen, Germany; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Santa Rosa, California. These technologies include optical components and sub-systems, thick and thin film circuits, high speed probes and precision machining. Our manufacturing technology centers provide a competitive advantage by developing unique technologies for our solutions.
We generally only manufacture products when we have received firm orders for delivery and do not generally hold large stocks of finished inventory.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group Competition
The market for electronic industrial design and test solutions is highly competitive across our targeted markets. In the electronic industrial test market, our primary competitors are Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, Anritsu Corporation, Keithley/Tektronix/Fluke, Inc. (subsidiaries of Fortive Corporation), LeCroy Corporation (a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies), National Instruments Corporation, Teradyne, Inc. and Advantest.
Our electronic industrial design and test solutions offer a wide range of products and related software, and these compete primarily on the basis of product quality, differentiated capability, first-to-market leading edge technology and long-term value to our customers.
Ixia Solutions Group
The Ixia Solutions Group helps customers design, validate and optimize the performance and security resilience of their networks and associated components and applications. The test, visibility and security solutions help organizations and their customers strengthen their physical and virtual networks. The group’s solutions consist of high-performance hardware platforms, software applications and services, including warranty and maintenance offerings. This business generated revenue of $451 million in fiscal 2018 and $256 million in fiscal 2017. The Ixia Solutions Group revenue in fiscal 2018 is not comparable with the same period last year, which only includes activity from the date of acquisition, April 18, 2017, through October 31, 2017.
Ixia Solutions Group Markets
We market our network test solutions and services, and our network visibility solutions to network equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide. Our network test customers use our solutions to evaluate the performance of their equipment and networks during the design, manufacturing and pre-deployment stages, as well as after the equipment is deployed in a network. Our network visibility solutions improve the way our customers manage their data centers, save valuable IT time and maximize return on IT investments.
Ixia Solutions Group Solutions and Services
ISG Test Solutions
We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions consisting of software applications in conjunction with our network test hardware platforms that provide customers with the ability to perform a broad range of testing for layers 2-7 of the network stack. These solutions measure and analyze the performance, functionality, interoperability, service quality and conformance of network equipment and networks as well as applications and services that run on these networks. Our technology-specific application test solutions are targeted at a wide range of critical performance and conformance requirements across various protocols, interfaces and types of devices. These include data center, routing and switching, SDN, security, encryption and applications, services like voice, video and wireless technologies like 4G and 5G as well as Wi-Fi. Our data center test solution includes the world’s first 400 Gigabit Ethernet test products that enable the roll-out of next generation data centers. For security, our solutions enable the testing of new technologies like Transport Layer Security as well as providing a comprehensive suite of tools to test and detect malware and Distributed Denial of Service. Our wireless test solutions include 5G and 4G as well as IoT and Wi-Fi 802.11ax. These test solutions are both hardware-based and virtual. For the hardware-based solutions, our purpose-built hardware allows us to provide the industry’s best precision, performance and scale. Our virtual solutions offer a comprehensive feature set as well as the flexibility to be operated in various virtual environments.
ISG Visibility Solutions
Our visibility solutions provide real-time, end-to-end visibility, insight and security into physical, virtual, Software Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualization networks, delivering the control, coverage, intelligence and performance customers need in a seamless fashion to protect and improve crucial networking, data center and cloud business assets. Our comprehensive network visibility platform ranges from network test access points to high-density, high-availability, cutting edge solutions designed for large and complex data centers and networks. Our proprietary software includes patented filtering and content handling technology that ensures each monitoring tool gets exactly the right data needed for analysis, all powered by an easy to use, drag-and-drop management system. Our advanced processing technologies enable additional intelligence and functionality, including de-duplication, packet slicing, time-stamping, real-time application and threat data, network flow, and session aware mobility load balancing. Our Hawkeye solution quickly and effectively validates network performance, isolates problems, and proactively detects issues by running scheduled verification tests on any site using wireline or wireless connections. Using a combination of hardware and software agents called Performance Endpoints, Hawkeye simulates application traffic and sends key performance metrics to a central console for fast action.
Services
Our service revenues primarily consist of our technical support, warranty and software maintenance services. We also offer training, consulting, test-as-a-service and other professional services.
We offer technical support, warranty and software maintenance services with the sale of our solutions. Many of our products include up to one year of these services with the initial product purchase. Our customers may choose to extend the services for annual or multi-year periods. Our technical support services are delivered by our global team of technically knowledgeable and responsive customer service and support staff and include assistance with the set-up, configuration and operation of Ixia products. Our warranty and software maintenance services include the repair or replacement of defective product, bug fixes and unspecified when and if available software upgrades.
Our technical support and software maintenance services also include our Application Threat Intelligence ("ATI") subscription service for our application and security platforms, which provides a comprehensive suite of application protocols, threat intelligence, software updates and responsive technical support. The ATI subscription service provides full access to the latest security attacks, global malicious site and geolocation data, and application updates for use in real-world test, visibility, security and assessment scenarios. Our customers may choose to purchase the ATI subscription service for annual or multi-year periods.
Ixia Solutions Group Customers
Our customers include NEMs, service providers, enterprises and governments. These customers seek to optimize networks and data centers in order to accelerate, secure and scale the delivery of these applications. NEMs, including chipset providers, deliver voice, video, and data and service infrastructure equipment to customer network operators, service providers and network users. Such users require high standards of functionality, performance, security and reliability and must ensure the quality of their products during development and manufacturing (prior to deployment). Service providers seek to deliver a growing variety of high quality, advanced network services ranging from traditional telecommunications and internet services to social networking, cloud storage and entertainment streaming. Enterprise and government organizations depend on their networks and data centers to get business done, and they devote significant resources to ensure applications and services run optimally and securely. These enterprise and government customers rely on our solutions to help evaluate equipment during selection, optimize and harden their network designs in labs prior to roll-out, and once rolled out, continuously monitor the production network to ensure optimal performance and security of the contents flowing through it. Our security solutions are also used by major organizations to train their staff on the new generation of cyber warfare and mitigation techniques to recognize and defend against massive cyber attacks.
No single customer represented 10 percent or more of the group’s net revenue.
Ixia Solutions Group Sales and Support
We have a blended sales model. We use our global direct sales force to market and sell our products and solutions. In addition, we use distributors, value-added resellers, system integrators and other partners to complement our direct sales and marketing efforts for certain vertical and geographical markets. We depend on our distributors, resellers and other partners to generate sales opportunities and to extend our reach. Our direct sales force enables and supports our channel partners to offer the highest service to our customers. Another key component of our go-to-market strategy for certain solutions is strategic relationships with technical partners, consisting of network monitoring and performance management companies to complement their monitoring or security solutions. We work with technical partners in two main ways: (i) through customer referrals and recommendations and (ii) through automation integration/interoperability that provides a differentiated solution for our customers.
Our support services often include (i) assisting new customers with product installation and licensing, (ii) providing configuration assistance and expert advice on best practices, (iii) investigating and quickly solving user issues, (iv) troubleshooting and quickly repairing or replacing hardware as needed, and (v) providing access to our self-service portal where customers can report new cases and access our extensive knowledge base articles.
Ixia Solutions Group Manufacturing
We concentrate our manufacturing efforts primarily on final assembly and test of our solutions and new solution introductions. To maximize our productivity and our ability to respond to market conditions, we use contract manufacturers for the production of printed circuit boards, sheet metal fabrication, metal die-casting, plastic molding and standard electronic components. We have manufacturing facilities in California and Texas in the United States, and in Penang, Malaysia.
Ixia Solutions Group Competition
The market for providing network test and monitoring systems is highly competitive across our targeted markets. We currently compete with network test and monitoring solution vendors such as Spirent Communications, Gigamon and NetScout. We also
compete either directly or indirectly with large Ethernet switch vendors and network management, analysis, compliance and test tool vendors that offer point solutions that address a subset of the issues that we solve. Additionally, some of our significant customers have developed or may develop in-house products for their own use or for sale to others.
Within our network test and visibility solutions, we offer a wide range of products and related software. We compete with these solutions primarily on the basis of product quality, differentiated capability, first-to-market leading-edge technology and long-term value to our customers.
Services Solutions Group
The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and resells used Keysight equipment. In addition to providing repair and calibration support for Keysight equipment, the group also calibrates non-Keysight equipment. The group serves the same markets as our Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, providing industry-specific services to deliver complete Keysight solutions and help customers reduce their total cost of ownership for their design and test equipment. This business generated revenue of $461 million in fiscal 2018, $419 million in fiscal 2017 and $402 million in fiscal 2016.
Services Solutions Group Markets
The Services Solutions Group broadly addresses the same markets as the Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, which includes commercial communications, aerospace, defense and government, automotive and energy, semiconductor manufacturing and general electronics and manufacturing industries.
Services Solutions Group Solutions and Services
Keysight offers the following general types of solutions and services under the Services Solutions Group:
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Accredited Product Support Services. Comprehensive support services that include repair, parts, and accredited calibrations of Keysight and non-Keysight test equipment.
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Professional Services. Training and engineering services to optimize equipment adoption, utilization, and design and test processes.
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Remanufactured Equipment. Refurbished used equipment, including Keysight Premium Used, which ensures the same high quality as our new equipment.
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Asset Management Program. A full-service solution to optimize a customer’s asset tracking, servicing and utilization requirements throughout the product life cycle.
Services Solutions Group Customers
The customers for our Services Solutions Group include customers of the Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group. No single customer represented 10 percent or more of the group's net revenue.
Services Solutions Group Sales and Operations
Services Solutions Group shares the same industry-leading sales, marketing and support resources as the Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, including the same direct sales force and complementary channel partners.
Customer demand is fulfilled by trained technicians and engineers through regional service centers, located in close proximity to customers at 70 Keysight service locations in more than 30 countries. Our global presence, with localized service proximity, is an important factor in sustaining our customers’ equipment uptime and utilization requirements.
Services Solutions Group Competition
The Services Solutions Group competes with independent test equipment service providers, government measurement laboratories and other original equipment manufacturers. Many of these competitors offer a wide range of services and can support instruments from multiple manufacturers. Service quality, cost and turn-around time drive competitiveness within our served industries. In addition, some of our instrument customers have in-house calibration and repair capabilities. Our primary service competitors are Trescal Limited, Fortive Corporation and Ceprei Laboratories. Due to differing country and regulatory accreditation standards, the services provided may vary greatly from country to country.
The following discussions of Research and Development, Marketing, Backlog, Intellectual Property, Materials, Environmental and International Operations include information common to each of our businesses.
Research and Development
We are committed to investing in research and development ("R&D") and have focused our development efforts on key strategic opportunities in order to align our business with available markets and position the company for growth. Our R&D efforts focus on improvements to existing software and hardware products and development to support new software and hardware product introductions and complete customer solutions aligned to our industry. We conduct R&D in four principal areas: enabling technologies, system design, simulation and measurement. Our R&D seeks to improve on various technical competencies in software and hardware systems, electronics and solution delivery. R&D investments are focused on delivering technology and first-to-market solutions, as well as building a strong foundation for future solutions over a longer time horizon. Our primary R&D sites are in California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas and North Carolina in the United States and outside of the United States, in China, Finland, Germany, U.K., India, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore and Spain. We anticipate that we will continue to have significant R&D expenditures in order to maintain our competitive position with a continuous flow of innovative, high-quality software, customer solutions, products and services.
Marketing
We have several ongoing programs to support the sale and distribution of our solutions and to inform existing and potential customers, partners and distributors about the capabilities and benefits of our expansive solutions and services portfolio. We are modernizing our platforms to increase focus on lead generation for top growth segments, including broad territory customers. We continue to invest in improving the Keysight brand recognition in strategic industries such as automotive and 5G and geographies including the Bay Area, Germany, Shanghai, and Nagoya. Our marketing efforts promote the Keysight business through participating in industry trade shows and technical conferences, sponsoring technical seminars and webinars that highlight our solutions, and advertising in digital media publications and physical locations. Additionally, we write and distribute various forms of marketing collateral including brochures, white papers, application notes, solutions briefs and articles for online and print journals. Finally, we communicate to our existing and potential customers through our corporate website and various social media outlets, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and our corporate blog.
Backlog
Backlog represents the amount of revenue expected from orders that have already been booked, including orders for goods and services that have not been delivered to customers, orders invoiced but not yet recognized as revenue, and orders for goods that were shipped but not invoiced, awaiting acceptance by customers.
At October 31, 2018, our unfilled backlog was approximately $1,275 million, as compared to approximately $950 million at October 31, 2017. Consistent with our strategy, we are seeing an increase in solution sales, which have a longer order-to-revenue conversion cycle; however, we expect that a majority of the unfilled backlog will be recognized as revenue within six months. While backlog on any particular date can be an indicator of short-term revenue performance, it is not necessarily a reliable indicator of medium or long-term revenue performance.
Intellectual Property
We generate patent and other intellectual property rights covering significant inventions and other innovations in order to create a competitive advantage. Although we believe that our licenses, patents and other intellectual property rights have value, in general no single license, patent or other intellectual property right is in itself material, other than the Keysight mark.
Materials
Our manufacturing operations employ a wide variety of semiconductors, electromechanical components and assemblies and raw materials, such as plastic resins and sheet metal. We purchase materials from thousands of suppliers on a global basis. Some of the parts that require custom design work are not readily available from alternate suppliers due to their unique design or the length of time necessary for design work. Our long-term relationships with suppliers allow us to proactively manage technology road maps and product discontinuance plans and monitor their financial health. Even so, some suppliers may still extend their lead times, limit supplies, increase prices or cease to produce necessary parts for our solutions. If these are unique components, we may not be able to find a substitute quickly or at all. To address the potential disruption in our supply chain, we use a number of techniques, including qualifying multiple sources of supply and redesign of solutions for alternative components. In addition, while we generally attempt to keep our inventory at minimal levels, we do purchase incremental inventory as circumstances warrant to protect the supply chain.
Environmental
Our R&D, manufacturing and distribution operations involve the use of hazardous substances and are regulated under international, federal, state and local laws governing health and safety and the environment. We apply strict standards for protection of the environment and occupational health and safety to sites inside and outside the United States, even if not subject to regulation imposed by foreign governments. We believe that our properties and operations at our facilities comply in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and occupational health and safety laws. However, the risk of environmental liabilities cannot be completely eliminated, and there can be no assurance that the application of environmental and health and safety laws will not require us to incur significant expenditures. We are also regulated under a number of international, federal, state and local laws regarding recycling, product packaging and product content requirements. The environmental, product content/disposal and recycling laws are gradually becoming more stringent and may cause us to incur significant expenditures in the future.
Some of our properties are undergoing remediation by HP Inc. ("HP") for subsurface contaminations that were known at the time of Agilent’s separation from HP in 1999. In connection with Agilent’s separation from HP, HP and Agilent entered into an agreement pursuant to which HP agreed to retain the liability for this subsurface contamination, perform the required remediation and indemnify Agilent with respect to claims arising out of that contamination. Agilent has assigned its rights and obligations under this agreement to Keysight in respect of facilities transferred to Keysight in our separation from Agilent on November 1, 2014 ("the Separation"). As a result, HP has access to a limited number of our properties to perform remediation. Although HP agreed to minimize interference with on-site operations at such properties, remediation activities and subsurface contamination may require us to incur unreimbursed costs and could harm on-site operations and the future use and value of the properties. In connection with the Separation, Agilent will indemnify us directly for any liabilities related thereto. We cannot be sure that HP will continue to fulfill its remediation obligations or that Agilent will continue to fulfill its indemnification obligations.
In connection with the Separation, Agilent also agreed to indemnify us for any liability associated with contamination from past operations at all properties transferred from Agilent to us. We cannot be sure that Agilent will fulfill its indemnification obligations.
We maintain a comprehensive environmental site liability insurance policy that may cover certain clean-up costs or legal claims related to environmental contamination. This policy covers specified active, inactive and divested locations.
Acquisition of Material Assets
On April 18, 2017, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 30, 2017, between Keysight and Ixia (the "Merger Agreement"), we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Ixia for $1,622 million, net of $72 million of cash acquired, pursuant to an exchange offer for $19.65 per share (the "Merger Consideration"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, any outstanding and unexercised Ixia stock options with an exercise price below the Merger Consideration and any outstanding Ixia restricted stock awards were canceled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the merger consideration of $19.65 per share (minus the exercise price for the Ixia stock options). The vested portion of the awards associated with prior service of Ixia employees represented approximately $47 million of the total consideration. We funded the acquisition with a combination of cash and proceeds from debt and equity financings.
On August 31, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of ScienLab for $60 million, net of $2 million of cash acquired. ScienLab is a Germany-based company that provides test solutions to automotive original equipment manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers in the automotive and energy markets. This acquisition complements our portfolio, allowing end-to-end solutions for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and battery test solutions that address e-mobility market dynamics. We funded the acquisition using existing cash. As a result of the acquisition, ScienLab has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keysight.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The names of our executive officers and their ages, titles and biographies as of December 1, 2018 appear below:
Ronald S. Nersesian, 59, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Keysight since December 2013 and, prior to the Separation, served as Executive Vice President of Agilent. Mr. Nersesian served as President of Agilent from November 2012 to September 2013 and as Chief Operating Officer, Agilent from November 2011 to September 2013. From November 2011 to November 2012, Mr. Nersesian served as Agilent’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Nersesian serves on the Board of Directors of Trimble Inc.
Neil Dougherty, 49, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Keysight since December 2013 and, prior to the Separation, served as Vice President and Treasurer of Agilent since 2012. He served as Senior Director in Agilent’s Corporate Development Group from 2010 to 2012, and from 2006 to 2010, he served as Agilent’s Assistant Treasurer.
Jay Alexander, 55, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Keysight since May 2014, and from October 2009 until prior to the Separation, he served as Vice President and General Manager for the Oscilloscope and Protocol Division of Agilent.
Ingrid Estrada, 54, has served as Senior Vice President, Chief People & Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff since August 2017. Previously, she served as Keysight’s Senior Vice President, Human Resources from December 2013 until August 2017. Prior to the Separation, she served as Vice President and General Manager of Global Sourcing of Agilent from 2011.
Satish Dhanasekaran, 46, has served as Senior Vice President and President of the Communications Solutions Group since July 2017. Previously, he served as Keysight's Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Devices and Operators business segment, as well as a variety of customer-facing leadership positions.
Mark Pierpoint, 55, has served as Senior Vice President and President of the Ixia Solutions Group since February 2018. Previously, he served as Keysight's Vice President and General Manager, Internet Infrastructure business segment, as well as a variety of leadership positions in Keysight, including when it was part of Hewlett-Packard and Agilent.
Soon Chai Gooi, 57, has served as Senior Vice President and President of the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group since November 2015. From December 2013 to November 2015, Mr. Gooi served as Senior Vice President of Order Fulfillment and Infrastructure for Keysight. Prior to the Separation, Mr. Gooi served as President, from November 2012 to September 2013, and as Senior Vice President, from December 2011 to November 2012, of Agilent's Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain.
John Page, 54, has served as Senior Vice President and President of Services Solutions Group since November 2015 and most recently served as Vice President of business finance of Keysight from February 2014 to November 2015. Prior to joining Keysight, Mr. Page served as the Chief Financial Officer of Nanosys, Inc. from 2010 to 2014.
Mark Wallace, 53, has served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales since November 2016. From November 2014 to November 2016, Mr. Wallace served as Vice President and General Manager of Americas Field Operations and, prior to the Separation, as Americas Field Operations Vice President of Agilent's Electronic Measurement Group since November 2011.
Stephen Williams, 46, has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Keysight since December 2013 and, prior to the Separation, served as Agilent’s Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary since November 2009.
John Skinner, 56, has served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Keysight since December 2013, and prior to the Separation, Mr. Skinner served as Vice President, Agilent and Controller of Global Infrastructure and Enterprise Financial Planning and Analysis from April 2012 to December 2013.
Investor Information
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers.
You can access financial and other information at our Investor Relations website at www.investor.keysight.com. We make available, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of our Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Executive Committee as well as our Standards of Business Conduct are available on our website at www.investor.keysight.com under “Corporate Governance.” These items are also available in print to any stockholder in the United States and Canada who requests them by calling (800) 829-4444. This information is also available by writing to the company at the address on the cover of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risks, Uncertainties and Other Factors That May Affect Future Results
Risks Related to Our Business
Failure to introduce successful new solutions and services in a timely manner to address increased competition, rapid technological changes, and changing industry standards could result in our solutions and services becoming obsolete.
We generally sell our solutions in industries that are characterized by increased competition through frequent new solution and service introductions, rapid technological changes and changing industry standards. In addition, many of the markets in which we operate are seasonal and cyclical. Without the timely introduction of new solutions, services and enhancements, our solutions and services will become technologically obsolete over time, in which case our revenue and operating results would suffer. Our ability to offer new solutions and services and to deploy them in a timely manner depend on several factors, including but not limited to our ability to:
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properly identify customer needs;
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innovate and develop new technologies, services and applications;
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successfully commercialize new technologies in a timely manner;
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manufacture and deliver our solutions in sufficient volumes and on time;
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differentiate our offerings from our competitors' offerings;
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price our solutions competitively;
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anticipate our competitors' development of new solutions, services or technological innovations; and
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control product quality in our manufacturing process.
Our future operating results may fluctuate significantly if our investments in innovative technologies are not as profitable as we anticipate.
On a regular basis, we review the existing technologies available in the market and identify strategic new technologies to develop and invest in. We are currently devoting significant resources to the 5G technology, in the automotive and battery industries, in the Internet of Things, and mobile industries. We are investing in R&D, developing relationships with customers and suppliers, and re-directing our corporate and operational resources to grow within these innovative technologies. Our income could be harmed if we fail to gain sufficient market share, if demand for our solutions is lower than we expect, or if our income related to the innovative technologies is lower than we anticipate. For example, when the 5G standards are published, we may not be able to produce a satisfactory return on investment if our strategic vision and the resources that we are spending on developing our presence in the 5G technology industry turn out to be misaligned with such standards.
Failure to adjust our purchases due to changing market conditions or failure to estimate our customers' demand could adversely affect our income.
Our income could be harmed if we are unable to adjust our purchases to market fluctuations, including those caused by the seasonal or cyclical nature of the markets in which we operate. The sale of our solutions and services are dependent, to a large degree, on customers whose industries are subject to seasonal or cyclical trends in the demand for their products. For example, the consumer electronics market is particularly volatile, making demand difficult to anticipate. During a market upturn, we may not be able to purchase sufficient supplies or components to meet increasing product demand, which could materially affect our results. In the past, we have seen a shortage of parts for some of our products. In addition, some of the parts that require custom design are not readily available from alternate suppliers due to their unique design or the length of time necessary for design work. Should a supplier cease manufacturing such a component, we would be forced to re-engineer our solution. In addition to discontinuing parts, suppliers may also extend lead times, limit supplies or increase prices due to capacity constraints or other factors. In order to secure components for the production of products, we may continue to enter into non-cancellable purchase commitments with vendors, or at times make advance payments to suppliers, which could impact our ability to adjust our inventory to declining market demands. Prior commitments of this type have resulted in an excess of parts when demand for electronic products has decreased. If demand for our solutions is less than we expect, we may experience additional excess and obsolete inventories and be forced to incur additional charges.
