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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-K
(MARK ONE)
☑
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transi on period from to
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdic on of
Incorpora on or Organiza on)
Broadcom Inc.
3421 Hillview Ave
CA
94304
Palo Alto,
(650) 427-6000
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter
Address of Principal Execu ve Offices, Including Zip Code
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
001-38449
(Commission File Number)
35-2617337
(I.R.S. Employer
Iden fica on No.)
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Securi es registered pursuant to Sec on 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol(s)
AVGO
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securi es registered pursuant to Sec on 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securi es Act. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Sec on 13 or Sec on 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sec on 13 or 15(d) of the Securi es Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submi ed electronically every Interac ve Data File required to be submi ed pursuant to Rule 405 of Regula on S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller repor ng company, or an emerging growth
company. See the defini ons of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller repor ng company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller repor ng company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
Large accelerated filer ☑
Accelerated filer
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transi on period for complying with any new or revised
financial accoun ng standards provided pursuant to Sec on 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and a esta on to its management’s assessment of the effec veness of its internal control over
financial repor ng under Sec on 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accoun ng firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securi es are registered pursuant to Sec on 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the
correc on of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error correc ons are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incen ve-based compensa on received by any of the
registrant’s execu ve officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The aggregate market value of vo ng and non-vo ng common equity held by non-affiliates as of April 28, 2023, based upon the closing sale price of such shares on The
Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date was approximately $253.7 billion.
As of November 24, 2023, there were 468,140,569 shares of our common stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Por ons of the registrant’s defini ve Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Mee ng of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Table of Contents
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9C.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
BROADCOM INC.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.
BUSINESS
RISK FACTORS
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
PROPERTIES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
PART II.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY
SECURITIES
[RESERVED]
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
OTHER INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
PART III.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 15.
ITEM 16.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
PART IV.
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PART I
The following discussion should be read in conjunc on with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securi es laws and par cularly in
Item 1: “Business,” Item 1A: “Risk Factors,” Item 3: “Legal Proceedings” and Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condi on and Results of
Opera ons” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These statements are indicated by words or phrases such as “an cipate,” “expect,” “es mate,” “seek,” “plan,”
“believe,” “could,” “intend,” “will,” and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements may include projec ons of financial informa on; statements
about historical results that may suggest trends for our business; statements of the plans, strategies, and objec ves of management for future opera ons;
statements of expecta on or belief regarding future events (including any acquisi ons we may make), technology developments, our products, product sales,
expenses, liquidity, cash flow and growth rates, or enforceability of our intellectual property rights; any backlog; and the effects of seasonality on our business.
Such statements are based on current expecta ons, es mates, forecasts and projec ons of our industry performance and macroeconomic condi ons, based on
management’s judgment, beliefs, current trends and market condi ons, and involve risks and uncertain es that may cause actual results to differ materially from
those contained in the forward-looking statements. We derive most of our forward-looking statements from our opera ng budgets and forecasts, which are
based upon many detailed assump ons. While we believe that our assump ons are reasonable, we cau on that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known
factors, and it is impossible for us to an cipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Accordingly, we cau on you not to place undue reliance on these
statements. Material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expecta ons are summarized and disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Part I,
Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Broadcom,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean Broadcom Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries. Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to October 31 in a 52-week year and the first Sunday in November in a 53-week year. We refer to our
fiscal years by the calendar year in which they end. For example, the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 was a 52-week year.
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ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Overview
We are a global technology leader that designs, develops and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and infrastructure so ware solu ons. Our over 50-
year history of innova on dates back to our diverse origins from Hewle -Packard Company, AT&T, LSI Corpora on, Broadcom Corpora on, Brocade
Communica ons Systems LLC, CA, Inc., Symantec Enterprise Security, and VMware, Inc. (“VMware”). Over the years, we have assembled a large team of
semiconductor and so ware design engineers around the world. We maintain design, product and so ware development engineering resources at loca ons in
the U.S., Asia, Europe and Israel, providing us with engineering exper se worldwide. We strategically focus our research and development resources to address
niche opportuni es in our target markets and leverage our extensive por olio of U.S. and other patents, and other intellectual property (“IP”) to integrate
mul ple technologies and create system-on-chip (“SoC”) component and so ware solu ons that target growth opportuni es. We design products and so ware
that deliver high-performance and provide mission cri cal func onality.
We develop semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) based devices
and analog III-V based products. We have a history of innova on in the semiconductor industry and offer thousands of products that are used in end products
such as enterprise and data center networking, home connec vity, set-top boxes (“STB”), broadband access, telecommunica on equipment, smartphones and
base sta ons, data center servers and storage systems, factory automa on, power genera on and alterna ve energy systems, and electronic displays. We
differen ate ourselves through our high performance design and integra on capabili es and focus on developing products for target markets where we believe
we can earn a rac ve margins.
Our infrastructure so ware solu ons enable customers to plan, develop, automate, manage, and secure applica ons across mainframe, distributed,
mobile, and cloud pla orms. Many of the largest companies in the world, including most of the Fortune 500, and many government agencies rely on our
so ware solu ons to help manage and secure their on-premise and hybrid cloud environments. Our por olio of industry-leading infrastructure and security
so ware is designed to modernize, op mize, and secure the most complex hybrid environments, enabling scalability, agility, automa on, insights, resiliency and
security. We also offer mission cri cal fibre channel storage area networking (“FC SAN”) products and related so ware in the form of modules, switches and
subsystems incorpora ng mul ple semiconductor products.
In addi on, the hybrid-cloud por olio we acquired with VMware helps enterprises simplify their informa on technology (“IT”) environments so they can
increase business velocity and flexibility. The VMware por olio spans hybrid cloud, app-delivery accelera on, zero-trust security, and so ware-defined edge,
making it easy for customers to run their mission-cri cal workloads across private, public and edge environments with security and resiliency.
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to combine best-of-breed technology leadership in semiconductor and infrastructure so ware solu ons, with unmatched scale, on a
common sales and administra ve pla orm to deliver a comprehensive suite of infrastructure technology products to the world’s leading business and
government customers. We seek to achieve this through responsibly financed acquisi ons of category-leading businesses and technologies, as well as inves ng
extensively in research and development, to ensure our products retain their technology leadership. This strategy results in a robust business model designed to
drive diversified and sustainable opera ng and financial results.
Recent Development
Acquisi on of VMware, Inc.
On November 22, 2023, we acquired VMware in a cash-and-stock transac on (the “VMware Merger”), in which VMware stockholders received, in
aggregate, approximately $30.8 billion in cash and 54.4 million shares of Broadcom common stock in exchange for all shares of VMware common stock issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the closing. The preliminary total purchase considera on for the VMware Merger was approximately $86.3 billion. We
funded the cash por on of the VMware Merger considera on with net proceeds from the issuance of $30.4 billion in term loans under a credit agreement that
we entered into on August 15, 2023, as well as cash on hand.
We assumed all outstanding VMware restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards and performance stock unit awards held by con nuing employees. The assumed
awards were converted into approximately 5 million Broadcom RSU awards. All outstanding in-the-money VMware stock op ons and RSU awards held by non-
employee directors were accelerated and converted into the right to receive cash and shares of Broadcom common stock, in equal parts.
All discussions and informa on in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding our business and financial results relate solely to our opera ons prior to the
VMware Merger, unless otherwise indicated.
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Products and Markets
Semiconductor Solu ons
Semiconductors are made by imprin ng a network of electronic components onto a semiconductor wafer. These devices are designed to perform various
func ons such as processing, amplifying and selec vely filtering electronic signals, controlling electronic system func ons and processing, and transmi ng and
storing data. Our digital and mixed signal products are based on silicon wafers with CMOS transistors offering fast switching speeds and low power consump on,
which are both cri cal design factors for the markets we serve. We also offer analog products, which are based on III-V semiconductor materials that have higher
electrical conduc vity than silicon, and thus tend to have be er performance characteris cs in radio frequency (“RF”), and optoelectronic applica ons. III-V
refers to elements from the 3rd and 5th groups in the periodic table of chemical elements. Examples of these materials used in our products are gallium arsenide
(“GaAs”) and indium phosphide (“InP”).
We provide semiconductor solu ons for managing the movement of data in data center, service provider, and enterprise networking applica ons. We
provide a broad variety of RF semiconductor devices, wireless connec vity solu ons, custom touch controllers and induc ve charging solu ons for the wireless
market. We also provide semiconductor solu ons for enabling the STB and broadband access applica ons and for enabling secure movement of digital data to
and from host machines, such as servers, personal computers and storage systems, to the underlying storage devices, such as hard disk drives (“HDD”) and solid-
state drives (“SSD”).
Our product por olio ranges from discrete devices to complex sub-systems that include mul ple device types and may also incorporate firmware for
interfacing between analog and digital systems. In some cases, our products include mechanical hardware that interfaces with optoelectronic or capaci ve
sensors. We focus on markets that require high quality and the technology leadership and integrated performance characteris c of our products. The table below
presents our material semiconductor product families and their major end markets and applica ons during fiscal year 2023.
Major End Markets
Major Applica ons
Broadband
• STB and Broadband Access
Material Product Families
• STB SoCs
• DSL/PON gateways
• DOCSIS cable modem and networking infrastructure
• DSLAM/PON op cal line termina on
• Wi-Fi access point SoCs
Networking
• Data Center, Service Provider, and Enterprise Networking • Ethernet switching and rou ng silicon
Wireless
• Mobile Device Connec vity
Storage
• Servers and Storage Systems
• HDD and SSD
Industrial
• Factory Automa on, Renewable Energy and Automo ve
Electronics
• Custom silicon solu ons
• Op cal and copper PHYs
• Fiber op c transmi er and receiver components
• RF front end modules and filters
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS SoCs
• Custom touch controllers
• Induc ve charging ASICs
• SAS and RAID controllers and adapters
• PCIe switches
• Fibre channel host bus adapters
• Ethernet NIC
• Read channel based SoCs; Custom flash controllers
• Preamplifiers
• Optocouplers
• Industrial fiber op cs
• Industrial and medical sensors
• Mo on control encoders and subsystems
• Light emi ng diode
• Ethernet PHYs, switch ICs and camera microcontrollers
Set-Top Box Solu ons: We offer complete SoC pla orm solu ons for cable, satellite, Internet Protocol television, over-the-top and terrestrial STBs. Our
products enable global service providers to introduce new and enhanced technologies and services in STBs, including transcoding, digital video recording
func onality, higher defini on video processing, increased networking capabili es, and more tuners to enable faster channel change and more simultaneous
recordings. We are also enabling service providers in deploying High Efficiency Video Coding (“HEVC”), a video compression format that is a successor to the
H.264/MPEG-4 format. HEVC enables ultra-high defini on (“Ultra HD”), services by effec vely doubling the capacity of
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exis ng networks to deploy new or exis ng content. Our families of STB solu ons support the complete range of resolu ons, from standard defini on, to high
defini on, and Ultra HD.
Broadband Access Solu ons: We offer complete SoC pla orm solu ons for digital subscriber line (“DSL”), cable, passive op cal networking (“PON”) and
wireless local area network for both consumer premise equipment (“CPE”) and central office (“CO”) deployments. Our CPE devices are used in broadband
modems, residen al gateways and Wi-Fi access points and routers. Our CO devices, including DSL Access Mul plexer (“DSLAM”), cable modem termina on
systems and PON op cal line termina on medium access controller, are empowering modern operator broadband infrastructure. Our products enable global
service providers to con nue to deploy next genera on broadband access technologies across mul ple standards, including G.fast, Data Over Cable Service
Interface Specifica ons (“DOCSIS”), PON and Wi-Fi to provide more bandwidth and faster speeds to consumers.
Ethernet Switching & Rou ng: Ethernet is a ubiquitous interconnec on technology that enables high performance and cost effec ve networking
infrastructure. We offer a broad set of Ethernet switching and rou ng products that are op mized for data center, service provider and enterprise networks. In
the data center market, our high capacity, low latency, switching silicon supports advanced protocols around virtualiza on and mul -pathing. Our Ethernet
switching fabric technologies provide the ability to build highly scalable flat networks suppor ng tens of thousands of servers. Our service provider switch
por olio enables carrier networks to support priori zed delivery of data traffic in the wireless backhaul, access, aggrega on and core of their networks. For
enterprise networks, we offer product families with secure, encrypted switching capabili es and support lower power modes that comply with industry
standards around energy efficient Ethernet.
Custom Silicon Solu ons: We provide advanced technology and IP pla orms for customers to design and develop applica on specific integrated circuits
(“ASICs”), targe ng data center compute offload, legacy and new 5G radio infrastructure, and wired communica on networks. Our custom silicon provides the
pla orm to integrate embedded logic, memory, serializer/deserializer (“SerDes”) technology, IP cores and processor cores. The ASICs are custom products built to
individual customers specifica ons.
Physical Layer Devices: These devices, also referred to as PHYs, are transceivers that enable the recep on and transmission of Ethernet data packets over a
physical medium such as copper wire or op cal fibers. Our high performance Ethernet transceivers are built upon a proprietary digital signal processing
communica on architecture op mized for high-speed network connec ons and support the latest standards and advanced features, such as energy efficient
Ethernet, data encryp on and me synchroniza on. We also offer a range of automo ve Ethernet products, including PHYs, switches and camera
microcontrollers, to meet growing consumer demand for in-vehicle connec vity and smart vision.
Fiber Op c Components: We supply a wide array of op cal components to the Ethernet networking, storage, and access, metro- and long-haul
telecommunica on markets. Our op cal components enable the high speed recep on and transmission of data through op cal fibers.
RF Semiconductor Devices: Our RF semiconductor devices selec vely filter, as well as amplify and route, RF signals. Filters enable modern wireless
communica on systems to support a large number of subscribers simultaneously by ensuring that the mul ple transmissions and recep ons of voice and data
streams do not interfere with each other. We were among the first to deliver commercial film bulk acous c resonator (“FBAR”) filters that offer technological
advantages over compe ng filter technologies, to allow mobile handsets to func on more efficiently in today's congested RF spectrum. FBAR technology has a
significant market share within the cellular handset market. Our RF products include mul -chip module front-end modules that integrate transmit/receive
switching and filtering func ons for mul ple frequency bands, filter modules and discrete filters, all using our proprietary FBAR technology.
Our exper se in FBAR technology, amplifier design, and module integra on enables us to offer industry-leading performance in cellular RF transceiver
applica ons.
Connec vity Solu ons: Our connec vity solu ons include discrete and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solu ons, and global posi oning system/global
naviga on satellite system (“GPS/GNSS”) receivers, designed for use in mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and wearable products.
Wi-Fi allows devices on a local area network to communicate wirelessly, adding the convenience of mobility to the u lity of high-speed data networks. We
offer a family of high performance, low power Wi-Fi chipsets. Bluetooth is a low power technology that enables direct connec vity between devices. We offer a
complete family of Bluetooth silicon and so ware solu ons that enable manufacturers to easily and cost-effec vely add Bluetooth func onality to virtually any
device. These solu ons include combina on chips that offer integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth func onality, which provides significant performance advantages
over discrete solu ons.
We also offer a family of GPS, assisted-GPS and GNSS semiconductor products, so ware and data services. These products are part of a broader loca on
pla orm that leverages a broad range of communica ons technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, to provide more accurate loca on and naviga on
capabili es.
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Custom Touch Controllers: Our touch controllers process signals from touch screens in mobile handsets and tablets.
Induc ve Charging ASICs: Our custom induc ve charging ASIC devices offer high efficiency and are highly integrated solu ons for mobile and wearable
devices.
SAS, RAID & PCIe Products: We provide serial a ached small computer system interface (“SAS”) and redundant array of independent disks (“RAID”)
controller and adapter solu ons to server and storage system original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). These solu ons enable secure and high speed data
transmission between a host computer, such as a server, and storage peripheral devices, such as HDD, SSD and op cal disk drives and disk and tape-based
storage systems. Some of these solu ons are delivered as stand-alone semiconductors, typically as a controller. Other solu ons are delivered as circuit boards,
known as adapter products, which incorporate our semiconductors onto a circuit board with other features. RAID technology is a cri cal part of our server
storage connec vity solu ons as it provides protec on against the loss of cri cal data resul ng from HDD failures.
We also provide interconnect semiconductors that support the peripheral component interconnect express (“PCIe”) communica on standards. PCIe is the
primary interconnec on mechanism inside compu ng systems today.
Fibre Channel Products: We provide fibre channel host bus adapters, which connect host computers such as servers to FC SANs.
Ethernet NIC Controllers: Our Ethernet network interface card (“NIC”) controllers are designed for high-performance virtualiza on, intelligent flow
processing, secure data center connec vity, and machine learning.
HDD & SSD Products: We provide read channel-based SoCs and preamplifiers to HDD OEMs. These are the cri cal chips required to read, write and protect
data. An HDD SoC is an integrated circuit (“IC”) that combines the func onality of a read channel, serial interface, memory and a hard disk controller in a small,
high-performance, low-power and cost-effec ve package. Read channels convert analog signals that are generated by reading the stored data on the physical
media into digital signals.
In addi on, we sell preamplifiers, which are complex, high speed, mixed signal devices that enable wri ng and reading data to and from the HDD heads.
The preamplifier interfaces with the SoC to provide the electronics data path in a HDD.
We also provide custom flash controllers to SSD OEMs. An SSD stores data in flash memory instead of on a hard disk, providing high speed access to the
data. Flash controllers manage the underlying flash memory in SSDs, performing cri cal func ons such as reading and wri ng data to and from the flash memory
and performing error correc on, wear leveling and bad block management.
Industrial End Markets: We also provide a broad variety of products for the general industrial and automo ve markets, including optocouplers, industrial
fiber op cs, industrial and medical sensors, mo on encoders, light emi ng diode devices, and Ethernet ICs. Our industrial products are used in a diverse set of
applica ons, spanning industrial automa on, power genera on and distribu on systems, medical systems and equipment, defense and aerospace, and vehicle
subsystems including those used in electric vehicle powertrain, infotainment and advanced driver assistance system.
Infrastructure So ware
Our infrastructure so ware solu ons offer customers greater choice and flexibility to build, run, manage, connect and protect applica ons and data at scale
across hybrid IT environments.
Our mainframe so ware provides market-leading DevOps, AIOps, Security, Workload Automa on, Data Management, and Founda onal So ware solu ons,
that enable customers to embrace open tools and technologies, innovate with their mainframe as part of their hybrid cloud, and amplify the value of their
mainframe investments. Our commitment to partnering with our customers extends beyond products and technology and includes unique Beyond Code
programs that address challenges such as skills development, staffing, change management, and cost-saving ini a ves that drive overall business success with
the pla orm.
Our distributed so ware solu ons enable global enterprises to op mize the planning, development and delivery of so ware, powering their business
cri cal digital services. Our solu ons are designed to enable customers to innovate, improve customer experience, and drive profitability by aligning business,
development, and opera onal teams. Our products, organized in the domains of ValueOps, DevOps, and AIOps, deliver end-to-end visibility across all stages of
the digital lifecycle and help our customers realize be er business outcomes and be er experiences for their customers.
Our Symantec cyber security so ware solu ons help organiza ons and governments secure against threats and compliance risks by protec ng their users
and data on any app, device, or network. Our integrated cyber defense approach simplifies cyber security with comprehensive solu ons designed to secure
cri cal business assets across on-premises and cloud infrastructures. Our Symantec solu ons u lize rich threat intelligence from a global network of security
engineers,
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threat analyst and researchers, as well as advanced ar ficial intelligence (“AI”) and machine-learning engines, enabling customers to protect data, connect
authorized users with trusted applica ons, and detect and respond to the most advanced targeted a acks.
We also offer mission cri cal FC SAN products designed to help customers reduce the cost and complexity of managing business informa on within a
shared data storage environment, enabling high levels of availability of mission cri cal applica ons in the form of modules, switches and subsystems
incorpora ng mul ple semiconductor products. We deliver reliable and simplified management of these FC SAN products through our so ware-based
management tools designed to maximize up me, drama cally simplify storage area networking deployment and management, and provide high levels of
visibility and insight into the storage network.
The table below presents our so ware por olios and their material offerings during fiscal year 2023.
So ware Por olio
Por olio Descrip on
Major Por olio Offerings
Mainframe So ware
• DevOps, AIOps, Security, Workload Automa on, Data Management,
• Opera onal Analy cs & Management
and Founda onal So ware Solu ons
• Beyond Code programs
Distributed So ware
• Solu ons that op mize the planning, development and delivery of
business cri cal services
Symantec Cyber Security
• Comprehensive threat protec on and compliance solu ons that secure
against threats and compliance risks by protec ng users and data on
any app, device, or network
FC SAN Management
• Solu ons that transforms current storage networks with autonomous
SAN capabili es
• Workload Automa on
• Database & Data Management
• Applica on Development & Tes ng
• Iden ty & Access Management
• Compliance & Data Protec on
• Security Insights
• Skills Development and Staffing
• So ware Ra onaliza on and Migra on
• So ware Efficiency and Cost Op miza on Tools
• Change Management Support
• Technology Proof of Concepts
• ValueOps
• DevOps
• AIOps
• Endpoint Security
• Network Security
• Informa on Security
• Iden ty Security
• Fibre Channel Switch
Payment Security
• Arcot payment authen ca on network powered by 3-D Secure
• Payment Security Suite
Opera onal Analy cs & Management: These solu ons combine big data, machine learning and AI with mainframe exper se to deliver meaningful and
ac onable insights to augment and automate day-to-day opera ons and deliver excep onal customer experiences.
Workload Automa on: These solu ons reduce manual effort by enabling customers to proac vely op mize resources and orchestrate automa on across
enterprise applica ons and systems.
Databases & Data Management: These high-performance databases and management tools store, organize, and manage mainframe data to ensure
op mal performance, efficient administra on, and reliability of cri cal systems. Customers can also manage their mainframe data storage using modern
mainframe solu ons that securely store data on any device that customers choose, including the cloud. These so ware-only solu ons are designed to save on
costs and maintain confidence in data security.
Applica on Development & Tes ng: These solu ons enable customers to accelerate so ware delivery while increasing code quality through the use of our
agile processes and tools, and DevOps solu ons. Our open-first strategy helps customers modernize their mainframe environment through the use of open
source and open applica on programming technologies across people, process, tooling and applica ons, resul ng in greater synergy and alignment with their
corporate IT.
Iden ty & Access Management: These solu ons manage mainframe access and elevate it with modern prac ces such as mul -factor authen ca on and
privileged user management, and support all external security managers.
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Compliance & Data Protec on: These solu ons protect crucial mainframe data to ensure compliance, iden fy risk, proac vely respond to poten al threats,
and reduce those risks to lighten the load on security management with automated iden fica on and authoriza on cleanup.
Security Insights Pla orm: This solu on helps ensure a trusted environment for customers and their employees by quickly interpre ng and assessing
mainframe security posture, iden fying risks and developing remedia on steps on an ongoing and ad hoc basis. This data is available for use with in-house tools
for security informa on and event management.
Beyond Code Programs: These value-added offerings go above and beyond the leading so ware we provide to help ensure our customers get the most out
of their mainframe investments. These offerings unlock addi onal value for organiza ons in areas like educa ng and upskilling the workforce, providing expert
guidance and support for change events, uncovering opportuni es to improve efficiency and save costs.
ValueOps: This solu on delivers value stream management capabili es that enable customers to schedule, track, and manage work throughout its lifecycle
from investment planning to execu on. It aligns business and development teams across the enterprise, increasing transparency, reducing inefficiencies, and
improving me to value.
DevOps: This solu on offers capabili es that empower users of our agile processes and tools to track development progress and deploy releases
confidently with assurance of feature completeness, high-quality and reduced risk. Key stakeholders have a single view of key insights into release progress,
health, quality, defect trends, and metrics that drive focus, gauge readiness, and help to ensure successful, quality releases.
AIOps: This solu on combines applica on, infrastructure and network monitoring and correla on with intelligent remedia on capabili es to help
customers create more resilient produc on environments and improve customer experience.
Endpoint Security: Endpoints are the cri cal last line of defense against cyber a ackers. Our Symantec endpoint security solu ons prevent, detect and
respond to emerging threats across all devices and opera ng systems including laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile phones, servers and cloud workloads through
an intelligent AI driven security console and single agent.
Network Security: Email and web access are the lifeblood and essen al communica on means for every modern organiza on. We have a full array of
network security solu ons, as well as a shared set of advanced threat protec on technologies to stop inbound and outbound threats targe ng end users,
informa on and key infrastructure.
Informa on Security: Informa on protec on and compliance is cri cal to managing risk. We offer integrated informa on security solu ons, based on an
efficient, single-policy that can be applied across the en re environment, to help organiza ons iden fy and protect risky users, applica ons and their most
sensi ve data everywhere across endpoints, on-premises networks, cloud services and private applica ons.
Iden ty Security: User iden es are under a ack by cyber criminals hoping to exploit their access and privileges and do harm. We mi gate these a acks by
posi vely iden fying legi mate users, enforcing granular access control policies, and streamlining access governance to prevent unauthorized access to sensi ve
resources and data.
Fibre Channel Switch Products: Our Brocade Fibre Channel switch products provide interconnec on, bandwidth and high-speed switching between servers
and storage devices which are in a FC SAN. FC SANs are networks dedicated to mission cri cal storage traffic, and enable simultaneous high speed and secure
connec ons among mul ple host computers and mul ple storage arrays.
Payment Security Suite: This is a so ware as a service (“SaaS”)-based payment authen ca on service to help banks and merchants protect against fraud
and ensure a hassle-free online shopping experience for their customers.
Research and Development
We are commi ed to con nuous investment in product development and enhancement, with a focus on rapidly introducing new, proprietary products and
releases. Many of our products have grown out of our own research and development efforts, and have given us compe ve advantages in certain target
markets due to performance differen a on. However, we opportunis cally seek to enhance our capabili es through the acquisi on of engineers with
complementary research and development skills and complementary technologies and businesses. We focus our research and development efforts on the
development of mission cri cal, innova ve, sustainable and higher value product pla orms and those that improve the quality and stability in our broadly
deployed products. We leverage our design capabili es in markets where we believe our innova on and reputa on will allow us to earn a rac ve margins by
developing high value-add products.
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We plan to con nue inves ng in product development, both organically and through acquisi ons, to drive growth in our business. We also invest in process
development and improvements to product features and func ons, as well as fabrica on capabili es to op mize processes for devices that are manufactured
internally. Our field applica on engineers, design engineers, and product and so ware development engineers are located in many places around the world, and
in many cases near our top customers. This enhances our customer reach and our visibility into new product opportuni es and, in the case of our semiconductor
customers, enables us to support our customers in each stage of their product development cycle, from the early stages of produc on design to volume
manufacturing and future growth. By collabora ng with our customers, we have opportuni es to develop high value-added, customized products for them that
leverage our exis ng technologies. We an cipate that we will con nue to make significant research and development expenditures in order to maintain our
compe ve posi on, and to ensure a con nuous flow of innova ve and sustainable product pla orms.
Customers, Sales and Distribu on
We sell our products through our direct sales force and a select network of distributors and channel partners globally. Distributors and OEMs, or their
contract manufacturers, typically account for the substan al majority of our semiconductor sales. A rela vely small number of customers account for a significant
por on of our net revenue. Sales to distributors accounted for 57% and 56% of our net revenue for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. We believe aggregate
sales to our top five end customers, through all channels, accounted for approximately 35% of our net revenue for each of our fiscal years 2023 and 2022. We
believe aggregate sales to Apple Inc., through all channels, accounted for approximately 20% of our net revenue for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2022. We
expect to con nue to experience significant customer concentra on in future periods. The loss of, or significant decrease in demand from, any of our top five end
customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of opera ons and financial condi on.
Many of our semiconductor customers design products in North America or Europe that are then manufactured in Asia. To serve customers around the
world, we have strategically developed rela onships with large global electronic component distributors, complemented by a number of regional distributors
with customer rela onships based on their respec ve product ranges. We also sell our products to a wide variety of OEMs or their contract manufacturers. We
have established strong rela onships with leading OEM customers across mul ple target markets. Our direct sales force focuses on suppor ng our large OEM
customers, and has specialized product and service knowledge that enables us to sell specific offerings at key levels throughout a customer’s organiza on. Certain
customers require us to contract with them directly and with specified intermediaries, such as contract manufacturers. Many of our major customer rela onships
have been in place for many years and are o en the result of years of collabora ve product development. This has enabled us to build our extensive IP por olio
and develop cri cal exper se regarding our customers’ requirements, including substan al system-level knowledge. This collabora on has provided us with key
insights into our customers' businesses and has enabled us to be more efficient and produc ve and to be er serve our target markets and customers. Many of
our customers and their contract manufacturers o en require me cri cal delivery of our products to mul ple loca ons around the world. With sales offices
located in various countries, our primary warehouse in Malaysia, and dedicated regional customer support call centers, where we address customer issues and
handle logis cs and other order fulfillment requirements, we believe we are well-posi oned to support our customers throughout the design, technology
transfer and manufacturing stages across all geographies.
Our so ware customers are in most major industries worldwide, including banks, insurance companies, other financial services providers, government
agencies, global IT service providers, telecommunica on providers, transporta on companies, manufacturers, technology companies, retailers, educa onal
organiza ons and health care ins tu ons. Our customers generally consist of large enterprises that have compu ng environments from mul ple vendors and are
highly complex. We remain focused on strengthening rela onships and increasing penetra on within our exis ng core, mainframe-centric, and Symantec
endpoint customers and expanding the adop on of our enterprise so ware offerings with these customers. We believe our enterprise-wide license model will
con nue to offer our customers reduced complexity, more flexibility and an easier renewal process that will help drive revenue growth.