Economic and political policies favoring national interests could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our overall performance depends largely upon domestic and international economic and political conditions. Many of our suppliers, vendors, partners, and other entities with whom we do business have strong ties to doing business in China and their ability to supply materials to us or otherwise work with us is strongly affected by their ability to do business in China. If the U.S.’s relationship with China deteriorates or results in trade protection measures, retaliatory actions, tariffs and increased barriers,
policies that favor domestic industries, or increased import or export licensing requirements or restrictions, then our operations may be adversely affected due to such changes in the economic and political ecosystem in which our suppliers, vendors, partners, and other entities with whom we do business operate.
We have significant operations, including a large number of employees, manufacturing facilities, and operations centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, Malaysia and China among other countries. Nationalistic economic policies and political trends in these territories, such as opposition to globalization and free trade, sanctions or trade restrictions, withdrawal from or re-negotiation of global trade agreements, tax policies that favor domestic industries and interests, the anticipated exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union (known as Brexit), the distancing or potential exit of other countries from the European Union, and other similar actions may result in increased transaction costs, reduced ability to hire employees, reduced access to supplies and materials, reduced demand or access to customers in international markets, and inability to conduct our operations as they have been conducted historically. Each of these factors may adversely affect our business.
Economic, political, and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our results of operations.
Because we sell our solutions worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. We anticipate that revenue from international operations will continue to represent a majority of our total revenue. However, there can be no assurances that our international sales will continue at existing levels or grow in accordance with our effort to increase foreign market penetration. In addition, many of our employees, contract manufacturers, suppliers, job functions and manufacturing facilities are located outside the United States. Accordingly, our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
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changes in a specific country's or region's political, economic or other conditions, including but not limited to changes that favor national interests and economic volatility;
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negative consequences from changes in tax laws;
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difficulty in protecting intellectual property;
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interruption to transportation flows for delivery of parts to us and finished goods to our customers;
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changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
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difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations;
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local competition;
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differing labor regulations;
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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
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inadequate local infrastructure;
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potential incidences of corruption and fraudulent business practices; and
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volatile geopolitical turmoil, including popular uprisings, regional conflicts, terrorism, and war.
We centralize most of our accounting processes at two locations: India and Malaysia. These processes include general accounting, inventory cost accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivables functions. If conditions change in those countries, it may adversely affect operations, including impairing our ability to pay our suppliers. Our results of operations, as well as our liquidity, may be adversely affected and possible delays may occur in reporting financial results.
Further, even if we are able to successfully manage the risks of international operations, our business may be adversely affected if our business partners are not able to successfully manage similar risks.
Our operating results and financial condition could be harmed if the markets into which we sell our solutions decline or do not grow as anticipated.
Visibility into our markets is limited. Our quarterly sales and operating results are highly dependent on the volume and timing of technology-related spending and orders received during the fiscal quarter, which are difficult to forecast and may be cancelled by our customers. In addition, our revenues and earnings forecasts for future fiscal quarters are often based on the expected seasonality or cyclicality of our markets. However, the markets we serve do not always experience the seasonality or cyclicality that we expect. Any decline in our customers' markets would likely result in a reduction in demand for our solutions and services. The broader semiconductor market is one of the drivers for our business, and therefore, a decrease in the semiconductor market could harm our business. Also, if our customers' markets decline, we may not be able to collect on outstanding amounts due to us. Such declines could harm our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stock price, and could limit our profitability. Also, in such an environment, pricing pressures could intensify. Since a significant portion of our operating expenses is relatively fixed in nature due to sales, R&D and manufacturing costs, if we were unable to respond quickly enough, these pricing pressures could further reduce our operating margins.
Uncertainty in general economic conditions may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our business is sensitive to negative changes in general economic conditions, both inside and outside the United States. Global and regional economic uncertainty or depression may impact our business, resulting in:
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reduced demand for our solutions, delays in the shipment of orders or increases in order cancellations;
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increased risk of excess and obsolete inventories;
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increased price pressure for our solutions and services; and
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greater risk of impairment to the value, and a detriment to the liquidity, of our future investment portfolio.
In addition, global and regional macroeconomic developments, such as increased unemployment, decreased income, reduced access to credit, volatility in capital markets, decreased liquidity, uncertain or destabilizing national election results in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and negative changes or volatility in general economic conditions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia could negatively affect our ability to conduct business in those territories. Financial difficulties experienced by our suppliers and customers, including distributors, due to economic volatility or negative changes could result in product delays and inventory issues. Economic risks related to accounts receivable could result in delays in collection and greater bad debt expense.
Dependence on contract manufacturing and outsourcing other portions of our supply chain may adversely affect our ability to bring solutions to market and damage our reputation. Dependence on outsourced information technology and other administrative functions may impair our ability to operate effectively.
As part of our efforts to streamline operations and to cut costs, we outsource aspects of our manufacturing processes and other functions and continue to evaluate additional outsourcing. If our contract manufacturers or other outsourcers fail to perform their obligations in a timely manner or at satisfactory quality levels, our ability to bring solutions to market and our reputation could suffer. For example, during a market upturn, our contract manufacturers may be unable to meet our demand requirements, which may preclude us from fulfilling our customers' orders on a timely basis. The ability of these manufacturers to perform is largely outside of our control. Additionally, changing or replacing our contract manufacturers or other outsourcees could cause disruptions or delays. In addition, we outsource significant portions of our information technology ("IT") and other administrative functions. Since IT is critical to our operations, any failure of our IT providers to perform could impair our ability to operate effectively. In addition to the risks outlined above, problems with manufacturing or IT outsourcing could result in lower revenues and unrealized efficiencies, and could impact our results of operations and stock price. Much of our outsourcing takes place in developing countries and, as a result, may be subject to geopolitical uncertainty.
Our operating results may suffer if our manufacturing capacity does not match the demand for our solutions.
Because we cannot immediately adapt our production capacity and related cost structures to rapidly changing market conditions, when demand does not meet our expectations, our manufacturing capacity will likely exceed our production requirements. During a general market upturn or an upturn in our business, we cannot increase our manufacturing capacity to meet product demand, we will not be able to fulfill orders in a timely manner, which could lead to order cancellations, contract breaches or indemnification obligations. This inability could materially and adversely limit our ability to improve our income, margin and operating results. By contrast, if, during an economic downturn, we had excess manufacturing capacity, then our fixed costs associated with excess manufacturing capacity would adversely affect our income, margins and operating results.
Key customers or large orders may expose us to additional business and legal risks that could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Certain key customers have substantial purchasing power and leverage in negotiating contractual arrangements with us. These customers may demand contract terms that differ considerably from our standard terms and conditions. Large orders may also include severe contractual liabilities for us if we fail to provide the quantity and quality of product at the required delivery times. While we attempt to contractually limit our potential liability under such contracts, we may have to agree to some or all of these types of provisions to secure these orders and to continue to grow our business. Such actions expose us to significant additional risks, which could result in a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Industry consolidation and consolidation among our customer base may lead to increased competition and may harm our operating results.
There is potential for industry consolidation in our markets. As companies attempt to strengthen or hold their market positions in an evolving industry, companies could be acquired or may be unable to continue operations. Companies that are strategic alliance partners in some areas of our business may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, thereby reducing their business with us. We believe that industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors and could lead to more variability in our operating results and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Furthermore, particularly in the communications market, rapid consolidation would lead to fewer customers, with the effect that loss of a major customer could have a material impact on results not anticipated in a customer marketplace composed of more numerous participants.
Additionally, if there is consolidation among our customer base, our customers may be able to command increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, which could adversely affect our profitability. In addition, if, as a result of increased leverage, customer pressures require us to reduce our pricing such that our gross margins are diminished, we could decide not to sell our solutions under such less favorable terms, which would decrease our revenue. Consolidation among our customer base may also lead to reduced demand for our solutions, replacement of our products by the combined entity with those of our competitors and cancellations of orders, each of which could harm our operating results.
Our acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestitures may result in financial results that are different than expected.
In the normal course of business, we may engage in discussions with third parties relating to possible acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestitures. As a result of such transactions, our financial results may differ from our own or the investment community's expectations in a given fiscal quarter, or over the long term. If market conditions or other factors lead us to change our strategic direction, we may not realize the expected value from such transactions. Further, such transactions often have post-closing arrangements, including, but not limited to, post-closing adjustments, transition services, escrows or indemnifications, the financial results of which can be difficult to predict. In addition, acquisitions and strategic alliances may require us to integrate a different company culture, management team and business infrastructure. We may have difficulty developing, manufacturing and marketing the products of a newly acquired company in a way that enhances the performance of our businesses or product lines to realize the value from expected synergies. Depending on the size and complexity of an acquisition, the successful integration of the entity depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
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the achievement of anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from combining the acquired company;
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the compatibility of our infrastructure, operations, policies and organizations with those of the acquired company;
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the retention of key employees and/or customers;
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the management of facilities and employees in different geographic areas; and
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the management of relationships with our strategic partners, suppliers, and customer base.
If we do not realize the expected benefits or synergies of such transactions, our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stock price could be negatively impacted. Additionally, we may record significant goodwill and other assets as a result of acquisitions or investments, and we may be required to incur impairment charges, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Any inability to complete acquisitions on acceptable terms could negatively impact our growth rate and financial performance.
Our ability to grow revenues, earnings and cash flow depends in part upon our ability to identify and successfully acquire and integrate businesses at appropriate prices and realize anticipated synergies and business performance. Appropriate targets for acquisition are difficult to identify and complete for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, limited due diligence, high valuations, business and intellectual property evaluations, other interested parties, negotiations of the definitive documentation, satisfaction of closing conditions, the need to obtain antitrust or other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms, and availability of funding. The inability to close appropriate acquisitions on acceptable terms could adversely impact our growth rate, revenue, and financial performance.
We may need additional financing in the future to meet our capital needs or to make opportunistic acquisitions, and such financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, if at all, and may be dilutive to existing shareholders.
We may need to seek additional financing for our general corporate purposes. For example, we may need to increase our investment in R&D activities or need funds to make acquisitions. We may be unable to obtain any desired additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our expansion, successfully develop or enhance solutions or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could negatively affect our business. If we finance acquisitions by issuing additional convertible debt or equity securities, our existing stockholders may experience share dilution, which could affect the market price of our stock. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, our shareholders will experience dilution of their ownership interest. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to further limitations on our operations and ability to pay dividends due to restrictive covenants.
We have outstanding debt and may incur other debt in the future, which could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We currently have outstanding debt as well as availability to borrow under a revolving credit facility. We may borrow additional amounts in the future and use the proceeds from any future borrowing for general corporate purposes, future acquisitions, expansion of our business or repurchases of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Our incurrence of this debt, and increases in our aggregate levels of debt, may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition by, among other things:
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requiring a portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest payments on this debt;
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increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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reducing the cash flow available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business; and
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limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry.
Our current revolving credit facility and term loan imposes restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to create liens on our assets and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, and requires us to maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. Our ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond our control. In addition, the indenture governing our senior notes contains covenants that may adversely affect our ability to incur certain liens or engage in certain types of sale and leaseback transactions. If we breach any of the covenants and do not obtain a waiver from the lenders, then, subject to applicable cure periods, our outstanding indebtedness could be declared immediately due and payable.
If currency exchange rates fluctuate substantially in the future, our financial results could be adversely affected.
A substantial amount of our solutions are priced and paid for in U.S. Dollars, although many of our solutions are priced in local currencies and a significant amount of certain types of expenses, such as payroll, utilities, tax and marketing expenses, are paid in local currencies. Our hedging programs are designed to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, within any given 12-month period, the impact of currency exchange rate movements, including those caused by currency controls, which could impact our business, operating results and financial condition by resulting in lower revenue or increased expenses. However, for expenses beyond a 12-month period, our hedging strategy will not mitigate our exchange rate risk. In addition, our currency hedging programs involve third-party financial institutions as counterparties. The weakening or failure of these counterparties may adversely affect our hedging programs and our financial condition through, among other things, a reduction in the number of available counterparties, increasingly unfavorable terms or the failure of counterparties to perform under hedging contracts.
Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, and we could suffer significant litigation or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling solutions or services.
Third parties may claim that one or more of our solutions or services infringe their intellectual property rights. We analyze and take action in response to such claims on a case-by-case basis. Any dispute or litigation regarding patents or other intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming due to the complexity of our technology and the uncertainty of intellectual property litigation and could divert our management and key personnel from business operations. A claim of intellectual property infringement could cause us to enter into a costly or restrictive license agreement (which may not be available under acceptable terms, or at all), require us to redesign certain of our solutions (which would be costly and time-consuming) and/or subject us to significant damages or an injunction against the development and sale of certain solutions or services. In certain of our businesses, we rely on third-party intellectual property licenses, and we cannot ensure that these licenses will be available to us in the future on terms favorable to us or at all.
Third parties may infringe our intellectual property rights, and we may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing our intellectual property rights.
Our success depends in part on our proprietary technology, including technology we obtained through acquisitions. We rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements, to establish our proprietary rights. If we do not enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position may suffer, which could harm our operating results.
Our pending patent, copyright and trademark registration applications may not be allowed or competitors may challenge the validity or scope of our patents, copyrights or trademarks. In addition, our patents, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights may not provide us with a significant competitive advantage. In preparation for the separation and distribution, we have applied for trademarks related to our new global brand name in various jurisdictions worldwide. Any successful opposition to our applications in material jurisdictions could impose material costs on us or make it more difficult to protect our brand. Different jurisdictions vary widely in the level of protection and priority they give to trademark and other intellectual property rights.
We may be required to spend significant resources monitoring our intellectual property rights, and we may or may not be able to detect infringement of such rights by third parties. Our competitive position may be harmed if we cannot detect infringement and enforce our intellectual property rights in a timely manner, or at all. In some circumstances, we may choose to not pursue enforcement due to a variety of reasons. In addition, competitors may avoid infringement by designing around our intellectual property rights or by developing non-infringing competing technologies. Intellectual property rights and our ability to enforce them may be unavailable or limited in some countries, which could make it easier for competitors to capture market share and
could result in lost revenues to the company. Furthermore, some of our intellectual property is licensed to others, which allows them to compete with us using that intellectual property.
If we experience a significant cybersecurity attack or disruption in our IT systems, our business, reputation, and operating results could be adversely affected.
We rely on several centralized IT systems to provide solutions and services, maintain financial records, retain sensitive data such as intellectual property, proprietary business information, and data related to customers, suppliers, and business partners, process orders, manage inventory, process shipments to customers and operate other critical functions. The ongoing maintenance and security of this information is pertinent to the success of our business operations and our strategic goals.
Despite our implementation of network security measures, our network may be vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions. Our network security measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of firewalls, antivirus protection, patches, log monitors, routine backups, offsite storage, network audits, and routine updates and modifications. Despite our efforts to create these security barriers, we may not be able to keep pace as new threats emerge and it is virtually impossible for us to entirely eliminate this risk. Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, operating results and financial condition, and no assurance can be given that our efforts to reduce the risk of such attacks will be successful.
In addition, our IT systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophes or other unforeseen events. Such events could result in the disruption of business processes, network degradation and system downtime, along with the potential that a third party will exploit our critical assets such as intellectual property, proprietary business information and data related to our customers, suppliers and business partners. To the extent that such disruptions occur, our customers and partners may lose confidence in our solutions and we may lose business or brand reputation, resulting in a material and adverse effect on our business operating results and financial condition.
We are or will be subject to ongoing tax examinations of our tax returns by the IRS and other tax authorities. An adverse outcome of any such audit or examination by the IRS or other tax authority could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We are or will be subject to ongoing tax examinations of our tax returns by the IRS and other tax authorities in various jurisdictions. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from ongoing tax examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. These assessments can require considerable estimates and judgments. Intercompany transactions associated with the sale of inventory, services, intellectual property and cost sharing arrangements are complex and affect our tax liabilities. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The outcomes of these tax examinations could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Due to the complexity of tax contingencies, the ultimate resolution of any tax matters related to operations may result in payments greater or less than amounts accrued.
Our operations may be adversely impacted by changes in our business mix or changes in the tax legislative landscape.
Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by, among other things, changes in the mix of our earnings among countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, and changes in tax laws. We cannot give any assurance as to what our effective tax rate will be in the future because, among other things, there is uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions where we operate. Changes in tax laws, such as tax reform in the United States or changes in tax laws resulting from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) multi-jurisdictional plan of action to address “base erosion and profit shifting” and the taxation of the “Digital Economy” could impact our effective tax rate.
If tax laws or incentives change or cease to be in effect, our income taxes could increase significantly.
We are subject to federal, state, and local taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We devote significant resources to evaluating our tax positions and our worldwide provision for taxes. Our financial results and tax treatment are susceptible to changes in tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations, principles, and interpretations in the United States and in other jurisdictions where we do business. With the rise of economic and political policies that favor domestic interests, it is possible that more countries will enact tax laws that either increase the tax rates, or reduce or change the tax incentives available to multinational companies like ours. Upon a change in tax laws in any territory where we do significant business, such as the U.S., the European Union, or Singapore, we may not be able to maintain our current tax rate or qualify for or maintain the benefits of any tax incentives offered, to the extent such incentives are offered.
We currently benefit from tax incentives extended to certain of our foreign subsidiaries to encourage investment or employment, the most significant of which being Singapore. The Singapore tax incentives require that specific conditions be satisfied, which
include achieving thresholds of employment, ownership of certain assets, as well as specific types of investment activities within Singapore. Based on the current tax environment, we believe that we will satisfy such conditions in the future as needed, but cannot guarantee that the tax environment will not change or that such conditions will be satisfied.
Our Singapore tax incentives are due for renewal in fiscal 2024, but we cannot guarantee that Singapore will not revoke the tax incentives earlier. Our taxes could increase if the existing Singapore incentives are not renewed upon revocation or expiration. We cannot guarantee that we will qualify for any new incentive regime that may exist in fiscal 2024, or that such conditions will be satisfied. If we cannot or do not wish to satisfy all or portions of the tax incentives conditions, we may lose the related tax incentives and could be required to refund the benefits that the tax incentives previously provided. As a result, our effective tax rate could be higher than it would have been had we maintained the benefits of the tax incentives and could harm our operating results.
Our business will suffer if we are not able to retain and hire key personnel.
Our future success depends partly on the continued service of our key research, engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing, executive and administrative personnel, including personnel joining our company through acquisitions. The markets in which we operate are dynamic, and we may need to respond with reorganizations, workforce reductions and site closures from time to time. We believe our pay levels are competitive within the regions that we operate. However, there is also intense competition for certain highly technical specialties in geographic areas in which we operate, and it may become more difficult to retain key employees. If we fail to retain and hire a sufficient number of these personnel, we may not be able to meet key objectives, such as launching effective product innovations and meeting financial goals, and maintain or expand our business.
If we suffer a loss to our factories, facilities or distribution system due to a catastrophic event, our operations could be significantly harmed.
Our factories, facilities and distribution system are subject to catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters. In particular, several of our facilities could be subject to a catastrophic loss caused by earthquake or other natural disasters due to their locations. For example, our production facilities, headquarters and laboratories in California and our production facilities in Japan are all located in areas with above-average seismic activity. If any of these facilities were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue and result in large expenses to repair or replace the facility. If such a disruption were to occur, we could breach our agreements, our reputation could be harmed and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. In addition, since we have consolidated our manufacturing facilities, we are more likely to experience an interruption to our operations in the event of a catastrophe in any one location. Although we carry insurance for property damage and business interruption, we do not carry insurance or financial reserves for interruptions or potential losses arising from earthquakes or terrorism. Also, our third-party insurance coverage will vary from time to time in both type and amount depending on availability, cost and our decision with respect to risk retention. Economic conditions and uncertainties in global markets may adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which we are able to obtain third-party insurance. If our third-party insurance coverage is adversely affected, or to the extent we have elected to self-insure, we may be at a greater risk that our operations will be harmed by a catastrophic loss.
If we fail to maintain satisfactory compliance with certain regulations, we may be subject to substantial negative financial consequences and civil or criminal penalties.
We and our customers are subject to various significant international, federal, state and local regulations, including, but not limited to, health and safety, packaging, data privacy, product content, labor and import/export regulations. These regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. We may be required to incur significant expenses to comply with these regulations or to remedy violations of these regulations. Any failure by us to comply with applicable government regulations could also result in cessation of our operations or portions of our operations, high financial penalties, product recalls or impositions of fines, and restrictions on our ability to carry on or expand our operations. If demand for our solutions is adversely affected or our costs increase, our business would suffer.
In response to changes in data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in the European Union, which became effective on May 25, 2018, we are modifying our data handling practices and devoting resources to keeping up with the changing regulatory environment on data privacy in the jurisdictions where we do business. New laws, amendments, or interpretations of regulations, industry standards, and contractual obligations relating to privacy or data may require us to incur additional costs and restrict our business operations. If we fail to comply with GDPR or other data privacy regulation, we may be subject to significant financial fines and civil or criminal penalties, and may suffer high damage to our reputation or brand, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
In addition, our products and operations are also often subject to the rules of industrial standards bodies, like the International Standards Organization, as well as regulation by other agencies such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. We also must comply with work safety rules. If we fail to adequately address any of these regulations, our businesses could be harmed.
Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws could adversely affect our business and result in financial penalties.
Because we have extensive international operations, we must comply with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials, and anti-competition regulations. Although we actively maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure ongoing compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors or agents will not violate these policies and procedures. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, restrictions on our business conduct and on our ability to offer our solutions in one or more countries, and could also materially affect our brand, ability to attract and retain employees, international operations, business and operating results.
Our business and financial results may be adversely affected by various legal and regulatory proceedings.
We are subject to legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims in the normal course of business and could become subject to additional claims in the future, some of which could be material. The outcome of existing proceedings, lawsuits and claims may differ from our expectations because the outcomes of litigation are often difficult to reliably predict. Various factors or developments can lead us to change current estimates of liabilities and related insurance receivables where applicable, or permit us to make such estimates for matters previously not susceptible to reasonable estimates, such as a significant judicial ruling or judgment, a significant settlement, significant regulatory developments or changes in applicable law. A future adverse ruling, settlement or unfavorable development could result in charges that could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
Our internal controls may be determined to be ineffective, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company, the value of our stock, and our access to capital.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, among other things. We are devoting significant resources and time to comply with such internal control over financial reporting requirements. However, we cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that we design, implement and maintain adequate control over our financial processes and reporting in the future, especially in the context of acquisitions of other businesses. Any difficulties in the assimilation of acquired businesses into our control system could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock or on our access to capital, or cause us to be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC.
Adverse conditions in the global banking industry and credit markets may adversely impact the value of our cash investments or impair our liquidity.
Our cash and cash equivalents are invested or held in a mix of money market funds, time deposit accounts and bank demand deposit accounts. Disruptions in the financial markets may, in some cases, result in an inability to access assets such as money market funds that traditionally have been viewed as highly liquid. Any failure of our counterparty financial institutions or funds in which we have invested may adversely impact our cash and cash equivalent positions and, in turn, our results and financial condition.
Future investment returns on pension assets may be lower than expected or interest rates may decline, requiring us to make significant additional cash contributions to our future plans.
We sponsor several defined benefit pension plans that cover many of our salaried and hourly employees. The Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires that certain capitalization levels be maintained in each of the U.S. plans, and there may be similar funding requirements in the plans outside the United States. Because it is unknown what the investment return on and the fair value of our pension assets will be in future years or what interest rates and discount rates may be at any point in time, no assurances can be given that applicable law will not require us to make future material plan contributions. Any such contributions could adversely affect our financial condition.
Environmental contamination from past operations could subject us to unreimbursed costs and could harm on-site operations and the future use and value of the properties involved, and environmental contamination caused by ongoing operations could subject us to substantial liabilities in the future.
Some of our properties are undergoing remediation by HP Inc. ("HP") for subsurface contaminations that were known at the time of Agilent's separation from HP in 1999. In connection with Agilent's separation from HP, HP and Agilent entered into an agreement pursuant to which HP agreed to retain the liability for this subsurface contamination, perform the required remediation and indemnify Agilent with respect to claims arising out of that contamination. Agilent has assigned its rights and obligations
under this agreement to Keysight in respect of facilities transferred to us in the separation. As a result, HP will have access to a limited number of our properties to perform remediation. Although HP agreed to minimize interference with on-site operations at such properties, remediation activities and subsurface contamination may require us to incur unreimbursed costs and could harm on-site operations and the future use and value of the properties. In connection with the separation, Agilent will indemnify us directly for any liabilities related thereto. We cannot be sure that HP will continue to fulfill its remediation obligations or that Agilent will continue to fulfill its indemnification obligations.
In connection with the separation from Agilent, Agilent also agreed to indemnify us for any liability associated with contamination from past operations at all properties transferred from Agilent to Keysight. We cannot be sure that Agilent will fulfill its indemnification obligations.
Our current manufacturing processes involve the use of substances regulated under various international, federal, state and local laws governing the environment. As a result, we may become subject to liabilities for environmental contamination, and these liabilities may be substantial. Although our policy is to apply strict standards for environmental protection at our sites inside and outside the United States, even if the sites outside the United States are not subject to regulations imposed by foreign governments, we may not be aware of all conditions that could subject us to liability.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our share price may fluctuate significantly.
Our common stock is listed on NYSE under the ticker symbol “KEYS.” The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including but not limited to:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our business;
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success or failure of our business strategy;
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our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;
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our ability to obtain third-party financing as needed;
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;
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changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
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the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock;
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changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;
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the operating and share price performance of other comparable companies;
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investor perception of our company;
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natural or other disasters that investors believe may affect us;
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overall market fluctuations;
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results from any material litigation or government investigations;
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changes in laws or regulations affecting our business; and
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general economic conditions and other external factors.
Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
In addition, when the market price of a company’s shares drops significantly, shareholders often institute securities class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against us could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of management and other resources.
We do not currently pay dividends on our common stock.
We do not currently pay dividends on our common stock. The payment of any dividends in the future, and the timing and amount thereof, to our stockholders fall within the discretion of our board of directors. The board's decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, debt service obligations, restrictive covenants in our debt, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors that the board deems relevant. We cannot guarantee that we will pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay any dividends if we commence paying dividends.
Certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and of Delaware law, may prevent or delay an acquisition of the company, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain, and Delaware law contains, provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to the bidder and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include but are not limited to:
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the inability of our shareholders to call a special meeting;
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the inability of our shareholders to act without a meeting of shareholders;
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rules regarding how shareholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at shareholder meetings;
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the right of our board to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval;
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the division of our board of directors into three classes of directors, with each class serving a staggered three-year term, and this classified board provision could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time consuming and difficult;
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a provision that shareholders may only remove directors with cause;
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the ability of our directors, and not shareholders, to fill vacancies on our board of directors; and
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the requirement that the affirmative vote of shareholders holding at least 80 percent of our voting stock is required to amend certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (relating to the number, term and removal of our directors, the filling of our board vacancies, the advance notice to be given for nominations for elections of directors, the calling of special meetings of shareholders, shareholder action by written consent, the ability of the board of directors to amend the bylaws, elimination of liability of directors to the extent permitted by Delaware law, exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders and amendments of the certificate of incorporation) and certain provisions in our amended and restated bylaws (relating to the calling of special meetings of shareholders, the business that may be conducted or considered at annual or special meetings, the advance notice of shareholder business and nominations, shareholder action by written consent, the number, tenure, qualifications and removal of our directors, the filling of our board vacancies, director and officer indemnification and amendments of the bylaws).
In addition, because we have not chosen to be exempt from Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), this provision could also delay or prevent a change of control that some shareholders may favor. Section 203 provides that, subject to limited exceptions, persons that acquire, or are affiliated with a person that acquires, more than 15 percent of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (an "interested stockholder") shall not engage in any business combination with that corporation, including by merger, consolidation or acquisitions of additional shares, for a three-year period following the date on which the person became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time, the board of directors of such corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85 percent of the voting stock of such corporation at the time the transaction commenced (excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) the voting stock owned by directors who are also officers or held in employee benefit plans in which the employees do not have a confidential right to tender or vote stock held by the plan); or (iii) on or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors of such corporation and authorized at a meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of such corporation not owned by the interested stockholder.
We believe these provisions will protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions will apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of the company and our shareholders. These provisions may also prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates that the state courts in the State of Delaware or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could discourage lawsuits against the company and our directors and officers.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provide that unless the board of directors otherwise determines, the state courts in the State of Delaware or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers to the company or our shareholders, any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or Keysight's
amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our shareholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such shareholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.
Risks Related to the Acquisition of Ixia
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Ixia or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. We may also encounter significant unexpected difficulties in integrating the two businesses.
Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Ixia (the "Merger") will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to integrate our and Ixia’s businesses. The combination of two independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, we will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating Ixia’s business practices and operations with our existing business practices and operations. The integration process may disrupt the businesses and, if implemented ineffectively or if impacted by unforeseen negative economic or market conditions or other factors, we may not realize the full anticipated benefits of the Merger. Our failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating the two businesses to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, the overall integration of the businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customer relationships, and diversion of management's attention. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include but are not limited to:
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the diversion of management's attention to integration matters;
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difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from combining Ixia’s business with our business;
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difficulties entering new markets or manufacturing in new geographies where we have no or limited direct prior experience;
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difficulties in the integration of operations and systems;
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difficulties in the assimilation of employees;
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difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company;
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successfully managing relationships with our strategic partners and supplier and customer base; and
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challenges in maintaining existing, and establishing new, business relationships.
Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy, which could materially impact the business, financial condition and our results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of our business and Ixia’s business are integrated successfully, we may not realize the full benefits of the Merger, including the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Furthermore, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the integration of the businesses. Additionally, we may record significant goodwill and other assets as a result of acquisitions or investments, and we may be required to incur impairment charges, which could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations. All of these factors could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the Merger and negatively impact us. As a result, we cannot be certain that the combination of our and Ixia’s businesses will result in the realization of the full benefits anticipated from the Merger.
Risks Related to the Spin-off from Agilent
We are subject to continuing contingent liabilities of Agilent.
After our spin-off from Agilent on November 1, 2014, there are several significant areas where the liabilities of Agilent may become our obligations. For example, under the Internal Revenue Code and the related rules and regulations, each corporation that was a member of the Agilent U.S. consolidated group during a taxable period or portion of a taxable period ending on or before the effective time of the distribution is severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of the entire Agilent U.S. consolidated group for that taxable period. Consequently, if Agilent is unable to pay the consolidated U.S. federal income tax liability for a prior period, we could be required to pay the entire amount of such tax, which could be substantial and in excess of the amount allocated to it as agreed between us and Agilent at the time of separation. Other provisions of federal law establish similar liability for other matters, including laws governing tax-qualified pension plans, as well as other contingent liabilities.
There could be significant liability if the distribution is determined to be a taxable transaction.
A condition to the spin-off is that Agilent received an opinion of Baker & McKenzie LLP, tax counsel to Agilent, regarding the qualification of the separation and the distribution as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 355(a) and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. The opinion relies on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from Agilent and Keysight, including
those regarding the past and future conduct of the companies' respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, Agilent and its shareholders may not be able to rely on the opinion, and could be subject to significant tax liabilities. Notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel, the IRS could determine on audit that the distribution is taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion.
If the distribution were determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Agilent and its shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. For example, if the distribution failed to qualify for tax-free treatment, Agilent would for U.S. federal income tax purposes be treated as if it had sold the Keysight common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value, and Agilent's shareholders, who are subject to U.S. federal income tax, would be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Keysight common stock received in the distribution. In addition, if the separation and distribution failed to qualify for tax-free treatment under federal, state and local tax law and/or foreign tax law, Agilent and Keysight could each incur significant tax liabilities under U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign tax law.
Under the agreement between Agilent and Keysight pertaining to tax matters, as finalized at the time of separation, we are generally required to indemnify Agilent against taxes incurred by Agilent that arise as a result of our taking or failing to take, as the case may be, certain actions that result in the distribution failing to meet the requirements of a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code. Under the agreement between Agilent and Keysight, as finalized at the time of separation, we may also be required to indemnify Agilent for other contingent tax liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our financial position.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Our executive offices are located in the United States in an owned facility in Santa Rosa, California. We own or lease a total of approximately 130 operating facilities located throughout the world that handle manufacturing production, research and development, administration, assembly, sales, quality, assurance testing, distribution and packaging of our products. These facilities are primarily located in the following countries: China, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. As of October 31, 2018, we own or lease approximately 6.2 million square feet of space worldwide, of which we own approximately 4.2 million square feet and lease 2.0 million square feet. Our sales and support facilities occupy a total of approximately 0.5 million square feet. Our manufacturing plants, R&D facilities and warehouse and administrative facilities occupy approximately 5.7 million square feet. All of these facilities are well maintained and suitable for the operations conducted in them.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including, but not limited to, patent, commercial and environmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we currently believe are reasonably possible of having a material impact to our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Centripetal Lawsuit
On July 20, 2017, Centripetal Networks, Inc. ("Centripetal") filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Centripetal Networks, Inc. v. Keysight Technologies, Inc. and Ixia, Case No. 17-cv-00383-HCM-LRL (E.D. Va), alleging the infringement of Centripetal patents related to certain of Ixia’s products. Through July 31, 2018, we had accrued an immaterial amount, which represented a settlement offer made early in the litigation. At that time, we did not believe that a loss was probable or reasonably estimable, nor did we believe there was a reasonable possibility of a material loss. No settlement demands were made, nor were estimates of damages provided prior to court-ordered mediation.
Mediation was held in September 2018 but did not result in resolution of the case. On October 2, 2018, trial started before a jury. During the trial, the parties agreed to settle the case for a worldwide, royalty-bearing, non-transferable, irrevocable, non-terminable, non-exclusive license to Centripetal’s worldwide patent portfolio that ends on December 31, 2021, as well as a monetary, one-time payment of $25 million for past damages that was recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The complaint was dismissed on October 12, 2018. The payment for past damages was recognized and paid as of October 31, 2018.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") with the ticker symbol "KEYS.’’
There were 21,227 shareholders of record of Keysight common stock as of December 10, 2018.
We have not paid any dividends, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the declaration and payment of dividends and stock repurchases are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be evaluated regularly in light of our financial condition, earnings, growth prospects, funding requirements, applicable law, and any other factors that our Board deems relevant.
The information required by this item with respect to equity compensation plans will be included under the caption Equity Compensation Plans in our proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The table below summarizes information about the company’s purchases, based on trade date; of its equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarterly period ended October 31, 2018. The total number of shares of common stock purchased by the company during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 is 2,075,460 shares.
(1)
On March 6, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $350 million of the company’s common stock, replacing a previously approved 2016 program authorizing the purchase of up to $200 million of the company’s common stock and of which $139 million remained. Under the new program, shares may be purchased from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for at trade date using the cost method.
(2)
The weighted average price paid per share of common stock does not include the cost of commissions.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table presents the selected combined and consolidated financial data, which should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We derived the selected financial data as of October 31, 2018 and for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2018 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We derived the selected financial data as of October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 from audited combined financial statements that are not included in this Form 10-K.
Our historical combined and consolidated financial statements before November 1, 2014 include certain expenses of Agilent that were allocated to us for certain functions, including general corporate expenses related to information technology, research and development, finance, legal, insurance, compliance and human resources activities. These costs may not be representative of the costs we have incurred or will incur as an independent public company. The historical financial information included here may not necessarily reflect our financial position and results of operations or what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we been an independent, publicly-traded company during the historical periods presented or be indicative of our future performance as an independent company.
(a) Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 financial data includes our acquisition of Ixia on April 18, 2017.
(b) On November 1, 2014, Agilent Technologies, Inc. distributed 167 million shares of Keysight common stock to existing holders of Agilent common stock. Basic and diluted net income per share for all periods through October 31, 2014 is calculated using the shares distributed on November 1, 2014. Refer to Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements for information regarding net income per share.
(a) Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 financial data reflect the impact of our acquisition of Ixia on April 18, 2017.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This report contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding trends, seasonality, cyclicality and growth in, and drivers of, the markets we sell into, our strategic direction, our future effective tax rate and tax valuation allowance, earnings from our foreign subsidiaries, remediation activities, new solution and service introductions, the ability of our solutions to meet market needs, changes to our manufacturing processes, the use of contract manufacturers, the impact of local government regulations on our ability to pay vendors or conduct operations, our liquidity position, our ability to generate cash from operations, growth in our businesses, our investments, the potential impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements, our financial results, our purchase commitments, our contributions to our pension plans, the selection of discount rates and recognition of any gains or losses for our benefit plans, our cost-control activities, savings and headcount reduction recognized from our restructuring programs and other cost saving initiatives, and other regulatory approvals, the integration of our completed acquisitions and other transactions, our transition to lower-cost regions, the existence of political or economic instability, and our and the combined group's estimated or anticipated future results of operations, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including but not limited to those risks and uncertainties discussed in Part II Item 1A and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Overview and Executive Summary
Keysight Technologies, Inc. ("we," "us," "Keysight" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware on December 6, 2013, is a technology company providing electronic design and test solutions that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment, validation, optimization and secure operation of electronics systems to communications, networking and electronics industries. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product lifecycle, including start-up assistance, instrument productivity, application services and instrument calibration and repair.
We invest in product development to address the changing needs of the market and facilitate growth. We are investing in research and development to design measurement solutions that will satisfy the changing needs of our customers. These opportunities are being driven by evolving technology standards and the need for faster data rates and new form factors.
On April 18, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Ixia, which became a separate reportable operating segment, the Ixia Solutions Group. As a result, Keysight has four segments: Communications Solutions Group, Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, Ixia Solutions Group and Services Solutions Group. The Communications Solutions Group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems spanning the worldwide commercial communications and aerospace, defense and government end markets. The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets. The Ixia Solutions Group provides testing, visibility and security solutions, strengthening applications across physical and virtual networks for enterprises, service providers and network equipment manufacturers. The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and resells used Keysight equipment. Also, our global team of experts provides startup assistance, consulting, optimization and application support across all our end markets.
Years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Keysight’s total orders in 2018 were $4,082 million, an increase of 20 percent when compared to 2017. Foreign currency movements had a favorable impact of 1 percentage point on the year-over-year comparison. Orders associated with acquisitions accounted for 7 percentage points of order growth for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017. Total orders in 2017 were $3,406 million, an increase of 15 percent when compared to 2016. Foreign currency movements had a negligible impact on the year-over-year comparison. Orders associated with acquisitions accounted for 9 percentage points of order growth for the year ended October 31, 2017 when compared to 2016.
Net revenue of $3,878 million for the year ended October 31, 2018 increased 22 percent when compared to 2017. Foreign currency movements had a favorable impact of 2 percentage points on the year-over-year comparison. Revenue associated with acquisitions accounted for 6 percentage points of revenue growth for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017. Revenue excluding acquisitions grew year over year, with growth in all our operating segments and across all our markets. Net revenue of $3,189 million for the year ended October 31, 2017 increased 9 percent when compared to 2016. Foreign currency movements had a negligible impact on the year-over-year comparison. Revenue associated with acquisitions accounted for 7 percentage points of revenue growth for the year ended October 31, 2017 when compared to 2016. Revenue excluding acquisitions grew year over year, with growth in the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group driven by semiconductor measurement and automotive and energy markets, and growth in the Services Solutions Group. The Communications Solution Group revenue was flat as gains in the commercial communications market were offset by declines in the aerospace, defense and government market.
Net income was $165 million in 2018 compared to net income of $102 million and $335 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, we generated operating cash flows of $555 million, $328 million and $420 million, respectively. The increase in net income for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017 was driven by higher revenue volume and a favorable tax impact from the new U.S. tax legislation and Singapore tax incentives, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from a goodwill impairment charge and increases in variable people-related costs. The decline in net income for the year ended October 31, 2017 when compared to 2016 is primarily driven by the unfavorable impact from amortization of acquisition-related balances.
Impact of Northern California Wildfires
During the week of October 8, 2017, wildfires in northern California adversely impacted the Keysight corporate headquarters site in Santa Rosa, CA. Our headquarters was under mandatory evacuation for more than three weeks, and while direct damage to our core facilities was limited, our buildings did experience some smoke and other fire-related impacts. Cleaning and restoration efforts are largely complete, and we have fully re-occupied the site. Keysight is insured for the damage caused by the fire.
For the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized costs of $7 million and $16 million, respectively, net of estimated insurance recoveries of $90 million and $2 million, respectively. Expenses were primarily for cleaning and restoration activities, write-off of damaged fixed assets and other direct costs related to recovery from this event.
As of October 31, 2018, we have received insurance proceeds of $68 million and have a receivable of $24 million for losses and expenses for which insurance reimbursement is probable. The receivable is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, for the year ended October 31, 2018, we made investments in property, plant and equipment related to fire recovery of $27 million, which is expected to be covered by insurance. In many cases, our insurance coverage exceeds the amount of these covered losses, but no gain contingencies have been recognized as our ability to realize those gains remains uncertain for financial reporting purposes. We currently estimate total insurance recovery to range from $125 million to $135 million, which will substantially cover our total fire-related losses, expenses and investments in property, plant and equipment in excess of our $10 million self-insured retention amount. There may be a difference in timing of costs incurred and the related insurance reimbursement.
Outlook
Looking forward, we believe our investments in R&D combined with our completed acquisitions, which have expanded our technology portfolio and the size of our addressable market, position Keysight for growth. We remain focused on delivering value through differentiated and first-to-market solutions targeted at faster growing markets where customers are investing in next-generation digital and electronic technologies. Internally, we are continuously working to improve operational efficiency within and across all functions. While current macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainties exist related to trade, tariffs, monetary and fiscal policies, we expect continued sales growth.
Currency Exchange Rate Exposure
Our revenues, costs and expenses, and monetary assets and liabilities are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of our global operating and financing activities. We hedge revenues, expenses and balance sheet exposures that are not denominated in the functional currencies of our subsidiaries on a short-term and anticipated basis. The result of the hedging has been included in our consolidated statement of operations. We experience some fluctuations within individual lines of the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations because our hedging program is not designed to offset the currency movements in each category of revenues, expenses, monetary assets and liabilities. Our hedging program is designed to hedge currency movements on a relatively short-term basis of up to a rolling twelve-month period. Therefore, we are exposed to currency fluctuations over the longer term. To the extent that we are required to pay for all, or portions, of an acquisition price in foreign currencies, we may enter into foreign exchange contracts to reduce the risk that currency movements will impact the U.S. dollar cost of the transaction.
Results from Operations-Years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Orders and Net Revenue
In general, recorded orders represent firm purchase commitments from our customers with established terms and conditions for products and services. Consistent with our strategy, we are seeing an increase in solution sales, which have a longer order-to-revenue conversion cycle; however, the majority of recorded orders will be delivered within six months.
Revenue reflects the delivery and acceptance of the products and services as defined on the customer’s terms and conditions. Cancellations are recorded in the period received from the customer and historically have not been material.
Orders
Total orders for the year ended October 31, 2018 were $4,082 million, an increase of 20 percent when compared to 2017. Foreign currency movements had a favorable impact of 1 percentage point on the year-over-year comparison. Orders associated with acquisitions accounted for 7 percentage points of order growth for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017. Orders grew across all operating segments with growth in all regions. Total orders for the year ended October 31, 2017 were $3,406 million, an increase of 15 percent when compared to 2016. Foreign currency movements had a negligible impact on the year-over-year comparison. Orders associated with acquisitions accounted for 9 percentage points of order growth for the year ended October 31, 2017 when compared to 2016. Orders grew across all operating segments with growth in all regions.
Net Revenue
The following table provides the percent change in revenue for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 by geographic region, including and excluding the impact of currency changes, as compared to the respective prior year.
Net revenue for the year ended October 31, 2018 was $3,878 million, an increase of 22 percent when compared to 2017. Foreign currency movements had a favorable impact of 2 percentage points on the year-over-year comparison. Revenue associated with acquisitions accounted for 6 percentage points of revenue growth for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017. Net revenue for the year ended October 31, 2017 was $3,189 million, an increase of 9 percent when compared to 2016.
Foreign currency movements had a negligible impact on the year-over-year comparison. Revenue associated with acquisitions accounted for 7 percentage points of revenue growth for the year ended October 31, 2017 when compared to 2016.