Manufacturing Opera ons
We focus on maintaining an efficient global supply chain and a variable, low-cost opera ng model. Accordingly, we outsource a majority of our
manufacturing opera ons, u lizing third-party foundry and assembly and test capabili es, as well as some of our corporate infrastructure func ons. The majority
of our front-end wafer manufacturing opera ons is outsourced to external foundries, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
(“TSMC”). We use third-party contract manufacturers for a significant majority of our assembly and test opera ons, including TSMC, Advanced Semiconductor
Engineering, Inc., Foxconn Technology Group, Amkor Technology, Inc. and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. We use our internal fabrica on facili es for
products u lizing our innova ve and proprietary processes, such as our FBAR filters for wireless communica ons and our ver cal-cavity surface emi ng laser
and side emi ng lasers-based on GaAs and InP lasers for fiber op c communica ons, while outsourcing commodity processes such as standard CMOS. By doing
so, we can protect our IP and accelerate me to market for our products. The majority of our internal III-V semiconductor wafer fabrica on is done in the U.S.
and Singapore.
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We also have a long history of opera ng in Asia where we manufacture and source the majority of our products and materials. We store the majority of our
product inventory in our warehouse in Malaysia and our presence in Asia places us in close proximity to many of our customers’ manufacturing facili es.
Manufacturing Materials and Suppliers
Our manufacturing opera ons employ a wide variety of semiconductors, electromechanical components and assemblies and raw materials. We purchase
materials from hundreds of suppliers on a global basis. These purchases are generally on a purchase order basis and some parts are not readily available from
alternate suppliers due to their unique design or the length of me and cost necessary for re-design or qualifica on. To address the poten al disrup on in our
supply chain, we may use a number of techniques, including redesigning products for alterna ve components, making incremental or “life me” purchases, or
qualifying more than one source of supply. Our long-term rela onships with our suppliers allow us to proac vely manage our technology development and
product discon nuance plans, and to monitor our suppliers' financial health. Some suppliers may, nonetheless, extend their lead mes, limit supplies, increase
prices or cease to produce necessary parts for our products. If these are unique or highly specialized components, we may not be able to find a subs tute quickly,
or at all.
Compe on
The markets in which we par cipate are highly compe ve. Our compe tors range from large, interna onal companies offering a wide range of products to
smaller companies specializing in narrow markets. The compe ve landscape is changing as a result of a trend toward consolida on within many industries, as
some of our compe tors have merged with or been acquired by other compe tors, while others have begun collabora ng with each other. We expect this
consolida on trend to con nue. We expect compe on in the markets in which we par cipate to con nue to increase as exis ng compe tors improve or expand
their product offerings and as new companies enter the market. Addi onally, our ability to compete effec vely depends on a number of factors, including:
quality, technical performance, price, product features, product system compa bility, system-level design capability, engineering exper se, responsiveness to
customers, new product innova on, product availability, delivery ming and reliability, and customer sales and technical support.
In the semiconductor market, we compete with integrated device manufacturers, fabless semiconductor companies, as well as the internal resources of
large, integrated OEMs. Our primary compe tors are Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Amlogic Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., GlobalFoundries Inc.,
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Heidenhain Corpora on, iC-Haus GmbH, Intel Corpora on, Lumentum Holdings Inc., MACOM Technology Solu ons Holdings, Inc.,
Marvell Technology, Inc., MaxLinear, Inc., MediaTek Inc., Microchip Technology Incorporated, Mitsubishi Electric Corpora on, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.,
NVIDIA Corpora on, NXP Semiconductors N.V., ON Semiconductor Corpora on, OSRAM Licht AG, Qorvo, Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Realtek Semiconductor Corp.,
Renesas Electronics Corpora on, Skyworks Solu ons, Inc., STMicroelectronics N.V., Sumitomo Corpora on, Synap cs Incorporated, Texas Instruments, Inc., TDK-
EPC Corpora on, Toshiba Corpora on, Wolfspeed, Inc. (f/k/a Cree, Inc.), and II-VI Incorporated. We compete based on the strength and exper se of our high
speed proprietary design exper se, FBAR technology, amplifier design, module integra on, proprietary materials processes, mul ple storage protocols and
mixed-signal design, our broad product por olio, support of key industry standards, reputa on for quality products, and our customer rela onships.
In the infrastructure so ware market, we compete with large enterprise so ware vendors who con nue to expand their product and service offerings and
consolidate offerings into broad product lines, and smaller, niche players focused on specific markets. Our primary compe tors are Atlassian Corpora on, Plc,
BeyondTrust Corpora on, BMC So ware Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., CyberArk So ware, Ltd., Dino-So ware Corpora on, Interna onal
Business Machines Corpora on, Microso Corpora on, New Relic, Inc., OpenText Corpora on, Oracle Corpora on, Proofpoint, Inc., Rocket So ware, Inc.,
SailPoint Technologies Holdings, Inc., Salesforce.com, Inc., ServiceNow, Inc., SolarWinds Corpora on, Splunk, Inc. and Zscaler, Inc. We compete based on the
breadth of our enterprise management tools por olio, breadth and synergy of offerings, our pla orm and hardware independence, our global reach, and our
deep customer rela onships and industry experience.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our IP. To accomplish this, we rely on a combina on of IP rights, including patents, copyrights,
trademarks, service marks, trade secrets and similar IP, as well as customary contractual protec ons with our customers, suppliers, employees and consultants,
and through security measures to protect our trade secrets. We believe our current product exper se, key engineering talent and IP por olio provide us with a
strong pla orm from which to develop applica on specific products in key target markets.
As of October 29, 2023, we had 15,400 U.S. and other patents and 910 U.S. and other pending patent applica ons. The expira on dates of our patents
range from 2023 to 2042, with a small number of patents expiring in the near future, none of
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which are expected to be material to our IP por olio. We are not substan ally dependent on any single patent or group of related patents.
We focus our patent applica on program to a greater extent on those inven ons and improvements that we believe are likely to be incorporated into our
products, as contrasted with more basic research. However, we do not know how many of our pending patent applica ons will result in the issuance of patents or
the extent to which the examina on process could require us to narrow our claims.
We and our predecessors have also entered into a variety of IP licensing and cross-licensing arrangements that have both benefited our business and
enabled some of our compe tors. A por on of our revenue comes from IP licensing royalty payments and from li ga on se lements rela ng to such IP. We also
license third-party technologies that are incorporated into some elements of our design ac vi es, products and manufacturing processes. Historically, licenses of
the third-party technologies used by us have generally been available to us on acceptable terms.
The industries in which we compete are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and by the
vigorous pursuit, protec on and enforcement of IP rights, including by patent holding companies that do not make or sell products. Some of our customer
agreements require us to indemnify our customers for third-party IP infringement claims arising from our products. Claims of this sort could harm our
rela onships with our customers and might deter future customers from doing business with us. With respect to any IP rights claims against us or our customers
or distributors, we may be required to defend ourselves or our customers or distributors in li ga on, cease manufacturing the infringing products, pay damages,
expend resources to develop non-infringing technology, seek a license which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or relinquish
patents or other IP rights.
With respect to our infrastructure so ware, the proprietary por ons of our source code for our products are protected both as a trade secret and as
copyrighted works. Except with respect to so ware components that are subject to open source licenses, our customers do not generally have access to the
source code for our products. Rather, on-premise customers typically access only the executable code for our products, and SaaS customers access only the
func onality of our SaaS offerings. Under certain con ngent circumstances, some of our customers are beneficiaries of a source code escrow arrangement that
would enable them to obtain a limited right to access and use our source code if specific condi ons are met.
Employees
Our con nued success depends on our ability to a ract, mo vate and retain our workforce in a highly compe ve labor market. Specifically, as the source
of our technological and product innova ons, our engineering and technical personnel are a cri cal asset.
We measure our employees’ engagement by our voluntary a ri on rate and employee feedback. Our global voluntary a ri on rate in fiscal year 2023 was
approximately 3.3%, well below the technology industry benchmark (AON, 2023 Salary Increase and Turnover Study — Second Edi on, September 2023).
We also track the por on of our workforce in research and development roles. As of October 29, 2023, we had approximately 20,000 employees
worldwide, with approximately 63% in research and development roles. By geography, approximately 54% of our employees are located in North America, 34% in
Asia, and 12% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Governmental Regula on
Our semiconductor manufacturing opera ons and research and development involve the use of hazardous substances and are regulated under
interna onal, federal, state and local laws governing health, safety and the environment. These regula ons include limita ons on discharge of pollutants to air,
water, and soil; remedia on requirements; product chemical content limita ons; manufacturing chemical use and handling restric ons; pollu on control
requirements; waste minimiza on considera ons; and treatment, transport, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. We are also subject to
regula on by the U.S. Occupa onal Safety and Health Administra on and similar health and safety laws in other jurisdic ons.
We believe that our proper es and opera ons at our facili es comply in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and worker health and
safety laws. However, the risk of environmental liabili es cannot be completely eliminated and there can be no assurance that the applica on of environmental,
health and safety laws to our business will not require us to incur significant expenditures.
We are also regulated under a number of interna onal, federal, state and local laws regarding recycling, product packaging and product content
requirements, including legisla on enacted in the U.S., European Union and China, among a growing number of jurisdic ons, which have placed greater
restric ons on the use of lead, among other restricted substances, in electronic products, which affects materials composi on and semiconductor packaging. In
addi on, our business is subject
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to various import/export regula ons, such as the U.S. Export Administra on Regula ons, and applicable execu ve orders, and rules of industrial standards
bodies, like the Interna onal Organiza on for Standardiza on, as well as regula on by other agencies, such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). These
laws, regula ons and orders are complex, may change frequently and with limited no ce, have generally and may con nue to become more stringent over me.
We may incur significant expenditures in future periods as a result.
Seasonality
Historically, our net revenue has typically been higher in the second half of the fiscal year than in the first half, primarily due to seasonality in our wireless
communica ons products. These products have historically experienced seasonality due to launches of new mobile devices manufactured by our OEM
customers. However, from me to me, typical seasonality and industry cyclicality are overshadowed by other factors such as wider macroeconomic effects, the
ming of significant product transi ons and launches by large OEMs, par cularly with our wireless communica ons products. We have a diversified business
por olio and we believe that our overall revenue is less suscep ble to seasonal varia ons as a result of this diversifica on.
Other Informa on
Our website is www.broadcom.com. You may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
other reports (and amendments thereto) filed or furnished pursuant to Sec on 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securi es Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) with
the Securi es and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as well as proxy statements filed by Broadcom, free of charge at the “Investor Center - SEC Filings” sec on
of our website at www.broadcom.com, as soon as reasonably prac cable a er such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Such periodic
reports, proxy statements and other informa on are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The reference to our website address does not cons tute
incorpora on by reference of the informa on contained on or accessible through our website.
Informa on About Our Execu ve Officers
The following table provides informa on regarding our execu ve officers as of December 14, 2023:
Name and Title
Hock E. Tan
Kirsten M. Spears
Mark D. Brazeal
Charlie B. Kawwas, Ph.D.
Age
72
59
55
53
Posi on and Offices
President, Chief Execu ve Officer and Director
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accoun ng Officer
Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer
President, Semiconductor Solu ons Group
Hock E. Tan has served as our President and Chief Execu ve Officer since March 2006. He was President and Chief Execu ve Officer at Integrated Circuit
Systems, Inc. (“ICS”), a publicly traded ming solu ons IC company, from 1999 un l its acquisi on by Integrated Device Technology, Inc. in 2005. He also held
several execu ve leadership posi ons at ICS, including Chief Opera ng Officer from 1996 to 1999 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1995
to 1999. He was Vice President of Finance at Commodore Interna onal, Ltd. from 1992 to 1994, and held senior management posi ons at PepsiCo, Inc. and
General Motors Corpora on. He was also managing director of Pacven Investment, Ltd., a venture capital fund in Singapore, from 1988 to 1992, and was
managing director of Hume Industries Ltd. in Malaysia from 1983 to 1988.
Kirsten M. Spears has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accoun ng Officer since December 2020. She served as our Principal Accoun ng
Officer from March 2016 to December 2020 and Vice President and Corporate Controller from May 2014 to December 2020. She was Vice President and
Corporate Controller at LSI Corpora on from 2007 un l its acquisi on by us in 2014. She held several management posi ons in accoun ng and repor ng at LSI
from 1997 to 2007. She also worked for PriceWaterhouseCoopers prior to joining LSI.
Mark D. Brazeal has served as our Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer since December 2021. He served as our Chief Legal Officer from March 2017 to
December 2021. He was Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President, IP Licensing for SanDisk Corpora on from 2014 un l its acquisi on by Western Digital
Corpora on in 2016. He held several senior legal posi ons at Broadcom Corpora on from 2000 to 2014, including Senior Vice President and Senior Deputy
General Counsel in charge of all commercial, opera onal, IP licensing and li ga on ma ers. He was also an a orney in the transac onal and IP groups at the law
firms of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosa , Yuasa & Hara and Howrey & Simon prior to joining Broadcom Corpora on.
Charlie B. Kawwas has served as our President, Semiconductor Solu ons Group since July 2022. He served as our Chief Opera ng Officer from December
2020 to July 2022, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer from June 2015 to December 2020 and Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales from May 2014 to
June 2015. He was head of worldwide sales at
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LSI Corpora on from 2010 un l its acquisi on by us in 2014. He held several execu ve leadership posi ons at LSI from 2007 to 2010, including Vice President of
Sales and Marke ng for the networking division and Vice President of Marke ng for the networking and storage products group. He was also the leader of
Product Line Management for the Op cal Ethernet and Mul -service Edge por olio at Nortel Networks Corpora on prior to joining LSI.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business, opera ons and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertain es, including those described below, that could adversely affect our
business, financial condi on, results of opera ons, cash flows, and the trading price of our common stock. The following material factors, among others, could
cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results and those expressed in forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf in filings with
the SEC, press releases, communica ons with investors and oral statements.
Risk Factors Summary
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, opera ons and financial results.
Risks Related to Our Business
•
Adverse global economic condi ons could have a nega ve effect on us.
• Our business is subject to various governmental regula ons and trade restric ons. Compliance with these regula ons may cause us to incur significant
expense and, if we fail to maintain compliance, we may be forced to cease manufacture and distribu on of certain products or subjected to
administra ve proceedings and civil or criminal penal es.
•
•
Global poli cal and economic condi ons and other factors related to our interna onal opera ons could adversely affect us.
The failure to realize the expected benefits from the VMware Merger may adversely affect our business and the value of our common stock.
• We may pursue acquisi ons, investments, joint ventures and disposi ons, which could adversely affect our results of opera ons.
• We are subject to risks associated with our distributors and other channel partners, including product inventory levels and product sell-through.
• We are dependent on senior management and if we are unable to a ract and retain qualified personnel, we may not be able to execute our business
strategy effec vely.
•
An impairment of the confiden ality, integrity, or availability of our IT systems, or those of one or more of our corporate infrastructure vendors, could
have a material adverse effect on our business.
• We operate in the highly cyclical semiconductor industry.
•
•
The majority of our sales come from a small number of customers and a reduc on in demand or loss of one or more of our significant customers may
adversely affect our business.
Dependence on contract manufacturing and suppliers of cri cal components within our supply chain may adversely affect our ability to bring products
to market.
• We purchase a significant amount of the materials used in our products from a limited number of suppliers.
•
Failure to adjust our manufacturing and supply chain to accurately meet customer demand could adversely affect our results of opera ons.
• Winning business in the semiconductor solu ons industry is subject to a lengthy process that o en requires us to incur significant expense, from which
we may ul mately generate no revenue.
•
A prolonged disrup on of our manufacturing facili es, research and development facili es, warehouses or other significant opera ons, or those of our
suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on us.
• We may be unable to maintain appropriate manufacturing capacity or product yields at our own manufacturing facili es.
• We may be involved in legal proceedings, including IP, securi es li ga on, and employee-related claims that could adversely affect our business.
•
•
•
•
•
If demand for our data center virtualiza on products is less than an cipated, our business could be adversely affected.
The growth of our so ware business depends on customer acceptance of our newer products and services.
Incompa bility of our so ware products with opera ng environments, pla orms, or third-party products, demand for our products and services could
decrease.
Failure to enter into so ware license agreements on a sa sfactory basis could adversely affect us.
Licensed third party so ware used in our products may not be available to us in the future, which may delay product development and produc on or
cause us to incur addi onal expense.
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• Our use of open source so ware in certain products and services could materially adversely affect our business, financial condi on and results of
opera ons.
•
Failure of our so ware products to manage and secure IT infrastructures and environments could have a material adverse effect on our business.
• Our sales to government customers subject us to uncertain es and governmental regula ons, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
•
Failure to effec vely manage our products and services lifecycles could harm our business.
• Our opera ng results are subject to substan al quarterly and annual fluctua ons.
•
Compe on in our industries could prevent us from growing our revenue.
• Our ability to maintain or improve gross margin.
• Our ability to protect the significant amount of IP in our business.
• We are subject to warranty claims, product recalls and product liability.
•
The complexity of our products could result in unforeseen delays or expense or undetected defects or bugs.
• We make substan al investments in research and development and unsuccessful investments could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condi on and results of opera ons.
• We collect, use, store, or otherwise process personal informa on, which subjects us to privacy and data security laws and contractual commitments,
and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws and commitments could harm our business.
• We are subject to environmental, health and safety laws, which could increase our costs, restrict our opera ons and require expenditures.
•
Environmental, social and governance ma ers may adversely affect our rela onships with customers and investors.
•
•
The average selling prices of semiconductor products in our markets have o en decreased rapidly and may do so in the future.
Fluctua ons in foreign exchange rates could result in losses.
Risks Rela ng to Taxes
•
Changes in tax legisla on or policies could materially impact our financial posi on and results of opera ons.
• Our corporate income taxes could significantly increase if we are unable to maintain our tax concessions or if our assump ons and interpreta ons
regarding tax laws and concessions prove to be incorrect.
• Our income taxes and overall cash tax costs are affected by a number of factors that could materially, adversely affect financial results.
• We have poten al tax liabili es as a result of VMware’s former controlling ownership by Dell, which could have an adverse effect on our financial
condi on and opera ng results.
Risks Rela ng to Our Indebtedness
• Our substan al indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to execute our business strategy.
•
•
The instruments governing our indebtedness impose certain restric ons on our business.
Servicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flows from our business to pay our substan al debt.
Risks Rela ng to Owning Our Common Stock
•
•
•
•
Vola lity of our stock price could result in substan al losses for our investors as well as class ac on li ga on against us and our management.
The amount and frequency of our stock repurchases may fluctuate.
A substan al amount of our stock is held by a small number of large investors.
There can be no assurance that we will con nue to declare cash dividends.
For a more complete discussion of the material risks facing our business, see below.
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Risks Related to Our Business
Adverse global economic condi ons could have a nega ve effect on our business, results of opera ons and financial condi on and liquidity.
A general slowdown in the global economy, including a recession, or in a par cular region or industry, an increase in trade tensions with U.S. trading
partners, infla on or a ghtening of the credit markets could nega vely impact our business, financial condi on and liquidity. Adverse global economic condi ons
have from me to me caused or exacerbated significant slowdowns in the industries and markets in which we operate, which have adversely affected our
business and results of opera ons. Macroeconomic weakness and uncertainty also make it more difficult for us to accurately forecast revenue, gross margin and
expenses, and may make it more difficult to raise or refinance debt. An escala on of trade tensions between the U.S. and China has resulted in trade restric ons,
increased protec onism and increased tariffs that harm our ability to par cipate in Chinese markets or compete effec vely with Chinese companies. Sustained
uncertainty about, or worsening of, current global economic condi ons and further escala on of trade tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners,
especially China, and possible decoupling of the U.S. and China economies, could result in a global economic slowdown and long-term changes to global trade.
Such events may also (i) cause our customers and consumers to reduce, delay or forgo technology spending, (ii) result in customers sourcing products from other
suppliers not subject to such restric ons or tariffs, (iii) lead to the insolvency or consolida on of key suppliers and customers, and (iv) intensify pricing pressures.
Any or all of these factors could nega vely affect demand for our products and our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
Our business is subject to various governmental regula ons, and compliance with these regula ons may cause us to incur significant expense. If we fail to
maintain compliance with applicable regula ons, we may be forced to cease the manufacture and distribu on of certain products, and we could be subject to
administra ve proceedings and civil or criminal penal es.
Our business is subject to various domes c and interna onal laws and other legal requirements, including an -compe on and import/export regula ons,
such as the U.S. Export Administra on Regula ons, and applicable execu ve orders. These laws, regula ons and orders are complex, may change frequently and
with limited no ce, and have generally and may con nue to become more stringent over me. We may be required to incur significant expense to comply with,
or to remedy viola ons of, these regula ons. In addi on, if our customers fail to comply with these regula ons, we may be required to suspend sales to these
customers, which could damage our reputa on and nega vely impact our results of opera ons. The U.S. government may also add companies to its restricted
en ty list and/or technologies to its list of prohibited exports to specific countries, which have had and may con nue to have an adverse effect on our ability to
sell our products and our revenue. For example, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., one of our customers, is subject to certain U.S. export restric ons, which has
required us to suspend sales to Huawei un l we obtain licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. We may be unable to obtain or maintain the necessary
licenses to allow us to export products to them. These restric ve governmental ac ons and any similar measures that may be imposed on U.S. companies by
other governments, especially in light of ongoing trade tensions with China, will likely limit or prevent us from doing business with certain of our customers or
suppliers and harm our ability to compete effec vely or otherwise nega vely affect our ability to sell our products, and adversely affect our business and results
of opera ons. Furthermore, government authori es may take retaliatory ac ons, impose condi ons for the supply of products or require the license or other
transfer of intellectual property, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our products and opera ons are also subject to regula on by U.S. and non-U.S. regulatory agencies, such as the FTC. From me to me, we may also be
involved or required to par cipate in regulatory inves ga ons or inquiries, such as the ongoing inves ga on by the Korean Fair Trade Commission into certain of
our contrac ng and business prac ces, which may evolve into legal or other administra ve proceedings. Growing public concern over concentra on of economic
power in corpora ons is likely to result in increased an -compe on legisla on, regula on, administra ve rule making, and enforcement ac vity. Involvement in
regulatory inves ga ons or inquiries, can be costly, lengthy, complex and me consuming, diver ng the a en on and energies of our management and technical
personnel.
If any pending or future governmental inves ga ons result in an unfavorable resolu on, we could be required to cease the manufacture and sale of the
subject products or technology, pay fines or disgorge profits or other payments, and/or cease certain conduct and/or modify our contrac ng or business
prac ces, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons. We may be obligated to indemnify our
current or former directors or employees, or former directors or employees of companies that we have acquired, in connec on with regulatory inves ga ons.
These liabili es could be substan al and may include, among other things, the cost of government, law enforcement or regulatory inves ga ons and civil or
criminal fines and penal es.
In addi on, the manufacture and distribu on of our semiconductors must comply with various laws and adapt to changes in regulatory requirements as they
occur. For example, if a country in which our products are manufactured or sold sets technical standards that are not widely shared, it may require us to stop
distribu ng our products commercially un l they comply with such new standards, lead certain of our customers to suspend imports of their products into that
country, require manufacturers in that country to manufacture products with different technical standards and disrupt cross-border
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manufacturing rela onships, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons. If we fail to comply
with these requirements, we could also be required to pay civil penal es or face criminal prosecu on.
Global poli cal and economic condi ons and other factors related to our interna onal opera ons could adversely affect our business, financial condi on and
results of opera ons.
A majority of our products are produced, sourced and sold interna onally and our interna onal revenue represents a significant percentage of our overall
revenue. In addi on, as of October 29, 2023, nearly 49% of our employees were located outside the U.S. Mul ple factors rela ng to our interna onal opera ons
and to par cular countries in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons. These factors
include:
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changes in poli cal, regulatory, legal or economic condi ons or geopoli cal turmoil (including China-Taiwan rela ons), including terrorism, war or
poli cal or military coups, state-sponsored or poli cally mo vated cyber-a acks, or civil disturbances or poli cal instability (foreign and domes c);
restric ve governmental ac ons, such as restric ons on the transfer or repatria on of funds and foreign investments, data privacy regula ons,
imposi on of climate change regula ons, and trade protec on measures, including increasing protec onism, import/export restric ons (including with
regards to advanced technologies), import/export du es and quotas, trade sanc ons and customs du es and tariffs, all of which have increased in
recent years;
difficulty in obtaining product distribu on and support, and transporta on delays;
poten al inability to localize so ware products;
difficulty in enforcing contracts, collec ng accounts receivables and maintaining appropriate financial control;
difficulty in conduc ng due diligence with respect to business partners;
public health or safety concerns, medical epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19, and other natural- or man-made disasters;
na onaliza on of businesses and expropria on of assets; and
changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws.
A significant legal risk associated with conduc ng business interna onally is compliance with the various and differing laws and regula ons of the many
countries in which we do business. In addi on, the laws in various countries are constantly evolving and may, in some cases, conflict with each other or with
agreements we have made in one or more jurisdic ons. Although our policies prohibit us, our employees and our agents from engaging in unethical business
prac ces, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, distributors or other agents will refrain from ac ng in viola on of our related an -corrup on or
other policies and procedures. Any such viola on could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Failure to realize the benefits expected from the VMware Merger could adversely affect our business and the value of our common stock.
As part of our integra on of the VMware business, we plan to focus on VMware’s core business of crea ng private and hybrid cloud environments among
large enterprises globally and dives ng non-core assets. If VMware customers do not accept this plan, the investments we have made or may make to implement
this plan may be of no or limited value, we may lose customers, our financial results may be adversely affected and our stock price may suffer.
Although we expect significant benefits to result from the VMware Merger, there can be no assurance that we will actually realize these benefits. Achieving
these benefits will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate VMware's business successfully and efficiently. The challenges involved in this integra on, which are
complex and me consuming, include the following:
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preserving customer and other important rela onships of VMware and a rac ng new business and opera onal rela onships;
integra ng financial forecas ng and controls, procedures and repor ng cycles;
consolida ng and integra ng corporate, informa on technology, finance and administra ve infrastructures;
coordina ng sales and marke ng efforts to effec vely posi on our capabili es;
coordina ng and integra ng opera ons in countries in which we have not previously operated;
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reorien ng the VMware sales and marke ng force to align with the change in strategy and effec vely posi on the business; and
integra ng the VMware workforce, including managing employee transi ons and a ri on, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees.
If we do not successfully manage these issues and the other challenges inherent in integra ng an acquired business, then we may not achieve the
an cipated benefits of the VMware Merger within our an cipated meframe or at all and our revenue, expenses, opera ng results, financial condi on and stock
price could be materially adversely affected. The successful integra on of the VMware business will require significant management a en on both before and
a er the comple on of the VMware Merger, and may divert the a en on of management from our business and opera onal issues.
We may pursue acquisi ons, investments, joint ventures and disposi ons, which could adversely affect our results of opera ons.
Our growth strategy includes acquiring or inves ng in businesses that offer complementary products, services and technologies, or enhance our market
coverage or technological capabili es.
Any acquisi ons we may undertake, including the VMware Merger, and their integra on involve risks and uncertain es, such as:
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unexpected delays, challenges and related expenses, and disrup on of our business;
diversion of management’s a en on from daily opera ons and the pursuit of other opportuni es;
incurring significant restructuring charges and amor za on expense, assuming liabili es (some of which may be unexpected) and ongoing or new
lawsuits, poten al impairment of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, and increasing our expenses and working capital requirements;
the poten al for deficiencies in internal controls at the acquired business, as well as implemen ng our own management informa on systems,
opera ng systems and internal controls for the acquired opera ons;
our due diligence process may fail to iden fy significant issues with the acquired business’ products, financial disclosures, accoun ng prac ces, legal, tax
and other con ngencies, compliance with local laws and regula ons (and interpreta ons thereof) in the U.S. and mul ple interna onal jurisdic ons;
addi onal acquisi on-related debt, which could increase our leverage and poten ally nega vely affect our credit ra ngs resul ng in more restric ve
borrowing terms or increased borrowing costs thereby limi ng our ability to borrow;
dilu on of stock ownership of exis ng stockholders;
difficul es integra ng the acquired business or company and in managing and retaining acquired employees, vendors and customers; and
inaccuracies in our original es mates and assump ons used to assess a transac on, which may result in us not realizing the expected financial or
strategic benefits of any such transac on.
In addi on, current and future changes to the U.S. and foreign regulatory approval process and requirements related to acquisi ons may cause approvals to
take longer than an cipated, not be forthcoming or contain burdensome condi ons, which may prevent the transac on or jeopardize, delay or reduce the
an cipated benefits of the transac on, and impede the execu on of our business strategy.
From me to me, we may also seek to divest or wind down por ons of our business, either acquired or otherwise, or we may exit minority investments,
any of which could materially affect our cash flows and results of opera ons. Such disposi ons involve risks and uncertain es, including our ability to sell such
businesses on terms acceptable to us, or at all, disrup on to other parts of our business, poten al loss of employees or customers, or exposure to unan cipated
liabili es or ongoing obliga ons to us following any such disposi ons. In addi on, disposi ons may include the transfer of technology and/or the licensing of
certain IP rights to third-party purchasers, which could limit our ability to u lize such IP rights or assert these rights against such third-party purchasers or other
third par es.
We are subject to risks associated with our distributors and other channel partners, including product inventory levels and product sell-through.
We sell our products through a direct sales force and a select network of distributors and other channel partners globally. Sales to distributors accounted for
57% of our net revenue in the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 and are subject to a number of risks, including:
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fluctua ons in demand based on our distributors’ product inventory levels and end customer demand;
our distributors and other channel partners are generally not subject to minimum sales requirements or any obliga on to market our products to their
customers;
our distributors and other channel partners agreements are generally nonexclusive and may be terminated at any me without cause;
our lack of control over the ming of delivery of our products to end customers; and
our distributors and other channel partners may market and distribute compe ng products and may place greater emphasis on the sale of these
products.
We expect our dependence on channel partners will increase following the VMware Merger. Failure to maintain good rela onships with our distributors and
channel partners could adversely impact our business. In addi on, we sell our semiconductor products through an increasingly limited number of distributors,
which exposes us to addi onal customer concentra on and related credit risks.
We do not always have a direct rela onship with the end customers of our products. As a result, our semiconductor products may be used in applica ons for
which they were not necessarily designed or tested, including, for example, medical devices, and they may not perform as an cipated in such applica ons. In
such event, failure of even a small number of parts could result in significant liabili es to us, damage our reputa on and harm our business and results of
opera ons.
Our business would be adversely affected by the departure of exis ng members of our senior management team.
Our success depends, in large part, on the con nued contribu ons of our senior management team, and in par cular, the services of Hock E. Tan, our
President and Chief Execu ve Officer. Effec ve succession planning is also important for our long-term success. Failure to ensure effec ve transfers of knowledge
and smooth transi ons involving senior management could hinder our strategic planning and execu on. None of our senior management is bound by wri en
employment contracts. In addi on, we do not currently maintain key person life insurance covering our senior management. The loss of any of our senior
management could harm our ability to implement our business strategy and respond to the rapidly changing market condi ons in which we operate.
If we are unable to a ract and retain qualified personnel, especially our engineering and technical personnel, we may not be able to execute our business
strategy effec vely.
Our future success depends on our ability to a ract, retain and mo vate qualified personnel. As the source of our technological and product innova ons, our
engineering and technical personnel (including cyber security experts) are a significant asset. Compe on for these employees is significant in many areas of the
world in which we operate, par cularly in Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia where qualified engineers are in high demand. In addi on, current or future
immigra on laws may make it more difficult to hire or retain qualified engineers, further limi ng the pool of available talent. We believe equity awards provide a
powerful long-term reten on incen ve and have historically granted these awards to the substan al majority of our employees. If we are unable to con nue our
current equity gran ng philosophy, this could impair our efforts to a ract and retain necessary personnel. Any inability to retain, a ract or mo vate such
personnel and provide compe ve employment benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
An impairment of the confiden ality, integrity, or availability of our IT systems, or those of one or more of our corporate infrastructure vendors could have a
material adverse effect on our business.
Our business depends on a wide variety of complex IT systems and services, including cloud-based and other cri cal corporate services rela ng to, among
other things, product research and development, financial repor ng, product orders and fulfillment, HR, benefit plan administra on, IT network management,
and electronic communica on and collabora on services. These systems and services are both internally managed and outsourced, and in many cases we rely
upon third-party data centers. Any failure of these internal or third-party systems and services to operate effec vely could disrupt our opera ons and could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons. Our opera ons are dependent upon our ability to protect our IT
infrastructure against damage from business con nuity events that could have a significant disrup ve effect. Although these systems are designed to protect and
secure our customers’, suppliers’ and employees’ confiden al informa on, as well as our own proprietary informa on, we are, out of necessity, dependent on
our vendors to adequately address cyber security threats to their own systems. In addi on, so ware products we use and technologies produced by us have
occasionally had in the past and may have in the future, vulnerabili es that, if le unmi gated, could reduce the overall level of security of the systems on which
the so ware is installed.
Cyber-a acks are increasing in number and sophis ca on, are well-financed, in some cases supported by state actors, and are designed to not only a ack,
but also to evade detec on. Since the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to systems, or to otherwise sabotage them, change frequently and are
o en not recognized un l launched against a target, we
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may be unable to an cipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventa ve measures. As a cri cal vendor in the digital supply chain for both
governmental en es and cri cal infrastructure operators, we and our products may be targeted by those seeking to threaten the confiden ality, integrity and
availability of systems suppor ng essen al public services. Geopoli cal instability may increase the likelihood that we will experience direct or collateral
consequences from cyber conflicts between na on-states or other poli cally mo vated actors targe ng cri cal technology infrastructure.
Accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access to our informa on systems or the systems of our service providers and business
partners, or the existence of computer viruses or malware (such as ransomware) in our or their data or so ware have in the past, and could in the future, expose
us to a risk of informa on loss, business disrup on, and misappropria on of proprietary and confiden al informa on, including informa on rela ng to our
products or customers and the personal informa on of our employees or third par es. Such an event could disrupt our business and result in, among other
things, unfavorable publicity, damage to our reputa on, loss of our trade secrets and other compe ve informa on, li ga on by affected par es and possible
financial obliga ons for liabili es and damages related to the the or misuse of such informa on, significant remedia on costs, disrup on of key business
opera ons and significant diversion of our resources, as well as fines and other sanc ons resul ng from any related breaches of data privacy regula ons (such as
the General Data Protec on Regula on), any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, profitability and financial condi on. While we may be
en tled to damages if our vendors fail to perform under their agreements with us, any award may be insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred by us and, as
a result of a vendor’s failure to perform, we may be unable to collect any damages.
Despite our internal controls and investment in security measures, we have, from me to me, been subject to disrup ve cyber-a acks and unauthorized
network intrusions and malware on our own IT networks or those of our service providers or business partners. Although no such cyber security incidents have
been material to Broadcom, we con nue to devote resources to protect our systems and data from unauthorized access or misuse, and we may be required to
expend greater resources in the future. Businesses we acquire may increase the scope and complexity of our IT networks, and this may increase our risk exposure
to cyber-a acks when there are difficul es integra ng diverse legacy systems that support opera ons for the acquired businesses.
In addi on, certain aspects of effec ve cybersecurity are dependent upon our employees, contractors and other trusted partners reliably safeguarding
secrets (e.g., applica on creden als) and adhering to our security policies and access control mechanisms. We have in the past experienced, and expect in the
future to experience, security incidents arising from a failure to properly handle such secrets or adhere to such policies and, although no such events have had a
material adverse effect on our business, there can be no assurance that an insider threat will not result in an incident that is material to Broadcom. Our logging,
aler ng and cyber incident detec on mechanisms may not cover every system poten ally targeted by threat actors, may not have the capability to detect certain
types of unauthorized ac vi es, and may not capture and surface informa on sufficient to enable us to mely detect and take responsive ac on to insider or
external threats.
U.S. and foreign regulators, as well as customers and service providers, have also increased their focus on cyber security vulnerabili es and risks. Compliance
with laws, regula ons, and contractual provisions concerning privacy, cyber security, secure technology development, data governance, data protec on,
confiden ality and IP could result in significant expense, and any failure to comply could result in proceedings against us by regulatory authori es or other third
par es and may also increase our overall compliance burden.
We operate in the highly cyclical semiconductor industry.
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by price erosion, wide fluctua ons in product supply and demand, constant and rapid
technological change, evolving technical standards, frequent new product introduc ons, and short product life cycles (for semiconductors and for many of the
end products in which they are used). From me to me, these factors, together with changes in general economic condi ons, cause significant upturns and
downturns in the industry in general, and in our business in par cular. The industry previously experienced a significant upturn due to a supply imbalance that
resulted in record profitability and increases in average selling prices. The industry, however is currently experiencing a downturn, and historically, such down-
cycles have been characterized by diminished demand for end-user products, high inventory levels and periods of inventory adjustment, under-u liza on of
manufacturing capacity, changes in revenue mix, accelerated erosion of average selling prices and elimina on of expedite fees leading to reduced profitability
and a decline in our stock price. The Crea ng Helpful Incen ves to Produce Semiconductors for America Act could also result in an increase in supply leading to
excess inventory and a decrease in average selling prices. We expect our business to con nue to be subject to cyclical downturns even when overall economic
condi ons are rela vely stable. If we cannot offset industry or market downturns, our net revenue may decline and our financial condi on and results of
opera ons may suffer.
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The majority of our sales have historically come from a small number of customers and a reduc on in demand or loss of one or more of our significant
customers may adversely affect our business.
We have historically depended on a small number of end customers, OEMs, their respec ve contract manufacturers (“CMs”) and certain distributors for a
majority of our business and revenue. For fiscal year 2023, sales to distributors accounted for 57% of our net revenue. We believe aggregate sales, through all
channels, to Apple and our top five end customers, accounted for approximately 20% and 35% of our net revenue for fiscal year 2023, respec vely. This customer
concentra on increases the risk of quarterly fluctua ons in our opera ng results and our sensi vity to any material adverse developments experienced by our
significant customers.
Our semiconductor customers are not generally required to purchase specific quan es of products. Even when customers agree to source an agreed
por on of their product needs from us, such arrangements o en include pricing schedules or methodologies that apply regardless of the volume of products
purchased, and those customers may not purchase the amount of product we expect. As a result, we may not generate the amount of revenue or achieve the
level of profitability we expect under such arrangements. Moreover, our top customers’ purchasing power has, in some cases, given them the ability to make
greater demands on us with regard to pricing and contractual terms in general. We expect this trend to con nue, which may adversely affect our gross margin on
certain products and, should we fail to perform under these arrangements, we could also be liable for significant monetary damages.
The loss of, or any substan al reduc on in sales to, any of our top customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on, results
of opera ons and cash flows.
Dependence on contract manufacturing and suppliers of cri cal components within our supply chain may adversely affect our ability to bring products to
market, damage our reputa on and adversely affect our results of opera ons.
We operate a primarily outsourced manufacturing business model that principally u lizes CMs, such as third-party wafer foundries and module assembly
and test capabili es. Our semiconductor products require wafer manufacturers with state-of-the-art fabrica on equipment and techniques, and most of our
products are designed to be manufactured in a specific process, typically at one par cular fab or foundry, either our own or with a par cular CM.
We depend on our CMs to allocate sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet our needs, to produce products of acceptable quality at acceptable yields, and
to deliver those products to us on a mely basis. We do not generally have long-term capacity commitments with our CMs and substan ally all of our
manufacturing services are on a purchase order basis with no minimum quan es. Further, our CMs may fail to mely develop new, advanced manufacturing
processes, including transi ons to smaller geometry process technologies or, from me to me, will cease to, or will become unable to, manufacture a
component for us. As lead mes to iden fy, qualify and establish reliable produc on at acceptable yields with a new CM is typically lengthy, there is o en no
readily available alterna ve source and there may be other constraints on our ability to change CMs. In addi on, qualifying new CMs is o en expensive, and they
may not produce products as cost-effec vely as our current suppliers.
TSMC, one of our CMs, manufactured approximately 90% of the wafers manufactured by our CMs during fiscal year 2023. We believe our wafer
requirements represent a meaningful por on of TSMC’s total produc on capacity. However, TSMC also fabricates wafers for other companies, including some of
our compe tors, and could choose or be required to priori ze capacity for other customers or reduce or eliminate deliveries to us on short no ce. In addi on,
TSMC has, and may in the future, raise their prices to us.
If any of the foregoing circumstances occur, we may be unable to meet our customer demand, or to the same extent as our compe tors, fail to meet our
contractual obliga ons or forgo revenue opportuni es. This could damage our rela onships with our customers or result in li ga on for alleged failure to meet
our obliga ons, payment of significant damages, and our net revenue could decline, adversely affec ng our business, financial condi on, results of opera ons
and gross margin.
Further, any substan al disrup on in the contract manufacturing services that we u lize, including TSMC’s supply of wafers to us, as a result of a natural
disaster, climate change, water shortages, poli cal unrest, military conflicts, geopoli cal turmoil, trade tensions, government orders, labor shortages, medical
epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, equipment failure or other cause, could materially harm our business, customer rela onships
and results of opera ons.
We purchase a significant amount of the materials used in our products from a limited number of suppliers.
Our manufacturing processes and those of our CMs rely on many materials, including silicon, GaAs and InP wafers, copper lead frames, precious and rare
earth metals, mold compound, ceramic packages and various chemicals and gases. During fiscal year 2023, we purchased approximately two-thirds of our
manufacturing materials from five materials providers, some of which are single source suppliers. As certain materials are highly specialized, the lead me
needed to iden fy and qualify a new supplier is typically lengthy and there is o en no readily available alterna ve source. We do not generally have long-term
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contracts with our materials providers and substan ally all of our purchases are on a purchase order basis. Suppliers may extend lead mes, limit supplies, place
products on alloca on or increase prices due to commodity price increases, capacity constraints, infla on, or other factors, any of which could lead to
interrup on of supply or increased demand in the industry. For example, macroeconomic and geopoli cal condi ons, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, caused
some supply constraints and increases in prices, including with respect to wafers and substrates. Addi onally, the supply of these materials may be nega vely
impacted by increased trade tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners, par cularly China. Any such supply constraints could result in loss of revenue
opportuni es and adversely impact our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
Failure to adjust our manufacturing and supply chain to accurately meet customer demand could adversely affect our results of opera ons.
We make significant decisions, including determining the levels of business that we will seek and accept, produc on schedules, levels of reliance on contract
manufacturing and outsourcing, internal fabrica on u liza on and other resource requirements, based on customer requirements or es mates thereof, which
may not be accurate.
We largely build to order and have extended customer lead mes substan ally, which has limited and may con nue to limit our ability to fulfill orders and
sa sfy all of the demand for our products. Customers may require rapid increases in produc on on short no ce. If we are unable to meet such increases in
demand, this could damage our customer rela onships, reduce revenue growth and margins, subject us to addi onal liabili es, harm our reputa on, and prevent
us from taking advantage of opportuni es.
Conversely, if actual sales of our products is lower than expected, we may also experience higher inventory carrying and opera ng costs and product
obsolescence. Because certain of our sales, research and development, and internal manufacturing overhead expenses are rela vely fixed, a reduc on in
customer demand may also decrease our gross margin and opera ng income.
Winning business in the semiconductor solu ons industry is subject to a lengthy process that o en requires us to incur significant expense, from which we
may ul mately generate no revenue.
Our semiconductor business is dependent on us winning compe ve bid selec on processes, known as “design wins”. These selec on processes are typically
lengthy and can require us to dedicate significant development expenditures and scarce engineering resources in pursuit of a single customer opportunity. Failure
to obtain a par cular design win may prevent us from obtaining design wins in subsequent genera ons of a par cular product. This can result in lost revenue and
can weaken our posi on in future selec on processes.
Winning a product design does not guarantee sales to a customer. A delay or cancella on of a customer’s plans could materially and adversely affect our
financial results, as we incur significant expense in the design process and may generate li le or no revenue from it. In addi on, the ming of design wins is
unpredictable and implemen ng produc on for a major design win, or mul ple design wins at the same me, may strain our resources and those of our CMs. In
such event, we may be forced to dedicate significant addi onal resources and incur addi onal costs and expenses. Further, o en customers will only purchase
limited numbers of evalua on units un l they qualify the products and/or the manufacturing line for those products. The qualifica on process can take
significant me and resources. Delays in qualifica on or failure to qualify our products may cause a customer to discon nue use of our products and result in a
significant loss of revenue. Finally, customers could choose at any me to stop using our products or could fail to successfully market and sell their products,
which could reduce demand for our products and cause us to hold excess inventory, materially adversely affec ng our business, financial condi on and results of
opera ons. These risks are exacerbated by the fact that many of our products, and the end products into which our products are incorporated, o en have very
short life cycles.
A prolonged disrup on of our manufacturing facili es, research and development facili es, warehouses or other significant opera ons, or those of our
suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
Although we operate a primarily outsourced manufacturing business model, we also rely on our own manufacturing facili es, in par cular in Fort Collins,
Colorado, Singapore, and Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. We use these internal fabrica on facili es for products u lizing our innova ve and proprietary processes.
Our Fort Collins and Breinigsville facili es are the sole sources for the FBAR components used in many of our wireless devices and for the InP-based wafers used
in our fibre op cs products, respec vely. Many of our facili es, and those of our CMs and suppliers, are located in California and the Pacific Rim region, which
have above average seismic ac vity and severe weather ac vity. In addi on, a significant majority of our research and development personnel are located in the
Czech Republic, India, Israel, and the U.S., with the exper se of the personnel at each such loca on tending to be focused on one or two specific areas, and our
primary warehouse is in Malaysia.
A prolonged disrup on at or shut-down of one or more of our manufacturing facili es or warehouses, especially our Colorado, Singapore, Malaysia and
Pennsylvania facili es, or those of our CMs or suppliers, due to natural- or man-made
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disasters or other events outside of our control, such as equipment malfunc on or widespread outbreaks of acute illness, including COVID-19, or for any other
reason, would limit our capacity to meet customer demands and delay new product development un l a replacement facility and equipment, if necessary, were
found. To date, we have not experienced a material event, however such an event could disrupt our opera ons, delay produc on, shipments and revenue, result
in us being unable to mely sa sfy customer demand, expose us to claims by our customers, result in significant expense to repair or replace our affected
facili es, and, in some instances, could significantly curtail our research and development efforts in a par cular product area or target market. As a result, we
could forgo revenue opportuni es, poten ally lose market share, damage our customer rela onships and be subject to li ga on and addi onal liabili es, all of
which could materially and adversely affect our business. Although we purchase insurance to mi gate certain losses, such insurance o en carries a high
deduc ble amount and any uninsured losses could nega vely affect our opera ng results. In addi on, even if we were able to promptly resume produc on of our
affected products, if our customers cannot mely resume their own manufacturing following such an event, they may cancel or scale back their orders from us
and this may in turn adversely affect our results of opera ons. Such events could also result in increased fixed costs rela ve to the revenue we generate and
adversely affect our results of opera ons.
We may be unable to maintain appropriate manufacturing capacity or product yields at our own manufacturing facili es, which could adversely affect our
rela onships with our customers, and our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
We must maintain appropriate capacity and product yields at our own manufacturing facili es to meet an cipated customer demand. From me to me,
this requires us to invest in expansion or improvements of those facili es, which o en involves substan al cost and other risks. Such expanded manufacturing
capacity may s ll be insufficient, or may not come online soon enough, to meet customer demand and we may have to put customers on product alloca on,
forgo sales or lose customers as a result. Conversely, if we overes mate customer demand, we would experience excess capacity and fixed costs at these facili es
will not be fully absorbed, all of which could adversely affect our results of opera ons. Similarly, reduced product yields, due to design or manufacturing issues or
otherwise, may involve significant me and cost to remedy and cause delays in our ability to supply product to our customers, all of which could cause us to forgo
sales, incur liabili es or lose customers, and harm our results of opera ons.
We may be involved in legal proceedings, including IP, securi es li ga on, and employee-related claims, which could, among other things, divert efforts of
management and result in significant expense and loss of our IP rights.
We are o en involved in legal proceedings, including cases involving our IP rights and those of others, commercial ma ers, acquisi on-related suits,
securi es class ac on suits, employee-related claims and other ac ons. Li ga on or se lement of such ac ons, regardless of their merit, can be costly, lengthy,
complex and me consuming, diver ng the a en on and energies of our management and technical personnel.
The industries in which we operate are characterized by companies holding large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and by the
vigorous pursuit, protec on and enforcement of IP rights, including ac ons by patent-holding companies that do not make or sell products. From me to me,
third par es assert against us and our customers and distributors their IP rights to technologies that are important to our business. For example, in September
2023 we se led a patent infringement claim filed by California Ins tute of Technology against Broadcom and Apple.
Many of our customer agreements, and in some cases our asset sale agreements, and/or the laws of certain jurisdic ons may require us to indemnify our
customers or purchasers for third-party IP infringement claims, including costs to defend those claims, and payment of damages in the case of adverse rulings.
However, our CMs and suppliers may or may not be required to indemnify us should we or our customers be subject to such third-party claims. Claims of this sort
could also harm our rela onships with our customers and might deter future customers from doing business with us. If any pending or future proceedings result
in an adverse outcome, we could be required to:
•
•
•
•
•
cease the manufacture, use or sale of the infringing products, processes or technology and/or make changes to our processes or products;
pay substan al damages for past, present and future use of the infringing technology, including up to treble damages if willful infringement is found;
expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology;
license technology from the third-party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all;
enter into cross-licenses with our compe tors, which could weaken our overall IP por olio and our ability to compete in par cular product categories;
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•
•
pay substan al damages to our direct or end customers to discon nue use or replace infringing technology with non-infringing technology; or
relinquish IP rights associated with one or more of our patent claims.
Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
In addi on, we may be obligated to indemnify our current or former directors or employees, or former directors or employees of companies that we have
acquired, in connec on with such li ga on. These liabili es could be substan al and may include, among other things, the cost of defending lawsuits against
these individuals, as well as stockholder deriva ve suits; civil or criminal fines and penal es; legal and other expenses; and expenses associated with the remedial
measure, if any, which may be imposed.
If demand for our data center virtualiza on products is less than an cipated, our business could be adversely affected.
We expect to generate a significant por on of our so ware revenue from our data center virtualiza on products. However, if businesses build new or shi
exis ng compute workloads off-premises to public cloud providers, this could limit the market for on-premises deployments of our data center virtualiza on
products. Although we have developed, and will con nue to develop, products to extend our product offerings to the public cloud, if demand for our server
virtualiza on products is significantly less than an cipated, our business, financial condi on, results of opera ons and cash flows may be adversely affected.
The growth of our so ware business depends on customer acceptance of our newer products and services.
Many of our so ware products and services are based on data center virtualiza on, applica on moderniza on and related hybrid-cloud technologies used to
manage distributed compu ng architectures, which form the founda on for hybrid-cloud compu ng. We expect to increase product development and marke ng
and sales efforts toward products and services that enable businesses to modernize applica ons and efficiently implement their hybrid-cloud services. These
cloud and SaaS ini a ves present new and difficult technological, opera onal and compliance challenges. We expect significant investments will be required to
develop or acquire solu ons to address those challenges. Current and future customers may not perceive benefits and cost savings associated with adop ng our
hybrid-cloud and applica on pla orm solu ons or we may fail to realize returns on our investments in new ini a ves, which could harm our results of
opera ons.
If our so ware products do not remain compa ble with ever-changing opera ng environments, pla orms, or third-party products, demand for our products
and services could decrease, which could materially adversely affect our business.
We may be required to make substan al modifica on of our products to maintain compa bility with opera ng systems, systems so ware and computer
hardware used by our customers or to provide our customers with desired features or capabili es. We must also con nually address the challenges of dynamic
and accelera ng market trends and compe ve developments, such as the emergence of advanced persistent threats in the security space to compete
effec vely. There can be no assurance that we will be able to adapt our products in response to these developments.
Further, our so ware solu ons interact with a variety of so ware and hardware developed by third par es, as well as cloud providers. If we lose access to
third-party code and specifica ons for the development of code or cloud providers fail to support our products or otherwise limit the func onality, compa bility
or cer fica on of our products, this could nega vely impact our ability to develop compa ble so ware. In addi on, if so ware providers and hardware
manufacturers, including some of our largest vendors, adopt new policies restric ng the use or availability of their code or technical documenta on for their
opera ng systems, applica ons, or hardware, or otherwise impose unfavorable terms and condi ons for such access, this could result in higher research and
development costs for the enhancement and modifica on of our exis ng products or development of new products. Any addi onal restric ons could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condi on and opera ng results and cash flow.
Failure to enter into so ware license agreements on a sa sfactory basis could materially adversely affect our business.
Many of our exis ng customers have mul -year enterprise so ware license agreements, some of which involve substan al aggregate fee amounts. These
customers o en do not have a contractual obliga on to purchase addi onal solu ons. Customer renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of
factors, including the level of customer sa sfac on with our solu ons or customer support, customer budgets and the pricing of our solu ons as compared with
the solu ons offered by our compe tors, any of which may cause our revenue to grow more slowly than expected, if at all. The failure to renew customer
agreements of similar scope, on terms that are commercially a rac ve to us, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condi on and opera ng
results and cash flow.
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Certain so ware that we use in our products is licensed from third par es and may not be available to us in the future, which may delay product
development and produc on or cause us to incur addi onal expense.
Some of our solu ons contain so ware licensed from third par es, some of which may not be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us
or allow our products to remain compe ve. The loss of these licenses or the inability to maintain any of them on commercially acceptable terms could delay
development of future products or the enhancement of exis ng products.
Our use of open source so ware in certain products and services could materially adversely affect our business, financial condi on, opera ng results and
cash flow.
Many of our products and services incorporate open source so ware, the use of which may subject us to certain condi ons, including the obliga on to offer
such products for no cost or to make the proprietary source code of those products publicly available. Open source licenses are generally “as-is” and do not
provide warran es, support or assurance of tle or controls on origin of the so ware, which exposes us to poten al liability if the so ware fails to work or
infringes the intellectual property of a third-party.
Although we monitor our use of open source so ware to avoid subjec ng our products to unintended condi ons and exposing us to unacceptable financial
risk, such use, under certain circumstances, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condi on and opera ng results and cash flow, including if we
are required to take remedial ac on that may divert resources away from our development efforts. In addi on, we may receive inquiries or claims from authors,
distributors or recipients of open source so ware included in our products regarding our compliance with the condi ons of such open source licenses and we
may be required to take steps to avoid or remedy an alleged infringement or noncompliance, including modifying our product code, stopping the distribu on of
some of our products, paying damages or releasing the source code of our propriety so ware. Further, although we believe that we have complied with our
obliga ons under the licenses for such open source so ware, there is li le legal precedent governing the interpreta on of some terms in some of these licenses,
which increases the risk that a court could interpret the licenses differently than we do.
Failure of our so ware products to manage and secure IT infrastructures and environments could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Certain aspects of our so ware products are intended to manage and secure IT infrastructures and environments, and as a result, we expect these products
to be ongoing targets of cyber-a acks. Open source code or other third-party so ware used in these products could also be targeted and may make our products
vulnerable to addi onal security risks not posed by purely proprietary products. Our products are complex and, when deployed, may contain errors, defects or
security vulnerabili es, some of which may not be discovered before the product has been released, installed and used by customers. The complexity and
breadth of our technical and produc on environments, which involve globally dispersed development and engineering teams, increases the risk that errors,
defects or vulnerabili es will be introduced and may delay our ability to detect, mi gate or remediate such incidents.
In the past, elements of our proprietary source code have been exposed in an unauthorized manner. It is possible that such exposure of source code could
reveal unknown security vulnerabili es in our products that could be exploited by malicious actors. Our products are also subject to known and unknown security
vulnerabili es resul ng from integra on with third-party products or services.
Although we con nually seek to improve our countermeasures to prevent such incidents, we may be unable to an cipate every scenario and it is possible
that certain cyber threats or vulnerabili es will be undetected or unmi gated in me to prevent an a ack or an accidental incident on us and our customers.
Addi onally, efforts by malicious cyber actors or others could cause interrup ons, delays or cessa on of our product licensing, or modifica on of our so ware,
which could cause us to lose exis ng or poten al customers.
A successful cyber-a ack involving our products could cause customers and poten al customers to believe our services are ineffec ve or unreliable and
result in, among other things, the loss of customers, unfavorable publicity, damage to our reputa on, difficulty in marke ng our products, allega ons by our
customers that we have not performed our contractual obliga ons and give rise to significant costs, including costs related to developing solu ons or
indemnifica on obliga ons under our agreements. Any such event could adversely impact our revenue and results of opera ons. See also “An impairment of the
confiden ality, integrity, or availability of our IT systems, or those of one or more of our corporate infrastructure vendors, could have a material adverse effect on
our business”.
Our sales to government customers subject us to uncertain es and governmental regula ons, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our contracts signed with the U.S. federal, state and local government and non-U.S. government agencies are generally subject to annual fiscal funding
approval and may be renego ated or terminated at the discre on of the government.
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Termina on, renego a on or the lack of funding approval for a contract could adversely affect our sales, revenue and reputa on. Addi onally, our government
contracts and our arrangements with channel partners who may sell directly to government customers are generally subject to certain requirements, some of
which are generally not present in commercial contracts and/or may be complex, as well as to audits and inves ga ons. Failure to meet contractual requirements
could result in various civil and criminal ac ons and penal es, and administra ve sanc ons, including termina on of contracts, refund of a por on of fees
received, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from doing business with the government, which could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condi on, opera ng results and cash flow.
Failure to effec vely manage our products and services lifecycles could harm our business.
As part of the natural lifecycle of our products and services, customers are informed when products or services will be reaching their end of life or end of
availability and will no longer be supported or receive updates and security patches. If these products or services remain subject to a service contract, the
customer may transi on to alterna ve products or services. Failure to effec vely manage our products and services lifecycles could lead to customer
dissa sfac on and contractual liabili es, which could adversely affect our business and opera ng results.
Our opera ng results are subject to substan al quarterly and annual fluctua ons.
Our opera ng results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. These fluctua ons may occur on a quarterly and annual basis and
are due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addi on to many of the risks described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” sec on, these
factors include, among others:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the ming of launches by our customers of new product in which our products are included and changes in end-user demand for our customers’
products;
fluctua ons in the levels of component or product inventories held by our customers, which may lead to increased requests to delay shipment of our
products;
the shi to cloud-based IT solu ons and services, such as hyperscale compu ng, which may adversely affect the ming and volume of sales of our
products for use in tradi onal enterprise data centers;
the ming of new so ware contracts and renewals, as well as the ming of any termina ons of so ware contracts that require us to refund to
customers any pre-paid amounts under the contract;
our ability to mely develop, introduce and market new products and technologies;
the ming and extent of our so ware license and subscrip on revenue, and other non-product revenue;
new product announcements and introduc ons by us or our compe tors;
seasonality or other fluctua ons in demand in our markets;
ming and amount of research and development and related new product expenditures, and the ming of receipt of any research and development
grant monies; and
ming of any regulatory changes, par cularly with respect to trade sanc ons and customs du es and tariffs, and tax reform.
The foregoing factors are o en difficult to predict, and these, as well as other factors, could materially adversely affect our quarterly or annual opera ng
results. In addi on, a significant amount of our opera ng expenses are rela vely fixed in nature. Any failure to adjust spending quickly enough to compensate for
a revenue shor all could magnify the adverse impact of such revenue shor all on our results of opera ons. As a result, we believe that quarter-to-quarter
comparisons of our revenue and opera ng results may not be meaningful or reliable indicators of our future performance. If our opera ng results in one or more
future quarters fail to meet the expecta ons of securi es analysts or investors, a significant decline in the trading price of our common stock may occur, which
may happen immediately or over me.
Compe on in our industries could prevent us from growing our revenue.