Revenue from the Communications Solutions Group represented approximately 52 percent of total revenue in 2018 and contributed 10 percentage points to the total revenue growth. Revenue grew 17 percent when compared to 2017 with growth in Americas, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Europe, partially offset by declines in Japan. The Communications Solutions Group's revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in our 5G-related solutions across the wireless ecosystem, with strong demand for network access applications and steady investments in the network and data center markets. In 2017, revenue from the Communications Solutions Group represented approximately 54 percent of total revenue, and its contribution to the total revenue growth was negligible. Revenue was flat when compared to 2016, with growth in Japan and Asia Pacific excluding Japan offset by declines in the Americas and Europe. The strength in 5G and data center technologies was offset by decline in the aerospace, defense and government market.
Revenue from the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group represented approximately 25 percent of total revenue in 2018 and contributed 4 percentage points to the total revenue growth. Revenue grew 15 percent year over year when compared to the same period last year, driven by strong growth across all markets and regions. Revenue from the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group represented approximately 27 percent of total revenue in 2017 and contributed 2 percentage points to total revenue growth. Revenue grew 8 percent year over year when compared to 2016, driven by strong growth in the semiconductor measurement and automotive and energy markets. The growth in Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Europe was partially offset by declines in Japan, while revenue from the Americas remained flat.
Revenue from the Ixia Solutions Group represented approximately 11 percent of total revenue in 2018 and contributed 7 percentage points to total revenue growth. In 2017, revenue from the Ixia Solutions Group represented approximately 6 percent of total revenue and contributed 7 percentage points to total revenue growth. Revenue for 2017 included activity from the date of acquisition, April 18, 2017, through October 31, 2017.
Revenue from the Services Solutions Group represented approximately 12 percent of total revenue in 2018 and contributed 1 percentage point to the total revenue growth. Revenue grew 10 percent when compared to 2017, with growth in the Americas, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Europe, partially offset by a decline in Japan. Revenue from the Services Solutions Group represented approximately 13 percent of total revenue in 2017, and its contribution to the total revenue growth was negligible. Revenue grew 4 percent year over year when compared to 2016, with growth in all regions.
Backlog
Backlog represents the amount of revenue expected from orders that have already been booked, including orders for goods and services that have not been delivered to customers, orders invoiced but not yet recognized as revenue, and orders for goods that were shipped but not invoiced, awaiting acceptance by customers.
At October 31, 2018, our unfilled backlog was approximately $1,275 million as compared to approximately $950 million at October 31, 2017. Consistent with our strategy, we are seeing an increase in solution sales, which have a longer order-to-revenue conversion cycle; however, we expect that a majority of the unfilled backlog will be recognized as revenue within six months. While backlog on any particular date can be an indicator of short-term revenue performance, it is not necessarily a reliable indicator of medium or long-term revenue performance.
Costs and Expenses
Gross margin increased 1 percentage point in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by gains related to revenue volume and favorable mix, partially offset by increases in variable people-related costs and amortization of acquisition-related balances. Gross margin declined 2 percentage points in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by the unfavorable impacts from amortization of acquisition-related balances, northern California wildfire-related costs, an increase in people-related costs and an increase in warranty expense due to a lower compare as a result of a one-time reduction in the standard warranty accrual in 2016.
Excess and obsolete inventory charges were $25 million in 2018, $16 million in 2017 and $17 million in 2016. In 2018, excess and obsolete inventory-related charges included $7 million related to divestiture activity. Sales of previously written-down inventory were $2 million in 2018, $1 million in 2017 and $2 million in 2016.
Research and development expense increased 22 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by the addition of acquisitions to our cost structure, an increase in variable people-related costs and our continued investment in research and development programs, partially offset by elimination of non-recurring acquisition-related compensation expense. As a percent of total revenue, research and development expenses were 16 percent in both 2018 and 2017. Research and development expense increased 17 percent in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by the addition of acquisitions to the cost structure, an increase in people-related costs, acquisition-related compensation costs and our continued investment in research and development programs. As a percent of total revenue, research and development expense increased 1 percentage point to 16 percent in 2017 from 15 percent in 2016.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 13 percent for 2018 compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by the addition of acquisitions to our cost structure and increases in variable people-related, litigation and restructuring costs, partially offset by elimination of non-recurring acquisition-related compensation expense, separation and related costs, acquisition and integration costs and the unfavorable impact from northern California wildfire-related costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 28 percent for 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by the addition of Ixia to our cost structure, increases in amortization of acquisition-related balances, acquisition and integration costs, acquisition-related compensation expense, investments in sales resources, people-related costs and the unfavorable impact from fire-related costs at our corporate headquarters and restructuring-related costs.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $709 million for the Ixia Solutions Group, based on the results of our annual impairment test of goodwill. See Note 10, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Other operating expense (income), net for 2018 was income of $33 million, which primarily includes income from business divestitures and rental income. Other operating expense (income), net for 2017 was income of $84 million, which primarily includes a $68 million gain from a settlement related to our Japan pension fund and rental income.
Operating margin decreased 16 percentage points in 2018 when compared to 2017, primarily driven by goodwill impairment and an increase in variable people-related costs, partially offset by gains related to revenue volume and favorable mix. Operating margin decreased 6 percentage points in 2017 when compared to 2016, primarily driven by increases in amortization of acquisition-related balances, acquisition and integration costs, investments in sales resources and people-related costs, partially offset by favorable impact from higher revenue and revenue mix.
Our headcount was approximately 12,900 at October 31, 2018 compared to 12,600 at October 31, 2017.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 was $83 million and $80 million, respectively, and primarily relates to interest on our senior notes issued in October 2014 and April 2017.
Income Taxes
For 2018, the effective tax rate was 140 percent, which is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the impact of U.S. tax law changes, the Singapore restructuring and tax incentive modifications completed in 2018 in response to Singapore tax law changes, and the tax impact of goodwill impairment. The impact of the Singapore restructuring includes tax benefits associated with intra-entity asset transfers that were recognized in accordance with ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which we elected to early adopt effective November 1, 2016.
For 2017, the effective tax rate was 43 percent, which is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the payment of a prior year Malaysia tax assessment of $68 million, including tax and penalties, which we are currently in the process of appealing to the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (“SCIT”) in Malaysia.
For 2016, the effective tax rate was 8 percent, which is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to a higher percentage of earnings in the non-U.S. jurisdictions taxed at lower statutory tax rates. Also, the tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate due to a net tax benefit of $45 million resulting from the repatriation of earnings from Japan, which includes a U.S. tax expense of $27 million, offset by $72 million of foreign tax credits recorded in connection with the repatriation.
We benefit from tax incentives in several different jurisdictions, most significantly in Singapore, and several jurisdictions have granted tax incentives that require renewal at various times in the future. The tax incentives provide lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require various thresholds of investment and employment or specific types of income in those jurisdictions. The tax incentives are due for renewal between 2024 and 2025. The impact of the tax incentives decreased income taxes by $567 million, $49 million and $34 million in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The increase in the tax benefit from 2017 to 2018 is primarily due to the impact of our Singapore restructuring and tax incentive modifications that were completed in 2018 in response to Singapore tax law changes.
In accordance with the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, for all U.S. and other tax jurisdictions, we recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes and interest will be due. If our estimate of income tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would be required. If events occur and the payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. We include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
The open tax years for the IRS and most states are from November 1, 2014 through the current tax year. For the majority of our foreign entities, the open tax years are from August 1, 2014 through the current tax year. For certain foreign entities, the tax years remain open, at most, back to the year 2007. Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.
The company is being audited in Malaysia for the 2008 tax year. Although this tax year pre-dates our spin-off from Agilent, pursuant to the agreement between Agilent and Keysight pertaining to tax matters, as finalized at the time of separation, for certain entities, including Malaysia, any historical tax liability is the responsibility of Keysight. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, Keysight paid income taxes and penalties of $68 million on gains related to intellectual property rights, although we are currently in the process of appealing to the SCIT in Malaysia. The company believes there are numerous defenses to the current assessment; the statute of limitations for the 2008 tax year in Malaysia was closed, and the income in question is exempt from tax in Malaysia. The company is disputing this assessment and pursuing all avenues to resolve this issue favorably for the company.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive Federal tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act includes significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including
but not limited to: the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a modified territorial tax system, which will result in a one-time U.S. tax liability on those earnings which have not previously been repatriated to the U.S. (the “Transition Tax”); creation of new minimum taxes, such as the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) tax and the base erosion anti-abuse tax; a federal corporate income tax rate reduction from 35 percent to 21 percent; and limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation.
The corporate tax rate reduction is effective as of January 1, 2018. Since the company has a fiscal year rather than a calendar year, it is subject to rules relating to transitional tax rates. As a result, the company’s fiscal year 2018 federal statutory rate will be a blended rate of 23.34 percent.
Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the Tax Act, the SEC staff has issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) directing companies to consider the impact of the Tax Act as “provisional” when they do not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for the change in tax law. For the amounts that we were able to reasonably estimate, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $89 million as of October 31, 2018. This benefit is made up of a one-time reduction in net deferred tax liabilities and corresponding income tax benefit of approximately $304 million due to the re-measurement of U.S. income taxes recorded on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were not considered permanently reinvested. This was offset by approximately $205 million of income tax expense and corresponding long-term income tax payable due to the one-time transition tax. We also estimated a one-time reduction in net deferred tax assets and corresponding income tax expense of approximately $10 million due to the re-measurement of the U.S. deferred tax assets at the lower 21 percent U.S. federal corporate income tax rate.
Due to the complexity of the new Tax Act rules, we are continuing to evaluate the GILTI provisions and whether such GILTI taxes are recorded as a current-period expense when incurred or whether such amounts should be factored into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes.
We are continuing to evaluate the Tax Act and its requirements, as well as its application to our business and its impact on our effective tax rate. In accordance with SAB 118, the estimated income tax benefit of $89 million represents our best estimate based on interpretation of the Tax Act. We are able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of the Transition Tax, the remeasurement of the deferred tax liability recorded on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were not considered reinvested, the current year impact of GILTI, and the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate. The final impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates due to, among other things, changes in our interpretations and assumptions based on additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Treasury and changes to U.S. state conformance to the U.S. federal tax law change. In addition, certain provisions of the new Tax Act are not applicable to Keysight until fiscal year 2019. These include the Foreign-derived Intangible Income Deduction (“FDII”) and the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”) provisions. These impacts will be included in the tax provision estimates beginning in fiscal year 2019.
Segment Overview
On April 18, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Ixia, which became a separate reportable operating segment, the Ixia Solutions Group. As a result, Keysight has four segments: Communications Solutions Group, Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, Ixia Solutions Group and Services Solutions Group. The Communications Solutions Group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems spanning the worldwide commercial communications and aerospace, defense and government end markets. The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets. The Ixia Solutions Group provides testing, visibility and security solutions, strengthening applications across physical and virtual networks for enterprises, service providers and network equipment manufacturers. The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and remarkets used Keysight equipment. Also, our global team of experts provides startup assistance, consulting, optimization and application support across all our end markets.
The profitability of each segment is measured after excluding, among other things, charges related to the amortization of acquisition-related balances, the impact of restructuring and related costs, asset impairments, acquisition and integration costs, share-based compensation, separation and related costs, interest income and interest expense.
Communications Solutions Group
The Communications Solutions Group serves customers spanning the worldwide commercial communications and aerospace, defense and government end markets. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment.
Net Revenue
The Communications Solutions Group's revenue in 2018 increased 17 percent when compared to 2017, primarily driven by strong growth in the commercial communications and the aerospace, defense and government markets. Revenue growth in the Americas, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, and Europe was partially offset by a decline in Japan. The Communications Solutions Group's revenue in 2017 decreased 1 percent when compared to 2016, primarily driven by a decline in the aerospace, defense and government market, partially offset by growth in the commercial communications market. Revenue declines in the Americas and Europe were partially offset by growth in Asia Pacific excluding Japan.
Revenue from the commercial communications market represented approximately 61 percent and 60 percent of total Communications Solutions Group revenue in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and increased 19 percent and 3 percent year over year, respectively. In 2018, revenue grew in Asia Pacific excluding Japan, the Americas and Europe, partially offset by a decline in Japan. The revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in our 5G-related solutions across the wireless ecosystem, with strong demand for network access applications and steady investments in the network and data center markets. In 2017, commercial communications market revenue grew in Asia Pacific excluding Japan, the Americas and Japan, partially offset by a decline in Europe. Revenue from the commercial communications market grew year over year, driven by growth in 5G and next-generation data center technologies, partially offset by lower revenue associated with 4G-related investments.
Revenue from the aerospace, defense and government market represented approximately 39 percent of total Communications Solutions Group revenue in 2018 and increased 15 percent compared to 2017. In 2018, revenue grew in the Americas, Europe and Japan, partially offset by a decline in Asia Pacific excluding Japan. The growth was primarily driven by higher global defense spending and overall improvement in the global economy. Revenue from the aerospace, defense and government market represented approximately 40 percent of total Communications Solutions Group revenue in 2017 and declined 6 percent year over year. For the year ended October 31, 2017, revenue declines in the Americas and Asia Pacific excluding Japan were partially offset by growth in Europe and Japan. The declines were driven by continued weakness in the U.S. combined with lower spending in China.
Gross Margin and Operating Margin
The following table shows Communications Solutions Group margins, expenses and income from operations for 2018 versus 2017, and 2017 versus 2016.
Gross margin for the Communications Solutions Group in 2018 increased 1 percentage point compared to 2017, primarily due to higher revenue volume and favorable software mix. Gross margin in 2017 increased 1 percentage point compared to 2016, primarily due to a higher percentage of revenue from software, lower inventory charges and lower infrastructure-related costs, partially offset by higher warranty costs.
Research and development expense increased 10 percent when compared to 2017, primarily driven by increased investments in leading-edge technologies and key growth opportunities in our end markets, higher variable people-related costs and infrastructure-related costs. In 2017, research and development expense was flat when compared to 2016. Increased investments in leading-edge technologies and programs were offset by reductions in infrastructure-related costs and discretionary spending.
Selling, general and administrative expense in 2018 increased 5 percent when compared to 2017, primarily driven by higher infrastructure-related costs, variable people-related costs and investment in sales resources. Selling, general and administrative expense in 2017 increased 1 percent when compared to 2016, primarily driven by increased investment in sales resources.
Other operating expense (income) was income of $7 million in each of the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Income from Operations
Income from operations for 2018 increased $143 million on a corresponding revenue growth of $299 million. Income from operations for 2017 decreased $3 million on a corresponding revenue decline of $14 million.
Operating margin in 2018 increased 4 percentage points when compared to 2017 as gains from revenue growth were partially offset by increases in variable people-related costs, infrastructure-related costs and investments in sales resources. Operating margin in 2017 was flat when compared to 2016, as improvement in gross margin was offset by increased investment in sales resources.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group
The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets, focusing on high-value applications in the automotive and energy industry and measurement solutions for semiconductor design and manufacturing, consumer electronics, education and general electronics design and manufacturing. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment.
Net Revenue
The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group's revenue in 2018 increased 15 percent when compared to 2017, driven by strong growth in general electronics measurement, automotive and energy and semiconductor measurement markets. Revenue associated with acquisitions accounted for 3 percentage points of revenue growth for the year ended October 31, 2018 when compared to 2017. Revenue grew across all regions. The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group's revenue in 2017 increased 8 percent when compared to 2016, driven by strong growth in semiconductor measurement, automotive and energy markets. Strong revenue growth in Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Europe was partially offset by declines in Japan and the Americas.
Gross Margin and Operating Margin
The following table shows Electronic Industrial Solutions Group margins, expenses and income from operations for 2018 versus 2017, and 2017 versus 2016.
Gross margin in 2018 was flat when compared to 2017 as gains from higher revenue were offset by unfavorable revenue mix. Gross margin in 2017 increased 2 percentage points compared to 2016, primarily driven by higher revenue and favorable revenue mix.
Research and development expense in 2018 increased 16 percent when compared to 2017, primarily driven by increased investments in leading-edge technologies and key growth opportunities in our end markets, the addition of ScienLab and higher variable people-related costs. Research and development expense in 2017 increased 12 percent when compared to 2016, primarily driven by increased investments in leading-edge technologies and key growth opportunities in our end markets. We remain committed to investment in research and development and have focused our development efforts on strategic opportunities in order to capture future growth.
Selling, general and administrative expense in 2018 increased 9 percent when compared to 2017, primarily driven by the addition of ScienLab and higher infrastructure-related costs, investment in sales resources and variable people-related costs. Selling, general and administrative expense in 2017 increased 4 percent when compared to 2016, primarily driven by our focus on solution selling and market expansion activities.
Other operating expense (income) in 2018 and 2017 was income of $4 million and $3 million, respectively.
Income from Operations
Income from operations for 2018 increased $42 million on a corresponding revenue increase of $129 million. Income from operations for 2017 increased $30 million on a corresponding revenue increase of $60 million.
Operating margin increased 1 percentage point in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by higher revenue volume, partially offset by increases in infrastructure-related costs, investments in sales resources and variable people-related costs. Operating margin increased 2 percentage points in 2017 compared to 2016, driven by higher gross margin.
Ixia Solutions Group
The Ixia Solutions Group helps customers validate the performance and security resilience of their networks and associated applications. The test,visibility and security solutions help organizations and their customers strengthen their physical and virtual networks. Enterprises, service providers, network equipment manufacturers, and governments worldwide rely on the our solutions to validate new products before shipping and secure ongoing operation of their networks with better visibility and security. The group’s solutions consist of our high-performance hardware platforms, software applications, and services, including warranty and maintenance offerings.
The Ixia Solutions Group's operating results in fiscal 2018 are not comparable with 2017, which only includes activity from the date of acquisition, April 18, 2017, through October 31, 2017.
The following table shows Ixia Solutions Group margins, expenses and income from operations for 2018 versus 2017, and 2017 versus 2016.
During fiscal 2018, we completed an important phase of the Ixia integration, investing significant resources to upgrade their systems and processes for long-term value creation. This phase included the integration of our ERP, procurement, contract manufacturing, and trade and logistics activities and financial processes to leverage Keysight’s scale. While we have continued to make progress in optimizing the Ixia Solutions Group's business post integration, weaker-than-expected market growth rates since acquisition and longer than expected contract manufacturing transition has negatively impacted Ixia Solutions Group's revenue and operating profit in fiscal 2018.
We remain confident in the long-term opportunities created by combining Ixia's strength in networking and Keysight's strength in wireless and physical-layer test. Our combined technologies enable us to deliver full end-to-end solutions across the total
communications workflow, which we view as a significant differentiator as wireless and wireline technologies continue to converge and 5G moves into commercialization.
Services Solutions Group
The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and resells used Keysight equipment. In addition to providing repair and calibration support for Keysight equipment, we also calibrate non-Keysight equipment. The group serves the same markets as Keysight’s Communications Solutions and Electronic Industrial Solutions Groups, providing industry-specific services to deliver complete Keysight solutions and help customers reduce their total cost of ownership for their design and test equipment.
Net Revenue
The Services Solutions Group's revenue in 2018 grew 10 percent compared to 2017. Acquisitions accounted for approximately 2 percentage points of total revenue growth. Revenue increased from calibration services, sales of used equipment and repair services. Revenue growth in the Americas, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Europe was partially offset by decline in Japan. The Services Solutions Group's revenue in 2017 grew 4 percent compared to 2016. Acquisitions accounted for approximately 1 percentage point of total revenue growth. An increase in revenue from sales of used equipment and calibration services was partially offset by a decline in revenue from repair services. Revenue grew in all regions, led by strong growth in Asia Pacific excluding Japan and the Americas.
Gross Margin and Operating Margin
The following table shows Services Solutions Group margins, expenses and income from operations for 2018 versus 2017, and 2017 versus 2016.
Gross margin in 2018 declined 1 percent point compared to 2017, as higher variable people-related costs and higher expenses associated with investments in additional capacity to expand our multi-vendor calibration and asset management services were partially offset by revenue volume-related gains. Gross margin in 2017 was flat compared to 2016, as the benefit from higher volume and favorable revenue mix was offset by higher expenses associated with investments in additional capacity to expand our multi-vendor calibration and asset management services.
Research and development expense for the Services Solutions Group represents the segment’s share of centralized investment. Research and development expense increased 64 percent when compared to 2017 and declined 67 percent in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase in 2018 was driven by investments in a new software application to enable enhanced service offerings. The decline in 2017 is primarily driven by a change in the Services Solutions Group’s share of centralized investments in research and development.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased 12 percent in 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher selling costs, infrastructure-related costs and variable people-related costs and investment in a platform for expanded service offerings. For
2017, selling, general and administrative expense increased 7 percent compared to 2016 due to increased investment in sales resources, higher people-related costs and acquisitions.
Other operating expense (income) was income of $3 million in each of the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Income from Operations
Income from operations for 2018 was flat on a corresponding revenue increase of $42 million. Income from operations for 2017 increased $5 million on a corresponding revenue increase of $17 million.
Operating margin decreased 2 percentage points in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by lower gross margin, higher selling costs and increases in variable people-related and infrastructure-related costs. Operating margin increased 1 percentage point in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by higher revenue and lower share in R&D expenses, partially offset by increased investment in sales resources.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our financial position as of October 31, 2018 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $913 million as compared to $818 million as of October 31, 2017.
As of October 31, 2018, approximately $782 million of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign subsidiaries. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short-term deposits held at major global financial institutions, investments in institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions in which we invest our funds. We utilize a variety of funding strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed. Most significant international locations have access to internal funding through an offshore cash pool for working capital needs. In addition, a few locations that are unable to access internal funding have access to temporary local overdraft and short-term working capital lines of credit.
We believe our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, and ability to access capital markets and credit lines will satisfy, for at least the next twelve months, our liquidity requirements, both globally and domestically, including the following: working capital needs, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, contractual obligations, commitments, principal and interest payments on debt, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period as working capital needs and the timing of payments for income taxes, restructuring activities, pension funding, variable pay and other items impact reported cash flows.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $555 million for the year ended October 31, 2018 as compared to $328 million provided in 2017 and $420 million provided in 2016.
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Net income in 2018 increased by $63 million as compared to 2017. Non-cash adjustments in 2018 increased $111 million compared to the same period last year, due to a $709 million goodwill impairment, a $74 million increase in amortization expense, a $70 million increase from a prior-period pension curtailment and settlement gain, an $11 million increase in depreciation expense and $1 million from other miscellaneous non-cash activities, partially offset by $742 million reduction in the adjustment for deferred tax benefits and $12 million gain on the sale of assets and divestitures.
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The aggregate of accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable used net cash of $128 million during 2018, compared to net cash used of zero in 2017 and $72 million in 2016. The amount of cash flow generated from or used by the aggregate of accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable depends on the cash conversion cycle, which represents the number of days that elapse from the day we pay for the purchase of raw materials and components to the collection of cash from our customers and can be significantly impacted by the timing of shipments and purchases, as well as collections and payments in a period.