The industries in which we operate are highly compe ve and characterized by rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards, changes in
customer requirements, o en aggressive pricing prac ces and, in some cases, new delivery methods. We expect compe on in these industries to con nue to
increase as exis ng compe tors improve or expand their product offerings or as new compe tors enter our markets.
Some of our compe tors have longer opera ng histories, greater name recogni on, a larger installed customer base, larger technical staffs, more established
rela onships with vendors or suppliers, or greater manufacturing, distribu on, financial, research and development, technical and marke ng resources than us.
We also face compe on from public cloud
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providers, numerous smaller companies that specialize in specific aspects of the highly fragmented so ware industry, open source authors who provide so ware
and IP for free, compe tors who offer their products through try-and-buy or freemium models, and customers who develop compe ng products.
In addi on, the trend toward consolida on is changing the compe ve landscape. We expect this trend to con nue, which may result in combined
compe tors having greater resources than us. Some of our compe tors may also receive financial and other support from their home country government or
may have a greater presence in key markets, a larger customer base, a more comprehensive IP por olio or be er patent protec on than us.
The ac ons of our compe tors, in the areas of pricing and product bundling in par cular, could have a substan al adverse impact on us. Further, compe tors
may leverage their superior market posi on, as well as IP or other proprietary informa on, including interface, interoperability or technical informa on, in new
and emerging technologies and pla orms that may inhibit our ability to compete effec vely. If we are unable to compete successfully, we may lose market share
for our products or incur significant reduc on in our gross margins, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
opera ons.
Our gross margin is dependent on a number of factors, including our product mix, price erosion, acquisi ons we may make, level of capacity u liza on and
commodity prices.
Our gross margin is highly dependent on product mix, which is suscep ble to seasonal and other fluctua ons in our markets. A shi in sales mix away from
our higher margin products, as well as the ming and amount of our so ware licensing and non-product revenue, could adversely affect our future gross margin
percentages. In addi on, increased compe on and the existence of product alterna ves, more complex engineering requirements, lower demand, industry
oversupply or reduc ons in our technological lead compared to our compe tors, and other factors have in the past and may in the future lead to further price
erosion, lower revenue and lower margin. Conversely, periods of robust demand that create a supply imbalance can lead to higher gross margins that may not be
sustainable over the longer term.
In addi on, semiconductor manufacturing requires significant capital investment, leading to high fixed costs, including deprecia on expense. If we are
unable to u lize our owned manufacturing facili es at a high level, the fixed costs associated with these facili es will not be fully absorbed, resul ng in higher
average unit costs and a lower gross margin. Furthermore, we do not hedge our exposure to commodity prices, some of which are very vola le, and sudden or
prolonged increases in commodity prices may adversely affect our gross margin.
Our gross margin may also be adversely affected if businesses or companies that we acquire have different gross margin profiles and by expenses related to
such acquisi ons.
We u lize a significant amount of IP in our business. If we are unable or fail to protect our IP, our business could be adversely affected.
Our success depends in part upon protec ng our IP. To accomplish this, we rely on a combina on of IP rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and
trade secrets, as well as customary contractual protec ons with our customers, suppliers, employees and consultants. We spend significant resources to monitor
and protect our IP rights, including the unauthorized use of our products, usage rates of the so ware seat licenses and subscrip ons that we sell, and even with
significant expenditures, we may not be able to protect the IP rights that are valuable to our business. We are unable to predict or assure that:
•
•
•
•
•
our IP rights will not lapse or be invalidated, circumvented, challenged, or, in the case of third-party IP rights licensed to us, be licensed to others;
our IP rights will provide compe ve advantages to us;
rights previously granted by third par es to IP licensed or assigned to us, including por olio cross-licenses, will not hamper our ability to assert our IP
rights or hinder the se lement of currently pending or future disputes;
any of our pending or future patent, trademark or copyright applica ons will be issued or have the coverage originally sought;
our IP rights will be enforced in certain jurisdic ons where compe on is intense or where legal protec on may be weak; or
• we have sufficient IP rights to protect our products or our business.
Effec ve IP protec on may be unavailable or more limited in other jurisdic ons, rela ve to those protec ons available in the U.S., and may not be applied for
or may be abandoned in one or more relevant jurisdic ons. In addi on, when patents expire, we lose the protec on and compe ve advantages they provided
to us.
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We also generate revenue from licensing royalty payments and from technology claim se lements rela ng to certain of our IP. Licensing of our IP rights,
par cularly exclusive licenses, may limit our ability to assert those IP rights against third par es, including the licensee of those rights. In addi on, we may
acquire companies with IP that is subject to licensing obliga ons to other third par es. These licensing obliga ons may extend to our own IP following any such
acquisi on and may limit our ability to assert our IP rights. From me to me, we pursue li ga on to assert our IP rights, including, in some cases, against our
customers and suppliers. Claims of this sort could also harm our rela onships with our customers and might deter future customers from doing business with us.
Conversely, third par es have and may in the future pursue IP li ga on against us, including as a result of our IP licensing business. An adverse decision in such
types of legal ac on could limit our ability to assert our IP rights and limit the value of our technology, including the loss of opportuni es to sell or license our
technology to others or to collect royalty payments, which could otherwise nega vely impact our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
From me to me, we may need to obtain addi onal IP licenses or renew exis ng license agreements. We are unable to predict whether these license
agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms or at all.
We are subject to warranty claims, product recalls and product liability.
From me to me, we may be subject to warranty or product liability claims that may lead to significant expense. Our customer contracts typically contain
warranty and indemnifica on provisions, and in certain cases may also contain liquidated damages provisions, rela ng to product quality issues. The poten al
liabili es associated with such provisions are significant, and in some cases, including in agreements with some of our largest customers, are poten ally
unlimited. Any such liabili es may greatly exceed any revenue we receive from the relevant products. Costs, payments or damages incurred or paid by us in
connec on with warranty and product liability claims and product recalls could materially adversely affect our financial condi on and results of opera ons. We
may also be exposed to such claims as a result of any acquisi on we may undertake in the future.
Product liability insurance is subject to significant deduc bles and there is no guarantee that such insurance will be available or adequate to protect against
all such claims, or we may elect to self-insure with respect to certain ma ers. For example, it is possible for one of our customers to recall a product containing
one of our semiconductor devices. In such an event, we may incur significant costs and expenses, including among others, replacement costs, contract damage
claims from our customers and reputa onal harm. Although we maintain reserves for reasonably es mable liabili es and purchase product liability insurance,
our reserves may be inadequate to cover the uninsured por on of such claims. Conversely, in some cases, amounts we reserve may ul mately exceed our actual
liability for par cular claims and may need to be reversed.
The complexity of our products could result in unforeseen delays or expense or undetected defects or bugs, which could adversely affect the market
acceptance of new products, damage our reputa on with current or prospec ve customers, and materially and adversely affect our opera ng costs.
Highly complex products, such as those we offer, may contain defects and bugs when they are first introduced or as new versions, so ware documenta on
or enhancements are released, or their release may be delayed due to unforeseen difficul es during product development. If any of our products or third-party
components used in our products, contain defects or bugs, or have reliability, quality or compa bility problems, we may not be able to successfully design
workarounds. Furthermore, if any of these problems are not discovered un l a er we have commenced commercial produc on or deployment of a new product,
we may be required to incur addi onal development costs and product recall, repair or replacement costs. Significant technical challenges also arise with our
so ware products because our customers license and deploy our products across a variety of computer pla orms and integrate them with a number of third-
party so ware applica ons and databases. As a result, if there is system-wide failure or an actual or perceived breach of informa on integrity, security or
availability occurs in one of our end-user customer’s system, it can be difficult to determine which product is at fault and we could ul mately be harmed by the
failure of another supplier’s product. Consequently, our reputa on may be damaged and customers may be reluctant to buy our products, which could materially
and adversely affect our ability to retain exis ng customers and a ract new customers. To resolve these problems, we may have to invest significant capital and
other resources and we would likely lose, or experience a delay in, market acceptance of the affected product or products. These problems may also result in
claims against us by our customers or others. For example, if a delay in the manufacture and delivery of our products causes the delay of a customer’s end-
product delivery, we may be required, under the terms of our agreement with that customer, to compensate the customer for the adverse effects of such delays.
As a result, our financial results could be materially adversely affected.
We make substan al investments in research and development and unsuccessful investments could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condi on and results of opera ons.
The industries in which we compete are characterized by rapid technological change, changes in customer requirements, frequent new product
introduc ons and enhancements, short product cycles and evolving industry standards, and new
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delivery methods. In addi on, semiconductor products transi on over me to increasingly smaller line width geometries and failure to successfully transi on to
smaller geometry process technologies could impair our compe ve posi on. In order to remain compe ve, we have made, and expect to con nue to make,
significant investments in research and development. If we fail to mely develop new and enhanced products and technologies, if we focus on technologies that
do not become widely adopted, or if new compe ve technologies that we do not support become widely accepted, demand for our products may be reduced.
Increased investments in research and development or unsuccessful research and development efforts could cause our cost structure to fall out of alignment
with demand for our products, which would have a nega ve impact on our financial results.
We collect, use, store, or otherwise process personal informa on, which subjects us to privacy and data security laws and contractual commitments, and our
actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws and commitments could harm our business.
We collect, use and store (collec vely, “process”) a high volume, variety and velocity of certain personal informa on in connec on with the opera on of our
business. This creates various levels of privacy risks across different parts of our business, depending on the type of personal informa on, the jurisdic on in
ques on and the purpose of their processing. The personal informa on we process is subject to an increasing number of federal, state, local, and foreign laws
and regula ons regarding privacy and data security, as well as contractual commitments. Privacy legisla on and other data protec on regula ons, enforcement
and policy ac vity in this area are expanding rapidly in many jurisdic ons and crea ng a complex regulatory compliance environment. Sectoral legisla on,
cer fica on requirements and technical standards applying to certain categories of our customers, such as those is the financial services or public sector, have
exacerbated this trend. The cost of complying with and implemen ng these privacy-related and data governance measures could be significant as they may
create addi onal burdensome security, business process, business record or data localiza on requirements. Concerns about government interference,
sovereignty, expanding privacy, cyber security and data governance legisla on could adversely affect our customers and our products and services, par cularly in
cloud compu ng, ar ficial intelligence and our own data management prac ces. The the , loss or misuse of personal data collected, used, stored or transferred
by us to run our business could result in significantly increased business and security costs or costs related to defending legal claims. Any inadvertent failure or
perceived failure by us to comply with privacy, data governance or cyber security obliga ons may result in governmental enforcement ac ons, li ga on,
substan al fines and damages, and could cause our customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputa on and business.
We are subject to environmental, health and safety laws, which could increase our costs, restrict our opera ons and require expenditures that could have a
material adverse effect on our results of opera ons and financial condi on.
We are subject to a variety of domes c and interna onal laws and regula ons rela ng to the use, disposal, clean-up of and human exposure to hazardous
materials. Compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements could, among other things, require us to modify our manufacturing processes, restrict
our ability to expand our facili es, or require us to acquire pollu on control equipment, all of which can be very costly. Any failure by us to comply with such
requirements could result in the limita on or suspension of the manufacture of our products and could result in li ga on against us and the payment of
significant fines and damages by us in the event of a significant adverse judgment. In addi on, complying with any cleanup or remedia on obliga ons for which
we are or become responsible could be costly and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condi on and results of opera ons.
Changing requirements rela ng to the materials composi on of our semiconductor products, including the restric ons on lead and certain other substances
in electronic products sold in various countries, including the U.S., China and Japan, and in the European Union, increase the complexity and costs of our product
design and procurement opera ons and may require us to re-engineer our products. Such re-engineering may result in excess inventory or other addi onal costs
and could have a material adverse effect on our results of opera ons. We may also experience claims from employees from me to me with regard to exposure
to hazardous materials or other workplace related environmental claims.
Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) ma ers may adversely affect our rela onships with customers and investors.
There is an increasing focus from lawmakers, regulators, investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders concerning ESG ma ers, including
environment, climate, diversity and inclusion, human rights and governance transparency. A number of our customers have adopted, or may adopt, procurement
policies that include ESG provisions or requirements that their suppliers should comply with, or they may seek to include such provisions or requirements in their
procurement terms and condi ons. An increasing number of investors are also requiring companies to disclose ESG-related policies, prac ces and metrics. In
addi on, various jurisdic ons are developing climate-related laws or regula ons that could cause us to incur addi onal direct costs for compliance, as well as
indirect costs resul ng from our customers, suppliers, or addi onal compliance costs that are passed on to us. These legal and regulatory requirements, as well as
investor expecta ons on ESG prac ces and disclosures, are subject to change, can be unpredictable, and may be difficult and expensive for us to comply
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with, given the complexity of our supply chain and our outsourced manufacturing. Further, there is an increasing number of state-level an -ESG ini a ves in the
United States that may conflict with other regulatory requirements or our various stakeholders’ expecta ons. If we fail to comply with or meet the evolving legal
and regulatory requirements or expecta ons of our various stakeholders, we may be subject to enforcement ac ons, required to pay fines, customers may stop
purchasing products from us or investors may sell their shares, which could harm our reputa on, revenue and results of opera ons. Our actual or perceived
failure to achieve our ESG-related ini a ves could nega vely impact our reputa on or harm our business.
In addi on, as part of their ESG programs, an increasing number of OEMs are seeking to source products that do not contain minerals sourced from areas
where proceeds from the sale of such minerals are likely to be used to fund armed conflicts, such as in the Democra c Republic of Congo. This could adversely
affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of minerals used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, including our products. As a result, we may face
difficul es in sa sfying these customers’ demands, which may harm our sales and opera ng results.
The average selling prices of semiconductor products in our markets have o en decreased rapidly and may do so in the future, which could harm our revenue
and gross profit.
The semiconductor products we develop and sell are used for high volume applica ons. As a result, the prices of those products have o en decreased
rapidly. Gross profit on our products may be nega vely affected by, among other things, pricing pressures from our customers. In the past, we have reduced the
average selling prices of our products in an cipa on of future compe ve pricing pressures, new product introduc ons by us or our compe tors and other
factors. In addi on, some of our customer agreements provide for volume-based pricing and product pricing roadmaps, which can also reduce the average selling
prices of our products over me. Our margins and financial results will suffer if we are unable to offset any reduc ons in our average selling prices by increasing
our sales volumes, reducing manufacturing costs, or developing new and higher value-added products on a mely basis.
Fluctua ons in foreign exchange rates could result in losses.
We operate global businesses and our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars. However, some of the revenue and expenses of our foreign
subsidiaries are denominated in local currencies. Fluctua ons in foreign exchange rates against the U.S. dollar could result in substan al changes in reported
revenues and opera ng results due to the foreign exchange impact of remeasuring these transac ons into U.S. dollars.
In the normal course of business, we employ various hedging strategies to par ally mi gate these risks, including the use of deriva ve instruments. These
strategies may not be effec ve in protec ng us against the effects of fluctua ons in foreign exchange rates. As a result, fluctua ons in foreign exchange rates
could result in financial losses.
Risks Related to Our Taxes
Changes in tax legisla on or policies could materially impact our financial posi on and results of opera ons.
Corporate tax reform, an -base-erosion rules and tax transparency con nue to be high priori es in many jurisdic ons. As a result, policies regarding
corporate income and other taxes in numerous jurisdic ons are under heightened scru ny and tax reform legisla on has been, and will likely con nue to be,
proposed or enacted in a number of jurisdic ons in which we operate.
A er the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Reform Act”), most of our income is taxable in the U.S. with a significant por on taxable
under the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) regime. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the deduc on allowable under the GILTI regime will decrease from
50% to 37.5%, which will increase the effec ve tax rate imposed on our income. The 2017 Tax Reform Act also limits our ability to deduct research and
development expenses beginning in fiscal year 2023. These expenses are now capitalized and amor zed over 5 years (15 years for foreign expenses), which have
and may con nue to materially increase our cash tax costs. The U.S. also enacted the Infla on Reduc on Act of 2022 (“IRA”) in August 2022, which created a new
book minimum tax of at least 15% of consolidated GAAP pre-tax income for corpora ons with average book income in excess of $1 billion. This book minimum
tax will first apply to our fiscal year 2024 and any increase in our effec ve tax rate or cash tax will depend on a number of factors, including any offsets for foreign
tax credits or general business credits, or changes in book income following business combina ons. The IRA also created an excise tax of 1% of the value of our
stock repurchased a er December 31, 2022. While the impact of this excise tax has not been material, it could increase materially depending on various factors,
including the amount and frequency of our stock repurchases, applicability to business combina on transac ons, and any permi ed reduc ons or excep ons to
the amount subject to the tax. If (i) the U.S. tax rate increases, (ii) the deduc on allowable under the GILTI regime is further reduced or eliminated, or (iii)
addi onal limita ons are put on our ability to deduct interest expense, our provision for income taxes, net income, and cash flows would be adversely impacted.
In addi on, many countries are implemen ng legisla on and other guidance to align their interna onal tax rules with the Organisa on for Economic Co-
opera on and Development’s (“OECD”) Base Erosion and Profit Shi ing recommenda ons and
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ac on plan that aim to standardize and modernize global corporate tax policy, including changes to cross-border tax, transfer pricing documenta on rules, and
nexus-based tax incen ve prac ces. The OECD is also con nuing discussions surrounding fundamental changes in alloca on of profits among tax jurisdic ons in
which companies do business, as well as the implementa on of a global minimum tax (namely the “Pillar One” and “Pillar Two” proposals). Many countries have
enacted or begun the process of enac ng laws based on Pillar Two proposals, which may adversely impact our provision for income taxes, net income and cash
flows. As a result of this heightened scru ny, prior decisions by tax authori es regarding treatments and posi ons of corporate income taxes could be subject to
enforcement ac vi es, and legisla ve inves ga on and inquiry, which could also result in changes in tax policies or prior tax rulings.
Any substan al changes in domes c or interna onal corporate tax policies, regula ons or guidance, enforcement ac vi es or legisla ve ini a ves may
materially adversely affect our business, the amount of taxes we are required to pay and our financial condi on and results of opera ons generally.
If the tax incen ves or tax holiday arrangements we have nego ated change or cease to be in effect or applicable for any reason, or if our assump ons and
interpreta ons regarding tax laws and incen ves or holiday arrangements prove to be incorrect, our corporate income taxes could significantly increase.
Our opera ons are currently structured to benefit from the various tax incen ves extended to us in various jurisdic ons to encourage investment or
employment. For example, absent our principal tax incen ves from the Singapore Economic Development Board, which is scheduled to expire in 2025, the
corporate income tax rate that would apply to our Singapore taxable income would be 17%. We also have a tax holiday on our qualifying income in Malaysia,
which is scheduled to expire in fiscal year 2028. Each tax incen ve and tax holiday is subject to our compliance with various opera ng and other condi ons and
may, in some instances, be amended or terminated prior to their scheduled termina on date by the relevant governmental authority. If we cannot, or elect not
to, comply with the opera ng condi ons included in any par cular tax incen ve or tax holiday, we could, in some instances, be required to refund previously
realized material tax benefits, or if such tax incen ve or tax holiday is terminated prior to its expira on absent a new incen ve applying, we will lose the related
tax benefits earlier than scheduled. In addi on, we may be required, or elect, to modify our opera onal structure and tax strategy in order to keep an incen ve,
which could result in a decrease in the benefits of the incen ve. Our tax incen ves could also be adversely impacted if the global minimum tax provisions (Pillar
Two) are adopted in a country in which we have an exis ng tax incen ve. Our tax incen ves and tax holiday, before taking into considera on U.S. foreign tax
credits, decreased the provision for income taxes by approximately $2,104 million in the aggregate and increased diluted net income per share by $4.93 for fiscal
year 2023.
Our interpreta ons and conclusions regarding the tax incen ves are not binding on any taxing authority, and if our assump ons about tax and other laws are
incorrect or if these tax incen ves are substan ally modified or rescinded, we could suffer material adverse tax and other financial consequences, which would
increase our expenses, reduce our profitability and adversely affect our cash flows.
Our income taxes and overall cash tax costs are affected by a number of factors that could materially, adversely affect financial results.
Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transac ons where the
ul mate tax determina on is uncertain. Addi onally, our calcula ons of income taxes payable currently and on a deferred basis are based on our interpreta ons
of applicable tax laws in the jurisdic ons in which we are required to file tax returns. Although we believe our tax es mates are reasonable, there is no assurance
that the final determina on of our income tax liability will not be materially different than what is reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals.
Our income taxes are subject to vola lity and could be adversely affected by numerous factors including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
reorganiza on or restructuring of our businesses, tangible and intangible assets, outstanding indebtedness and corporate structure, including business
combina ons;
jurisdic onal mix of our income and assets;
changes in the alloca on of income and expenses, including adjustments related to changes in our corporate structure, acquisi ons or tax law;
changes in U.S and foreign tax laws and regula ons, changes to the taxa on of earnings of foreign subsidiaries, taxa on of U.S. income generated from
foreign sources, the deduc bility of expenses a ributable to income and foreign tax credit rules;
tax effects of increases in non-deduc ble employee compensa on; and
changes in tax accoun ng rules or principles and in the valua on of deferred tax assets and liabili es.
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We have adopted transfer pricing policies that call for the provision of services, the sale of products, the arrangement of financing and the grant of licenses
from one affiliate to another at prices that we believe are nego ated on an arm’s length basis. Our taxable income is dependent upon acceptance by local
authori es that our opera onal prac ces and intercompany transfer pricing are on an arm’s length basis. Due to inconsistencies in applica on of the arm’s length
standard among taxing authori es, as well as lack of comprehensive treaty-based protec on, transfer pricing challenges by tax authori es could, if successful,
result in adjustments for prior or future years. The effects of any such changes could subject us to higher taxes and our earnings, results of opera ons and cash
flow would be adversely affected.
Further, we are subject to, and are under, tax audit in various jurisdic ons, and such jurisdic ons may assess addi onal income tax against us. Although we
believe our tax posi ons are reasonable, the final determina on of tax audits could be materially different from our income tax provisions and accruals. The
ul mate result of an audit could have a material adverse effect on our results of opera ons and cash flows in the period or periods for which that determina on
is made.
As a result of the VMware Merger, we are subject to tax audits in various jurisdic ons for the Dell consolidated group, of which VMware was a member
beginning in Dell’s fiscal year 2017 un l November 2021. While VMware is no longer a member of the Dell consolidated group, it is s ll subject to audit for the
periods in which it was member of the Dell consolidated group. While we believe VMware’s posi ons are reasonable, the final determina on of tax audits could
be materially different from our income tax provisions and accruals. Further, pursuant to a tax agreement VMware and Dell, in the event VMware becomes
subject to audits as a member of Dell’s consolidated group, Dell has authority to control the audit and represent Dell and our interests, could limit our ability to
affect the outcome of such audits.
We have poten al tax liabili es as a result of VMware’s former controlling ownership by Dell, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condi on
and opera ng results.
If the VMware spin-off from Dell in November 2021 is determined to not be tax-free for any reason, we could be liable for all or a por on of the tax liability,
which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condi on and opera ng results. Further, if the VMware Merger results in the spin-off failing to qualify
as a tax-free transac on under Sec on 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, Dell, its affiliates and, poten ally, its stockholders would incur significant tax liabili es
and we may be required to indemnify Dell and its affiliates for any such tax liabili es, which could be material.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our substan al indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to execute our business strategy.
As of October 29, 2023, the aggregate indebtedness under our senior notes was $40,815 million. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2023, we borrowed
$30,390 million in term loans to finance the VMware Merger (the “2023 Term Loans”), and we assumed $8,250 million of VMware’s outstanding senior
unsecured notes.
Our substan al indebtedness could have important consequences including:
•
•
•
•
increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry condi ons;
exposing us to interest rate risk as our 2023 Term Loans bear floa ng interest rates, which we do not typically hedge against;
limi ng our flexibility in planning for, or reac ng to, changes in the economy and the semiconductor industry;
placing us at a compe ve disadvantage compared to our compe tors with less indebtedness;
• making it more difficult to borrow addi onal funds in the future to fund growth, acquisi ons, working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes;
and
•
poten ally requiring us to dedicate a substan al por on of our cash flow from opera ons to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the
availability of our cash flow to fund our other business needs.
We receive debt ra ngs from the major credit ra ng agencies in the U.S. Factors that may impact our credit ra ngs include debt levels, planned asset
purchases or sales and near-term and long-term produc on growth opportuni es. Liquidity, asset quality, cost structure, reserve mix and commodity pricing
levels could also be considered by the ra ng agencies. While we are focused on maintaining investment grade ra ngs from these agencies, we may be unable to
do so. Any downgrade in our credit ra ng or the ra ngs of our indebtedness, or adverse condi ons in the debt capital markets, could:
•
•
•
•
adversely affect the trading price of, or market for, our debt securi es;
increase interest expense under our term facili es;
increase the cost of, and adversely affect our ability to refinance, our exis ng debt; and
adversely affect our ability to raise addi onal debt.
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The instruments governing our indebtedness impose certain restric ons on our business.
The instruments governing our indebtedness contain certain covenants imposing restric ons on our business. These restric ons may affect our ability to
operate our business, to plan for, or react to, changes in the market condi ons or our capital needs and may limit our ability to take advantage of poten al
business opportuni es as they arise. The restric ons placed on us include maintenance of an interest coverage ra o and limita ons on our ability to incur certain
secured debt, enter into certain sale and lease-back transac ons and consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substan ally all of our assets. In
addi on, the instruments contain customary events of default upon the occurrence of which, a er any applicable grace period, the indebtedness could be
declared immediately due and payable. In such event, we may not have sufficient available cash to repay such debt at the me it becomes due, or be able to
refinance such debt on acceptable terms or at all. Any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condi on and results of
opera ons.
Servicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substan al debt.
Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on, and to refinance our debt, depends on our future performance, which is
subject to economic, financial, compe ve and other factors. Our business may not con nue to generate cash flow from opera ons in the future sufficient to
sa sfy our obliga ons under our current indebtedness and any future indebtedness we may incur and to make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable
to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alterna ves, such as reducing or delaying investments or capital expenditures, selling
assets, refinancing or obtaining addi onal equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilu ve. Our ability to refinance our outstanding indebtedness or
future indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condi on at such me. We may not be able to engage in any of these ac vi es or
engage in these ac vi es on desirable terms when needed, which could result in a default on our indebtedness.
Risks Related to Owning Our Common Stock
At mes, our stock price has been vola le and it may fluctuate substan ally in the future, which could result in substan al losses for our investors as well as
class ac on li ga on against us and our management which could cause us to incur substan al costs and divert our management’s a en on and resources.
The trading price of our common stock has, at mes, fluctuated significantly and could be subject to wide fluctua ons in response to any of the risk factors
listed in this “Risk Factors” sec on, and others, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
issuance of new or updated research or other reports by securi es analysts;
fluctua ons in the valua on and results of opera ons of our significant customers as well as companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us;
announcements of proposed acquisi ons by us or our compe tors;
announcements of, or expecta ons of, addi onal debt or equity financing transac ons;
stock price and volume fluctua ons a ributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our common stock;
hedging or arbitrage trading ac vity involving our common stock; and
unsubstan ated news reports or other inaccurate publicity regarding us or our business.
These fluctua ons are o en unrelated or dispropor onate to our opera ng performance. Broad market and industry fluctua ons, as well as general
economic, poli cal and market condi ons such as recessions, interest rate changes or currency fluctua ons, may nega vely impact the market price of our
common stock. You may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment. In the past, companies that have
experienced vola lity in the market price of their stock have been subject to securi es class ac on li ga on. We may be the target of this type of li ga on in the
future. In addi on, we have been, and in the future we may be, subject to lawsuits stemming from our acquisi ons, including the VMware Merger. Securi es
li ga on against us, including the lawsuits related to such acquisi ons, could result in substan al costs and divert our management’s a en on from other
business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
The amount and frequency of our stock repurchases may fluctuate.
The amount, ming and execu on of our stock repurchase program may fluctuate based on our priori es for the use of cash for other purposes. These
purposes include opera onal spending, capital spending, acquisi ons, repayment of debt and returning cash to our stockholders as dividend payments. Changes
in cash flows, tax laws and our stock price could also impact our stock repurchase program. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific amount of shares of
common stock, and the stock repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any me.
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A substan al amount of our stock is held by a small number of large investors and significant sales of our common stock by one or more of these holders
could cause our stock price to fall.
As of September 29, 2023, we believe 10 of our 20 largest holders of common stock were ac ve ins tu onal investors who held 23% of our outstanding
shares of common stock in the aggregate. These investors may sell their shares at any me for a variety of reasons and such sales could depress the market price
of our common stock. In addi on, any such sales of our common stock by these en es could also impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of addi onal
equity securi es.
There can be no assurance that we will con nue to declare cash dividends.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy pursuant to which we currently pay a cash dividend on our common stock on a quarterly basis. The
declara on and payment of any dividend is subject to the approval of our Board of Directors and our dividend may be discon nued or reduced at any me.
Because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends is also limited by restric ons or limita ons on our ability to obtain sufficient funds through
dividends from subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that we will declare cash dividends in the future in any par cular amounts, or at all.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C.
CYBERSECURITY
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
We are headquartered in Palo Alto, California and our primary warehouse is located in Malaysia. We conduct our administra on, manufacturing, research
and development, sales and marke ng in both owned and leased facili es. We believe that our owned and leased facili es are adequate for our present
opera ons. We do not iden fy or allocate assets by opera ng segment.
As of October 29, 2023, our owned and leased facili es in excess of 100,000 square feet consisted of:
(In square feet)
Owned facili es
Leased facili es
(a)
(b)
United States
Other Countries
Total
2,586,368
796,508
3,382,876
928,888
1,309,667
2,238,555
3,515,256
2,106,175
5,621,431
Total facili es
_______________
(a) Includes 318,000 square feet and 153,000 square feet of property owned in Malaysia subject to a 60-year land lease with the state authority expiring in May
2051 and March 2077, respec vely, subject to renewal at our op on.
(b) Building leases expire on varying dates through February 2046 and generally include renewals at our op on.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The informa on set forth under Note 13. “Commitments and Con ngencies” included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is incorporated
herein by reference. For an addi onal discussion of certain risks associated with legal proceedings, see “Risk Factors” above.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
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ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
Market Informa on
Broadcom common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “AVGO”.
Holders
As of November 24, 2023, there were 1,389 holders of record of our common stock. A substan ally greater number of stockholders are “street name” or
beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial ins tu ons.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securi es
In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $10 billion of our common stock from me to me
through December 31, 2022, which was subsequently extended to December 31, 2023. In May 2022, our Board of Directors authorized another stock repurchase
program to repurchase up to an addi onal $10 billion of our common stock from me to me through December 31, 2023 (“May 2022 Authoriza on”). We
repurchased and re red approximately 9 million and 12 million shares of our common stock for $5,824 million and $7,000 million under these stock repurchase
programs during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely.
Repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be effected through a variety of methods, including open market or privately nego ated purchases.
The ming and amount of shares repurchased will depend on the stock price, business and market condi ons, corporate and regulatory requirements,
alterna ve investment opportuni es, acquisi on opportuni es, and other factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific amount of shares of common
stock, and the stock repurchase programs may be suspended or terminated at any me.
The following table presents details of our various repurchases during the fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2023, pursuant to the May 2022 Authoriza on.
Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plan
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plan
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
Average Price per Share
(a)
(a)
Period
July 31, 2023 - August 27, 2023
August 28, 2023 - September 24, 2023
September 25, 2023 - October 29, 2023
Total
_________________________________
(In millions, except per share data)
0.1
—
—
0.1
(b)
$
$
$
$
894.78
—
861.23
885.52
$
$
$
0.1
—
—
0.1
(b)
7,209
7,209
7,176
(a) We also paid approximately $454 million in employee withholding taxes due upon the ves ng of net se led equity awards. We withheld approximately 1
million shares of common stock from employees in connec on with such net share se lement at an average price of $852.93 per share. These shares may be
deemed to be “issuer purchases” of shares and are not included in this table.
(b) Represents fewer than 0.1 million shares.
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Stock Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumula ve total return for our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500 Index”)
and the NASDAQ 100 Index for the five fiscal years ended October 29, 2023. The total return graph and table assume that $100 was invested on November 2,
2018 (the last trading day of our fiscal year 2018) in each of Broadcom Inc. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100 Index and assume that all
dividends are reinvested. Indexes are calculated on a month-end basis.
The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not indica ve of, or intended to forecast, the possible future performance of our
common stock.
Comparison of Five Year Cumula ve Total Return
Among Broadcom Inc., the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100 Index
Broadcom Inc.
S&P 500 Index
NASDAQ 100 Index
November 4, 2018
$
$
$
100.00 $
100.00 $
100.00 $
November 3, 2019
November 1, 2020
October 31,
2021
October 30,
2022
October 29, 2023
139.62 $
114.95 $
118.49 $
172.47 $
124.89 $
161.99 $
270.48 $
178.49 $
233.96 $
247.83 $
153.55 $
171.79 $
451.15
164.78
212.82
The graph and the table above shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC for the purposes of Sec on 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the
liabili es of that sec on, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing made by us with the SEC, regardless of any general incorpora on language
in such filing.
ITEM 6.
[RESERVED]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condi on and Results of Opera ons should be read in conjunc on with our consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto, which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon
current expecta ons that involve risks and uncertain es. Our actual results may differ materially from those an cipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of various factors, including those set forth under the cap on “Risk Factors” or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following sec on generally discusses our financial condi on and results of opera ons for our fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 (“fiscal year 2023”)
compared to our fiscal year ended October 30, 2022 (“fiscal year 2022”). A discussion regarding our financial condi on and results of opera ons for fiscal year
2022 compared to our fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 (“fiscal year 2021”) can be found in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year
2022, filed with the Securi es and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 16, 2022.
Overview
We are a global technology leader that designs, develops and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and infrastructure so ware solu ons. We develop
semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based
products. We have a history of innova on in the semiconductor industry and offer thousands of products that are used in end products such as enterprise and
data center networking, home connec vity, set-top boxes, broadband access, telecommunica on equipment, smartphones and base sta ons, data center servers
and storage systems, factory automa on, power genera on and alterna ve energy systems, and electronic displays. Our infrastructure so ware solu ons enable
customers to plan, develop, automate, manage and secure applica ons across mainframe, distributed, mobile and cloud pla orms. Our por olio of infrastructure
and security so ware is designed to modernize, op mize, and secure the most complex hybrid environments, enabling scalability, agility, automa on, insights,
resiliency and security. We also offer mission cri cal fibre channel storage area networking (“FC SAN”) products and related so ware in the form of modules,
switches and subsystems incorpora ng mul ple semiconductor products.
We have two reportable segments: semiconductor solu ons and infrastructure so ware. Our semiconductor solu ons segment includes all of our product
lines and intellectual property (“IP”) licensing. Our infrastructure so ware segment includes our mainframe, distributed and cyber security solu ons, and our FC
SAN business.
Our strategy is to combine best-of-breed technology leadership in semiconductor and infrastructure so ware solu ons, with unmatched scale, on a
common sales and administra ve pla orm to deliver a comprehensive suite of infrastructure technology products to the world’s leading business and
government customers. We seek to achieve this through responsibly financed acquisi ons of category-leading businesses and technologies, as well as inves ng
extensively in research and development, to ensure our products retain their technology leadership. This strategy results in a robust business model designed to
drive diversified and sustainable opera ng and financial results.
The demand for our products has been affected in the past, and is likely to con nue to be affected in the future, by various factors, including the following:
• gain or loss of significant customers;
• general economic and market condi ons in the industries and markets in which we compete;
• our distributors’ product inventory and end customer demand;
• the rate at which our present and future customers and end-users adopt our products and technologies in our target markets, and the rate at which our
customers' products that include our technology are accepted in their markets;
• the shi to cloud-based informa on technology solu ons and services, such as hyperscale compu ng, which may adversely affect the ming and
volume of sales of our products for use in tradi onal enterprise data centers; and
• the ming, rescheduling or cancella on of expected customer orders.
Fiscal Year Highlights
Highlights during fiscal year 2023 include the following:
• We generated $18,085 million of cash from opera ons.
• We paid $7,645 million in cash dividends.
• We repurchased $5,824 million of common stock.
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Acquisi on of VMware, Inc.
On November 22, 2023, we completed the acquisi on of VMware in a cash-and-stock transac on (the “VMware Merger”). Pursuant to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, each share of VMware common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effec ve me of the VMware Merger was indirectly
converted into the right to receive, at the elec on of the holder of such share of VMware common stock, either $142.50 in cash, without interest, or 0.2520
shares of Broadcom common stock. The stockholder elec on was prorated, such that the total number of shares of VMware common stock en tled to receive
cash and the total number of shares of VMware common stock en tled to receive Broadcom common stock, in each case, was equal to 50% of the aggregate
number of shares of VMware common stock issued and outstanding. Based on the VMware stockholders’ elec ons, the VMware stockholders received
approximately $30.8 billion in cash and 54.4 million shares of Broadcom common stock in aggregate.
We assumed all outstanding VMware restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards and performance stock unit awards held by con nuing employees. The assumed
awards were converted into approximately 5 million Broadcom RSU awards. All outstanding in-the-money VMware stock op ons and RSU awards held by non-
employee directors were accelerated and converted into the right to receive cash and shares of Broadcom common stock, in equal parts.
VMware was a leading provider of mul -cloud services for all applica ons, enabling digital innova on with enterprise control. We acquired VMware to
enhance our infrastructure so ware capabili es.
The preliminary purchase considera on for the VMware Merger was approximately $86.3 billion. We funded the cash por on of the VMware Merger with
net proceeds from the issuance of $30.4 billion in term loans under a credit agreement that we entered into on August 15, 2023 (the “2023 Credit Agreement”),
as well as cash on hand. See Note 15. “Subsequent Events” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for addi onal informa on.
The discussions below related to our business and financial results for fiscal year 2023 and prior periods do not include any impact from or informa on
rela ng to the VMware Merger.
Net Revenue
A majority of our net revenue is derived from sales of a broad range of semiconductor devices that are incorporated into electronic products, as well as
from modules, switches and subsystems. Net revenue is also generated from the sale of so ware solu ons that enable our customers to plan, develop,
automate, manage, and secure applica ons across mainframe, distributed, mobile, and cloud pla orms.
Our overall net revenue, as well as the percentage of total net revenue generated by sales in our semiconductor solu ons and infrastructure so ware
segments, have varied from quarter to quarter, due largely to fluctua ons in end-market demand, including the effects of seasonality, which are discussed in
detail in Part I, Item 1. Business under “Seasonality” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Distributors and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), or their contract manufacturers, typically account for the substan al majority of our
semiconductor sales. To serve customers around the world, we have strategically developed rela onships with large global electronic component distributors,
complemented by a number of regional distributors with customer rela onships based on their respec ve product ranges. We have established strong
rela onships with leading OEM customers across mul ple target markets. Our direct sales force focuses on suppor ng our large OEM customers and has
specialized product and service knowledge that enables us to sell specific offerings at key levels throughout a customer’s organiza on. Certain customers require
us to contract with them directly and with specified intermediaries, such as contract manufacturers. Many of our major customer rela onships have been in
place for many years and are o en the result of years of collabora ve product development. This has enabled us to build our extensive IP por olio and develop
cri cal exper se regarding our customers’ requirements, including substan al system-level knowledge. This collabora on has provided us with key insights into
our customers' businesses and has enabled us to be more efficient and produc ve and to be er serve our target markets and customers. We recognize revenue
upon the delivery of our products to the distributors, which can cause our quarterly net revenue to fluctuate significantly. Such revenue is reduced for es mated
returns and distributor allowances.
Our so ware customers generally consist of large enterprises that have compu ng environments from mul ple vendors and are highly complex. We believe
our enterprise-wide license model will con nue to offer our customers reduced complexity, more flexibility and an easier renewal process that will help drive
revenue growth.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold consists primarily of the costs for semiconductor wafers and other materials, as well as the costs of assembling
and tes ng those products and materials. Such costs include personnel and overhead related to our manufacturing opera ons, which include stock-based
compensa on expense, related occupancy, computer services, equipment costs, manufacturing quality, order fulfillment, warranty adjustments, inventory
adjustments
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including write-downs for inventory obsolescence, and acquisi on costs, which include direct transac on costs and acquisi on-related costs.
Although we outsource a significant por on of our manufacturing ac vi es, we do have some proprietary semiconductor fabrica on facili es. If we are
unable to u lize our owned fabrica on facili es at a desired level, the fixed costs associated with these facili es will not be fully absorbed, resul ng in higher
average unit costs and lower gross margins.
Cost of subscrip ons and services. Cost of subscrip ons and services consists of personnel, project costs associated with professional services or support of
our subscrip ons and services revenue, and allocated facili es costs and other corporate expenses. Personnel costs include stock-based compensa on expense.
Total cost of revenue also includes amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets and restructuring charges.
Research and development. Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs for our engineers engaged in the design and
development of our products and technologies, including stock-based compensa on expense. These expenses also include project material costs, third-party fees
paid to consultants, prototype development expense, allocated facili es costs and other corporate expenses and computer services costs related to suppor ng
computer tools used in the engineering and design process.
Selling, general and administra ve. Selling expense consists primarily of compensa on and associated costs for sales and marke ng personnel, including
stock-based compensa on expense, sales commissions paid to our independent sales representa ves, adver sing costs, trade shows, corporate marke ng,
promo on, travel related to our sales and marke ng opera ons, related occupancy and equipment costs, and other marke ng costs. General and administra ve
expense consists primarily of compensa on and associated costs for execu ve management, finance, human resources and other administra ve personnel,
including stock-based compensa on expense, outside professional fees, allocated facili es costs, acquisi on-related costs and other corporate expenses.
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets. In connec on with our acquisi ons, we recognize intangible assets that are being amor zed over
their es mated useful lives. We also recognize goodwill, which is not amor zed, and in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), which is ini ally capitalized
as an indefinite-lived intangible asset, in connec on with the acquisi ons. Upon comple on of each underlying project, IPR&D assets are reclassified as
amor zable purchased intangible assets and amor zed over their es mated useful lives.
Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges consist primarily of non-recurring charges related to IP li ga on, compensa on costs
associated with employee exit programs, alignment of our global manufacturing opera ons, ra onalizing product development program costs, facility and lease
abandonments, fixed asset impairment, IPR&D impairment, and other exit costs, including curtailment of service or supply agreements.
Interest expense. Interest expense includes coupon interest, commitment fees, accre on of original issue discount, amor za on of debt premiums and
debt issuance costs, and expenses related to debt modifica ons or ex nguishments.
Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net includes interest income, gains or losses on investments, foreign currency remeasurement, and
other miscellaneous items.
Provision for income taxes. We have structured our opera ons to maximize the benefit from tax incen ves extended to us in various jurisdic ons to
encourage investment or employment. Our tax incen ves from the Singapore Economic Development Board provide that any qualifying income earned in
Singapore is subject to tax incen ves or reduced rates of Singapore income tax, subject to our compliance with the condi ons specified in these incen ves and
legisla ve developments. These Singapore tax incen ves are presently expected to expire in November 2025. The corporate income tax rate in Singapore that
would otherwise apply to us would be 17%. We also have a tax holiday from our qualifying income earned in Malaysia, which is scheduled to expire in 2028.
Each tax incen ve and tax holiday is also subject to our compliance with various opera ng and other condi ons. If we cannot, or elect not to, comply with
any such opera ng condi ons specified, we could, in some instances, be required to refund previously realized material tax benefits, or if such tax incen ve or tax
holiday is terminated prior to its expira on absent a new incen ve applying, we will lose the related tax benefits earlier than scheduled. We may elect to modify
our opera onal structure and tax strategy, which may not be as beneficial to us as the benefits provided under the present tax concession arrangements. Before
taking into considera on the effects of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other indirect tax impacts, the effect of these tax incen ves and tax holiday decreased
the provision for income taxes by approximately $2,104 million and $1,821 million for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely.
Our interpreta ons and conclusions regarding the tax incen ves are not binding on any taxing authority, and if our assump ons about tax and other laws
are incorrect or if these tax incen ves are substan ally modified or rescinded, we could suffer material adverse tax and other financial consequences, which
would increase our expenses, reduce our profitability and
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adversely affect our cash flows. In addi on, taxable income in any jurisdic on is dependent upon acceptance of our opera onal prac ces and intercompany
transfer pricing by local tax authori es as being on an arm’s length basis. Due to inconsistencies in applica on of the arm’s length standard among taxing
authori es, as well as lack of adequate treaty-based protec on, transfer pricing challenges by tax authori es could, if successful, substan ally increase our
income tax expense.
Cri cal Accoun ng Es mates
The prepara on of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accoun ng principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make
es mates and assump ons that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabili es and disclosure of con ngent assets and liabili es at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the repor ng periods. We base our es mates and assump ons on current facts, historical
experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabili es and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our actual financial results
may differ materially and adversely from our es mates. Our cri cal accoun ng policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve
difficult, subjec ve or complex judgments by management. Those policies include revenue recogni on, valua on of goodwill and long-lived assets, and income
taxes. See Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accoun ng Policies” included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further informa on on our
cri cal accoun ng policies and es mates.
Revenue recogni on. We account for a contract with a customer when both par es have approved the contract and are commi ed to perform their
respec ve obliga ons, each party’s rights can be iden fied, payment terms can be iden fied, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable we will
collect substan ally all of the considera on we are en tled to. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obliga ons are sa sfied by transferring control of
a promised product or service to a customer. Our products and services can be broadly categorized as sales of products and subscrip ons and services.
We recognize products revenue from sales to direct customers and distributors when control transfers to the customer. An allowance for distributor credits
covering price adjustments is made based on our es mate of historical experience rates as well as considering economic condi ons and contractual terms. To
date, actual distributor claims ac vity has been materially consistent with the provisions we have made based on our historical es mates. However, because of
the inherent nature of es mates, there is always a risk that there could be significant differences between actual amounts and our es mates. Different judgments
or es mates could result in variances that might be significant to reported opera ng results. We also record reduc ons of revenue for rebates in the same period
that the related revenue is recorded. We accrue 100% of poten al rebates at the me of sale. We reverse the accrual of unclaimed rebate amounts as specific
rebate programs contractually end and when we believe unclaimed rebates are no longer subject to payment and will not be paid. Thus, the reversal of
unclaimed rebates may have a posi ve impact on our net revenue and net income in subsequent periods.
Valua on of goodwill and long-lived assets. We perform an annual impairment review of our goodwill during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, and
more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. The process of evalua ng the poten al impairment of goodwill is highly subjec ve and requires
significant judgment. To review for impairment, we first assess qualita ve factors to determine whether events or circumstances lead to a determina on that it is
more likely than not that the fair value of any of our repor ng units is less than its carrying amount. Our qualita ve assessment of the recoverability of goodwill,
whether performed annually or based on specific events or circumstances, considers various macroeconomic, industry-specific and company-specific factors.
These factors include: (i) severe adverse industry or economic trends; (ii) significant company-specific ac ons, including exi ng an ac vity in conjunc on with
restructuring of opera ons; (iii) current, historical or projected deteriora on of our financial performance; or (iv) a sustained decrease in our market
capitaliza on below our net book value. A er assessing the totality of events and circumstances, if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair
value of any of our repor ng units is less than its carrying amount, no further assessment is performed. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair
value of any of our repor ng units is less than its carrying amount, we calculate the fair value of that repor ng unit and compare the fair value to the repor ng
unit’s net book value.
Determining the fair value of a repor ng unit involves the use of significant es mates and assump ons. Our goodwill impairment test uses both the income
approach and the market approach to es mate a repor ng unit's fair value. The income approach is based on the discounted cash flow method that uses the
repor ng unit es mates for forecasted future financial performance, including revenues, opera ng expenses, and taxes, as well as working capital and capital
asset requirements. These es mates are developed as part of our long-term planning process based on assumed market segment growth rates and our assumed
market segment share, es mated costs based on historical data and various internal es mates. Projected cash flows are then discounted to a present value
employing a discount rate that properly accounts for the es mated market weighted-average cost of capital, as well as any risk unique to the subject cash flows.
The market approach is based on weigh ng the financial mul ples of comparable companies and applying a control premium. A repor ng unit's
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carrying value represents the assignment of various assets and liabili es, excluding certain corporate assets and liabili es, such as cash and debt.
We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, including purchased IPR&D, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, and intangible assets,
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could
trigger an impairment review include: (i) significant under-performance rela ve to historical or projected future opera ng results, (ii) significant changes in the
manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, or (iii) significant nega ve industry or economic trends. The process of
evalua ng the poten al impairment of long-lived assets under the accoun ng guidance on property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets is also highly
subjec ve and requires significant judgment. In order to es mate the fair value of long-lived assets, we typically make various assump ons about the future
prospects of our business or the part of our business to which the long-lived assets relate. We also consider market factors specific to the business and es mate
future cash flows to be generated by the business, which requires significant judgment as it is based on assump ons about market demand for our products over
a number of future years. Based on these assump ons and es mates, we determine whether we need to take an impairment charge to reduce the value of the
long-lived assets stated on our consolidated balance sheets to reflect their es mated fair value. Assump ons and es mates about future values and remaining
useful lives are complex and o en subjec ve. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors, such as the real estate market, industry and
economic trends, and internal factors, such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. Although we believe the assump ons and es mates
we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, changes in assump ons and es mates could materially impact our reported financial results.
Income taxes. Significant management judgment is required in developing our provision for or benefit from income taxes, including the determina on of
deferred tax assets and liabili es and any valua on allowances that might be required against the deferred tax assets. We have considered projected future
taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valua on allowances. An adjustment to the valua on
allowance will either increase or decrease our provision for or benefit from income taxes in the period such determina on is made. In evalua ng the exposure
associated with various tax filing posi ons, we accrue an income tax liability when such posi ons do not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold for recogni on.
The calcula on of our tax liabili es involves dealing with uncertain es in the applica on of complex tax laws and regula ons in a mul tude of jurisdic ons.
We recognize poten al liabili es for an cipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdic ons based on our es mate of whether, and the extent to which,
addi onal taxes, interest, and penal es will be due. If our es mate of income tax liabili es proves to be less than the actual amount ul mately assessed, a
further charge to tax expense would be required. If the payment of these amounts ul mately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the accrued liabili es
would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabili es no longer exist.
Fiscal Year Presenta on
We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to October 31 in a 52-week year and the first Sunday in November in a 53-week
year. Our fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 each consisted of 52 weeks.
The financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are presented in accordance with GAAP and expressed in
U.S. dollars.
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Results of Opera ons
Fiscal Year 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year 2022
The following table sets forth our results of opera ons for the periods presented:
Statements of Opera ons Data:
Net revenue:
Products
Subscrip ons and services
Total net revenue
Cost of revenue:
Cost of products sold
Cost of subscrip ons and services
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets
Restructuring charges
Total cost of revenue
Gross margin
Research and development
Selling, general and administra ve
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets
Restructuring and other charges
Total opera ng expenses
Opera ng income
Net Revenue
Fiscal Year Ended
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
(As a percentage of net revenue)
$
$
27,891 $
7,928
35,819
8,636
636
1,853
4
11,129
24,690
5,253
1,592
1,394
244
8,483
16,207 $
26,277
6,926
33,203
7,629
627
2,847
5
11,108
22,095
4,919
1,382
1,512
57
7,870
14,225
78 %
22
100
24
2
5
—
31
69
15
4
4
1
24
45 %
79 %
21
100
23
2
8
—
33
67
15
4
5
—
24
43 %
A rela vely small number of customers account for a significant por on of our net revenue. Sales of products to distributors accounted for 57% and 56% of
our net revenue for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. Direct sales to WT Microelectronics Co., Ltd., a distributor, accounted for 21% and 20% of our net
revenue for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. We believe aggregate sales to our top five end customers, through all channels, accounted for approximately
35% of our net revenue for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2022. We believe aggregate sales to Apple Inc., through all channels, accounted for approximately 20%
of our net revenue for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2022. We expect to con nue to experience significant customer concentra on in future periods. The loss of,
or significant decrease in demand from, any of our top five end customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of opera ons and
financial condi on.
From me to me, some of our key semiconductor customers place large orders or delay orders, causing our quarterly net revenue to fluctuate
significantly. This is par cularly true of our wireless products as fluctua ons may be magnified by the ming of launches, and seasonal varia ons in sales, of
mobile devices. In addi on, the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain and may cause our net revenue to fluctuate significantly and impact our results
of opera ons.
Although we recognize revenue for the majority of our products when tle and control transfer in Penang, Malaysia, we disclose net revenue by country
based primarily on the geographic shipment or delivery loca on specified by our distributors, OEMs, contract manufacturers, channel partners, or so ware
customers. In fiscal years 2023 and 2022, 32% and 35%, respec vely, of our net revenue came from shipments or deliveries to China (including Hong Kong).
However, the end customers for either our products or for the end products into which our products are incorporated, are frequently located in countries other
than China (including Hong Kong). As a result, we believe that a substan ally smaller percentage of our net revenue is ul mately dependent on sales of either our
product or our customers’ product incorpora ng our product, to end customers located in China (including Hong Kong).
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The following tables set forth net revenue by segment for the periods presented:
Net Revenue by Segment
Semiconductor solu ons
Infrastructure so ware
Total net revenue
Net Revenue by Segment
Semiconductor solu ons
Infrastructure so ware
Total net revenue
Fiscal Year Ended
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
$ Change
% Change
(In millions, except percentages)
$
$
28,182 $
7,637
35,819 $
25,818 $
7,385
33,203 $
2,364
252
2,616
October 29, 2023
October 30, 2022
Fiscal Year Ended
(As a percentage of net revenue)
79 %
21
100 %
9 %
3 %
8 %
78 %
22
100 %
Net revenue from our semiconductor solu ons segment increased due to strong product demand, primarily for networking, server storage and broadband
products. Net revenue from our infrastructure so ware segment increased primarily due to increases in sales from our mainframe solu ons, par ally offset by
lower demand for our FC SAN products.
Gross Margin
Gross margin was $24,690 million, or 69% of net revenue, for fiscal year 2023, compared to $22,095 million, or 67% of net revenue, for fiscal year 2022. The
increase was primarily due to lower amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets, mainly from our 2016 acquisi on of Broadcom Corpora on, par ally
offset by less favorable margin within our semiconductor solu ons segment driven by product mix. We expect to incur addi onal amor za on of acquisi on-
related intangible assets in future periods as a result of the VMware Merger and any further acquisi ons we may make.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense increased $334 million, or 7%, in fiscal year 2023, compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily due to
higher stock-based compensa on expense as a result of annual employee equity awards granted at higher grant-date fair values in fiscal year 2023, par ally
offset by lower variable employee compensa on expense. We expect to incur addi onal research and development expense in future periods as a result of the
VMware Merger and any further acquisi ons we may make.
Selling, General and Administra ve Expense
Selling, general and administra ve expense increased $210 million, or 15%, in fiscal year 2023, compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily
due to higher costs incurred in connec on with the VMware Merger and higher stock-based compensa on expense as a result of annual employee equity awards
granted at higher grant-date fair values in fiscal year 2023, par ally offset by lower variable employee compensa on expense.
Amor za on of Acquisi on-Related Intangible Assets
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets recognized in opera ng expenses decreased $118 million, or 8%, in fiscal year 2023, compared to the
prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily due to lower amor za on of customer-related intangible assets from our acquisi on of LSI Corpora on. We expect to
incur addi onal amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets in future periods as a result of the VMware Merger and any further acquisi ons we may
make.
Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges in fiscal year 2023 primarily included non-recurring charges related to IP li ga on. We expect to incur addi onal
restructuring and other charges in future periods as a result of the VMware Merger and any further acquisi ons we may make.
Stock-Based Compensa on Expense
Total stock-based compensa on expense was $2,171 million and $1,533 million for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. The increase was primarily due
to annual employee equity awards granted at higher grant-date fair values in fiscal year 2023. We expect to incur addi onal stock-based compensa on expense
in future periods as a result of the VMware Merger and any further acquisi ons we may make.
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The following table sets forth the total unrecognized compensa on cost related to unvested stock-based awards outstanding and expected to vest as of
October 29, 2023. The remaining weighted-average service period was 3.4 years.
Fiscal Year:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Total
Unrecognized Compensa on
Cost, Net of Expected
Forfeitures
(In millions)
$
$
2,279
1,845
1,407
715
129
6,375
During the first quarter of fiscal year ended November 3, 2019 (“fiscal year 2019”), our Compensa on Commi ee approved a broad-based program of
mul -year equity grants of me- and market-based RSUs (the “Mul -Year Equity Awards”) in lieu of our annual employee equity awards historically granted on
March 15 of each year. Each Mul -Year Equity Award vests on the same basis as four annual grants made on March 15 of each year, beginning in fiscal year 2019,
with successive four-year ves ng periods. We recognize stock-based compensa on expense related to the Mul -Year Equity Awards from the grant date through
their respec ve ves ng date, ranging from 4 years to 7 years.
Segment Opera ng Results
Opera ng Income by Segment
October 29, 2023
October 30, 2022
$ Change
% Change
Fiscal Year Ended
Semiconductor solu ons
Infrastructure so ware
Unallocated expenses
Total opera ng income
(In millions, except percentages)
$
$
16,486 $
5,639
(5,918)
16,207 $
15,075 $
5,219
(6,069)
14,225 $
1,411
420
151
1,982
9 %
8 %
(2)%
14 %
Opera ng income from our semiconductor solu ons segment increased primarily due to higher net revenue from networking, server storage, and
broadband products. Opera ng income from our infrastructure so ware segment increased primarily due to higher net revenue from our mainframe solu ons,
par ally offset by lower net revenue from our FC SAN products.
Unallocated expenses include amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets; stock-based compensa on expense; restructuring and other charges;
acquisi on-related costs; and other costs that are not used in evalua ng the results of, or in alloca ng resources to, our segments. Unallocated expenses
decreased 2% in fiscal year 2023, compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to lower amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets, substan ally
offset by higher stock-based compensa on expense, non-recurring charges related to IP li ga on, and acquisi on-related costs.
Non-Opera ng Income and Expenses
Interest expense. Interest expense was $1,622 million and $1,737 million for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. The decrease was due to losses on
ex nguishment of debt related to debt transac ons incurred in fiscal year 2022. We expect to incur addi onal interest expense in future periods as a result of
indebtedness associated with the VMware Merger.
Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net includes interest income, gains or losses on investments, foreign currency remeasurement and
other miscellaneous items. Other income, net, was $512 million for fiscal year 2023, compared to other expense, net, of $54 million for fiscal year 2022. The
change was primarily due to higher interest income as a result of higher interest rates and changes in investment gains or losses.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1,015 million and $939 million for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respec vely. The increase
was primarily due to higher income before income taxes, par ally offset by an increase in the recogni on of uncertain tax benefits as a result of lapses of statutes
of limita ons.
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Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following sec on discusses our principal liquidity and capital resources as well as our primary liquidity requirements and uses of cash. Our cash and
cash equivalents are maintained in highly liquid investments with remaining maturi es of 90 days or less at the me of purchase. We believe our cash equivalents
are liquid and accessible.
Our primary sources of liquidity as of October 29, 2023 consisted of: (i) $14,189 million in cash and cash equivalents, (ii) cash we expect to generate from
opera ons and (iii) available capacity under our $7.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. In addi on, we may also generate cash from the sale of assets and
debt or equity financings from me to me.