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The aggregate of employee compensation and benefits, income taxes payable, deferred revenue, and other assets and liabilities provided net operating cash of $335 million during 2018 as compared to net cash provided of $42 million and net cash used of $22 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The difference between 2018 and 2017 activities is primarily due to an increase in the U.S. federal income tax payable due to the impact of new U.S. tax legislation, higher variable compensation accruals and other differences due to timing of accruals, collections and payments between the periods. In
2018, we received insurance proceeds of $68 million for expenses associated with the northern California wildfires, which partially offset estimated insurance recoveries of $90 million during the period. At October 31, 2018 our insurance receivable was $24 million for known losses for which insurance reimbursement is probable. In addition, in 2018, we received insurance proceeds of $26 million for losses incurred in a 2016 warehouse fire in Singapore.
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Net cash used for retirement and post-retirement benefits was $127 million, $15 million and $32 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2018, we made an accelerated contribution of $85 million to our U.S. Defined Benefit Plans to secure tax deductibility at the current corporate rate prior to new tax legislation taking effect, as compared to zero contributions in 2017 and 2016. We also contributed $33 million to our non-U.S. defined benefit plans during 2018 compared to $34 million in 2017 and $38 million in 2016. We did not contribute to the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan in 2018 and 2017, and we contributed $1 million in 2016.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $116 million, $1,722 million and $90 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Investments in property, plant and equipment were $132 million, $72 million and $91 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 2018 capital spending includes $27 million related to recovery from the northern California wildfires.
In 2018, we paid $11 million for acquisitions and also received proceeds of $29 million from divestitures. In 2017, we paid $1,622 million, net of $72 million of cash acquired, for the acquisition of Ixia, $60 million for the acquisition of ScienLab, net of $2 million of cash acquired, and $20 million, net, for other acquisition activity. In 2016, we used $10 million, net of cash acquired, for the acquisition of a small business and a contingent payment related to the Anite acquisition.
We received $8 million of proceeds from the sale of land in 2017 compared to $10 million in 2016. We also received $45 million of proceeds from the sale of investments in 2017 as compared to $1 million in 2016.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities in 2018 was $335 million compared to $1,425 million provided in 2017 and $29 million used in 2016. In 2018, we used $335 million for financing activities primarily for a $260 million repayment of term loan borrowings, $120 million for treasury stock purchases and $18 million of tax payments related to net share settlement of equity awards, partially offset by proceeds of $64 million from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans.
On March 6, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $350 million of the company’s common stock, replacing a previously approved 2016 program authorizing the purchase of up to $200 million of the company’s common stock. The stock repurchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time at the company’s discretion and does not have an expiration date.
In 2017, net cash provided by financing activities was $1,425 million primarily due to proceeds used to fund the acquisition of Ixia, including the issuance of long-term debt of $1,069 million, short-term borrowings of $212 million, and the issuance of common stock under public offering of $444 million, net of issuance costs. We repaid $323 million of the borrowings in 2017, including $182 million of the revolving facility, $140 million of the term loan and a $1 million short-term loan acquired with the acquisition of ScienLab. In addition, during 2017, we issued common stock under employee stock plans of $51 million and had $12 million of tax payments related to net share settlement of equity awards.
In 2016, we used $29 million for financing activities primarily due to $62 million for treasury stock purchases and $9 million of tax payments related to net share settlement of equity awards, partially offset by proceeds of $43 million from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans.
Short-term debt
Revolving Credit Facility
On February 15, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced our existing $450 million unsecured credit facility dated September 15, 2014. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a $450 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire on February 15, 2022 and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.30%. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility permits us to increase the total commitments under this credit facility by up to $150 million in the aggregate on one or more occasions upon request. We may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. During the year ended October 31, 2018, we borrowed and repaid $40 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2018, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility during the year ended October 31, 2018.
Bridge Facility
On January 30, 2017, we entered into a commitment letter, pursuant to which certain lenders agreed to provide a senior unsecured 364-day bridge loan facility of up to $1.684 billion (“the Bridge Facility”) for the purpose of providing the financing to support Keysight's acquisition of Ixia. Under the terms of commitment letter, the Bridge Facility was automatically terminated upon the Ixia acquisition on April 18, 2017. For the year ended October 31, 2017, we incurred costs in connection with the Bridge Facility of $9 million that were amortized to interest expense.
2019 Senior Notes
In October 2014, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in senior notes ("2019 Senior Notes"). The 2019 Senior Notes were issued at 99.902 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 30, 2019, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.30 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 30 of each year. The 2019 senior notes are repayable within one year and have been reclassified to short-term debt.
Long-term debt
2024 Senior Notes
In October 2014, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $600 million in senior notes ("2024 Senior Notes"). The 2024 Senior Notes were issued at 99.966 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 30, 2024, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.55 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 30 of each year.
2027 Senior Notes
In April 2017, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $700 million in senior notes ("2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were issued at 99.873 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on April 6, 2027 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.60 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 6 and October 6 of each year, commencing on October 6, 2017. We incurred issuance costs of $6 million in connection with the 2027 Senior Notes that, along with the debt discount of $1 million, are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness.
Senior Unsecured Term Loan
On February 15, 2017, we entered into a term credit agreement that provides for a three-year $400 million senior unsecured term loan that bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.50%. The term loan was drawn upon the closing of the Ixia acquisition. On February 27, 2018, we fully repaid borrowings outstanding under the term loan of $260 million and terminated the term credit agreement. We had previously repaid $140 million of the term loan during the year ended October 31, 2017.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other
We have contractual commitments for non-cancellable operating leases. See Note 16, "Commitments and Contingencies," to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our non-cancellable operating leases.
Our liquidity is affected by many factors, some of which are based on normal ongoing operations of our business and some of which arise from fluctuations related to global economics and markets. Our cash balances are generated and held in many locations throughout the world. Local government regulations may restrict our ability to move cash balances to meet cash needs under certain circumstances. We do not currently expect such regulations and restrictions to impact our ability to pay vendors and conduct operations throughout our global organization.
Contractual Commitments
Our cash flows from operations are dependent on a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, accounts receivable collections, inventory management, and the timing of tax and other payments. As a result, the impact of contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be analyzed in conjunction with such factors.
The following table summarizes our total contractual obligations at October 31, 2018 (in millions). The amounts presented in the table do not reflect $120 million of liabilities for uncertain tax positions as of October 31, 2018. We are unable to accurately predict when these amounts will be realized or released. However, it is reasonably possible that there could be significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months due to either the expiration of a statute of limitations or a tax audit settlement.
Interest on senior notes. We have contractual obligations for interest payments on our senior notes. Interest rates and payment dates are detailed above under "Short-term debt" and "Long-term debt".
Operating leases. Commitments under operating leases relate primarily to leasehold property, See Note 16, "Commitments and Contingencies."
Commitments to contract manufacturers and suppliers. We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, we issue purchase orders with estimates of our requirements several months ahead of the delivery dates. The reported purchase commitments represent the commitments under open purchase orders with our suppliers that have not been received. However, our agreements with these suppliers usually provide us with the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on business needs prior to firm orders being placed. We expect to fulfill most of our purchase commitments for inventory within one year.
In addition to the commitments to contract manufacturers and suppliers referenced above, we record a liability for firm, non-cancellable and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with our policy relating to excess inventory. As of October 31, 2018, the liability for our excess firm, non-cancellable and unconditional purchase commitments was $17 million, compared to $10 million as of October 31, 2017. These amounts are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
Retirement plans. Commitments under the retirement plans relate to expected contributions to be made to our non-U.S. defined benefit plans for the next year only. Contributions beyond the next year are impractical to estimate.
We also have benefit payments due under our defined benefit retirement plans and post-retirement benefit plan that are not required to be funded in advance, but are paid in the same period that benefits are provided. See Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14, "Retirement Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans," for additional information.
U.S. transition tax liability. The obligation for the U.S. transition tax liability relates to the one-time U.S. tax on those earnings which have not previously been repatriated to the U.S. (the “Transition Tax”). Keysight has elected to pay the Transition Tax over 8 years. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis, “Income Taxes,” for additional information on the Transition Tax.
Other purchase commitments. Other purchase commitments relate to contracts with professional services suppliers. We can typically cancel these contracts within 90 days without penalties. For those contracts that are not cancellable within 90 days without penalties, we disclose the amounts we are obligated to pay to a supplier under each contract in that period before such contract can be canceled. As of October 31, 2018, our contractual obligations with these suppliers was approximately $59 million within the next fiscal year, as compared to approximately $42 million as of October 31, 2017.
We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements as of October 31, 2018 or October 31, 2017.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be
reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could materially change the financial statements. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, inventory valuation, share-based compensation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, warranty, loss contingencies, restructuring and accounting for income taxes.
Revenue recognition. We enter into agreements to sell products (hardware and/or software), services, and other arrangements (multiple-element arrangements) that include combinations of products and services. Revenue from product sales, net of trade discounts and allowances, is recognized provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, for products, or when the service has been provided. Revenue is reduced for estimated product returns, when appropriate. For sales that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and recognition of installation revenue occurs when the installation is complete. Otherwise, neither the product nor the installation revenue is recognized until the installation is complete. Revenue from services is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on our vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue from the sale of software products that are not required to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality are accounted for under software revenue recognition rules. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met. The amount of product revenue recognized is affected by our judgments as to whether an arrangement includes multiple elements.
We use VSOE of selling price in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As our products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE. ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a standalone basis. We determine ESP for a product or service by using historical selling prices which reflect multiple factors including, but not limited to customer type, geography, market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and approval by management. We may modify or develop new pricing practices and strategies in the future. As these pricing strategies evolve, changes may occur in ESP. The aforementioned factors may result in a different allocation of revenue to the deliverables in multiple-element arrangements, which may change the pattern and timing of revenue recognition for these elements but will not change the total revenue recognized for the arrangement.
Recent Updates to Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which became effective for us beginning November 1, 2018. For additional information on the new revenue recognition guidance and the expected impact of adoption, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial statements.
Inventory valuation. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based upon estimates about future demand and actual usage. Such estimates are difficult to make under most economic conditions. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional write-downs may be required. If actual market conditions are more favorable than anticipated, inventory previously written down may be sold to customers, resulting in lower cost of sales and higher income from operations than expected in that period.
Share-based compensation. We account for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the authoritative accounting guidance, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors. The fair value of share-based awards for employee stock option awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Awards granted under the LTP Program are based on a variety of targets, such as total shareholder return ("TSR") or financial metrics such as operating margin, cost synergies and others. The awards based on
TSR were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model and those based on financial metrics were valued based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant. Both the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation fair value models require the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the date of grant. We did not grant any option awards in 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Retirement and post-retirement benefit plan assumptions. Retirement and post-retirement benefit plan costs are a significant cost of doing business. They represent obligations that will ultimately be settled sometime in the future and therefore are subject to estimation. Pension accounting is intended to reflect the recognition of future benefit costs over the employees' average expected future service to Keysight based on the terms of the plans and investment and funding decisions. To estimate the impact of these future payments and our decisions concerning funding of these obligations, we are required to make assumptions using actuarial concepts within the framework of accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Two critical assumptions are the discount rate and the expected long-term return on plan assets. Other important assumptions include, expected future salary increases, expected future increases to benefit payments, expected retirement dates, employee turnover, retiree mortality rates, and investment portfolio composition. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually.
The discount rate is used to determine the present value of future benefit payments at the measurement date, which is October 31 for both U.S. and non-U.S. plans. The U.S. discount rates as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were determined based on the results of matching expected plan benefit payments with cash flows from a hypothetically constructed bond portfolio. The non-U.S. discount rates as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were determined using spot rates along the yield curve to calculate disaggregated discount rates. In addition, we used this method to calculate two components of the periodic benefit cost: service cost and interest cost. If we changed our discount rate by 1 percent, the impact would be $6 million on U.S. net periodic benefit cost and $11 million on non-U.S. net periodic benefit cost. Lower discount rates increase the present value of the liability and subsequent year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease the present value of the liability and subsequent year pension expense.
The company uses alternate methods of amortization, as allowed by the authoritative guidance, that amortizes the actuarial gains and losses on a consistent basis for the years presented. For U.S. plans, gains and losses are amortized over the average future working lifetime. For most non-U.S. plans and U.S. post-retirement benefit plans, gains and losses are amortized using a separate layer for each year's gains and losses. The expected long-term return on plan assets is estimated using current and expected asset allocations as well as historical and expected returns. Plan assets are valued at fair value. If we changed our estimated return on assets by 1 percent, the impact would be $7 million on U.S. net periodic benefit cost and $15 million on non-U.S. net periodic benefit cost.
Goodwill and other intangible assets. We review goodwill for impairment annually during our fourth fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. We aggregated components of an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics into our reporting units. At the time of an acquisition, we assign goodwill to the reporting unit that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.
Companies have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether performing a quantitative test is necessary. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test will be required. Otherwise, no further testing will be required.
The guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. These examples include macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity's operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit will be sold or a sustained decrease in the stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers. The qualitative indicators replace those previously used to determine whether an interim goodwill impairment test is required. If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the provisions of authoritative guidance require that we perform a quantitative impairment test on goodwill.
In 2018, we performed our annual impairment test for all our reporting units. Based on the results of our testing, the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded the carrying value, except for our ISG reporting unit. As a result, we recorded impairment losses of $709 million for ISG. See Note 10, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" of the consolidated financial statements for additional information. There was no impairment of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2017 and 2016.
Other intangible assets consist primarily of developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and backlog and are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 2 months to 10 years. No impairments of purchased intangible assets were recorded during the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. The authoritative accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the impairment testing guidance for goodwill. It allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The qualitative factors assist in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are in-process research and development ("IPR&D") intangible assets. In 2018 and 2017, we assessed impairment by performing a qualitative test and recorded an impairment charge of $5 million and $7 million, respectively, related to the cancellation of an IPR&D project. There were no impairments in fiscal year 2016.
Warranty. Effective December 1, 2017, Keysight warranties on products sold through direct sales channels are primarily for one year. Warranties for products sold through distribution channels continue to be primarily for three years. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time related product revenue is recognized.
We also sell extended warranties that provide warranty coverage beyond the standard warranty term. Revenue associated with extended warranties is deferred and recognized over the extended coverage period.
Loss Contingencies. As discussed in Note 15 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, we are, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation and similar contingent liabilities incidental to our business (or the business operations of previously owned entities). We recognize a liability for any contingency that is known or probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable. These assessments require judgments concerning matters such as litigation developments and outcomes, the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number of future claims and the cost of both pending and future claims. In addition, because most contingencies are resolved over long periods of time, liabilities may change in the future due to various factors. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial position or our results of operation.
Restructuring. The main component of our restructuring plan is related to workforce reductions. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits becomes probable and the amounts can be estimated. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring and other related charges could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have recorded.
Accounting for income taxes. We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period.
Significant management judgment is also required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. When it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of specific deferred tax assets such as net operating losses or foreign tax credit carryforwards will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of the deferred tax assets that cannot be realized. We consider all available positive and negative evidence on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis when assessing whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. We consider evidence such as our past operating results, the existence of losses in recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. At October 31, 2018, the company maintains a valuation allowance mainly related to deferred tax assets for California research credits, capital losses in the U.K., and net operating losses in the U.K. and Netherlands. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance in these jurisdictions until sufficient positive evidence exists to support their reversal.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax law and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Although the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes the use of a recognition and measurement model, the determination of whether an uncertain tax position has met those thresholds will continue to require significant judgment by management. In accordance with the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, for all U.S. and other tax jurisdictions, we recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes and interest will be due. The ultimate resolution of tax uncertainties may differ from what is currently estimated, which could result in a material impact on income tax expense. If our estimate of income tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would be required. If events occur and the payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being
recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. We include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial statements for a description of new accounting pronouncements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
At various times, we use derivative financial instruments to limit exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Because derivative instruments are used solely as hedges and not for speculative trading purposes, fluctuations in the market values of such derivative instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the underlying economic exposures that the instruments are intended to hedge. For further discussion of derivative financial instruments, refer to Note 13, "Derivatives."
Currency exchange rate risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent in our sales commitments, anticipated sales, and assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. We hedge future cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency using sales and expense forecasts up to twelve months in advance. Our exposure to exchange rate risks is managed on an enterprise-wide basis. This strategy utilizes derivative financial instruments, including option and forward contracts, to hedge certain foreign currency exposures with the intent of offsetting gains and losses that occur on the underlying exposures with gains and losses on the derivative contracts hedging them. We do not currently and do not intend to utilize derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Our operations generate non-functional currency cash flows such as revenue, third-party vendor payments and inter-company payments. In anticipation of these foreign currency cash flows and in view of the volatility of the currency market, we enter into such foreign exchange contracts as described above to substantially mitigate our currency risk. Approximately 76 percent in 2018 and 71 percent of our revenues in each of 2017 and 2016 were generated in U.S. dollars.
We performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 10 percent adverse movement in foreign exchange rates to the hedging contracts and the underlying exposures described above. As of October 31, 2018 and 2017, the analysis indicated that these hypothetical market movements would not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Interest rate risk
As of October 31, 2018, we had $1,800 million in principal amount of senior debt outstanding. The carrying amount of the fixed-rate senior notes was $1,790 million, and the related fair value based on quoted prices was $1,802 million. A change in interest rates on long-term debt impacts the fair value of the company’s fixed-rate long-term debt but not the company’s earnings or cash flow because the interest on such debt is fixed. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
As of October 31, 2018, a hypothetical 10 percent increase in interest rates would have decreased the fair value of the company’s fixed-rate long-term debt by approximately $37 million. However, since the company currently has no plans to repurchase its outstanding fixed-rate instruments before their maturity nor do the investors in our fixed-rate debt obligations have the right to demand we pay off these obligations prior to maturity, the impact of market interest rate fluctuations on the company’s fixed-rate long-term debt does not affect the company’s results of operations or stockholders’ equity.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Keysight Technologies, Inc.:
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Keysight Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2018, including the related notes and financial statement schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2018 appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2018 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for stock-based compensation in 2018.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
December 18, 2018
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions, except par value and share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(in millions, except number of shares in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
OVERVIEW, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Overview. Keysight Technologies, Inc. ("we," "us," "Keysight" or the "company"), incorporated in Delaware on December 6, 2013, is a technology company providing electronic design and test solutions that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment, validation, optimization and secure operation of electronics systems to communications, networking and electronics industries. In addition, we provide testing, visibility, and security solutions, strengthening applications across physical and virtual networks. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product lifecycle, including start-up assistance, instrument productivity, application services and instrument calibration and repair.
Basis of Presentation. We have prepared the accompanying financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). Our fiscal year end is October 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.
Management is responsible for the fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and has full responsibility for their integrity and accuracy. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated balance sheet and our consolidated statement of operations, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flows and statement of equity.
Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions that may impact the company in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are revenue recognition, inventory valuation, share-based compensation, retirement and post-retirement plan assumptions, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, warranty, loss contingencies, restructuring and accounting for income taxes.
Acquisitions. On April 18, 2017 we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Ixia for $1,622 million, net of $72 million of cash acquired. On August 31, 2017 we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of ScienLab for $60 million, net of $2 million of cash acquired. See Note 3, "Acquisitions," for further discussion of the company's acquisitions.
Revenue recognition. We enter into agreements to sell products (hardware and/or software), services and other arrangements (multiple-element arrangements) that include combinations of products and services.
We recognize revenue, net of trade discounts and allowances, provided that (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred, (3) the price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is considered to have occurred when title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer, for products, or when the service has been provided. We consider the price to be fixed or determinable when the price is not subject to refund or adjustments. We consider arrangements with extended payment terms not to be fixed or determinable, and accordingly we defer revenue until amounts become due. At the time of the transaction, we evaluate the creditworthiness of our customers to determine the appropriate timing of revenue recognition.
Product revenue. Our product revenue is generated predominantly from the sales of various types of test equipment and associated software. Product revenue, including sales to resellers and distributors, is reduced for estimated returns, when appropriate. For sales or arrangements that include customer-specified acceptance criteria, including those where acceptance is required upon achievement of performance milestones, revenue is recognized after the acceptance criteria have been met. For products that include installation, if the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element, product revenue is recognized upon delivery, and recognition of installation revenue is delayed until the installation is complete. Otherwise, neither the product nor the installation revenue is recognized until the installation is complete.
Where software is licensed separately, revenue is recognized when the software is delivered and has been transferred to the customer or, in the case of electronic delivery of software, when the customer is given access to the licensed software programs.
We also evaluate whether collection of the receivable is probable, the fee is fixed or determinable and whether any other undelivered elements of the arrangement exist on which a portion of the total fee would be allocated based on vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE"). When VSOE is not available, we use third-party evidence ("TPE") or management's best estimate of selling price ("ESP").
Service revenue. Revenue from services includes repair and calibration services, extended warranty, customer and software support, consulting, training and education. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. For example, customer support contracts are recognized ratably over the contractual period, while training revenue is recognized as the training is provided to the customer. In addition, the four revenue recognition criteria described above must be met before service revenue is recognized.
Revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables. Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of measurement instruments, installation or other start-up services, and/or software and/or support or services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time, and revenue is recognized upon delivery and acceptance, if required, once title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Delivery of installation, start-up services and other services varies based on the complexity of the equipment, staffing levels in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. Revenue from the sale of software products that are not required to deliver the tangible product's essential functionality are accounted for under software revenue recognition rules, which require VSOE of fair value to allocate revenue in a multiple-element arrangement. Our arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.
We evaluate the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and conclude that they are separate units of accounting if it is determined the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis. For arrangements that include a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) has been determined to be probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based on their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on VSOE if available, TPE if VSOE is not available, or ESP if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.
Within our Ixia Solutions Group, when an arrangement contains software and non-software deliverables, we use a two-step process to allocate revenue to each element in the arrangement. First, we allocate the total arrangement fee to the separate non-software and software deliverables as a group based on their relative selling prices. Then, we allocate revenue within the software group utilizing the residual method with revenue allocated to the undelivered elements based on VSOE and the residual amount allocated to the delivered elements.