Our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements primarily arise from: (i) business acquisi ons and investments we may make from me to me, (ii)
working capital requirements, (iii) research and development and capital expenditure needs, (iv) cash dividend payments (if and when declared by our Board of
Directors), (v) interest and principal payments related to our $40,815 million of outstanding indebtedness, (vi) share repurchases, and (vii) payment of income
taxes. Our ability to fund these requirements will depend, in part, on our future cash flows, which are determined by our future opera ng performance and,
therefore, subject to prevailing global macroeconomic condi ons and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. We expect
capital expenditures to be higher in fiscal year 2024 as compared to fiscal year 2023. Our debt and liquidity needs increased as a result of comple ng the VMware
Merger. We funded the cash por on of the considera on with net proceeds from the issuance of $30,390 million in term loans under the 2023 Credit Agreement,
as well as cash on hand. We also assumed $8,250 million of VMware’s outstanding senior unsecured notes.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash flows from opera ons, and the revolving credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to
operate our business and fund our current and assumed obliga ons for at least the next 12 months. For addi onal informa on regarding our cash requirement
from contractual obliga ons, indebtedness and lease obliga ons, see Note 13. “Commitments and Con ngencies”, Note 9. “Borrowings” and Note 5. “Leases” in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
From me to me, we engage in discussions with third par es regarding poten al acquisi ons of, or investments in, businesses, technologies and product
lines. Any such transac on, or evalua on of poten al transac ons, could require significant use of our cash and cash equivalents, or require us to increase our
borrowings to fund such transac ons. If we do not have sufficient cash to fund our opera ons or finance growth opportuni es, including acquisi ons, or
unan cipated capital expenditures, our business and financial condi on could suffer. In such circumstances, we may seek to obtain new debt or equity financing.
However, we cannot assure you that such addi onal financing will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our ability to service our senior unsecured
notes, the term loans we issued to fund the VMware Merger, and any other indebtedness we may incur will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.
We may also elect to sell addi onal debt or equity securi es for reasons other than those specified above.
In addi on, we may, at any me and from me to me, seek to re re or purchase our outstanding debt through cash tenders and/or exchanges for equity
or debt, in open-market purchases, privately nego ated transac ons or otherwise. Such tenders, exchanges or purchases, if any, will be upon such terms and at
such prices as we may determine, and will depend on prevailing market condi ons, our liquidity requirements, contractual restric ons and other factors. The
amounts involved may be material.
Working Capital
Working capital increased to $13,442 million at October 29, 2023 from $11,452 million at October 30, 2022. The increase was a ributable to the following:
• Cash and cash equivalents increased to $14,189 million at October 29, 2023 from $12,416 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to $18,085 million
in net cash provided by opera ng ac vi es, par ally offset by $7,645 million of dividend payments, $5,824 million of common stock repurchases, and
$1,861 million of employee withholding tax payments related to net se led equity awards.
• Other current liabili es decreased to $3,652 million at October 29, 2023 from $4,412 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to decreases in contract
liabili es and income taxes payable.
• Other current assets increased to $1,606 million at October 29, 2023 from $1,205 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in contract
assets, offset in part by a decrease in prepaid income taxes.
• Employee compensa on and benefits decreased to $935 million at October 29, 2023 from $1,202 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to lower
variable compensa on.
• Accounts receivable increased to $3,154 million at October 29, 2023 from $2,958 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to revenue linearity, offset
in part by addi onal receivables sold through factoring arrangements.
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These increases in working capital were offset in part by the following:
• Current por on of long-term debt increased to $1,608 million at October 29, 2023 from $440 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to certain debt
instruments becoming due within the next twelve months, offset in part by repayments.
• Accounts payable increased to $1,210 million at October 29, 2023 from $998 million at October 30, 2022, primarily due to the ming of vendor
payments.
Capital Returns
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid
Dividends per share to common stockholders
Dividends to common stockholders
Dividends per share to preferred stockholders
Dividends to preferred stockholders
Fiscal Year Ended
October 29, 2023
October 30, 2022
(In millions, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
18.40 $
7,645 $
— $
— $
16.40
6,733
80.00
299
On September 30, 2019, we issued approximately 4 million shares of 8.00% Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.001 par value per share.
These shares were converted into shares of our common stock during fiscal year 2022.
In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $10 billion of our common stock from me to me
on or prior to December 31, 2022, which was subsequently extended through December 31, 2023. In May 2022, our Board of Directors authorized another stock
repurchase program to repurchase up to an addi onal $10 billion of our common stock from me to me through December 31, 2023. As of October 29, 2023,
$7,176 million of the authorized amount remained available for repurchases.
During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we repurchased and re red approximately 9 million and 12 million shares of our common stock for $5,824 million and
$7,000 million, respec vely, under these stock repurchase programs.
Repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be effected through a variety of methods, including open market or privately nego ated purchases.
The ming and amount of shares repurchased will depend on the stock price, business and market condi ons, corporate and regulatory requirements,
alterna ve investment opportuni es, acquisi on opportuni es, and other factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific amount of shares of common
stock, and the stock repurchase programs may be suspended or terminated at any me.
During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we paid approximately $1,861 million and $1,455 million, respec vely, in employee withholding taxes due upon the
ves ng of net se led equity awards. We withheld approximately 3 million shares of common stock from employees in connec on with such net share
se lements during each of fiscal years 2023 and 2022.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by opera ng ac vi es
Net cash used in inves ng ac vi es
Net cash used in financing ac vi es
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Opera ng Ac vi es
Fiscal Year Ended
October 29, 2023
October 30, 2022
$
$
(In millions)
18,085 $
(689)
(15,623)
1,773 $
16,736
(667)
(15,816)
253
Cash flows from opera ng ac vi es consisted of net income adjusted for certain non-cash and other items and changes in assets and liabili es. The $1,349
million increase in cash provided by opera ons during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was due to $2,587 million higher net income, offset in part by
$1,249 million lower non-cash adjustments primarily from lower amor za on of intangible assets.
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Table of Contents
Inves ng Ac vi es
Cash flows from inves ng ac vi es primarily consisted of capital expenditures, sales and purchases of investments, and cash used for acquisi ons. The $22
million increase in cash used in inves ng ac vi es for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to a $118 million increase in purchases of
investments, net of proceeds from sales of investments, offset by a $193 million decrease in cash paid for acquisi ons.
Financing Ac vi es
Cash flows from financing ac vi es primarily consisted of dividend payments, stock repurchases, proceeds and payments related to our long-term
borrowings, and employee withholding tax payments related to net se led equity awards. The $193 million decrease in cash used in financing ac vi es for fiscal
year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to a $1,958 million decrease in payments on debt obliga ons and a $1,176 million decrease in stock
repurchases, offset by a $1,935 million decrease in proceeds from long-term borrowings, a $613 million increase in dividend payments and a $406 million
increase in employee withholding tax payments related to net se led equity awards.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
From me to me, we use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge a por on of our exposures to changes in currency exchange rates, which result
from our global opera ng and financing ac vi es. We do not use deriva ve financial instruments for trading or specula ve purposes. Neither gains and losses
from foreign currency transac ons nor foreign exchange forward contracts were significant for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements
included in this Form 10-K. We did not have any outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of October 29, 2023 or October 30, 2022.
Interest Rate Risk
Changes in interest rates affect the fair value of our outstanding debt. As of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, we had $40.8 billion and $41.2 billion
in principal amount of debt outstanding, and the es mated aggregate fair value of debt was $33.2 billion and $33.0 billion, respec vely. As of October 29, 2023
and October 30, 2022, a hypothe cal 50 basis points increase or decrease in market interest rates would change the fair value of debt by a decrease or increase
of approximately $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion, respec vely. However, this hypothe cal change in interest rates would not impact the interest expense on our debt
as we only had fixed rate senior notes outstanding. To hedge variability of cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate of an cipated future debt
issuances, we have entered, and in the future may enter, into treasury rate lock contracts.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
BROADCOM INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accoun ng Firm (PCAOB ID 238)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Opera ons
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II — Valua on and Qualifying Accounts
48
Page
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
88
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Broadcom Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Repor ng
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Broadcom Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 29, 2023 and October 30,
2022, and the related consolidated statements of opera ons, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended October 29, 2023, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collec vely
referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial repor ng as of October 29, 2023,
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Commi ee of Sponsoring Organiza ons of the Treadway
Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial posi on of the Company as of
October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, and the results of its opera ons and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 29, 2023 in
conformity with accoun ng principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effec ve internal control over financial repor ng as of October 29, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effec ve internal control over financial repor ng, and for
its assessment of the effec veness of internal control over financial repor ng, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Repor ng
appearing 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 repor ng based on our audits. We are a public accoun ng firm registered with the Public Company Accoun ng Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securi es laws and the applicable rules and
regula ons of the Securi es 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 effec ve internal
control over financial repor ng 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 evalua ng the accoun ng principles used and significant
es mates made by management, as well as evalua ng the overall presenta on of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over
financial repor ng included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial repor ng, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and tes ng
and evalua ng the design and opera ng effec veness 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.
Defini on and Limita ons of Internal Control over Financial Repor ng
A company’s internal control over financial repor ng is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial repor ng and the
prepara on of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accoun ng principles. A company’s internal control over financial
repor ng includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transac ons and disposi ons of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transac ons are recorded as necessary to permit prepara on of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accoun ng principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authoriza ons of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding preven on or mely detec on of
unauthorized acquisi on, use, or disposi on of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limita ons, internal control over financial repor ng may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projec ons of any evalua on of
effec veness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in condi ons, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Cri cal Audit Ma ers
The cri cal audit ma er communicated below is a ma er arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated
or required to be communicated to the audit commi ee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements
and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjec ve, or complex judgments. The communica on of cri cal audit ma ers does not alter in any way our opinion
on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communica ng the cri cal audit ma er below, providing a separate opinion on
the cri cal audit ma er or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Uncertain Tax Posi ons (UTPs)
As described in Notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the gross unrecognized tax benefits balance was $4,655 million as of October 29, 2023.
As management has disclosed, management evaluates the exposure associated with various tax filing posi ons and accrues an income tax liability when such
posi ons do not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold for recogni on. A tax benefit from an UTP may be recognized when it is more-likely-than not that the
posi on will be sustained upon examina on, including resolu on of any related appeals or li ga on processes, based on the technical merits.
The principal considera ons for our determina on that performing procedures rela ng to the UTPs is a cri cal audit ma er are (i) the significant judgment by
management when evalua ng the technical merits of these tax posi ons, (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjec vity, and effort in performing procedures
and evalua ng the technical merits of the tax posi ons, and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the ma er involved performing procedures and evalua ng audit evidence in connec on with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated
financial statements. These procedures included tes ng the effec veness of controls rela ng to the iden fica on and recogni on of the income tax liability for
UTPs, including controls addressing the completeness of the UTPs and the measurement of the income tax liability. These procedures also included, among
others, (i) tes ng management’s process for iden fying poten al new UTPs, (ii) for a selec on of UTPs, evalua ng possible outcomes, and (iii) for a selec on of
UTPs, tes ng the calcula on of the income tax liability, including management’s assessment of the technical merits of tax posi ons and es mates of the amount
of tax benefit expected to be sustained. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in (i) the evalua on of the completeness of
management’s iden fica on of the UTPs and (ii) for a selec on of UTPs, the evalua on of the reasonableness of management’s assessment of whether the tax
posi ons are more-likely-than-not of being sustained, the amount of poten al benefit to be realized, and the applica on of relevant tax laws.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
December 14, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.
49
Table of Contents
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable, net
Inventory
Other current assets
Total current assets
Long-term assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Other long-term assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabili es:
Accounts payable
Employee compensa on and benefits
Current por on of long-term debt
Other current liabili es
Total current liabili es
Long-term liabili es:
Long-term debt
Other long-term liabili es
Total liabili es
Commitments and con ngencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
BROADCOM INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions, except par value)
$
$
$
$
14,189 $
3,154
1,898
1,606
20,847
2,154
43,653
3,867
2,340
72,861 $
1,210 $
935
1,608
3,652
7,405
37,621
3,847
48,873
—
—
21,099
2,682
207
23,988
72,861 $
12,416
2,958
1,925
1,205
18,504
2,223
43,614
7,111
1,797
73,249
998
1,202
440
4,412
7,052
39,075
4,413
50,540
—
—
21,159
1,604
(54)
22,709
73,249
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 100 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 2,900 shares authorized; 414 and 418 shares issued and outstanding as of
October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, respec vely
Addi onal paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabili es and equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
50
Table of Contents
Net revenue:
Products
Subscrip ons and services
Total net revenue
Cost of revenue:
Cost of products sold
Cost of subscrip ons and services
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets
Restructuring charges
Total cost of revenue
Gross margin
Research and development
Selling, general and administra ve
Amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets
Restructuring and other charges
Total opera ng expenses
Opera ng income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
Dividends on preferred stock
Net income a ributable to common stock
Net income per share a ributable to common stock:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average shares used in per share calcula ons:
Basic
Diluted
BROADCOM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
October 29,
2023
Fiscal Year Ended
October 30,
2022
October 31,
2021
(In millions, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
27,891 $
7,928
35,819
8,636
636
1,853
4
11,129
24,690
5,253
1,592
1,394
244
8,483
16,207
(1,622)
512
15,097
1,015
14,082
—
14,082 $
26,277 $
6,926
33,203
7,629
627
2,847
5
11,108
22,095
4,919
1,382
1,512
57
7,870
14,225
(1,737)
(54)
12,434
939
11,495
(272)
11,223 $
33.93 $
32.98 $
27.44 $
26.53 $
415
427
409
423
20,886
6,564
27,450
6,555
607
3,427
17
10,606
16,844
4,854
1,347
1,976
148
8,325
8,519
(1,885)
131
6,765
29
6,736
(299)
6,437
15.70
15.00
410
429
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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BROADCOM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in unrealized gain on deriva ve instruments
Change in actuarial loss and prior service costs associated with defined benefit plans
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income
October 29,
2023
Fiscal Year Ended
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
October 31,
2021
$
$
14,082 $
11,495 $
290
(29)
261
14,343 $
37
25
62
11,557 $
6,736
—
(8)
(8)
6,728
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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BROADCOM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
October 29,
2023
Fiscal Year Ended
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
October 31,
2021
Cash flows from opera ng ac vi es:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by opera ng ac vi es:
$
14,082 $
11,495 $
Amor za on of intangible and right-of-use assets
Deprecia on
Stock-based compensa on
Deferred taxes and other non-cash taxes
Loss on debt ex nguishment
Non-cash interest expense
Other
Changes in assets and liabili es, net of acquisi ons and disposals:
Trade accounts receivable, net
Inventory
Accounts payable
Employee compensa on and benefits
Other current assets and current liabili es
Other long-term assets and long-term liabili es
Net cash provided by opera ng ac vi es
Cash flows from inves ng ac vi es:
Acquisi ons of businesses, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sales of businesses
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Purchases of investments
Sales of investments
Other
Net cash used in inves ng ac vi es
Cash flows from financing ac vi es:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
Payments on debt obliga ons
Payments of dividends
Repurchases of common stock - repurchase program
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on ves ng of equity awards
Issuance of common stock
Other
Net cash used in financing ac vi es
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow informa on:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes
3,333
502
2,171
(501)
—
132
9
(187)
27
209
(279)
(628)
(785)
18,085
(53)
—
(452)
(346)
228
(66)
(689)
—
(403)
(7,645)
(5,824)
(1,861)
122
(12)
(15,623)
1,773
12,416
14,189 $
1,503 $
1,782 $
4,455
529
1,533
(34)
100
129
183
(870)
(627)
(79)
136
222
(436)
16,736
(246)
—
(424)
(200)
200
3
(667)
1,935
(2,361)
(7,032)
(7,000)
(1,455)
114
(17)
(15,816)
253
12,163
12,416 $
1,386 $
908 $
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
53
6,736
5,502
539
1,704
(809)
198
96
(75)
210
(294)
243
186
(177)
(295)
13,764
(8)
45
(443)
—
169
(8)
(245)
9,904
(11,495)
(6,212)
—
(1,299)
170
(42)
(8,974)
4,545
7,618
12,163
1,565
775
Table of Contents
BROADCOM INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
8.00% Mandatory
Conver ble Preferred
Stock
Common Stock
Shares
Par Value
Shares
Par Value
Addi onal
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance as of November 1, 2020
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Dividends to common stockholders
Dividends to preferred stockholders
Common stock issued
Stock-based compensa on
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on
ves ng of equity awards
Balance as of October 31, 2021
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Fair value of par ally vested equity awards
assumed in connec on with an acquisi on
Dividends to common stockholders
Dividends to preferred stockholders
Common stock issued
Stock-based compensa on
Repurchases of common stock
Common stock issued in connec on with
Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock
conversion
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on
ves ng of equity awards
Balance as of October 30, 2022
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Dividends to common stockholders
Common stock issued
Stock-based compensa on
Repurchases of common stock
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on
ves ng of equity awards
Balance as of October 29, 2023
4 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
407 $
—
—
—
—
9
—
(In millions)
23,982 $
—
—
(224)
—
170
1,704
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
6,736
—
(5,689)
(299)
—
—
—
748
11,495
—
—
(6,683)
(272)
—
—
(3,684)
(1,302)
24,330
—
—
4
(50)
—
114
1,533
(3,316)
—
—
(1,456)
21,159
—
—
—
122
2,171
(481)
—
1,604
14,082
—
(7,645)
—
—
(5,359)
(3)
413
—
—
—
—
—
8
—
(12)
12
(3)
418
—
—
—
8
—
(9)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(108) $
—
(8)
—
—
—
—
—
(116)
—
62
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(54)
—
261
—
—
—
—
23,874
6,736
(8)
(5,913)
(299)
170
1,704
(1,302)
24,962
11,495
62
4
(6,733)
(272)
114
1,533
(7,000)
—
(1,456)
22,709
14,082
261
(7,645)
122
2,171
(5,840)
(1,872)
23,988
(3)
414 $
—
— $
(1,872)
21,099 $
—
2,682 $
—
207 $
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
54
Table of Contents
1. Overview and Basis of Presenta on
Overview
BROADCOM INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Broadcom Inc. (“Broadcom”), a Delaware corpora on, is a global technology leader that designs, develops and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and
infrastructure so ware solu ons. We develop semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide
semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based products. We have a history of innova on in the semiconductor industry and offer thousands of products
that are used in end products such as enterprise and data center networking, home connec vity, set-top boxes, broadband access, telecommunica on
equipment, smartphones and base sta ons, data center servers and storage systems, factory automa on, power genera on and alterna ve energy systems, and
electronic displays. Our infrastructure so ware solu ons enable customers to plan, develop, automate, manage and secure applica ons across mainframe,
distributed, mobile and cloud pla orms. Our por olio of infrastructure and security so ware is designed to modernize, op mize, and secure the most complex
hybrid environments, enabling scalability, agility, automa on, insights, resiliency and security. We also offer mission cri cal fibre channel storage area networking
(“FC SAN”) products and related so ware in the form of modules, switches and subsystems incorpora ng mul ple semiconductor products. Unless stated
otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Broadcom,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean Broadcom and its consolidated subsidiaries. We have two
reportable segments: semiconductor solu ons and infrastructure so ware. See Note 12. “Segment Informa on” for addi onal informa on.
Basis of Presenta on
We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to October 31 in a 52-week year and the first Sunday in November in a 53-week
year. Our fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 (“fiscal year 2023”) was a 52-week fiscal year. The first quarter of our fiscal year 2023 ended on January 29, 2023,
the second quarter ended on April 30, 2023 and the third quarter ended on July 30, 2023. Our fiscal year ended October 30, 2022 (“fiscal year 2022”) and fiscal
year ended October 31, 2021 (“fiscal year 2021”) were both 52-week fiscal years.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Broadcom and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accoun ng principles in the United States (“GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transac ons have been eliminated in consolida on.
2. Summary of Significant Accoun ng Policies
Foreign currency remeasurement. We operate in a U.S. dollar func onal currency environment. Foreign currency assets and liabili es for monetary
accounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Non-monetary items such as inventory and property, plant and equipment, are measured
and recorded at historical exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency remeasurement were not material for any period presented.
Use of es mates. The prepara on of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make es mates and assump ons that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabili es and disclosure of con ngent assets and liabili es at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the repor ng period. Actual results could differ materially from these es mates, and such differences could affect the results of
opera ons reported in future periods.
Cash and cash equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investment securi es with original maturi es of three months or less at the date of purchase to be
cash equivalents. We determine the appropriate classifica on of our cash and cash equivalents at the me of purchase.
Trade accounts receivable, net. Trade accounts receivable are recognized at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Accounts receivable are reduced
by an allowance for doub ul accounts, which is our best es mate of the expected credit losses in our exis ng accounts receivable. We determine the allowance
based on historical experience and current economic condi ons, among other factors. Allowances for doub ul accounts were not material as of October 29,
2023 or October 30, 2022. Accounts receivable are also recognized net of sales returns and distributor credit allowances. These amounts are recognized when it
is both probable and es mable that discounts will be granted or products will be returned. Allowances for sales returns and distributor credit allowances as of
October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022 were $137 million and $126 million, respec vely.
Concentra ons of credit risk and significant customers. Our cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable are poten ally subject to concentra on of credit
risk. Cash and cash equivalents may be redeemable upon demand and are maintained with financial ins tu ons that management believes are of high credit
quality and therefore bear minimal credit risk. We seek to mi gate our credit risks by spreading such risks across mul ple counterpar es and monitoring the risk
profile
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of these counterpar es. Our accounts receivable are derived from revenue earned from customers located both within and outside the U.S. We mi gate
collec on risks from our customers by performing regular credit evalua ons of our customers’ financial condi ons, and require collateral, such as le ers of credit
and bank guarantees, in certain circumstances.
Concentra on of other risks. We operate in markets that are highly compe ve and rapidly changing. Significant technological changes, shi ing customer
needs, the emergence of compe ve products with new capabili es, general economic condi ons worldwide, the ability to safeguard patents and other
intellectual property (“IP”) in a rapidly evolving market and reliance on assembly and test subcontractors, third-party wafer fabricators and independent
distributors and other factors could affect our financial results.
Inventory. We value our inventory at the lower of actual cost or net realizable value of the inventory, with cost being determined under the first-in, first-out
method. We record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our forecast of product demand and produc on requirements. The excess
and obsolete balance determined by this analysis becomes the basis for our excess and obsolete inventory charge and the wri en-down value of the inventory
becomes its new cost basis.
Re rement benefit plans. For defined benefit pension plans, we consider various factors in determining our respec ve benefit obliga ons and net periodic
benefit cost, including the number of employees that we expect to receive benefits, their salary levels and years of service, the expected return on plan assets,
the discount rate, the ming of the payment of benefits, and other actuarial assump ons. If the actual results and events of the benefit plans differ from our
current assump ons, the benefit obliga ons may be over- or under-valued.
The key assump ons are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. The U.S. discount rates are based on a hypothe cal yield curve
constructed using high-quality corporate bonds selected to yield cash flows that match the expected ming and amount of the benefit payments. The U.S.
expected rate of return on plan assets is set equal to the discount rate due to the implementa on of our fully-matched, liability-driven investment strategy. We
evaluate these assump ons at least annually. For the non-U.S. plans, we set assump ons specific to each country. We have elected to measure defined benefit
pension plan assets and liabili es as of October 31, which is the month end that is closest to our fiscal year end.
Deriva ve instruments. We use deriva ve financial instruments to manage exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk. We do not use
deriva ve financial instruments for specula ve or trading purposes.
Outstanding deriva ves are recognized as assets or liabili es at their fair values based on Level 2 inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy. For deriva ve
instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in fair value are ini ally recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax in the period of
change, and are subsequently reclassified and recognized in the same line item as the hedged item when either the hedged transac ons affect earnings or it
becomes probable that the hedged transac ons will not occur.
We use foreign exchange forward contracts to manage exposure to foreign exchange risk. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging
instruments, and the changes in fair value are recognized in other income (expense), net in the period of change. We did not have any outstanding foreign
exchange forward contracts as of October 29, 2023 or October 30, 2022. The gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), net for deriva ve instruments
not designated as hedges were not material.
During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, we entered into treasury rate lock contracts that mature in approximately one year to hedge variability of cash flows due
to changes in the benchmark interest rate of an cipated future debt issuances. These treasury rate locks were designated and accounted for as cash flow hedging
instruments. As of October 30, 2022, the total no onal amount of these contracts was $1.3 billion, and the fair value of these contracts was $47 million, which
was recorded as a deriva ve asset with the gains recorded net of tax as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on our consolidated balance
sheet. In August 2023, we early se led all treasury rate lock contracts, which had a $5.5 billion no onal amount, for a cumula ve gain of $371 million, which was
recorded net of tax as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of October 29, 2023. The cumula ve gain will be amor zed to interest
expense associated with future debt to be issued referencing the respec ve hedged treasury rates. The cash receipts were included in cash flows from opera ng
ac vi es in the consolidated statements of cash flows. No deriva ve instruments that hedge interest rate risk were outstanding as of October 29, 2023.
Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated deprecia on and amor za on. Addi ons, improvements
and major renewals are capitalized, and maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. Assets are held in construc on in progress un l
placed in service, upon which date, we begin to depreciate these assets. When assets are re red or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated deprecia on
and amor za on are removed from our property, plant and equipment balances and the resul ng gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of
opera ons. Buildings and leasehold improvements are generally depreciated over 15 to 40 years,
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or over the lease period, whichever is shorter, and machinery and equipment are generally depreciated over 3 to 10 years. We use the straight-line method of
deprecia on for all property, plant and equipment.
Leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at the incep on of the arrangement and evaluate whether the lease is an opera ng
lease or a finance lease at the commencement date. We recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabili es for opera ng and finance leases with terms
greater than 12 months, and account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. ROU assets represent our right to use an asset for the lease
term, while lease liabili es represent our obliga on to make lease payments. Opera ng and finance lease ROU assets and liabili es are recognized based on the
present value of lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. We use the implicit interest rate or, if not readily determinable, our
incremental borrowing rate as of the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on
our unsecured borrowing rate, adjusted for the effects of collateral. Opera ng and finance lease ROU assets are recognized net of any lease prepayments and
incen ves. Lease terms may include op ons to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that op on. Opera ng lease
expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance lease expense is recognized based on the effec ve-interest method over the lease
term.
Fair value measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transac on between market par cipants at the measurement date. A three-level hierarchy is applied to priori ze the inputs to valua on techniques used to
measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in ac ve markets for iden cal assets or liabili es (Level 1 measurements)
and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under the guidance on fair value measurements are described below:
Level 1 — Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in ac ve markets for iden cal assets or liabili es that the repor ng en ty has the ability to access
at the measurement date. Our Level 1 assets include cash equivalents, banker's acceptances, trading securi es investments and investment funds. We measure
trading securi es investments and investment funds at quoted market prices as they are traded in ac ve markets with sufficient volume and frequency of
transac ons.
Level 2 — Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
If the asset or liability has a specified contractual term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substan ally the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 — Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability in which there is li le, if any, market ac vity for the asset or liability at the
measurement date. Level 3 assets and liabili es include investment in equity securi es without readily determinable fair values, goodwill, intangible assets, and
property, plant and equipment, which are measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach when they are impaired. Quan ta ve informa on for
Level 3 assets and liabili es reviewed at each repor ng period includes indicators of significant deteriora on in the earnings performance, credit ra ng, asset
quality, business prospects of the investee, and financial indicators of the investee's ability to con nue as a going concern.
Business combina ons. We account for business combina ons under the acquisi on method of accoun ng, which requires us to recognize separately from
goodwill the assets acquired and the liabili es assumed at their acquisi on date fair values, except for revenue contracts acquired, which are recognized in
accordance with our revenue recogni on policy. While we use our best es mates and assump ons to accurately value assets acquired and liabili es assumed at
the acquisi on date as well as con ngent considera on, where applicable, our es mates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during
the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisi on date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabili es assumed with the
corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determina on of the values of assets acquired or liabili es assumed,
whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in our consolidated statements of opera ons. Accoun ng for business combina ons requires
our management to make significant es mates and assump ons, especially at the acquisi on date including our es mates for intangible assets, contractual
obliga ons assumed, restructuring liabili es, pre-acquisi on con ngencies, and con ngent considera on, where applicable. Although we believe the
assump ons and es mates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and informa on
obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Cri cal es mates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the
income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, customer contracts and acquired technologies, revenue growth rate,
customer ramp-up period, technology obsolescence rates, expected costs to develop in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) into commercially viable
products, es mated cash flows from the projects when completed and discount rates. Unan cipated events and circumstances may occur which could affect the
accuracy or validity of such assump ons, es mates or actual results.
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Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and iden fiable intangible assets
of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amor zed but is reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. To review for
impairment we first assess qualita ve factors to determine whether events or circumstances lead to a determina on that it is more likely than not that the fair
value of any of our repor ng units is less than its carrying amount. Our qualita ve assessment of the recoverability of goodwill, whether performed annually or
based on specific events or circumstances, considers various macroeconomic, industry-specific and company-specific factors. Those factors include: (i) severe
adverse industry or economic trends; (ii) significant company-specific ac ons, including exi ng an ac vity in conjunc on with restructuring of opera ons;
(iii) current, historical or projected deteriora on of our financial performance; or (iv) a sustained decrease in our market capitaliza on below our net book value.
A er assessing the totality of events and circumstances, if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of any of our repor ng units is less
than its carrying amount, no further assessment is performed. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our repor ng units is less
than its carrying amount, we calculate the fair value of that repor ng unit and compare the fair value to the repor ng unit’s net book value. If the fair value of
the repor ng unit is greater than its net book value, there is no impairment. Otherwise, we calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by deduc ng the fair value
of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, of the repor ng unit from the fair value of the repor ng unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is
compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal
to the difference. Determining the fair value of a repor ng unit involves the use of significant es mates and assump ons.
Long-lived assets. Purchased finite-lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amor za on. Amor za on is recognized over the periods
during which the intangible assets are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Purchased IPR&D projects are capitalized at fair value as an indefinite-lived
intangible asset and assessed for impairment therea er. Upon comple on of each underlying project, IPR&D assets are reclassified as amor zable purchased
intangible assets and amor zed over their es mated useful lives. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, we recognize the carrying value of the related intangible asset
in our consolidated statements of opera ons in the period it is abandoned. On a quarterly basis, we monitor factors and changes in circumstances that could
indicate carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including purchased intangible assets, ROU assets, and property, plant and equipment, may not be recoverable.
Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include: (i) significant under-performance rela ve to historical or projected future
opera ng results, (ii) significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, and (iii) significant nega ve
industry or economic trends. An impairment loss must be measured if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and before interest) from the use
and eventual disposi on of the asset (or asset group) is less than the net book value of the asset (or asset group). The amount of the impairment loss will
generally be measured as the difference between the net book value of the asset (or asset group) and the es mated fair value.
Warranty. We accrue for the es mated costs of product warran es at the me revenue is recognized. Product warranty costs are es mated based upon
our historical experience and specific iden fica on of the product requirements, which may fluctuate based on product mix. Addi onally, we accrue for warranty
costs associated with occasional or unan cipated product quality issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably es mated.
Revenue recogni on. We account for a contract with a customer when both par es have approved the contract and are commi ed to perform their
respec ve obliga ons, each party’s rights can be iden fied, payment terms can be iden fied, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable we will
collect substan ally all of the considera on we are en tled to. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obliga ons are sa sfied by transferring control of
a promised product or service to a customer.
Nature of Products and Services
Our products and services can be broadly categorized as sales of products and subscrip ons and services. The following is a descrip on of the principal
ac vi es from which we generate revenue.
Products. We recognize revenue from sales to direct customers and distributors when control transfers to the customer. Rebates and incen ves offered to
distributors, which are earned when sales to end customers are completed, are es mated at the point of revenue recogni on. We have elected to exclude from
the transac on price any taxes collected from a customer and to account for shipping and handling ac vi es performed a er a customer obtains control of the
product as ac vi es to fulfill the promise to transfer the product. From me to me, certain customers agree to pay us secure supply fees in exchange for
priori zed fulfillment of product orders. Such fees are included in the transac on price of the product orders and are recognized as revenue in the period that
control over the products is transferred to the customer.
Subscrip ons and services. Our subscrip ons and services revenue consists of sales and royal es from so ware arrangements, support services,
professional services, transfer of IP, and non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) arrangements.
Revenue from so ware arrangements primarily consists of fees, which may be paid either at contract incep on or in
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installments over the contract term, that provide customers with a right to use the so ware, access general support and maintenance, and u lize our
professional services.
Our so ware licenses have standalone func onality from which customers derive benefit, and the customer obtains control of the so ware when it is
delivered or made available for download. We believe that for the majority of so ware arrangements, customers derive significant benefit from the ongoing
support we provide. The majority of our subscrip ons and services arrangements permit our customers to unilaterally terminate or cancel these arrangements at
any me at the customer’s convenience, referred to as termina on for convenience provisions, without substan ve termina on penalty and receive a pro-rata
refund of any prepaid fees. Accordingly, we account for arrangements with these termina on for convenience provisions as a series of daily contracts, resul ng in
ratable revenue recogni on of so ware revenue over the contractual period.
Support services consist primarily of telephone support and the provision of unspecified updates and upgrades on a when-and-if-available basis. Support
services represent stand-ready obliga ons for which revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the arrangement.
Professional services consist of implementa on, consul ng, customer educa on and customer training services. The obliga on to provide professional
services is generally sa sfied over me, with the customer simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits as we sa sfy our performance obliga ons.
Rights to our IP are either sold or licensed to a customer. IP revenue recogni on is dependent on the nature and terms of each agreement. We recognize IP
revenue upon delivery of the IP if there are no substan ve future obliga ons to perform under the arrangement. Sales-based or usage-based royal es from the
license of IP are recognized at the later of the period the sales or usages occur or the sa sfac on of the performance obliga on to which some or all of the sales-
based or usage-based royal es have been allocated.
There are two main categories of NRE contracts that we enter into with our customers: (a) NRE contracts in which we develop a custom chip and (b) NRE
contracts in which we accelerate our development of a new chip upon the customer’s request. The majority of our NRE contract revenues meet the over me
criteria. As such, revenue is recognized over the development period with the measure of progress using the input method based on costs incurred to total cost
as the services are provided. For NRE contracts that do not meet the over me criteria, revenue is recognized at a point in me when the NRE services are
complete.
Material rights. Contracts with customers may also include material rights that are also performance obliga ons. These include the right to renew or
receive products or services at a discounted price in the future. Revenue allocated to material rights is recognized when the customer exercises the right or the
right expires.
Arrangements with Mul ple Performance Obliga ons
Our contracts may contain more than one of the products and services listed above, each of which is separately accounted for as a dis nct performance
obliga on.
Alloca on of considera on. We allocate total contract considera on to each dis nct performance obliga on in a bundled arrangement on a rela ve
standalone selling price basis. The standalone selling price reflects the price we would charge for a specific product or service if it were sold separately in similar
circumstances and to similar customers.
Standalone selling price. When available, we use directly observable transac ons to determine the standalone selling prices for performance obliga ons.
When directly observable transac ons are not available, our es mates of standalone selling price for each performance obliga on require judgment that
considers mul ple factors, including, but not limited to, historical discoun ng trends for products and services and pricing prac ces through different sales
channels, gross margin objec ves, internal costs, compe tor pricing strategies, technology lifecycles and market condi ons.
We separately determine the standalone selling prices by product or service type. Addi onally, we segment the standalone selling prices for products
where the pricing strategies differ, and where there are differences in customers and circumstances that warrant segmenta on.
We also es mate the standalone selling price of our material rights. We es mate the value of the customer’s op on to purchase or receive addi onal
products or services at a discounted price by es ma ng the incremental discount the customer would obtain when exercising the op on and the likelihood that
the op on would be exercised.
Other Policies and Judgments
Contract modifica ons. We may modify contracts to offer customers addi onal products or services. Each of the addi onal products and services is
generally considered dis nct from those products or services transferred to the customer before the modifica on. We evaluate whether the contract price for
the addi onal products and services reflects the
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standalone selling price as adjusted for facts and circumstances applicable to that contract. In these cases, we account for the addi onal products or services as a
separate contract. In other cases where the pricing in the modifica on does not reflect the standalone selling price as adjusted for facts and circumstances
applicable to that contract, we account for the addi onal products or services as part of the exis ng contract on a prospec ve basis, on a cumula ve catch-up
basis, or a combina on of both based on the nature of the modifica on. In instances where the pricing in the modifica on offers the customer a credit for a prior
arrangement, we adjust our variable considera on reserves for returns and other concessions.
Right of return. Certain contracts contain a right of return that allows the customer to cancel all or a por on of the product or service and receive a credit.
We es mate returns based on historical returns data which is constrained to an amount for which a material revenue reversal is not probable. We do not
recognize revenue for products or services that are expected to be returned.
Prac cal expedient elected. We do not disclose the value of unsa sfied performance obliga ons for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one
year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. For contracts that were
modified before the beginning of the earliest repor ng period presented, we have not retrospec vely restated the contract for those modifica ons. We have
disclosed the aggregate effect of all modifica ons when iden fying the sa sfied and unsa sfied performance obliga ons for purposes of determining the
transac on price and alloca ng the transac on price at transi on.
Research and development. Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs for our engineers and third par es engaged in the
design and development of our products, so ware and technologies, including salary, bonus and stock-based compensa on expense, project material costs,
services and deprecia on. Such costs are charged to research and development expense as they are incurred.
Stock-based compensa on expense. We recognize compensa on expense for me-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the straight-line amor za on
method based on the fair value of RSUs on the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs is the closing market price of Broadcom common stock on the date of grant,
reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on Broadcom common stock prior to ves ng. We recognize compensa on expense for me-based
stock op ons and employee stock purchase plan rights under the Broadcom Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (“ESPP”) based on the es mated
grant-date fair value determined using the Black-Scholes valua on model with a straight-line amor za on method.
Certain equity awards include both service and market condi ons. The fair value of market-based awards is es mated on the date of grant using the Monte
Carlo simula on technique. Compensa on expense for market-based awards is amor zed based upon a graded ves ng method over the service period.
We es mate forfeitures expected to occur and recognize stock-based compensa on expense for such awards expected to vest. Changes in the es mated
forfeiture rates can have a significant effect on stock-based compensa on expense since the effect of adjus ng the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture
es mate is changed.
Shipping and handling costs. Our shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net revenue and the associated expense is included in
cost of revenue for all periods presented.
Li ga on and se lement costs. We are involved in legal ac ons and other ma ers arising in our recent business acquisi ons and in the normal course of
business. We recognize an es mated loss con ngency when the outcome is probable prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements and we are able
to reasonably es mate the amount or range of any possible loss.
Income taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recogni on of deferred tax assets and liabili es for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabili es are determined based on the differences between the consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabili es using enacted tax rates in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabili es is recognized in income
in the period that includes the enactment date.
We recognize net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determina on, we consider
all available posi ve and nega ve evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabili es, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and
recent financial opera ons. If we determine that we are able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net carrying values, we
adjust the valua on allowance and reduce the provision for income taxes or increase the benefit from income taxes. Likewise, if we determine that we are not
able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets, we increase the provision for income taxes or decrease the benefit from income taxes in the period such
determina on is made.
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The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) introduced significant changes to U.S. income tax law. The Global
Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provisions of the 2017 Tax Act require Broadcom to include in its U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in
excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary’s tangible assets. We have elected to record the impacts of GILTI during the period incurred.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with the applicable accoun ng guidance on income taxes. This guidance provides that a tax
benefit from an uncertain tax posi on may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the posi on will be sustained upon examina on, including
resolu ons of any related appeals or li ga on processes, based on the technical merits.
Net income per share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income a ributable to common stock by the weighted-average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income a ributable to common stock by the
weighted-average number of shares of common stock and poten ally dilu ve shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding
include the dilu ve effect of unvested RSUs, in-the-money stock op ons, and ESPP rights (together referred to as “equity awards”), as well as conver ble
preferred stock. Poten ally dilu ve shares whose effect would have been an dilu ve are excluded from the computa on of diluted net income per share.
The dilu ve effect of equity awards is calculated based on the average stock price for each fiscal period, using the treasury stock method. Under the
treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock op ons and purchasing shares under the ESPP and the amount of compensa on
cost for future service that we have not yet recognized are collec vely assumed to be used to repurchase shares. The dilu ve effect of conver ble preferred stock
is calculated using the if-converted method. The if-converted method assumes that these securi es were converted at the beginning of the repor ng period to
the extent that the effect is dilu ve.
3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggrega on
We have considered (1) informa on that is regularly reviewed by our Chief Execu ve Officer, who has been iden fied as the chief opera ng decision maker
(the “CODM”) as defined by the authorita ve guidance on segment repor ng, in evalua ng financial performance and (2) disclosures presented outside of our
financial statements in our earnings releases and used in investor presenta ons to disaggregate revenues. The principal category we use to disaggregate
revenues is the nature of our products and subscrip ons and services, as presented in our consolidated statements of opera ons. In addi on, revenues by
reportable segment are presented in Note 12. “Segment Informa on.”
The following tables present revenue disaggregated by type of revenue and by region for the periods presented:
Products
Subscrip ons and services
(a)
Total
Products
Subscrip ons and services
(a)
Total
$
$
$
$
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe, the Middle East
and Africa
Total
Fiscal Year 2023
2,601 $
5,678
8,279 $
(In millions)
23,263 $
657
23,920 $
Fiscal Year 2022
2,027 $
1,593
3,620 $
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe, the Middle East
and Africa
Total
(In millions)
21,761 $
744
22,505 $
2,145 $
1,609
3,754 $
2,371 $
4,573
6,944 $
61
27,891
7,928
35,819
26,277
6,926
33,203
Table of Contents
Products
Subscrip ons and services
(a)
Total
_____________________________
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe, the Middle East
and Africa
Total
Fiscal Year 2021
$
$
1,809 $
4,290
6,099 $
(In millions)
17,258 $
720
17,978 $
1,819 $
1,554
3,373 $
20,886
6,564
27,450
(a) Subscrip ons and services predominantly includes so ware licenses with termina on for convenience clauses.
Although we recognize revenue for the majority of our products when tle and control transfer in Penang, Malaysia, we disclose net revenue by region
based primarily on the geographic shipment loca on or delivery loca on specified by our distributors, original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers,
contract manufacturers, channel partners, or so ware customers.
Contract Balances
Contract assets and contract liabili es balances were as follows:
Contract Assets
Contract Liabili es
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
$
$
(In millions)
955 $
2,786 $
128
3,341
Changes in our contract assets and contract liabili es primarily result from the ming difference between our performance and the customer’s payment.
We fulfill our obliga ons under a contract with a customer by transferring products and services in exchange for considera on from the customer. We recognize a
contract asset when we transfer products or services to a customer and the right to considera on is condi onal on something other than the passage of me.
Accounts receivable are recorded when the customer has been billed or the right to considera on is uncondi onal. We recognize contract liabili es when we
have received considera on or an amount of considera on is due from the customer and we have a future obliga on to transfer products or services. The
majority of our contract liabili es represents amounts billed or collected and advanced payments on contracts or arrangements which include termina on for
convenience provisions. The amount of revenue recognized during fiscal year 2023 that was included in the contract liabili es balance as of October 30, 2022 was
$2,915 million. The amount of revenue recognized during fiscal year 2022 that was included in the contract liabili es balance as of October 31, 2021 was
$2,615 million.
Remaining Performance Obliga ons
Revenue allocated to remaining performance obliga ons represents the transac on price allocated to unsa sfied or par ally unsa sfied performance
obliga ons. Remaining performance obliga ons include unearned revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods, but do
not include contracts for so ware, subscrip ons or services where the customer is not commi ed. The customer is not considered commi ed when termina on
for convenience without payment of a substan ve penalty exists, either contractually or through customary business prac ce. The majority of our customer
so ware contracts include termina on for convenience clauses without a substan ve penalty and are not considered commi ed. Addi onally, as a prac cal
expedient, we have not included contracts that have an original dura on of one year or less, nor have we included contracts with sales-based or usage-based
royal es promised in exchange for a license of IP.
Certain mul -year customer contracts, primarily in our semiconductor solu ons segment, contain firmly commi ed amounts and the remaining
performance obliga ons under these contracts as of October 29, 2023 were approximately $20.3 billion. We expect approximately 30% of this amount to be
recognized as revenue over the next 12 months. Although the majority of our so ware contracts are not deemed to be commi ed, our customers generally do
not exercise their termina on for convenience rights. In addi on, the majority of our contracts for products, subscrip ons and services have a dura on of one
year or less. Accordingly, our remaining performance obliga ons disclosed above are not indica ve of revenue for future periods.
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4. Supplemental Financial Informa on
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents included $1,470 million and $3,915 million of me deposits and $1,650 million and $2,365 million of money-market funds as of
October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, respec vely. For me deposits, carrying value approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments.
The fair value of money-market funds, which was consistent with their carrying value, was determined using unadjusted prices in ac ve, accessible markets for
iden cal assets, and as such, they were classified as Level 1 assets in the fair value hierarchy.
Accounts Receivable Factoring
We sell certain of our trade accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to third-party financial ins tu ons pursuant to factoring arrangements. We
account for these transac ons as sales of receivables and present cash proceeds as cash provided by opera ng ac vi es in the consolidated statements of cash
flows. Total trade accounts receivable sold under the factoring arrangements were $3,975 million, $3,700 million and $4,027 million during fiscal years 2023,
2022 and 2021, respec vely. Factoring fees for the sales of receivables were recorded in other income (expense), net and were not material for any of the periods
presented.
Inventory
Finished goods
Work-in-process
Raw materials
Total inventory
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Land
Construc on in progress
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Machinery and equipment
Total property, plant and equipment
Accumulated deprecia on and amor za on
Total property, plant and equipment, net
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
676 $
901
321
1,898 $
780
966
179
1,925
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
195 $
63
1,181
4,739
6,178
(4,024)
2,154 $
195
63
1,156
4,413
5,827
(3,604)
2,223
$
$
$
$
Deprecia on expense was $502 million, $529 million and $539 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respec vely.
Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses
Other
Total other current assets
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
$
$
(In millions)
743 $
863
1,606 $
864
341
1,205
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Other Current Liabili es
Contract liabili es
Tax liabili es
Interest payable
Other
Total other current liabili es
Other Long-Term Liabili es
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penal es
Contract liabili es
Other
Total other long-term liabili es
Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest income
Other income
Gain (loss) on investments
Other expense
Other income (expense), net
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
2,487 $
473
380
312
3,652 $
2,931
680
393
408
4,412
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
2,792 $
299
756
3,847 $
$
$
$
$
3,229
410
774
4,413
16
26
99
(10)
131
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
535 $
15
11
(49)
512 $
100 $
30
(169)
(15)
(54) $
Other income and other expense include foreign exchange gains and losses, factoring fees for the sales of receivables, dividend income, and other
miscellaneous items.
5. Leases
We have opera ng and finance leases for our facili es, data centers and certain equipment. Opera ng lease expense was $91 million, $98 million and
$102 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respec vely. Finance lease expense was $16 million, $18 million and $16 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and
2021 respec vely.
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Other informa on related to leases was as follows:
Cash paid for opera ng leases included in opera ng cash flows
ROU assets obtained in exchange for opera ng lease liabili es
ROU assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabili es
Weighted-average remaining lease term – opera ng leases (In years)
Weighted-average remaining lease term – finance leases (In years)
Weighted-average discount rate – opera ng leases
Weighted-average discount rate – finance leases
Supplemental balance sheet informa on related to leases was as follows:
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
$
90
28
—
$
$
$
103
16
1
$
$
$
140
92
15
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
10
2
3.90 %
3.09 %
10
2
3.60 %
3.05 %
Classifica on on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
ROU assets - opera ng leases
ROU assets - finance leases
Other long-term assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Short-term lease liabili es - opera ng leases
Long-term lease liabili es - opera ng leases
Short-term lease liabili es - finance leases
Long-term lease liabili es - finance leases
Other current liabili es
Other long-term liabili es
Current por on of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases as of October 29, 2023 were as follows:
$
$
$
$
$
$
(In millions)
463 $
22 $
60 $
359 $
45 $
4 $
October 29,
2023
Opera ng Leases
Finance Leases
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Therea er
Total undiscounted liabili es
Less: interest
Present value of lease liabili es
$
$
$
(In millions)
75
65
52
46
40
236
514
(95)
419
$
517
40
74
389
37
22
45
2
2
—
—
—
49
—
49
As of October 29, 2023, the Company had $642 million of future payments under addi onal leases that will commence in fiscal year ending November 3,
2024 with a lease term of 15 years.
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6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Balance as of October 31, 2021
Acquisi ons
Balance as of October 30, 2022
Acquisi ons
Balance as of October 29, 2023
Semiconductor
Solu ons
Infrastructure So ware
Total
$
$
25,959 $
8
25,967
34
26,001 $
(In millions)
17,491 $
156
17,647
5
17,652 $
43,450
164
43,614
39
43,653
We completed three acquisi ons in fiscal year 2023 and four acquisi ons in fiscal year 2022, all of which qualified as business combina ons. The
considera on for these acquisi ons was primarily allocated to goodwill and intangible assets.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, we completed our annual impairment assessments and concluded that goodwill was not
impaired in any of these years.
Intangible Assets
As of October 29, 2023:
Purchased technology
Customer contracts and related rela onships
Order backlog
Trade names
Other
Intangible assets subject to amor za on
IPR&D
Total
As of October 30, 2022:
Purchased technology
Customer contracts and related rela onships
Order backlog
Trade names
Other
Intangible assets subject to amor za on
IPR&D
Total
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amor za on
(In millions)
Net Book
Value
$
$
$
$
12,938 $
7,059
9
649
168
20,823
10
20,833 $
19,450 $
7,066
484
700
174
27,874
29
27,903 $
(10,723) $
(5,753)
(8)
(388)
(94)
(16,966)
—
(16,966) $
(15,422) $
(4,535)
(382)
(372)
(81)
(20,792)
—
(20,792) $
2,215
1,306
1
261
74
3,857
10
3,867
4,028
2,531
102
328
93
7,082
29
7,111
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Based on the amount of intangible assets subject to amor za on at October 29, 2023, the expected amor za on expense for each of the next five fiscal
years and therea er was as follows:
Fiscal Year:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Therea er
Total
The weighted-average remaining amor za on periods by intangible asset category were as follows:
Expected Amor za on
Expense
(In millions)
$
$
2,392
685
348
222
69
141
3,857
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In years)
3
1
—
8
8
(a)
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
2021
(In millions, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
14,082 $
—
14,082 $
11,495 $
(272)
11,223 $
415
12
427
409
14
423
33.93 $
32.98 $
27.44 $
26.53 $
3
2
1
8
8
6,736
(299)
6,437
410
19
429
15.70
15.00
Amor zable intangible assets:
Purchased technology
Customer contracts and related rela onships
Order backlog
Trade names
Other
(a) Represents less than one year.
7. Net Income Per Share
Numerator:
Net income
Dividends on preferred stock
Net income a ributable to common stock
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic
Dilu ve effect of equity awards
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted
Net income per share a ributable to common stock:
Basic
Diluted
For fiscal years 2022 and 2021, diluted net income per share excluded the poten ally dilu ve effect of 10 million and 12 million shares of common stock,
respec vely, issuable upon the conversion of 8.00% Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock, Series A, $0.001 par value per share (“Mandatory Conver ble
Preferred Stock”) as their effect was an dilu ve. All shares of our Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock were converted into shares of our common stock before
the end of fiscal year 2022.
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8. Re rement Plans
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The U.S. defined benefit pension plans primarily consist of a qualified pension plan. Benefits of the qualified pension plan are provided under an adjusted
career-average-pay program, a cash-balance program or a dollar-per-month program. Benefit accruals under this plan were frozen in 2009. Par cipants in the
adjusted career-average-pay program no longer earn service accruals. Par cipants in the cash-balance program no longer earn service accruals, but con nue to
earn 4% interest per year on their cash-balance accounts. There are no ac ve par cipants under the dollar-per-month program. We also have a frozen non-
qualified supplemental pension plan in the United States that principally provides benefits based on compensa on in excess of amounts that can be considered
under the qualified pension plan.
We also have defined benefit pension plans for certain employees in Austria, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan and Taiwan. Eligibility is generally
determined based on the terms of our plans and local statutory requirements.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Other
Net periodic benefit cost
Net actuarial (gain) loss
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
$
8 $
60
(59)
—
9 $
20 $
8 $
39
(39)
1
9 $
(17) $
11
39
(40)
1
11
8
The components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost are included in other income (expense), net. Service cost is recognized in opera ng
expenses.
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Table of Contents
Benefit Obliga ons and Plan Assets
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets — beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contribu ons
Plan par cipants’ contribu ons
Benefit payments
Foreign currency impact
Fair value of plan assets — end of period
Change in benefit obliga ons:
Benefit obliga ons — beginning of period
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial gain
Plan par cipants’ contribu ons
Benefit payments
Foreign currency impact
Benefit obliga ons — end of period
(a)
Overfunded (underfunded) status of benefit obliga ons
(b)
Actuarial losses and prior service costs recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
_______________________________
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
$
$
$
1,160 $
19
15
1
(94)
4
1,105
1,143
8
60
(22)
1
(94)
5
1,101
4 $
(108) $
1,521
(279)
10
1
(95)
2
1,160
1,526
8
39
(336)
1
(95)
—
1,143
17
(82)
(a) The actuarial gain in fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to an increase in discount rates experienced by the majority of our plans.
(b) Substan ally all amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets were recorded in other long-term assets and other long-term liabili es for all
periods presented.
Plans with benefit obliga ons in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obliga ons
Accumulated benefit obliga ons
Fair value of plan assets
Plans with benefit obliga ons less than plan assets:
Projected benefit obliga ons
Accumulated benefit obliga ons
Fair value of plan assets
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
79 $
64 $
26 $
71
55
12
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
1,022 $
1,022 $
1,079 $
1,072
1,070
1,148
$
$
$
$
$
$
The fair value of pension plan assets as of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022 included $204 million and $184 million, respec vely, of assets for our
non-U.S. pension plans.
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Table of Contents
The projected benefit obliga ons as of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022 included $202 million and $185 million, respec vely, of obliga ons related
to our non-U.S. pension plans. The accumulated benefit obliga ons as of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022 included $188 million and $168 million,
respec vely, of obliga ons related to our non-U.S. pension plans.
Expected Future Benefit Payments
Fiscal Years:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029-2033
Investment Policy
Expected Benefit
Payments
(In millions)
$
$
$
$
$
$
96
95
95
93
91
429
Plan assets of the U.S. qualified pension plan, which represent substan ally all of the plan assets, are generally invested in funds held by third-party fund
managers. Our benefit plan investment commi ee has set the investment strategy to fully match the liability. We direct the overall por olio alloca on and use a
third-party investment consultant that has the discre on to structure por olios and select the investment managers within those alloca on parameters. Mul ple
investment managers are u lized, including both ac ve and passive management approaches. The plan assets are invested using the liability-driven investment
strategy intended to minimize market and interest rate risks, and those assets are periodically rebalanced toward asset alloca on targets.
The target asset alloca on for the U.S. qualified pension plan reflects a risk/return profile that we believe is appropriate rela ve to the liability structure and
return goals for the plan. We periodically review the alloca on of plan assets rela ve to alterna ve alloca on models to evaluate the need for adjustments based
on forecasted liabili es and plan liquidity needs. For both fiscal years 2023 and 2022, 100% of the U.S. qualified pension plan assets were allocated to fixed
income, in line with the target alloca on. The fixed income alloca on is primarily directed toward long-term core bond investments, with smaller alloca ons to
Treasury Infla on-Protected Securi es and high-yield bonds.
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Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets
Cash equivalents
Equity securi es:
Non-U.S. equity securi es
Fixed-income securi es:
U.S. treasuries
Corporate bonds
Municipal bonds
Government bonds
Asset-backed securi es
Total plan assets
Cash equivalents
Equity securi es:
Non-U.S. equity securi es
Fixed-income securi es:
U.S. treasuries
Corporate bonds
Municipal bonds
Government bonds
Asset-backed securi es
Total plan assets
______________________________
Fair Value Measurements at Repor ng Date Using
October 29, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
(In millions)
Total
$
(a)
16
$
(b)
62
—
—
—
—
—
78
$
—
—
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
144
837
23
21
2
1,027
$
$
$
Fair Value Measurements at Repor ng Date Using
October 30, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
(In millions)
(a)
19
$
(b)
46
—
—
—
—
—
65
$
—
—
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
147
901
20
25
2
1,095
$
$
$
$
16
62
144
837
23
21
2
1,105
Total
19
46
147
901
20
25
2
1,160
(a) Cash equivalents primarily included short-term investment funds which consisted of short-term money market instruments that were valued based on
quoted prices in ac ve markets.
(b) These equity securi es were valued based on quoted prices in ac ve markets.
(c) These amounts consisted of investments that were traded less frequently than Level 1 securi es and were valued using inputs that included quoted prices
for similar assets in ac ve markets and inputs other than quoted prices that were observable for the assets, such as interest rates, yield curves, prepayment
speeds, collateral performance, broker/dealer quotes and indices that were observable at commonly quoted intervals.
Assump ons
The assump ons used to determine the benefit obliga ons and net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans are presented in the table
below. The expected long-term return on assets shown in the table below represents an es mate of long-term returns on investment por olios primarily
consis ng of combina ons of debt, equity and other investments, depending on the plan. The long-term rates of return are then weighted based on the asset
classes in which the pension funds are invested. Discount rates reflect the current rate at which defined benefit pension obliga ons could be se led based on the
measurement dates of the plans, which is October 31, the month end closest to our fiscal year end. The range of assump ons reflects the different economic
environments within various countries.
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Table of Contents
Discount rate
Average increase in compensa on levels
Expected long-term return on assets
Defined Contribu on Plans
Assump ons for Benefit Obliga ons
as of
Assump ons for Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Fiscal Year
October 29,
2023
1.75%-7.00%
2.00%-10.00%
N/A
October 30,
2022
1.25%-7.25%
2.00%-10.00%
N/A
2023
1.25%-7.25%
2.00%-10.00%
2.50%-7.00%
2022
0.75%-6.50%
2.00%-10.00%
1.50%-7.25%
2021
0.61%-6.54%
2.00%-10.00%
1.00%-8.00%
Our eligible U.S. employees par cipate in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan. Under the plan, we match employee contribu ons dollar for dollar up to 6% of
their eligible earnings. All matching contribu ons vest immediately. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, we made contribu ons of $100 million, $96 million
and $94 million, respec vely, to the 401(k) plan.
In addi on, other eligible employees outside of the U.S. receive re rement benefits under various defined contribu on re rement plans.