We use VSOE of selling price in the selling price allocation in all instances where it exists. VSOE of selling price for products and services is determined when a substantial majority of the selling prices fall within a reasonable range when sold separately. TPE of selling price can be established by evaluating largely interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. As our products contain a significant element of proprietary technology and the solution offered differs substantially from that of competitors, it is difficult to obtain the reliable standalone competitive pricing necessary to establish TPE. ESP represents the best estimate of the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a standalone basis. We determine ESP for a product or service by using historical selling prices that reflect multiple factors including, but not limited to, customer type, geography, market conditions, competitive landscape, gross margin objectives and pricing practices. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and approval by management. We may modify or develop new pricing practices and strategies in the future. As these pricing strategies evolve, changes may occur in ESP. The aforementioned factors may result in a different allocation of revenue to the deliverables in multiple-element arrangements, which may change the pattern and timing of revenue recognition for these elements but will not change the total revenue recognized for the arrangement.
Shipping and handling costs. Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue, and the associated expense is recorded in cost of products for all periods presented.
Deferred revenue. Deferred revenue represents the amount of service and software revenue deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. In addition, it includes the amount allocated to undelivered elements in multiple-element arrangements. We limit the revenue recognized to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or meeting other specified performance conditions.
Accounts receivable, net. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Such accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit
losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on customer specific experience and the aging of such receivables, among other factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $2 million and $3 million as of October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable are also recorded net of estimated product returns.
Share-based compensation. We account for share-based awards made to our employees and directors, including restricted stock units, employee stock purchases made under Keysight's Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("Keysight's ESPP"), employee stock option awards, and performance share awards under Keysight Technologies, Inc. Long-Term Performance ("Keysight's LTP") Program, using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting. We recorded compensation expense for all share-based awards of $59 million in 2018, $56 million in 2017 and $49 million in 2016.
Inventory. Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of market value. We assess the valuation of our inventory on a periodic basis and make adjustments to the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based on estimates about future demand and actual usage. The excess balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess inventory charge. Our excess inventory review process includes analysis of sales unit forecasts, managing product rollovers and working with manufacturing to maximize recovery of excess inventory.
Warranty. Effective December 1, 2017, the Keysight warranties on products sold through direct sales channels are primarily for one year. Warranties for products sold through distribution channels continue to be primarily for three years. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time related product revenue is recognized. See Note 15, "Guarantees."
We also sell extended warranties that provide warranty coverage beyond the standard warranty term. Revenue associated with extended warranties is deferred and recognized over the extended coverage period.
Loss contingencies. We accrue for probable losses from contingencies, including legal settlement costs, on an undiscounted basis when such costs are considered probable of being incurred and are reasonably estimable. We periodically evaluate available information, both internal and external, relative to such contingencies and adjust this accrual as necessary.
Taxes on income. Income tax expense is based on income or loss before taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences between asset and liability amounts that are recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts that are recognized for income tax purposes. These deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are recognized to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate due to new information. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that the company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes. Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.
Goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed for impairment on a reporting unit basis at least annually in the fourth quarter, as of September 30, or more frequently when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. The impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, with an impairment charge recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. We determine fair values for each of the reporting units using the market approach, when available and appropriate, or the income approach, or a combination of both. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately. Valuations using the market approach are derived from metrics of publicly traded comparable companies. The selections of comparable businesses are based on the markets in which our reporting units operate, giving consideration to risk profiles, size, geography and diversity of products and services. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business.
As defined in the authoritative guidance, a reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we performed our annual impairment test for all our reporting units. Based on the results of our testing, the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded the carrying value, except for our Ixia Solutions Group (“ISG”)
reporting unit. The primary factors contributing to a reduction in fair value of ISG were weaker-than-expected market growth rates since acquisition and significant integration efforts resulting in lower revenue and profitability trends included in our long-term financial forecasts. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss of $709 million for ISG for the year ended October 31, 2018. There were no impairments of goodwill during the years ended October 31, 2017 and 2016. Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” and Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for additional information about our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Other intangible assets consist primarily of developed technologies, proprietary know-how, trademarks, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and acquired backlog and are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 2 months to 10 years. We review other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. No impairments of purchased intangible assets were recorded during the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
The authoritative accounting guidance allows a qualitative approach for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, similar to the impairment testing guidance for goodwill. It allows the option to first assess qualitative factors (events and circumstances) that could have affected the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The qualitative factors assist in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An organization may choose to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to calculating its fair value. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are in-process research and development ("IPR&D") intangible assets. In 2018 and 2017, we assessed impairment by performing a qualitative test and recorded impairment charges of $5 million and $7 million, respectively, related to cancellations of IPR&D projects. There were no impairments in 2016.
Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $21 million in 2018, $22 million in 2017 and $19 million in 2016.
Research and development. Costs related to the research, design and development of our products are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.
Sales taxes. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenue.
Investments. Cost method investments, consisting of non-marketable equity securities, are accounted for at historical cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. Investments designated as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income. The company assesses investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not be recoverable. There was no impairment recognized in 2018 and 2017. In 2016, cost method investments with a carrying amount of $2 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $2 million, which is included in other income (expense).
Net income per share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding the dilutive effect of stock options and other employee stock plans. Diluted net income per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense, and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense are assumed proceeds to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares.
Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments. We classify investments as cash equivalents if their original maturity or remaining maturity at the time of purchase is three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
As of October 31, 2018, approximately $782 million of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign subsidiaries. Under U.S. tax legislation that was enacted on December 22, 2017, certain earnings currently held outside of the U.S. are deemed to be repatriated to the U.S., with foreign cash balances generally subject to an effective U.S. tax rate of 15.5 percent and certain cumulative foreign earnings in excess of foreign cash balances subject to an effective U.S. tax rate of 8 percent. Our cash and cash equivalents mainly consist of short-term deposits held at major global financial institutions, investments in institutional money market funds, and similar short duration instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. We continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the financial institutions in which we invest our funds.
We classify investments as short-term investments if their original maturities are greater than three months and their remaining maturities are one year or less.
Restricted cash. As of October 31, 2018, restricted cash of approximately $4 million consisted primarily of deposits held as collateral against bank guarantees, of which $2 million is classified within other current assets and $2 million is classified within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. As of October 31, 2017, restricted cash of approximately $2 million consisted of deposits held as collateral against bank guarantees and is classified within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Fair value of financial instruments. The carrying values of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of long-term equity investments is determined using quoted market prices for those securities when available. For those long-term equity investments accounted for under the cost or equity method, the carrying value approximates estimated fair value. The fair value of our long-term debt, calculated from quoted prices that are primarily Level 1 inputs under the accounting guidance fair value hierarchy, exceeded the carrying value by approximately $3 million and $91 million as of October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair value of foreign currency contracts used for hedging purposes is estimated internally by using inputs tied to active markets. These inputs, for example, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies, are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. See also Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," for additional information on the fair value of financial instruments.
Concentration of credit risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentration of credit risk include money market fund investments, time deposits and demand deposit balances. These investments are categorized as cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments. In addition, we have credit risk from derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities and accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We have a comprehensive credit policy in place and credit exposure is monitored on an ongoing basis.
Credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is diversified due to the large number of entities comprising our customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. Credit evaluations are performed on customers requiring credit over a certain amount.
Credit risk is mitigated through collateral, such as letters of credit, bank guarantees or payment terms like cash in advance. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of accounts receivable as of October 31, 2018 or 2017.
Derivative instruments. We are exposed to global foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of business. We enter into foreign exchange hedging contracts, primarily forward contracts and purchased options to manage financial exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency exposures include committed and anticipated revenue and expense transactions (cash flow exposure) and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary (balance sheet exposure). For cash flow hedges, contracts are designed at inception as hedges of the related foreign currency exposures. For option contracts, we exclude time value from the measurement of effectiveness. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions at the inception of the hedge. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. Our foreign exchange hedging contracts generally mature within twelve months. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument is recognized in accumulated comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified and recognized in income when either the forecast transaction occurs or it becomes probable the forecast transaction will not occur. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings in the current period. Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and qualify for net presentation in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged or economically hedged item, primarily in operating activities.
Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized; maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from our general ledger, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the remaining term of the lease and machinery and equipment, which is generally over three to ten years. We use the straight-line method to depreciate assets.
Leases. We lease buildings, machinery and equipment under operating leases for original terms ranging generally from one to twenty-five years. Certain leases contain renewal options for periods up to ten years.
Capitalized software. We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software. Capitalized software is included in property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over three years once development is complete.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the total of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of those assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.
Restructuring costs. The main component of our existing restructuring plans is related to workforce reductions. Workforce reduction charges are accrued when payment of benefits becomes probable and the amounts can be estimated. If the amounts and timing of cash flows from restructuring activities are significantly different from what we have estimated, the actual amount of restructuring and other related charges could be materially different, either higher or lower, than those we have recorded.
Employee compensation and benefits. Amounts owed to employees, such as accrued salary, bonuses and vacation benefits are reported within employee compensation and benefits in the consolidated balance sheet. The total amount of accrued vacation benefit was $80 million and $72 million as of October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Foreign currency translation. We translate and remeasure balance sheet and statement of operations items into U.S. dollars. For those subsidiaries that operate in a local currency functional environment, all assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates at the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated using monthly exchange rates that approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity.
For those subsidiaries that operate in a U.S. dollar functional environment, foreign currency assets and liabilities are re-measured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are generally remeasured at monthly exchange rates that approximate average exchange rates in effect during each period. Gains or losses from foreign currency re-measurement are included in net income. Net gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are reported in other income (expense) and were a $4 million gain in 2018, a $1 million gain in 2017, and zero in 2016.
Retirement plans and post-retirement benefit plan assumptions. Pension accounting is intended to reflect the recognition of future benefit costs over the employees' average expected future service to Keysight based on the terms of the plans and investment and funding decisions. To estimate the impact of these future payments and our decisions concerning funding of these obligations, we are required to make assumptions using actuarial concepts within the framework of GAAP. Two critical assumptions are the discount rate and the expected long-term return on plan assets. Other important assumptions include expected future salary increases, expected future increases to benefit payments, expected retirement dates, employee turnover, retiree mortality rates and portfolio composition. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually. See Note 14, "Retirement Plans and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans."
2.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance which will replace numerous requirements in GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provide companies with a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to show the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. During 2016, the FASB issued several amendments to the standard, including clarification to the guidance on reporting revenues as a principal versus an agent, identifying performance obligations, accounting for intellectual property licenses, assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes, impairment testing for contract costs and disclosure of performance obligations.
The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are (1) the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or (2) the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. We will adopt the new standard effective November 1, 2018 under the
modified retrospective method, by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings. We expect this adjustment to be approximately $70 million to $80 million, with an immaterial impact to our net income on an ongoing basis.
The most significant impact of the standard relates to our accounting for software license revenue, as under the new standard we expect to recognize software license revenue at the time of delivery rather than over the contractual term since control of the software license is transferred and our performance obligation is satisfied at that point in time. The new standard will also require certain costs, primarily sales-related commissions on contracts, to be capitalized rather than expensed. The new standard will also require additional disclosures intended to provide users of financial statements comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from customer contracts, including disclosure of judgments used and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. We are in the process of finalizing changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new revenue standard.
ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure for financial instruments. The standard generally requires companies to measure investments in other entities, except those accounted for under the equity method, at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in earnings. We will adopt the standard effective November 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective approach, with prospective adoption for amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values. Our assets and liabilities subject to this standard are not material.
ASU 2016-02, Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that will require organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. We expect our leases designated as operating leases in Note 16, "Commitments and Contingencies," will be reported in the consolidated balance sheet upon adoption. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that amends the accounting for stock-based compensation and requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards depends on our stock price at the date the awards vest. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be presented as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to account for them as they occur. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018 and elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur. As a result, a $6 million cumulative-effect adjustment was recorded directly to retained earnings as of November 1, 2017, the beginning of the annual period of adoption, with a corresponding reduction to deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, we reported an income tax benefit of $5 million for the year ended October 31, 2018 due to recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation.
We elected to apply the presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid for withheld shares retrospectively to all periods presented, which resulted in the following change to our previously reported consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended October 31, 2017 and 2016:
ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2018.
ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance that requires the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be included in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs) and the other components of the cost to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2017, and retrospective application is required. Early adoption is permitted. Had this standard been adopted in prior periods, reported operating profit would have been $48 million and $91 million lower and other income (expense) would have been $48 million and $91 million million higher than reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
ASU 2017-09, Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to adoption of this guidance.
ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements and enhance transparency and understandability of hedge results. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We currently anticipate adopting this guidance on November 1, 2018 and do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to adoption of this guidance.
ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") enacted in December 2017. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We currently anticipate adopting this guidance retrospectively on November 1, 2018. The company maintains a portfolio approach accounting policy related to the income tax effects of accumulated other comprehensive income. We intend to elect to retain the income tax effects of the Act as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Given this election, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In June 2018, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements due to adoption of this guidance.
ASU 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to defer and recognize as an asset and aligns the recognition of implementation costs to those incurred in an arrangement that includes an internal-use software license. Further, new disclosures about implementation costs for both internal-use software and hosting arrangements are required. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Other amendments to GAAP that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
3.
ACQUISITIONS
Acquisition of Ixia
On April 18, 2017, pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 30, 2017, between Keysight and Ixia (the "Merger Agreement"), we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Ixia for $1,622 million, net of $72 million of cash acquired, pursuant to an exchange offer for $19.65 per share (the "Merger Consideration"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, any outstanding and unexercised Ixia stock options with an exercise price below the Merger Consideration and any outstanding Ixia restricted stock awards were cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the merger consideration of $19.65 per share (minus the exercise price for the Ixia stock options). The vested portion of the awards associated with prior
service of Ixia employees represented approximately $47 million of the total consideration. We funded the acquisition with a combination of cash and proceeds from debt and equity financings. As a result of the acquisition, Ixia has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keysight. Accordingly, the results of Ixia are included in Keysight's consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition and are reported in the Ixia Solutions Group operating segment.
The Ixia acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by Keysight at their estimated fair values. Keysight determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by third party specialists, discounted cash flow analysis, and estimates made by management. We expect to leverage and expand the existing sales channels and product development resources, and utilize the assembled workforce. The company also anticipates opportunities for growth through expanded geographic and customer segment diversity and the ability to leverage additional products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of Ixia's net identifiable assets acquired (see summary of net assets below), and, as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
All goodwill, approximately $48 million of which is deductible for tax purposes, was assigned to the Ixia Solutions Group.
A portion of the overall purchase price was allocated to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets is not deductible for tax purposes. Therefore, a deferred tax liability of approximately $186 million was established primarily for the future amortization of these intangibles and is included in "other long-term liabilities" in the table below.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of April 18, 2017 (in millions):
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, and other accrued liabilities were generally determined using historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. The fair values for acquired inventory, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred revenue were determined with the input from third-party valuation specialists. The fair values of certain other assets and certain other liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management.
Valuation of Intangible Assets Acquired
The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Ixia acquisition were as follows (in millions):
As noted above, the intangible assets were valued with input from valuation specialists using the income approach, which includes the discounted cash flow, cost-savings, and relief from royalty methods. The in-process research and development was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach by discounting forecasted cash flows directly related to the products expecting to result from the projects, net of returns on contributory assets. A discount rate of 14% was used to value the research and development projects, adjusted to reflect additional risks inherent in the acquired projects. The primary in-process projects acquired relate to next generation products which will be released in the near future. Total costs to complete for all Ixia in-process research and development were estimated at approximately $12 million as of the close date.
Acquisition of ScienLab
On August 31, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of ScienLab for $60 million, net of $2 million of cash acquired. ScienLab is a Germany-based company that provides test solutions to automotive original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive and energy markets. This acquisition complements our portfolio, allowing end-to-end solutions for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and battery test solutions that address e-mobility market dynamics. We funded the acquisition using existing cash. As a result of the acquisition, ScienLab has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keysight. Accordingly, the results of ScienLab are included in Keysight's consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition and are reported in the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group operating segment. For the period from September 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017, ScienLab's net revenue and net loss were $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
The ScienLab acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by Keysight at their estimated fair values. Keysight determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by third party specialists, discounted cash flow analysis, and estimates made by management. We expect to leverage and expand the existing sales channels and product development resources, and utilize the assembled workforce. The company also anticipates opportunities for growth through expanded geographic and customer segment diversity and the ability to leverage additional products and capabilities. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of ScienLab's net identifiable assets acquired (see summary of net assets below), and, as a result, we have recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
All goodwill was assigned to the Electronic Industrial Solutions Group. We do not expect the goodwill recognized or any potential impairment charges in the future to be deductible for income tax purposes.
A portion of the overall purchase price was allocated to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets is not deductible for tax purposes. Therefore, a deferred tax liability of approximately $13 million was established primarily for the future amortization of these intangibles and is included in "other long-term liabilities" in the table below.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date of August 31, 2017 (in millions):
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, deferred revenue, and current portion of long-term debt were generally determined using historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. The fair values for acquired inventory and intangible assets were determined with the input from third-party valuation specialists. The fair values of certain other liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management.
Valuation of Intangible Assets Acquired
The components of intangible assets acquired in connection with the ScienLab acquisition were as follows (in millions):
As noted above, the intangible assets were valued with input from valuation specialists using the income approach, which includes the discounted cash flow, cost-savings, and relief from royalty methods.
Supplemental Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)
The following represents pro forma operating results as if Ixia had been included in the company's consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts):
The unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended October 31, 2017 and 2016 combine the historical results of Keysight and Ixia for the years ended October 31, 2017 and 2016, assuming that the companies were combined as of November 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes business combination accounting effects from the acquisition including amortization and depreciation charges from acquired intangible assets, property plant and equipment, interest expense on the financing transactions used to fund the Ixia acquisition and acquisition-related transaction costs and tax-related effects. Pro forma results of operations for ScienLab have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the company’s financial results.
The pro forma information as presented above is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of fiscal 2016 for Ixia.
4.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Keysight accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the authoritative accounting guidance, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"), employee stock purchases made under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), employee stock option awards, and performance share awards granted to selected members of our senior management under the Long-Term Performance (“LTP”) Program, based on estimated fair values.
Description of Keysight’s Share-Based Plans
Incentive compensation plans. The 2014 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2014 Stock Plan") was originally adopted by the Board of Directors ("the Board") on July 16, 2014, subsequently amended and restated by the Board on September 29, 2014 and on January 22, 2015 and became effective as of November 1, 2014 (the “Effective Date”). The Board initially reserved 25 million shares of company common stock that may be issued under the 2014 Stock Plan, plus any shares forfeited or cancelled under the 2014 Stock Plan and subsequently reduced the number to 17 million shares. The Plan was further amended and restated by the Board on November 16, 2017 to increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan to 21.8 million shares. The 2014 Stock Plan provides for the grant of awards in the form of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares and performance units with performance-based conditions on vesting or exercisability, and cash awards. The 2014 Stock Plan has a term of ten years. As of October 31, 2018, approximately 9 million shares were available for future awards under the 2014 Stock Plan.
Stock options granted under the 2014 Stock Plan may be either "incentive stock options," as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-statutory. Options generally vest at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant and generally have a maximum contractual term of ten years. The exercise price for stock options is generally not less than 100 percent of the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock award is granted.
Effective November 1, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the performance awards, part of the Long-Term Performance (“LTP”) Program administered under the 2014 Stock Plan, for the company's executive officers and other key employees. Participants in this program are entitled to receive unrestricted shares of the company's stock after the end of the contractual period if specified performance targets are met. The maximum contractual period for awards under the performance awards program is three years. These awards can be based on a variety of targets, such as total shareholder return ("TSR") or financial metrics, such as operating margin, cost synergies and others. The final award may vary from zero to 200 percent of the target award based on the actual performance. For TSR-based performance awards, the peer group comparisons are set at the beginning of the performance period. We consider the dilutive impact of this program in our diluted net income per share calculation only to the extent that the performance conditions are met.
Restricted stock units under our share-based plans are granted to directors, executives and employees. The estimated fair value of the restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2014 Stock Plan is determined based on the market price of Keysight common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units generally vest, with some exceptions, at a rate of 25 percent per year over a period of four years from the date of grant.
Effective November 1, 2014, the company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to ten percent of their base compensation to purchase shares of Keysight common stock at 85 percent of the closing market price at the purchase date. Shares authorized for issuance in connection with the ESPP are subject to an automatic annual increase of the lesser of one percent of the outstanding shares of Keysight common stock on November 1 or an amount determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the ESPP, in no event shall the number of shares issued under the ESPP exceed 75 million shares.
Under our ESPP, employees purchased 885,110 shares for $36 million in 2018, 1,085,382 shares for $32 million in 2017 and 1,234,111 shares for $30 million in 2016. As of October 31, 2018, common stock authorized and available for issuance under our ESPP was 21,302,108 shares, which includes shares issued in November 2018 to participants in consideration of the aggregate contribution of $23 million as of October 31, 2018.
Impact of Share-based Compensation Awards
Share-based compensation expense has been recognized using a straight-line amortization method.
The impact of share-based compensation expense on our results was as follows:
At October 31, 2018 and 2017 no share-based compensation expense was capitalized within inventory. The income tax benefit (deficiency) realized from exercised stock options and similar awards recognized was $5 million in 2018 recorded as a component of income tax expense, $3 million in 2017 and $(5) million in 2016 recorded as a component of equity.
Valuation Assumptions
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of TSR-based performance awards.
The TSR-based performance awards were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the price volatility of the underlying stock. The estimated fair value of restricted stock awards and the financial metrics-based performance awards is determined based on the market price of Keysight’s common stock on the grant date.
We did not grant stock option awards in 2018, 2017 and 2016. The fair value of share-based awards for employee stock options granted before 2016 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Share-based Payment Award Activity
Employee Stock Options: The following table summarizes 2018 activity related to stock option awarded to our employees and directors:
There were no forfeited or expired options in 2018.
The options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2018 were as follows:
The aggregate intrinsic value provided above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on Keysight's closing stock price of $57.08 at October 31, 2018, that would have been received by award holders had all award holders exercised their awards that were in-the-money as of that date. The total number of in-the-money awards exercisable at October 31, 2018 was approximately 1.1 million.
The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2018, 2017 and 2016:
As of October 31, 2018, the unrecognized share-based compensation costs for outstanding stock option awards was zero. See Note 5, "Income Taxes," for the tax impact on share-based award exercises.
Non-vested Awards
The following table summarizes non-vested award activity in 2018 primarily for our LTP Program and restricted stock unit awards:
As of October 31, 2018, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost for non-vested restricted stock awards was approximately $53 million, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $55 million for 2018, $43 million for 2017 and $33 million for 2016.
5.
INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before taxes are:
The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of:
Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits and deductions associated with our various share-based award plans are included as components of income tax expense for fiscal year 2018. The income tax provision for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 does not reflect potential future tax savings resulting from excess deductions associated with our various share-based award plans.
The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet are:
The increase in 2018 as compared to 2017 for the deferred tax assets primarily relates to the Singapore restructuring completed in 2018 in response to Singapore tax law changes, which resulted in an increase in intangible assets, offset with a decrease in net operating losses and a decrease in future pension liabilities in the U.S. pension. The decrease in 2018 as compared to 2017 for deferred tax liabilities primarily relates to a decrease in U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
due to U.S. tax reform, a decrease in acquired intangibles due to amortization or impairment and a decrease in future pension liabilities in the U.K.
Prior to the December 2017 enactment of comprehensive Federal tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), we recorded U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless the subsidiaries' earnings were considered indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. As a result of the Tax Act, U.S. income taxes are no longer due when earnings are distributed from foreign subsidiaries, so the deferred taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries has significantly reduced. As of October 31, 2018, there was a deferred tax liability of $5 million for the tax liability expected to be imposed upon the repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings that are not considered indefinitely reinvested. As of October 31, 2018, the cumulative amount of undistributed earnings considered indefinitely reinvested was $91 million. No deferred tax liability has been recognized on the basis difference created by such earnings since it is our intention to indefinitely reinvest those earnings in the company’s foreign operations. The amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on the indefinitely reinvested earnings was $4 million.
Valuation allowances require an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. Such assessment is required on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis.
The $79 million valuation allowance as of October 31, 2018 is mainly related to California research credits, capital losses in the U.K. and net operating losses in the U.K. and Netherlands. The $63 million valuation allowance as of October 31, 2017 was mainly related to capital losses in the U.K., California research credits and net operating losses in the U.K. and Netherlands. The increase in valuation allowance from October 31, 2017 to October 31, 2018 is primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on California research credits and U.S. state net operating losses that were acquired in the Ixia acquisition and an increase in the valuation allowance on Netherlands net operating losses. We will maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support reversal.
At October 31, 2018, we had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $11 million, U.S. capital loss carryforwards of approximately $3 million, and U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards, primarily acquired in the Ixia acquisition, of approximately $98 million. The U.S. federal net operating losses will expire in years beginning 2029 through 2036 if not utilized, and the capital loss carryforwards will expire in years beginning in 2022 if not utilized. The U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2019 if not utilized. At October 31, 2018, we had California research credit carryforwards of approximately $23 million. The California research credits can be carried forward indefinitely. The U.S. federal and state net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards are subject to change of ownership limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. At October 31, 2018, we also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $508 million, $128 million of which will expire in years beginning 2023 through 2027 if not utilized. The remaining $380 million has an indefinite life. At October 31, 2018, we had foreign capital loss carryforwards of approximately $146 million with an indefinite life and $3 million of tax credits in foreign jurisdictions with an indefinite life. Some of the foreign losses are subject to annual loss limitation rules. These annual loss limitations in foreign jurisdictions may result in the expiration or reduced utilization of the net operating losses.
The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate are:
We benefit from tax incentives in several jurisdictions, most significantly in Singapore, that have granted us tax incentives that require renewal at various times in the future. The tax incentives provide lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require thresholds of investments and employment or specific types of income in those jurisdictions. The Singapore tax incentive is due for renewal in fiscal 2024. The impact of the tax incentives decreased income taxes by $567 million, $49 million and $34 million in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The benefit of the tax incentives on net income per share (diluted) was approximately $2.97, $0.27 and $0.20 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in the benefit from 2017 to 2018 is primarily due to our Singapore restructuring and tax incentive modifications completed in 2018 in response to Singapore tax law changes. Of the $2.97 benefit of the tax incentives on net income per share (diluted) in 2018, $2.75 of the benefit relates to one-time items from the Singapore restructuring. The increase in the benefit from the tax incentive from 2016 to 2017 is primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income earned in Singapore.
For 2018, the effective tax rate was 140 percent, which is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the impact of U.S. tax law changes, the Singapore restructuring and tax incentive modifications completed in 2018 in response to Singapore tax law changes, and the tax impact of goodwill impairment. The impact of the Singapore restructuring includes tax benefits associated with intra-entity asset transfers that were recognized in accordance with ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which we elected to early adopt effective November 1, 2016.
For 2017, the effective tax rate was 43 percent, which is higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the payment of a prior year Malaysia tax assessment of $68 million, including tax and penalties, which we are currently in the process of appealing to the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (“SCIT”) in Malaysia.
For 2016, the effective tax rate was 8 percent, which is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to a higher percentage of earnings in the non-U.S. jurisdictions taxed at lower statutory tax rates. Also, the tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate due to the net tax benefit of $45 million resulting from the repatriation of earnings from Japan, which includes a U.S. tax expense of $27 million offset by $72 million of foreign tax credits recorded in connection with the repatriation.
The breakdown between current and long-term income tax assets and liabilities, excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities, was as follows for the years 2018 and 2017:
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax law and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Although the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes the use of a recognition and measurement model, the determination of whether an uncertain tax position has met those thresholds will continue to require significant judgment by management. In accordance with the guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, for all U.S. and other tax jurisdictions, we recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes and interest will be due. The ultimate resolution of tax uncertainties may differ from what is currently estimated, which could result in a material impact on income tax expense. If our estimate of income tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would be required. If events occur and the payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary.
The aggregate changes in the balances of our unrecognized tax benefits including all federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions are as follows:
As of October 31, 2018, we had $249 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. However, approximately $1 million of the unrecognized tax benefits were related to state income tax positions that, if recognized, would be in the form of a deferred tax asset that would likely not affect our effective tax rate due to a valuation allowance.
We recognized tax expense of $2 million, $18 million, and $1 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cumulatively, interest and penalties accrued as of the end of October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $22 million, $20 million and $2 million, respectively. The increase in interest and penalties from October 31, 2016 to October 31, 2017 is primarily due to $18 million of penalties paid for the Malaysia tax assessment relating to the 2008 tax year.
The open tax years for the IRS and most states are from November 1, 2014 through the current tax year. For the majority of our foreign entities, the open tax years are from August 1, 2014 through the current tax year. For certain foreign entities, the tax years remain open, at most, back to the year 2007. Given the number of years and numerous matters that remain subject to examination in various tax jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the range of possible changes to the balance of our unrecognized tax benefits.
The company is being audited in Malaysia for the 2008 tax year. Although this tax year pre-dates our spin-off from Agilent, pursuant to the agreement between Agilent and Keysight pertaining to tax matters, as finalized at the time of separation, for certain entities including Malaysia, any historical tax liability is the responsibility of Keysight. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, Keysight paid income taxes and penalties of $68 million on gains related to intellectual property rights, although we are currently in the
process of appealing to the Special Commissioners of Income Tax (“SCIT”) in Malaysia. The company believes there are numerous defenses to the current assessment; the statute of limitations for the 2008 tax year in Malaysia is closed and the income in question is exempt from tax in Malaysia. The company is disputing this assessment and pursuing all avenues to resolve this issue favorably for the company.
6.
NET INCOME PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations.
The dilutive effect of share-based awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method, which includes consideration of unamortized share-based compensation expense and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and non-vested restricted stock units. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options and unamortized share-based compensation expense are collectively assumed to be used to repurchase hypothetical shares. The increase in diluted weighted average shares for the years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 includes 5 million and 8 million shares, respectively, attributed to the weighted impact of 13 million shares of common stock issued in March 2017.
We exclude stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of our common stock from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. For the year ended 2018, 2017 and 2016, we excluded zero shares, zero shares and 1.7 million shares, respectively, from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. In addition, we also exclude from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, stock options, ESPP, LTP Program and restricted stock awards, whose combined exercise price, unamortized fair value and excess tax benefits collectively were greater than the average market price of our common stock because their effect would also be anti-dilutive. For the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we excluded 2,803 shares, 7,760 shares and 26,200 shares, respectively, from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
7.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Net cash paid for income taxes was $27 million in 2018, $121 million in 2017 and $23 million in 2016. The 2017 payments include $68 million paid to the Malaysia tax authority associated with a tax assessment on gains related to intellectual property transfers that we are currently in the process of appealing to the Special Commissioners of Income Tax in Malaysia.
Cash paid for interest was $79 million in 2018, $64 million in 2017 and $44 million in 2016. In 2017, we also paid fees of $9 million in connection with a bridge loan facility that were amortized to interest expense and classified as a financing activity in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
The following table summarizes our non-cash investing activities that are not reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
8.
INVENTORY
Inventory-related excess and obsolescence charges recorded in total cost of products were $25 million in 2018, $16 million in 2017 and $17 million in 2016. In 2018, excess and obsolete inventory-related charges includes $7 million due to divestiture-related activity. We record excess and obsolete inventory charges for inventory at our sites as well as inventory at our contract manufacturers and suppliers, where we have non-cancellable purchase commitments.
9.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Asset impairments were zero in 2018, 2017 and 2016. Depreciation expense was $103 million in 2018, $92 million in 2017 and $85 million in 2016. Buildings and leasehold improvements include assets held under capital lease of $4 million and $4 million at October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In 2014 we entered into a binding contract to sell land in the United Kingdom that resulted in the transfers of three separate land tracts from 2014 through 2017 totaling approximately $34 million. In 2017 and 2016, we recognized gains of $8 million and $10 million, respectively, on the sale of the land tracts in other operating expense (income).
10.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The goodwill balances as of October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and the movements in 2018 and 2017 for each of our reportable segments were as follows:
Other intangible assets as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:
In 2018, we recorded additions to goodwill of $6 million due to an acquisition and a $3 million reduction due to divestiture-related activity. There was $1 million foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets in 2018. In 2018, we transferred $23 million from in-process R&D to developed technology as projects were successfully completed and recorded an impairment charge of $5 million related to the cancellation of an in-process R&D project.
In 2017, we recorded additions to goodwill and other intangible assets of $1,159 million and $785 million, respectively, due to the acquisition of Ixia and other acquisitions. There was no foreign exchange translation impact to other intangible assets in 2017. In 2017, we transferred $43 million from in-process R&D to developed technology as projects were successfully completed and recorded an impairment charge of $7 million related to the cancellation of an in-process R&D project.
Amortization of other intangible assets was $204 million in 2018, $131 million in 2017, and $43 million in 2016. Future amortization expense related to existing finite-lived purchased intangible assets is estimated to be $203 million in 2019, $196 million in 2020, $128 million in 2021, $52 million in 2022, $44 million in 2023, and $21 million thereafter.
We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, after the annual update to our long-term financial forecasts during our strategic planning cycle, using data as of September 30 of that year. The impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, with an impairment charge recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. We determine fair values for each of the reporting units using the market approach, when available and appropriate, or the income approach, or a combination of both. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately.
Valuations using the market approach are derived from metrics of publicly traded comparable companies. The selections of comparable businesses are based on the markets in which our reporting units operate, giving consideration to risk profiles, size, geography, and diversity of products and services.
Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, we performed our annual impairment test of goodwill for all our reporting units using a qualitative approach, except for our Ixia Solutions Group ("ISG") reporting unit, for which the test was performed using a quantitative approach since their revenue and earnings have not been consistent with originally projected results, thus requiring a reduction of our long-term financial forecasts included in our revised strategic plan. The income and market approaches were used to determine the fair value of the ISG reporting unit. With respect to the income approach, the discounted cash flow method was used, which included an eight year future cash flow projection and an estimated terminal value. The market approach used revenue and EBITDA multiples to develop an estimate of fair value. A weighting of 60 percent and 40 percent was applied to the income and market approaches, respectively, to determine the fair value of the ISG reporting unit. The income approach was applied a larger weighting based on the underlying detailed financial projections prepared during the strategic planning cycle which reflect the financial and operational facts and circumstances specific to ISG as of the valuation date. Based on the results of our testing, the fair value of our ISG reporting unit did not exceed the carrying value. The primary factors contributing to a reduction in fair value of ISG were weaker-than-expected market growth rates since acquisition and significant integration efforts in the current year resulting in lower revenue and profitability trends included in our long-term financial forecasts. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss of $709 million for ISG.
As of October 31, 2018, we believe that no other goodwill impairment exists based on the qualitative approach, apart from the impairment charge discussed above, and that the remaining goodwill is recoverable for all of our reporting units; however, there can be no assurance that additional goodwill will not be impaired in future periods. Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. As a result of our revised strategic plan, we performed an impairment test of ISG's intangible assets and concluded that no impairment charge was required.
11.
INVESTMENTS
Net book value of investments as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Cost method investments consist of non-marketable equity securities and are accounted for at historical cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. Investments designated as available-for-sale consists of equity securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Investments in available-for-sale securities at estimated fair value were as follows:
All of our investments, excluding trading securities, are subject to periodic impairment review. The impairment analysis requires significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future value of the investment. We consider various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, forecasted recovery, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. There was no impairment recognized in the years ended 2018 and 2017. In 2016, cost method investments with a carrying amount of $2 million were written down to their fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $2 million, which is included in other income (expense).
Realized gains or losses on the sale of available-for-sale or cost method securities were zero in 2018, 2017 and 2016. Net unrealized gains on our trading securities portfolio was zero in 2018, $2 million in 2017 and zero in 2016.
12.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market and assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs used in valuation techniques into three levels. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the asset or liability such as: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in less active markets; or other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Our money market funds, trading securities, and available-for-sale investments are generally valued using quoted market prices and therefore are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Our deferred compensation liability is classified as Level 2 because the inputs used in the calculations are observable, although the values are not directly based on quoted market prices. Our derivative financial instruments are classified within Level 2, as there is not an active market for each hedge contract, but the inputs used to calculate the value of the instruments are tied to active markets.
Trading securities (which are earmarked to pay the deferred compensation liability) and deferred compensation liability are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. Investments designated as available-for-sale and certain derivative instruments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses from the sale of these instruments are recorded in earnings.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis consisted of goodwill and intangible assets for our Ixia Solutions Group reporting unit. Refer to Note 10, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for more information.
Goodwill
Fair value assessments of the reporting unit and the reporting unit's net assets, which are performed for goodwill impairments tests, are considered Level 3 measurements due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using company-specific information. We considered a market approach as well as an income approach using the discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.
Intangible Assets
We utilized an income approach for estimating the fair value of intangible assets. The future cash flows used in the analysis are based on internal cash flow projections based on our long-range plans and include significant assumptions by management. Accordingly, the fair value assessment of the long-lived asses is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
13.
DERIVATIVES
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of our business. As part of risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts and purchased options to hedge economic and/or accounting exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Cash Flow Hedges
We enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge our forecasted operational cash flow exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts, carried at fair value, have maturities between one and twelve months. These derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in the authoritative guidance. The changes in the value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts associated with cash flow hedges are reclassified to cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the hedge relationship will be de-designated and amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to other income (expense) in the current period. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the consolidated statement of operations in the current period. We record the premium paid (time value) of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. For options designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are recognized in other income (expense) over the life of the option contract. The ineffectiveness for the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was not significant.
Other Hedges
Additionally, we enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. These foreign exchange contracts are carried at fair value and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are not designated as hedging instruments. Changes in value of the derivative are recognized in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations, in the current period, along with the offsetting foreign currency gain or loss on the underlying assets or liabilities.
Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. We do, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions which are selected based on their credit ratings and other factors. We have established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk that include establishing counterparty credit limits, monitoring credit exposures, and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
A number of our derivative agreements contain threshold limits to the net liability position with counterparties and are dependent on our corporate credit rating determined by the major credit rating agencies. The counterparties to the derivative instruments may request collateralization, in accordance with derivative agreements, on derivative instruments in net liability positions.
The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position as of October 31, 2018 was $4 million. The credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had not been triggered as of October 31, 2018.
There were 159 foreign exchange forward contracts open as of October 31, 2018 and designated as cash flow hedges. There were 63 foreign exchange forward contracts and zero foreign exchange option contract open as of October 31, 2018 not designated as hedging instruments. The aggregated notional amounts by currency and designation as of October 31, 2018 were as follows:
Derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements and are disclosed gross in the consolidated balance sheet. The gross fair values and balance sheet presentation of derivative instruments held as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
The effect of derivative instruments for foreign exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated statement of operations was as follows:
The estimated amount of net gain at October 31, 2018 expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to cost of products within the next twelve months is zero.
14.
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
General. The majority of our employees are covered under various defined benefit and/or defined contribution retirement plans. Additionally, we sponsor post-retirement health care benefits for our eligible U.S. employees. We provide U.S. employees, who meet eligibility criteria under the Keysight Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan ("RP"), defined benefits which are based on an employee's base or target pay during the years of employment and on length of service. For eligible employees' service through October 31, 1993, the benefit payable under the RP is reduced by any amounts due to the eligible employees' service under our defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan ("DPSP"), which was closed to new participants as of November 1993.
In addition, in the U.S. we maintain the Supplemental Benefits Retirement Plan ("SBRP"), a supplemental unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plan to provide benefits that would be provided under the RP but for limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The RP and the SBRP comprise the "U.S. Plans."
As of October 31, 2018, the fair value of plan assets of the DPSP for U.S. employees was $268 million. The obligation for the DPSP eligible employees equals the fair value of the DPSP assets due to the benefit payable under the RP being the greater of the RP and DPSP.
Eligible employees outside the U.S. generally receive retirement benefits under various retirement plans ("Non-U.S. Plans") based on factors such as years of service and/or employee compensation levels. Eligibility is generally determined in accordance with local statutory requirements.
401(k) defined contribution plan. Eligible U.S. employees may participate in the Keysight Technologies, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Enrollment in the 401(k) Plan is automatic for employees who meet eligibility requirements unless they decline participation. Under the 401(k) Plan, we provide matching contributions to employees up to a maximum of 4 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation. The maximum contribution to the 401(k) Plan is 50 percent of an employee's annual eligible compensation, subject to regulatory limitations. Employees hired on or after August 1, 2015 are not eligible to participate in the RP or the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan. We provide matching contributions to these employees under the 401(k) Plan up to a maximum of 6 percent of the employee's annual eligible compensation. The 401(k) Plan employer expense included in income from operations was $23 million in 2018, $16 million in 2017 and $14 million in 2016.
Post-retirement medical benefit plans. In addition to receiving retirement benefits, U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements as of their termination date may participate in the Keysight Technologies, Inc. Health Plan for Retirees ("U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan"). Eligible retirees who were less than age 50 as of January 1, 2005 and who retire after age 55 with 15 or more years of service (age 54 with 14 or more years of service for workforce managed terminations) are eligible for a fixed amount that can be utilized to pay for premiums under a Keysight sponsored pre-Medicare medical plan, non-Keysight sponsored medical, dental and vision plans purchased in the individual insurance market, as well as Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, prescription drug premiums, and eligible premiums paid for coverage under another employer's retiree medical, retiree vision and retiree dental plan provided such premiums were not paid on a pre-tax basis. Eligible retirees who were at least age 50 as of January 1, 2005 and who retire after age 55 with 15 or more years of service (age 54 with 14 or more years of service for workforce managed terminations) currently choose from managed-care or indemnity options, with the company subsidization level or stipend dependent on a number of factors, including eligibility and length of service. Grandfathered retirees receive a fixed monthly subsidy toward pre-65 premium costs (subsidy capped at 2011 levels) and a fixed monthly stipend post-65. The subsidy amounts will not increase.
Components of net periodic benefit cost. The company uses alternate methods of amortization, as allowed by the authoritative guidance, which amortizes the actuarial gains and losses on a consistent basis for the years presented. For the U.S. Plans, gains and losses are amortized over the average future working lifetime. For most Non-U.S. Plans and the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan, gains and losses are amortized using a separate layer for each year's gains and losses.
On October 26, 2018, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom (the "High Court") ruled that Lloyds Bank plc was required to equalize benefits payable to men and women under its U.K. defined benefit pension plans by amending those plans to increase the pension benefits payable to participants that accrued such benefits during the period from 1990 to 1997. The inequalities arose from statutory differences in the retirement ages and rates of accrual of benefits for men and women related to Guaranteed Minimum Pension ("GMP") benefits that are included in U.K. defined benefit pension plans. We are evaluating the applicability of the High Court's ruling to our U.K. defined benefit pension plans. As of October 31, 2018, no amounts have been recorded as specifics related to these calculations have been deferred to future hearings. Our estimate of the potential impact is less than 1 percent of the projected benefit obligation and is not material to our financial statements.
On December 15, 2016, we transferred a portion of the assets and obligations of our Japanese Employees’ Pension Fund ("EPF") to the Japanese government. The remaining portion of the EPF was transferred to a new Keysight Japan corporate defined
benefit pension plan. The difference between the obligations settled with the government of $142 million and the assets transferred to the government of $51 million resulted in an increase in the funded status of the new defined benefit pension plan of $91 million. The settlement resulted in a gain of $68 million which is included in other operating expense (income) in the consolidated statement of operations. Previously accrued salary progression of $4 million was derecognized at the time of settlement.
For the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were comprised of:
Funded status. As of October 31, 2018 and 2017, the funded status of the defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans was as follows:
(a) Certain of our immaterial defined benefit plans are not included in these disclosures.
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost (benefit) during 2019 are as follows:
Investment policies and strategies as of October 31, 2018. In the U.S., our RP and U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan target asset allocations are approximately 70 percent to equities and approximately 30 percent to fixed income investments. Our DPSP target asset allocation is approximately 60 percent to equities and approximately 40 percent to fixed income investments. The general investment objective for all our plan assets is to obtain the optimum rate of investment return on the total investment portfolio consistent with the assumption of a reasonable level of risk. Specific investment objectives for the plans' portfolios are to: maintain and enhance the purchasing power of the plans' assets; achieve investment returns consistent with the level of risk being taken; and earn performance rates of return in accordance with the benchmarks adopted for each asset class. Outside of the U.S., our target asset allocation is from 20 to 60 percent to equities, from 40 to 80 percent to fixed income investments, from zero to 20 percent to real estate investments and from zero to 14 percent to cash, depending on the plan. All plans' assets are broadly
diversified. Due to fluctuations in capital markets, our actual allocations of plan assets as of October 31, 2018, differ from the target allocation. Our policy is to periodically bring the actual allocation in line with the target allocation.
Equity securities include exchange-traded common stock and preferred stock of companies from broadly diversified industries. Fixed income securities include a portfolio of corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, government securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, derivative instruments and other. Portions of the cash and cash equivalent, equity, and fixed income investments are held in commingled funds.
Fair Value. The measurement of the fair value of pension and post-retirement plan assets uses the valuation methodologies and the inputs as described in Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements."
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term investment funds. The funds also invest in short-term domestic fixed income securities and other securities with debt-like characteristics, emphasizing short-term maturities and quality. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 investments except when the cash and cash equivalents are held in commingled funds, which have a daily net asset value ("NAV") derived from quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets; these are classified as assets measured at NAV.
Equity - Some equity securities consisting of common and preferred stock are held in commingled funds, which have daily NAVs derived from quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets; these are classified as assets measure at NAV. Commingled funds which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.
Fixed Income - Some of the fixed income securities are held in commingled funds, which have daily NAVs derived from the underlying securities; these are classified as assets measured at NAV. Commingled funds which have quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 investments.
Other Investments - Other investments include property-based pooled vehicles which invest in real estate. Market NAVs are regularly published in the financial press or on corporate websites; therefore, these investments are classified as Level 3 investments or assets measured at NAV.
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2018 and 2017:
For U.S. Defined Benefit Plans, there was no activity relating to assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2018 and 2017.
The following tables present the fair value of U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2018 and 2017:
For U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan, there was no activity relating to assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2018 and 2017.
The following tables present the fair value of Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2018 and 2017:
For Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the following table summarizes the change in balances during 2018 and 2017:
The table below presents the combined projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of plan assets, grouping plans using comparisons of the PBO and ABO relative to the plan assets as of October 31, 2018 and 2017:
Contributions and estimated future benefit payments. In 2018, we made an accelerated contribution of $85 million to our U.S. Defined Benefit Plans to secure tax deductibility at the current corporate rate prior to new tax legislation taking effect. During 2019, we do not expect to contribute to the U.S. Defined Benefit Plans or the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan, and we expect to contribute $33 million to the Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans. The following table presents expected future benefit payments for the next 10 years.
Assumptions. The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and expense for our defined benefit and post-retirement benefit plans are presented in the tables below. The expected long-term return on assets below represents an estimate of long-term returns on investment portfolios, consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and other investments, in proportion to the asset allocations of each of our plans. We consider long-term rates of return, which are weighted based on the asset classes (both historical and forecasted) in which we expect our pension and post-retirement funds to be invested. Discount rates reflect the current rate at which pension and post-retirement obligations could be settled based on the measurement dates of the plans, which is October 31. The U.S. discount rates as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were determined based on the results of matching expected plan benefit payments with cash flows from a hypothetically constructed bond portfolio. The Non-U.S. discount rates as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were determined using spot rates along the yield curve to calculate disaggregated discount rates. In addition, we used this method to calculate two components of the periodic benefit cost: service cost and interest cost. The range of assumptions that were used for the Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans reflects the different economic environments within various countries.
Assumptions used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost (benefit) for the year ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Assumptions used to calculate the benefit obligation as of October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Health care trend rates did not have a significant effect on the total service and interest cost components or on the post-retirement benefit obligation amounts reported for the U.S. Post-Retirement Benefit Plan for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017.
15.
GUARANTEES
Standard Warranty
Effective December 1, 2017, Keysight warranties on products sold through direct sales channels are primarily for one year. Warranties for products sold through distribution channels continue to be primarily for three years. We accrue for standard warranty costs based on historical trends in warranty charges. The accrual is reviewed regularly and periodically adjusted to reflect changes in warranty cost estimates. Estimated warranty charges are recorded within cost of products at the time related product revenue is recognized.
Activity related to the standard warranty accrual, which is included in other accrued and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet, is as follows:
Indemnifications to Agilent
In connection with our separation from Agilent, we agreed to indemnify Agilent against certain damages and expenses that it might incur in the future. These indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the electronic measurement business of Agilent which was contributed to Keysight. Additionally, if the distribution of Keysight common stock to the Agilent shareholders were determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Agilent and its shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. If such determination is the result of our taking or failing to take certain actions, then under the agreement between Agilent and Keysight pertaining to tax matters, as finalized at the time of separation, we are generally required to indemnify Agilent against such tax liabilities. Pursuant to the agreement pertaining to tax matters, we may also be required to indemnify Agilent for other contingent tax liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our financial position. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
Indemnifications to Avago
In connection with the sale of Agilent's semiconductor products business in December 2005, Agilent agreed to indemnify Avago, its affiliates and other related parties against certain damages and expenses that it might incur in the future. The continuing indemnifications primarily cover damages and expenses relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent retained and did not transfer to Avago, as well as pre-closing taxes and other specified items. In connection with our separation from Agilent, we have agreed to indemnify Agilent in connection with the indemnification obligations of Agilent with respect to Avago. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
Indemnifications to Verigy
In connection with the spin-off of Verigy, Agilent agreed to indemnify Verigy and its affiliates against certain damages which it might incur in the future. These indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent did not transfer to Verigy, liabilities that might arise under limited portions of Verigy's IPO materials that relate to Agilent, and costs and expenses incurred by Agilent or Verigy to effect the IPO, arising out of the distribution of Agilent's remaining holding in Verigy ordinary shares to Agilent's stockholders, or incurred to effect the separation of the semiconductor test solutions business from Agilent to the extent incurred prior to the separation on June 1, 2006. On July 4, 2011, Verigy announced the completion by Advantest Corporation of its acquisition of Verigy. Verigy operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advantest and Agilent's indemnification obligations to Verigy should be unaffected. In connection with our separation from Agilent, we have agreed to indemnify Agilent in connection with the indemnification obligations of Agilent with respect to Verigy. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
Indemnifications to HP Inc.
Agilent has given multiple indemnities to HP Inc. ("HP") in connection with Agilent's activities prior to its spin-off from HP for the businesses that constituted Agilent prior to the spin-off. These indemnifications cover a variety of aspects of Agilent's business, including, but not limited to, employee, tax, intellectual property and environmental matters. The agreements containing these indemnifications have been previously disclosed as exhibits to Agilent's registration statement on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 1999. As part of our separation from Agilent, we have agreed to assume these indemnification obligations of Agilent relating to the electronic measurement business with respect to HP. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
Indemnifications to Officers and Directors
Our corporate by-laws require that we indemnify our officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at our request, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings arising out of their services to Keysight and such other entities, including service with respect to employee benefit plans. In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each director and each board-appointed officer of Keysight which provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under similar circumstances and under additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in the by-laws and the indemnification agreements. We purchase standard insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against our directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in our by-laws or in our indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not made payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
Other Indemnifications
As is customary in our industry and as provided for in local law in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, many of our standard contracts provide remedies to our customers and others with whom we enter into contracts, such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of our products. From time to time, we indemnify customers, as well as our suppliers, contractors, lessors, lessees, companies that purchase our businesses or assets and others with whom we enter into contracts, against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events related to the sale and the use of our products and services, the use of their goods and services, the use of facilities and state of our owned facilities, the state of the assets and businesses that we sell and other matters covered by such contracts, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, from time to time we also provide protection to these parties against claims related to undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability or environmental obligations. In our experience, claims made under such indemnifications are rare and the associated estimated fair value of the liability was not material as of October 31, 2018.
In connection with the previous sales of several of Agilent’s businesses, Agilent agreed to indemnify the buyers of such businesses, their respective affiliates and other related parties against certain damages that they might incur in the future. The continuing indemnifications primarily cover damages relating to liabilities of the businesses that Agilent retained and did not transfer to the buyers, as well as other specified items. In connection with our separation from Agilent, we agreed to assume the indemnification obligations of Agilent to the extent that the retained businesses were part of the electronic measurement business. In our opinion, the fair value of these indemnification obligations was not material as of October 31, 2018.
16.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Lease Commitments. We lease certain real and personal property from unrelated third parties under non-cancellable operating leases. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of October 31, 2018 were $44 million in 2019, $38 million in 2020, $27 million in 2021, $22 million in 2022, $14 million in 2023 and $46 million thereafter. Future minimum sublease income under leases as of October 31, 2018 was $2 million in 2019, $1 million in 2020, $1 million in 2021, zero in 2022, zero in 2023 and none thereafter. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance, and include escalation clauses. Total rent expense was $60 million in 2018, $51 million in 2017 and $45 million in 2016.
Capital Lease Commitments. We had capital lease obligations of $4 million as of October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017. The current portion of the total obligation is included in other accrued liabilities and the remaining long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Future minimum lease payments, including financing charges, under capital leases as of October 31, 2018 were $1 million in 2019, zero in 2020, $1 million in 2021, zero in 2022, $1 million in 2023 and $2 million thereafter. Assets held under capital leases are included in net property, plant, and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet.
Litigation and Contingencies. We are involved in lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including, but not limited to, patent, commercial and environmental matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. There are no matters pending that we currently believe are reasonably possible of having a material impact to our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
On July 20, 2017, Centripetal Networks, Inc. ("Centripetal") filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Centripetal Networks, Inc. v. Keysight Technologies, Inc. and Ixia, Case No. 17-cv-00383-HCM-LRL (E.D. Va), alleging the infringement of Centripetal patents related to certain of Ixia’s products. Through July 31, 2018, we had accrued an immaterial amount, which represented a settlement offer made early in the litigation. At that time, we did not believe that a loss was probable or reasonably estimable, nor did we believe there was a reasonable possibility of a material loss. No settlement demands were made, nor were estimates of damages provided prior to court-ordered mediation.
Mediation was held in September 2018 but did not result in resolution of the case. On October 2, 2018, trial started before a jury. During the trial, the parties agreed to settle the case for a worldwide, royalty-bearing, non-transferable, irrevocable, non-terminable, non-exclusive license to Centripetal’s worldwide patent portfolio that ends on December 31, 2021, as well as a monetary, one-time payment of $25 million for past damages that was recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The complaint was dismissed on October 12, 2018. The payment for past damages was recognized and paid as of October 31, 2018.
17.
DEBT
The following table summarizes the components of our short-term and long-term debt:
Short-Term Debt
Revolving Credit Facility
On February 15, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced our existing $450 million unsecured credit facility dated September 15, 2014. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a $450 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that will expire on February 15, 2022 and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.30%. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility permits us to increase the total commitments under this credit facility by up to $150 million in the aggregate on one or more occasions upon request. We may use amounts borrowed under the facility for general corporate purposes. During the year ended October 31, 2018, we borrowed and repaid $40 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of October 31, 2018, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. We were in compliance with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility during the year ended October 31, 2018.
2019 Senior Notes
In October 2014, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in unsecured senior notes ("2019 Senior Notes"). The 2019 Senior Notes were issued at 99.902 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 30, 2019, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.30 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 30 of each year. We incurred issuance costs of $4 million in connection with the 2019 Senior Notes that are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes. The 2019 senior notes are repayable within one year and have been reclassified to short-term debt.
Long-Term Debt
2024 Senior Notes
In October 2014, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $600 million in unsecured senior notes ("2024 Senior Notes"). The 2024 Senior Notes were issued at 99.966 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on October 30, 2024, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.55 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 30 of each year. We incurred issuance costs of $5 million in connection with the 2024 Senior Notes that are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes.
2027 Senior Notes
In April 2017, the company issued an aggregate principal amount of $700 million in unsecured senior notes ("2027 Senior Notes"). The 2027 Senior Notes were issued at 99.873 percent of their principal amount. The notes will mature on April 6, 2027 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.60 percent per annum. The interest is payable semi-annually on April 6 and October 6 of each year, commencing on October 6, 2017. We incurred issuance costs of $6 million in connection with the 2027 Senior Notes that, along with the debt discount of $1 million, are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the senior notes.
The above senior notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness.
Senior Unsecured Term Loan
On February 15, 2017, we entered into a term credit agreement that provides for a three-year $400 million senior unsecured term loan that bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 1.50%. The term loan was drawn upon the closing of the Ixia acquisition. On February 27, 2018, we fully repaid borrowings outstanding under the term loan of $260 million and terminated the credit agreement. We had previously repaid $140 million of the term loan during the year ended October 31, 2017.
Letters of Credit
As of October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we had $26 million and $26 million, respectively, of outstanding letters of credit unrelated to the credit facility that were issued by various lenders.
18.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock Repurchase Program
On March 6, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $350 million of the company’s common stock, replacing a previously approved 2016 program authorizing the purchase of up to $200 million of the company's common stock. Under the new program, shares may be purchased from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or other means. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for at trade date using the cost method. The stock repurchase program may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time at the company’s discretion and does not have an expiration date.
For the year ended October 31, 2018, we repurchased 2,075,460 shares of common stock for $120 million. For the year ended October 31, 2017, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program. All such shares and related costs are held as treasury stock and accounted for at trade date using the cost method.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
The following table summarizes the components of our accumulated other comprehensive loss as of October 31, 2018 and 2017, net of tax effect:
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component and related tax effects for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
An amount in parentheses indicates a reduction to income and an increase to the accumulated other comprehensive income.
Reclassifications of prior service benefit and actuarial net loss in respect of retirement plans and post retirement pension plans are included in the computation of net periodic cost (see Note 14, "Retirement Plans and Post Retirement Pension Plans").
19.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
We provide electronic design and test instruments and systems and related software, software design tools, and related services that are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of electronics equipment. Related services include start-up assistance, instrument productivity and application services and instrument calibration and repair. Additionally, we provide test, security and visibility solutions that validate, secure and optimize networks and applications from
engineering concept to live deployment. We also offer customization, consulting and optimization services throughout the customer's product life cycle.
On April 18, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Ixia, which became a separate reportable operating segment, the Ixia Solutions Group. As a result, Keysight has four segments: Communications Solutions Group, Electronic Industrial Solutions Group, Ixia Solutions Group and Services Solutions Group.
Our operating segments were determined based primarily on how the chief operating decision maker views and evaluates our operations. Segment operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to each segment and to assess performance. Other factors, including market separation and customer specific applications, go-to-market channels, products and services and manufacturing are considered in determining the formation of these operating segments.
Descriptions of our four reportable segments are as follows:
The Communications Solutions Group serves customers spanning the worldwide commercial communications end market, which includes internet infrastructure, and the aerospace, defense and government end market. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment.
The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group provides test and measurement solutions across a broad set of electronic industrial end markets, focusing on high-growth applications in the automotive and energy industry and measurement solutions for semiconductor design and manufacturing, consumer electronics, education and general electronics manufacturing. The group provides electronic design and test software, instruments, and systems used in the simulation, design, validation, manufacturing, installation and optimization of electronic equipment.
The Ixia Solutions Group helps customers validate the performance and security resilience of their networks and associated applications. The test, visibility and security products help organizations and their customers strengthen their physical and virtual networks. Enterprises, service providers, network equipment manufacturers, and governments worldwide rely on the group's solutions to validate new products before shipping and secure ongoing operation of their networks with better visibility and security. The group’s product solutions consist of high-performance hardware platforms, software applications, and services, including warranty and maintenance offerings.
The Services Solutions Group provides repair, calibration and consulting services, and remarkets used Keysight equipment. In addition to providing repair and calibration support for Keysight equipment, we also calibrate non-Keysight equipment. The group serves the same markets as Keysight’s Communications Solutions and Electronic Industrial Solutions Groups, providing industry-specific services to deliver complete Keysight solutions and help customers reduce their total cost of ownership for their design and test equipment.
A significant portion of the segments' expenses, other than the Ixia Solutions Group expenses, arise from shared services and infrastructure that we have historically provided to the segments in order to realize economies of scale and to efficiently optimize resources. These expenses, collectively called corporate charges, include costs of centralized research and development, legal, accounting, real estate, insurance services, information technology services, treasury and other corporate infrastructure expenses. Charges are allocated to the segments, and the allocations have been determined on a basis that we consider to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or benefits received by the segments. The Ixia Solutions Group has not been allocated these shared services and infrastructure charges, with the exception of net periodic benefit costs, for the current fiscal year.
The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments under our management reporting system. These results are not necessarily in conformity with GAAP. The performance of each segment is measured based on several metrics, including income from operations. These results are used, in part, by the chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments.
The profitability of each of the segments is measured after excluding share-based compensation expense, restructuring and related costs, amortization of acquisition-related balances, acquisition and integration costs, acquisition-related compensation expense, separation and related costs, pension curtailment and settlement loss (gains), northern California wildfire-related costs, goodwill impairment, legal settlement, gain on divestitures, interest income, interest expense and other items as noted in the reconciliations below.
The following table reconciles reportable segments' income from operations to our total enterprise income before taxes:
Major customers. No customer represented 10 percent or more of our total net revenue in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
The following table presents assets and capital expenditures directly managed by each segment. Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term and other receivables and other assets.
The following table reconciles segment assets to our total assets:
The other category primarily includes pension assets and also represents the difference between how segments report deferred taxes and intangible assets at the initial purchased amount.
The following table presents summarized information for net revenue and long-lived assets by geographic region. Revenues from external customers are generally attributed to countries based upon the location of the Keysight sales representative. Long lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, long-term receivables and other long-term assets excluding intangible assets. The rest of the world primarily consists of rest of Asia and Europe.
20.
IMPACT OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
During the week of October 8, 2017, wildfires in northern California adversely impacted the Keysight corporate headquarters site in Santa Rosa, CA. Our headquarters was under mandatory evacuation for more than three weeks, and while direct damage to our core facilities was limited, our buildings did experience some smoke and other fire-related impacts. Cleaning and restoration efforts are largely complete, and we have fully re-occupied the site. Keysight is insured for the damage caused by the fire.
For the year ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized costs of $7 million and $16 million, respectively, net of estimated insurance recoveries of $90 million and $2 million, respectively. Expenses were primarily for cleaning and restoration activities, write-off of damaged fixed assets and other direct costs related to recovery from this event.
A summary of the net charges in the consolidated statement of operations resulting from the impact of the fire is shown below:
As of October 31, 2018, we have received insurance proceeds of $68 million and have a receivable of $24 million for losses and expenses for which insurance reimbursement is probable. The receivable is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, for the year ended October 31, 2018, we made investments in property, plant and equipment related to fire recovery of $27 million, which is expected to be covered by insurance. In many cases, our insurance coverage exceeds the amount of these covered losses, but no gain contingencies have been recognized as our ability to realize those gains remains uncertain for financial reporting purposes. We currently estimate total insurance recovery to range from $125 million to $135 million, which will substantially cover our total fire-related losses, expenses and investments in property, plant and equipment in excess of our $10 million self-insured retention amount. There may be a difference in timing of costs incurred and the related insurance reimbursement.
21.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, we completed an organizational change to better align our services business with our customers and end markets. As a result of this realignment and in recognition of the end-to-end nature of Keysight solutions, beginning with our first quarter, we will have three reportable operating segments, Communications Solutions Group (“CSG”), Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (“EISG”) and Ixia Solutions Group (“ISG”). Our services business, previously Services Solutions Group (“SSG”), is now included in CSG and EISG and will be reported in the specific industry segments in which they are delivered, just as software and hardware solutions are today.
QUARTERLY SUMMARY
(Unaudited)
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2018, pursuant to and as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of October 31, 2018, the company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were effective and designed to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed in the company's reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and (ii) information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the results of this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2018. During the year ended October 31, 2018, a majority of Ixia Solutions Group's financial activity was integrated into the existing Keysight internal control structure.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2018 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is 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
Information regarding our directors will appear under “Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors” in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”). That portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into this report. Information regarding our executive officers appears in Item 1 of this report under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” Information regarding our Audit and Finance Committee and our Audit and Finance Committee's financial expert appears under “Audit and Finance Committee Report” and “Board Structure and Compensation” in our Proxy Statement. That portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into this report.
There were no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors. Information regarding our code of ethics (the company's Standards of Business Conduct) applicable to our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, our controller and other senior financial officers appears in Item 1 of this report under “Investor Information.” We will post amendments to or waivers from a provision of the Standards of Business Conduct with respect to those persons on our website at www.investor.keysight.com.
In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in Keysight’s proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, the written proposal must be received by Keysight no later than December 24, 2018 and should contain such
information as is required under Keysight’s Bylaws. Such proposals will need to comply with the SEC’s regulations regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in Keysight sponsored proxy materials.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Information about compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act appears under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement. That portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into this report.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information about compensation of our named executive officers appears under “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement. Information about compensation of our directors appears under “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report” and “Stock Ownership Guidelines” in the Proxy Statement. Those portions of the Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into this report.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears under "Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement. That portion of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into this report.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2018. All outstanding awards relate to our common stock.
(1)
The number of securities remaining available for future issuance in column (c) includes 21,302,108 shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under the Keysight Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("423(b) Plan"). The number of shares authorized for issuance under the 423(b) Plan is subject to an automatic annual increase of the lesser of one percent of the outstanding common stock of Keysight or an amount determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the 423(b) Plan, in no event shall the aggregate number of shares issued under the Plan exceed 75 million shares. The number of securities remaining available for future issuance in column (c) is before the issuance of shares of common stock to participants in consideration of the aggregate participant contribution under 423(b) plan totaling $23 million as of October 31, 2018.
(2)
We issue securities under our equity compensation plans in forms other than options, warrants or rights. Those are issued under the 2014 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan which was originally adopted by the Board on July 16, 2014, subsequently amended and restated by the Board on September 29, 2014 and January 22, 2015 and became effective as of November 1, 2014 (the “Effective Date”). The Plan was further amended and restated by the Board on November 16, 2017. The 2014 Plan provides for the grant of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units with performance-based conditions to vesting or exercisability, and cash awards. The 2014 Plan has a term of ten years.
(3)
We issue securities under our equity compensation plans in forms which do not require a payment by the recipient to us at the time of exercise or vesting, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units. Accordingly, the weighted-average exercise price in column (b) does not take these awards into account.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information about certain relationships and related transactions appears under "Related Person Transaction Policy and Procedures" in the Proxy Statement. Information about director independence appears under the heading "Board Structure and Compensation - Director Independence" in the Proxy Statement. Each of those portions of the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into this report.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information about principal accountant fees and services as well as related pre-approval policies appears under "Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers" and "Policy on Audit and Finance Committee Preapproval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Auditors" in the Proxy Statement. Those portions of the Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into this report.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1.
Financial Statements.
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this report.
2.
Financial Statement Schedule.
The following additional financial statement schedule should be considered in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements. All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is either not applicable or not sufficiently material to require submission of the schedule.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
* Additions include current year additions charged to expenses and current year build due to increases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") impact to deferred taxes.
** Deductions include current year releases credited to expenses and current year reductions due to decreases in net deferred tax assets, return to provision true-ups, other adjustments and OCI impact to deferred taxes.
3.
Exhibits.
Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as indicated below (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
**
Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Keysight will furnish supplemental copies of any such schedules or exhibits to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
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.
KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BY
/s/ Neil Dougherty
Neil Dougherty
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: December 18, 2018
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stephen D. Williams and Jeffrey Li, or any of them, his or her attorneys-in-fact, for such person in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report 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 any of said attorneys-in-fact, or substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue 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.