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9. Borrowings
April 2022 Senior Notes - fixed rate
4.000% notes due April 2029
4.150% notes due April 2032
4.926% notes due May 2037
September 2021 Senior Notes - fixed rate
3.137% notes due November 2035
3.187% notes due November 2036
March 2021 Senior Notes - fixed rate
3.419% notes due April 2033
3.469% notes due April 2034
January 2021 Senior Notes - fixed rate
1.950% notes due February 2028
2.450% notes due February 2031
2.600% notes due February 2033
3.500% notes due February 2041
3.750% notes due February 2051
June 2020 Senior Notes - fixed rate
3.459% notes due September 2026
4.110% notes due September 2028
May 2020 Senior Notes - fixed rate
2.250% notes due November 2023
3.150% notes due November 2025
4.150% notes due November 2030
4.300% notes due November 2032
April 2020 Senior Notes - fixed rate
5.000% notes due April 2030
April 2019 Senior Notes - fixed rate
3.625% notes due October 2024
4.750% notes due April 2029
2017 Senior Notes - fixed rate
2.650% notes due January 2023
3.625% notes due January 2024
3.125% notes due January 2025
3.875% notes due January 2027
Effec ve Interest Rate
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions, except percentages)
4.17 % $
4.30 %
5.33 %
4.23 %
4.79 %
4.66 %
4.63 %
2.10 %
2.56 %
2.70 %
3.60 %
3.84 %
4.19 %
5.02 %
2.40 %
3.29 %
4.27 %
4.39 %
5.18 %
3.98 %
4.95 %
2.78 %
3.74 %
3.23 %
4.02 %
750 $
1,200
2,500
4,450
3,250
2,750
6,000
2,250
3,250
5,500
750
2,750
1,750
3,000
1,750
10,000
752
1,118
1,870
105
900
1,856
2,000
4,861
606
622
1,655
2,277
—
829
495
2,922
750
1,200
2,500
4,450
3,250
2,750
6,000
2,250
3,250
5,500
750
2,750
1,750
3,000
1,750
10,000
752
1,118
1,870
105
900
1,856
2,000
4,861
606
622
1,655
2,277
260
829
495
2,922
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3.500% notes due January 2028
Assumed CA Senior Notes - fixed rate
4.500% notes due August 2023
4.700% notes due March 2027
Other senior notes - fixed rate
3.500% notes due August 2024
4.500% notes due August 2034
Total principal amount outstanding
Current por on of principal amount outstanding
Short-term finance lease liabili es
Total current por on of long-term debt
Non-current por on of principal amount outstanding
Long-term finance lease liabili es
Unamor zed discount and issuance costs
Total long-term debt
Effec ve Interest Rate
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
3.60 %
(In millions, except percentages)
777
5,023
777
5,283
143
215
358
7
6
13
—
215
215
7
6
13
40,815 $
41,218
1,563 $
45
1,608 $
39,252 $
4
(1,635)
37,621 $
403
37
440
40,815
22
(1,762)
39,075
4.10 %
5.15 %
3.55 %
4.55 %
$
$
$
$
$
The senior notes are recorded net of discount and issuance costs, which are amor zed to interest expense over the respec ve terms of such senior notes.
We may redeem or purchase, in whole or in part, any of our senior notes prior to their respec ve maturi es, subject to a specified make-whole premium
determined in accordance with the indentures governing the respec ve notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In the event of a change in control, note holders
will have the right to require us to repurchase their notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2023, we borrowed term loans to finance the acquisi on of VMware, Inc. (“VMware”) and assumed VMware’s
outstanding senior unsecured notes. See Note 15. “Subsequent Events” for addi onal informa on.
April 2022 Senior Notes
In April 2022, we issued $750 million of 4.000% senior unsecured notes due April 2029 and $1,200 million of 4.150% senior unsecured notes due April
2032. Using the net proceeds, we redeemed the outstanding balance of $1,020 million of our 4.700% notes due 2025 and $944 million of our 4.250% notes due
2026. As a result of these redemp ons, we incurred premiums of $85 million and wrote off $15 million of unamor zed discount and issuance costs, both of
which were included in interest expense.
In April 2022, we issued $2,500 million of 4.926% senior unsecured notes due May 2037 in exchange for $2,502 million of certain of our outstanding notes
maturing between 2027 and 2030. As a result of this exchange, we paid premiums of $47 million, which were included in unamor zed discount and issuance
costs. The 4.926% notes due 2037, the 4.000% notes due 2029 and the 4.150% notes due 2032 are collec vely referred as the “April 2022 Senior Notes.”
September 2021 Senior Notes
In September 2021, we completed our private offers to exchange $6.0 billion of certain of our outstanding notes maturing between 2025 and 2030 for
$3,250 million of 3.137% senior unsecured notes due November 2035 and $2,750 million of 3.187% senior unsecured notes due November 2036 (collec vely, the
“September 2021 Senior Notes”). As a result of this exchange, we paid premiums of $762 million, which were included in unamor zed discount and issuance
costs.
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March 2021 Senior Notes
In March 2021, we completed our private offers to exchange $5.5 billion of certain of our outstanding notes maturing between 2024 and 2027 (the “March
2021 Exchange Offer”) for $2,250 million of 3.419% senior unsecured notes due April 2033 and $3,250 million of 3.469% senior unsecured notes due April 2034
(collec vely, the “March 2021 Senior Notes”). As a result of this exchange, we paid premiums of $581 million, which were included in unamor zed discount and
issuance costs.
In connec on with the March 2021 Exchange Offer, Broadcom Corpora on (“BRCM”) and Broadcom Technologies Inc. (“BTI”) were automa cally and
uncondi onally released from their guarantees in accordance with the respec ve indentures governing the January 2021 Senior Notes, June 2020 Senior Notes,
May 2020 Senior Notes, April 2020 Senior Notes, and April 2019 Senior Notes, as defined below respec vely.
January 2021 Senior Notes
In January 2021, we issued $10 billion of senior unsecured notes (the “January 2021 Senior Notes”). Using the net proceeds from the January 2021 Senior
Notes, we repaid the outstanding balance of $5,888 million of our unsecured term A-3 facility and unsecured term A-5 facility under the credit agreement
entered into on November 4, 2019 (the “November 2019 Credit Agreement”), repurchased $3,830 million of certain of our outstanding notes maturing between
2021 and 2023 through a cash tender offer and redemp on, and repaid $282 million of our 2.200% notes upon maturity in January 2021. As a result of these
repayments and repurchases, we incurred premiums of $151 million and wrote off $47 million of unamor zed discount and issuance costs, both of which were
included in interest expense.
2021 Credit Agreement
In January 2021, we entered into a credit agreement (the “2021 Credit Agreement”), which provides for a five-year $7.5 billion unsecured revolving credit
facility, of which $500 million is available for the issuance of mul -currency le ers of credit. The issuance of le ers of credit and certain other instruments would
reduce the aggregate amount otherwise available under the revolving credit facility for revolving loans. Subject to the terms of the 2021 Credit Agreement, we
are permi ed to borrow, repay and reborrow revolving loans at any me prior to the earlier of (a) January 19, 2026 and (b) the date of termina on in whole of
the revolving lenders’ commitments under the 2021 Credit Agreement. In connec on with the 2021 Credit Agreement, we terminated the credit agreement
entered into on May 7, 2019, which provided for a five-year $5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, and the November 2019 Credit Agreement. We had no
borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility at either October 29, 2023 or October 30, 2022.
June 2020 Senior Notes
In June 2020, we completed our private offers to exchange $3,742 million of certain series of our outstanding senior notes maturing between 2021 and
2024 for $1,695 million of senior notes due 2026 and $2,222 million of senior notes due 2028 (collec vely, the “June 2020 Senior Notes”).
May 2020 Senior Notes
In May 2020, we issued $8 billion of senior unsecured notes (the “May 2020 Senior Notes”). Using the net proceeds, we repaid certain term loans under the
November 2019 Credit Agreement and all outstanding borrowings under a revolving credit facility.
April 2020 Senior Notes
In April 2020, we issued $4.5 billion of senior unsecured notes (the “April 2020 Senior Notes”). Using the net proceeds, we repurchased certain series of our
outstanding senior notes maturing between 2021 and 2022, pursuant to a cash tender offer that we completed in April 2020.
April 2019 Senior Notes
In April 2019, we issued $11 billion of senior unsecured notes (the “April 2019 Senior Notes”). Using the net proceeds, we repaid certain term loans.
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Registered Exchange Offer
In connec on with the issuance of the June 2020 Senior Notes, the May 2020 Senior Notes, the April 2020 Senior Notes (collec vely, the “2020 Senior
Notes”) and the April 2019 Senior Notes, we entered into registra on rights agreements, pursuant to which we were obligated to use commercially reasonable
efforts to file with the Securi es and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and cause to be declared effec ve, a registra on statement with respect to an offer to
exchange (the “Registered Exchange Offer”) each series of the 2020 Senior Notes and the April 2019 Senior Notes for notes that are registered with the SEC (the
“Registered Notes”), with substan ally iden cal terms. We completed the Registered Exchange Offer on August 10, 2020. Substan ally all of our 2020 Senior
Notes and April 2019 Senior Notes were tendered and exchanged for the corresponding Registered Notes in the Registered Exchange Offer.
Commercial Paper
In February 2019, we established a commercial paper program pursuant to which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes (“Commercial Paper”) in
principal amount of up to $2 billion outstanding at any me with maturi es of up to 397 days from the date of issue. Commercial Paper is sold under customary
terms in the commercial paper market and may be issued at a discount from par or, alterna vely, may be sold at par and bear interest at rates dictated by market
condi ons at the me of their issuance. The discount associated with the Commercial Paper is amor zed to interest expense over its term. Outstanding
Commercial Paper reduces the amount that would otherwise be available to borrow for general corporate purposes under our revolving credit facility. We had no
Commercial Paper outstanding at either October 29, 2023 or October 30, 2022.
2017 Senior Notes
During the fiscal year ended October 29, 2017, Broadcom Cayman Finance Limited, which subsequently merged into BTI during the fiscal year ended
November 3, 2019 (“fiscal year 2019”) with BTI remaining as the surviving en ty, and BRCM issued $17,550 million of senior unsecured notes (the “2017 Senior
Notes”). Our 2017 Senior Notes are fully and uncondi onally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured, unsubordinated basis by Broadcom and BTI.
Using the net proceeds, plus cash on hand, we repaid certain term loans and financed the acquisi on of Brocade Communica ons Systems, Inc.
During the fiscal year ended November 4, 2018, substan ally all of the 2017 Senior Notes were tendered and exchanged for notes registered with the SEC,
with substan ally iden cal terms.
Assumed CA Senior Notes
In connec on with our acquisi on of CA, Inc. (“CA”) during fiscal year 2019, we assumed $2.25 billion of CA’s outstanding senior unsecured notes (the
“Assumed CA Senior Notes”). CA remains the sole obligor under the Assumed CA Senior Notes.
Fair Value of Debt
As of October 29, 2023, the es mated aggregate fair value of our debt was $33,181 million. The fair value of our senior notes was determined using quoted
prices from less ac ve markets. All of our debt obliga ons are categorized as Level 2 instruments.
Future Principal Payments of Debt
The future scheduled principal payments of debt as of October 29, 2023 were as follows:
Fiscal Year:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Therea er
Total
As of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
76
Future Scheduled Principal
Payments
(In millions)
$
$
1,563
495
1,652
3,137
2,645
31,323
40,815
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10. Stockholders’ Equity
Cash Dividends Declared and Paid
Dividends per share to common stockholders
Dividends to common stockholders
Dividends per share to preferred stockholders
Dividends to preferred stockholders
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
2021
$
$
$
$
(In millions, except per share data)
16.40 $
6,733 $
80.00 $
299 $
18.40 $
7,645 $
— $
— $
14.40
5,913
80.00
299
On September 30, 2019, we completed an offering of approximately 4 million shares of Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock, which generated net
proceeds of approximately $3,679 million and would automa cally convert into shares of our common stock on September 30, 2022.
The holders of Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock were en tled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, or an authorized
commi ee thereof, out of funds legally available for payment, cumula ve dividends at the annual rate of 8.00% of the liquida on preference of $1,000 per share
(equivalent to $80 annually per share), payable in cash or, subject to certain limita ons, by delivery of shares of our common stock or any combina on of cash
and shares of our common stock, at our elec on.
During fiscal year 2022, outstanding shares of our Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock converted into an aggregate of approximately 12 million shares of
our common stock at conversion rates ranging between 3.0894 and 3.1149 common shares per share of Mandatory Conver ble Preferred Stock. We paid cash in
lieu of frac onal shares of common stock upon conversion.
Stock Repurchase Programs
In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $10 billion of our common stock from me to me
through December 31, 2022, which was subsequently extended to December 31, 2023. In May 2022, our Board of Directors authorized another stock repurchase
program to repurchase up to an addi onal $10 billion of our common stock from me to me through December 31, 2023. We repurchased and re red
approximately 9 million and 12 million shares of our common stock for $5,824 million and $7,000 million under these stock repurchase programs during fiscal
years 2023 and 2022, respec vely.
Repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be effected through a variety of methods, including open market or privately nego ated purchases.
The ming and amount of shares repurchased will depend on the stock price, business and market condi ons, corporate and regulatory requirements,
alterna ve investment opportuni es, acquisi on opportuni es, and other factors. We are not obligated to repurchase any specific amount of shares of common
stock, and the stock repurchase programs may be suspended or terminated at any me.
Equity Incen ve Award Plan
2012 Plan
In connec on with the acquisi on of BRCM, we assumed the BRCM 2012 Stock Incen ve Plan (the “Original 2012 Plan”) and outstanding unvested RSUs
originally granted by BRCM under the Original 2012 Plan that were held by con nuing employees. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, our stockholders
approved the amendment and restatement of the Original 2012 Plan, now called the Broadcom Inc. 2012 Stock Incen ve Plan (the “Amended 2012 Plan”). Under
the Amended 2012 Plan, we may grant stock op ons and stock apprecia on rights with an exercise price that is no less than the fair market value on the date of
grant, restricted stock awards, and RSUs to employees. No par cipant may be granted such awards for more than an aggregate of 4 million shares in any fiscal
year. Equity awards granted under the Amended 2012 Plan generally vest over four years. The Amended 2012 Plan reduced the number of shares available for
new equity award grants to 20 million shares and removed the annual share replenishment provision provided under the Original 2012 Plan. During the second
quarter of fiscal year 2023, our stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Amended 2012 Plan to increase the number of shares of common
stock authorized for issuance by 25 million shares. Awards cancelled or forfeited and shares withheld to sa sfy tax withholding obliga ons become available for
future issuance. As of October 29, 2023, 36 million shares remained available for issuance under the Amended 2012 Plan.
We may grant market-based RSUs with both a service condi on and a market condi on as part of our equity compensa on programs. The market-based
RSUs generally vest over four years, subject to sa sfac on of market condi ons. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, we granted market-based RSUs under
which grantees may receive the number of
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Table of Contents
shares ranging from 0% to 300% of the original grant at ves ng based upon the total stockholder return (“TSR”) on our common stock on an absolute basis and
as compared to the TSR of an index group of companies. During fiscal year 2023, we also granted market-based RSUs ves ng over five years, subject to
sa sfac on of stock price performance milestones.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP provides eligible employees with the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in us through periodic payroll deduc ons, based on a 6-month
look-back period, at a price equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of our common stock at either the beginning or the end of the relevant offering
period. The ESPP is structured as a qualified employee stock purchase plan under Sec on 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. However, the ESPP is not
intended to be a qualified pension, profit sharing or stock bonus plan under Sec on 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is not subject to the
provisions of the Employee Re rement Income Security Act of 1974.
Stock-Based Compensa on Expense
Cost of products sold
Cost of subscrip ons and services
Research and development
Selling, general and administra ve
Total stock-based compensa on expense
Es mated income tax benefits for stock-based compensa on
Excess income tax benefits for stock-based awards exercised or released
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
$
$
88 $
122
1,513
448
2,171 $
367 $
507 $
65 $
82
1,048
338
1,533 $
255 $
375 $
78
65
1,199
362
1,704
283
310
We have assumed an annualized forfeiture rate for RSUs of 5%. We will recognize addi onal expense if actual forfeitures are lower than we es mated, and
will recognize a benefit if actual forfeitures are higher than we es mated.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Compensa on Commi ee of our Board of Directors approved a broad-based program of mul -year equity
grants of me- and market-based RSUs (the “Mul -Year Equity Awards”) in lieu of our annual employee equity awards historically granted on March 15 of each
year. Each Mul -Year Equity Award vests on the same basis as four annual grants made March 15 of each year, beginning in fiscal year 2019, with successive four-
year ves ng periods. Stock-based compensa on expense related to the Mul -Year Equity Awards was $596 million, $794 million and $816 million for fiscal years
2023, 2022 and 2021, respec vely.
As of October 29, 2023, the total unrecognized compensa on cost related to unvested stock-based awards was $6,375 million, which is expected to be
recognized over the remaining weighted-average service period of 3.4 years.
The following table summarizes the weighted-average assump ons u lized to calculate the fair value of market-based awards granted in the periods
presented:
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Vola lity
Expected term (in years)
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
2021
4.0 %
3.3 %
32.8 %
4.8
1.4 %
2.7 %
37.1 %
3.4
0.3 %
3.0 %
39.0 %
3.4
The risk-free interest rate was derived from the average U.S. Treasury Strips rate, which approximated the rate in effect appropriate for the term at the me
of grant.
The dividend yield was based on the historical and expected dividend payouts as of the respec ve award grant dates.
The vola lity was based on our own historical stock price vola lity over the period commensurate with the expected life of the awards and the implied
vola lity of a 180-day call op on on our own common stock measured at a specific date.
The expected term was commensurate with the awards’ contractual terms.
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Table of Contents
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
A summary of me- and market-based RSU ac vity was as follows:
Balance as of November 1, 2020
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance as of October 31, 2021
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance as of October 30, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Balance as of October 29, 2023
Number of RSUs
Outstanding
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
(In millions, except per share data)
32 $
2 $
(8) $
(3) $
23 $
3 $
(7) $
(1) $
18 $
12 $
(7) $
(1) $
22 $
188.35
408.69
214.15
189.84
200.38
527.69
225.52
242.82
238.49
519.78
262.48
307.91
389.21
The aggregate fair value of me- and market-based RSUs that vested in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $5,423 million, $4,207 million and $3,715
million, respec vely, which represented the market value of our common stock on the date that the RSUs vested. The number of RSUs vested included shares of
common stock that we withheld for se lement of employees’ tax obliga ons due upon the ves ng of RSUs.
11. Income Taxes
The components of income before income taxes by U.S. and foreign jurisdic ons were as follows:
Domes c loss
Foreign income
Income before income taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
Current tax provision:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal
State
Foreign
Total
Total provision for income taxes
79
2023
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
(63) $
15,160
15,097 $
(2,020) $
14,454
12,434 $
(3,103)
9,868
6,765
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
952 $
23
541
1,516
(499)
(31)
29
(501)
1,015 $
174 $
48
762
984
68
(15)
(98)
(45)
939 $
446
46
534
1,026
(876)
(114)
(7)
(997)
29
$
$
$
$
Table of Contents
The following is a reconcilia on of our effec ve tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate:
Statutory tax rate
State, net of federal benefit
Foreign income taxed at different rates
Deemed inclusion of foreign earnings
Foreign-derived intangible income deduc on
Uncertain tax benefits
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensa on
Research and development credit
Other, net
Effec ve tax rate on income before income taxes
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
2021
21.0 %
—
(17.3)
9.9
—
(1.9)
(3.4)
(1.8)
0.2
6.7 %
21.0 %
0.2
(19.1)
8.0
—
1.6
(3.0)
(1.4)
0.2
7.5 %
21.0 %
(0.8)
(22.8)
9.5
(3.1)
3.7
(4.6)
(2.3)
(0.2)
0.4 %
The increase in provision for income taxes in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to higher income before income taxes, par ally
offset by an increase in the recogni on of uncertain tax benefits as a result of lapses of statutes of limita ons. The increase in provision for income taxes in fiscal
year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to higher income before income taxes.
We derive the effec ve tax rate benefit a ributed to foreign income taxed at different rates primarily from our opera ons in Singapore and Malaysia. Our
tax incen ves from the Singapore Economic Development Board provide that any qualifying income earned in Singapore is subject to tax incen ves or reduced
rates of Singapore income tax, subject to our compliance with the condi ons specified in these incen ves and legisla ve developments. These Singapore tax
incen ves are expected to expire in November 2025. We have also obtained a tax holiday from our qualifying income earned in Malaysia, which is scheduled to
expire in fiscal year 2028. The tax holiday that we nego ated in Malaysia is also subject to our compliance with various opera ng and other condi ons. Before
taking into considera on the effects of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other indirect tax impacts, the effect of these tax incen ves and tax holiday decreased
the provision for income taxes by approximately $2,104 million, $1,821 million and $1,156 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respec vely.
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Table of Contents
Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabili es consisted of the following:
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
Deferred income tax assets:
Net opera ng loss, credit and other carryforwards
Capitalized research and development
Deferred revenue
Employee stock awards
Deprecia on and amor za on
Other deferred income tax assets
Gross deferred income tax assets
Less: valua on allowance
Deferred income tax assets
Deferred income tax liabili es:
Deprecia on and amor za on
Unamor zed debt discount and issuance costs
Foreign earnings not indefinitely reinvested
Other deferred income tax liabili es
Deferred income tax liabili es
$
1,809 $
275
208
190
223
329
3,034
(1,789)
1,245
97
302
86
62
547
Net deferred income tax assets
$
698 $
1,808
—
645
183
156
343
3,135
(1,777)
1,358
341
322
86
36
785
573
The 2017 Tax Act amended Internal Revenue Code Sec on 174 to require businesses to capitalize and amor ze research and development expenses and
became effec ve in our fiscal year 2023. In fiscal year 2023, we recorded a deferred tax asset of $275 million for capitalized research and development.
We con nue to indefinitely reinvest $1,963 million of certain accumulated foreign earnings. The unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these
earnings is es mated to be $206 million. All other current and future earnings of all our foreign subsidiaries are not considered permanently reinvested.
As of October 29, 2023, we had tax effected U.S. state net opera ng loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $136 million and foreign NOL carryforwards of $128
million. The state and foreign NOL carryforwards expire in various years beginning in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, respec vely. We had $1,462 million of state
research and development tax credits which begin to expire in fiscal year 2024. We have provided a valua on allowance on substan ally all state tax credits and
state and foreign net opera ng loss carryforwards as we do not expect them to be realized.
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Uncertain Tax Posi ons
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits:
Beginning balance
Lapses of statutes of limita ons
Increases in balances related to tax posi ons taken during prior periods
Decreases in balances related to tax posi ons taken during prior periods
Increases in balances related to tax posi ons taken during current period
Decreases in balances related to se lements with taxing authori es
Ending balance
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
5,117 $
(634)
26
(13)
170
(11)
4,655 $
5,030 $
(50)
—
(113)
288
(38)
5,117 $
4,748
(58)
41
—
337
(38)
5,030
We recognize interest and penal es related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. Accrued interest and penal es were
included within other long-term liabili es. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized interest and penal es of $22 million, $25 million and
$46 million respec vely, within the provision for income taxes. As of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, the combined amount of cumula ve accrued
interest and penal es was approximately $389 million and $411 million, respec vely.
As of October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, approximately $5,044 million and $5,528 million, respec vely, of the unrecognized tax benefits and accrued
interest and penal es would, if recognized, benefit our effec ve income tax rate. We are subject to U.S. income tax examina on for fiscal years 2018 and later.
Certain of our acquired companies are subject to tax examina ons in major jurisdic ons outside of the U.S. for fiscal years 2008 and later. It is possible that our
exis ng unrecognized tax benefits may change up to $499 million as a result of lapses of the statute of limita ons for certain audit periods and/or audit
examina ons expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
12. Segment Informa on
Reportable Segments
We have two reportable segments: semiconductor solu ons and infrastructure so ware. Each segment has separate financial informa on that is u lized on
a regular basis by the CODM in determining how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The reportable segments are determined based on several
factors including, but not limited to, customer base, homogeneity of products, technology, delivery channels and similar economic characteris cs.
Semiconductor solu ons. We provide semiconductor solu ons for managing the movement of data in data center, service provider, and enterprise
networking applica ons. We provide a broad variety of radio frequency semiconductor devices, wireless connec vity solu ons, custom touch controllers, and
induc ve charging solu ons for mobile applica ons. We also provide semiconductor solu ons for enabling the set-top box and broadband access markets and for
enabling secure movement of digital data to and from host machines, such as servers, personal computers and storage systems, to the underlying storage
devices, such as hard disk drives and solid state drives. We also provide a broad variety of products for the general industrial and automo ve markets. Our
semiconductor solu ons segment also includes our IP licensing.
Infrastructure so ware. We provide a por olio of so ware solu ons that enables customers to plan, develop, automate, manage and secure applica ons
across mainframe, distributed, mobile and cloud pla orms. Our por olio of infrastructure and security so ware is designed to modernize, op mize, and secure
the most complex hybrid environments, enabling scalability, agility, automa on, insights, resiliency and security. We also offer mission cri cal FC SAN products
and related so ware.
Our CODM assesses the performance of each segment and allocates resources to each segment based on net revenue and opera ng results and does not
evaluate each segment using discrete asset informa on. Opera ng results by segment include items that are directly a ributable to each segment and also
include shared expenses such as marke ng, general and administra ve ac vi es, facili es and informa on technology (“IT”) expenses. Shared expenses are
primarily allocated based on revenue and headcount.
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Unallocated Expenses
Unallocated expenses include amor za on of acquisi on-related intangible assets, stock-based compensa on expense, restructuring and other charges,
acquisi on-related costs, and other costs, which are not used in evalua ng the results of, or in alloca ng resources to, our segments. Acquisi on-related costs
include transac on costs and any costs directly related to the acquisi on and integra on of acquired businesses.
Deprecia on expense directly a ributable to each reportable segment is included in the opera ng results of each segment. However, the CODM does not
evaluate deprecia on expense by opera ng segment and, therefore, it is not separately presented. There was no inter-segment revenue for any of the periods
presented. The accoun ng policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accoun ng policies.
Net revenue:
Semiconductor solu ons
Infrastructure so ware
Total net revenue
Opera ng income:
Semiconductor solu ons
Infrastructure so ware
Unallocated expenses
Total opera ng income
Geographic Informa on
2023
Fiscal Year
2022
(In millions)
2021
$
$
$
$
28,182 $
7,637
35,819 $
16,486 $
5,639
(5,918)
16,207 $
25,818 $
7,385
33,203 $
15,075 $
5,219
(6,069)
14,225 $
20,383
7,067
27,450
10,976
4,936
(7,393)
8,519
Net revenue by country is based primarily on the geographic shipment or delivery loca on as specified by the distributors, OEMs, contract manufacturers,
channel partners, or so ware customers who purchased our products or services. For the majority of our products, tle and control transfer to our customers in
Penang, Malaysia. The products are then transported to the customer specific loca ons. Net revenue from the United States for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021
was $6,975 million, $5,915 million and $5,285 million, respec vely. Net revenue from China (including Hong Kong) for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was
$11,533 million, $11,637 million and $9,752 million, respec vely. Net revenue from Singapore for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $4,479 million, $4,003
million and $2,754 million, respec vely. Net revenue from other foreign countries for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $12,832 million, $11,648 million and
$9,659 million, respec vely. These geographic delivery loca ons are not necessarily indica ve of the geographic loca on of our end customers or the country in
which our end customers sell devices containing our products. For example, we believe a substan al por on of our products shipped or delivered to China
(including Hong Kong) is included in devices sold by our end customers in the United States and Europe.
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Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and are based on the physical loca on of the assets.
Long-lived assets:
United States
Taiwan
Other
Total long-lived assets
Significant Customer Informa on
October 29,
2023
October 30,
2022
(In millions)
$
$
1,371 $
341
442
2,154 $
1,441
318
464
2,223
We sell our products through our direct sales force and a select network of distributors and channel partners globally. One customer accounted for 21% of
our net accounts receivable balance as of October 29, 2023. Two customers accounted for 15% and 11% of our net accounts receivable balance as of October 30,
2022. During fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, one customer accounted for 21%, 20% and 18% of our net revenue, respec vely. Revenue from this customer was
included in our semiconductor solu ons segment.
13. Commitments and Con ngencies
Commitments
The following table summarizes contractual obliga ons and commitments as of October 29, 2023:
Fiscal Year:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Therea er
Total
Purchase Commitments
Other Contractual
Commitments
$
$
(In millions)
254 $
168
11
7
7
—
447 $
328
269
278
219
176
341
1,611
Purchase Commitments. Represent uncondi onal purchase obliga ons to purchase goods or services, primarily inventory, that are enforceable and legally
binding on us and specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quan es to be purchased, price provisions, and the approximate ming of the
transac on. Purchase obliga ons exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty and uncondi onal purchase obliga ons with a remaining term of one
year or less.
Other Contractual Commitments. Represent amounts payable pursuant to agreements related to IT and other service agreements.
Due to the inherent uncertainty with respect to the ming of future cash ou lows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits at October 29, 2023, we
are unable to reliably es mate the ming of cash se lement with the respec ve taxing authori es. Therefore, $2,792 million of unrecognized tax benefits and
accrued interest and penal es as of October 29, 2023 have been excluded from the table above.
Con ngencies
From me to me, we are involved in li ga on that we believe is of the type common to companies engaged in our lines of business, including commercial
disputes, employment issues, tax disputes and disputes involving claims by third par es that our ac vi es infringe their patent, copyright, trademark or other IP
rights, as well as regulatory inves ga ons or inquiries. Legal proceedings and regulatory inves ga ons or inquiries are o en complex, may require the
expenditure of significant funds and other resources, and the outcomes of such proceedings are inherently uncertain, with material adverse outcomes possible.
IP property claims generally involve the demand by a third-party that we cease the manufacture, use or sale of the allegedly infringing products, processes or
technologies and/or pay substan al damages or royal es for past, present and future use of the allegedly infringing IP. Claims that our products or processes
infringe or misappropriate any
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third-party IP rights (including claims arising through our contractual indemnifica on of our customers) o en involve highly complex, technical issues, the
outcome of which is inherently uncertain. Moreover, from me to me, we pursue li ga on to assert our IP rights. Regardless of the merit or resolu on of any
such li ga on, complex IP li ga on is generally costly and diverts the efforts and a en on of our management and technical personnel.
Lawsuits Rela ng to California Ins tute of Technology
California Ins tute of Technology ("Caltech") filed a complaint against Broadcom and Apple Inc. on May 26, 2016 in the United States District Court for the
Central District of California (the “U.S. Central District Court”), and an amended complaint adding Cypress Semiconductor Corpora on as a defendant on August
15, 2016. The amended complaint alleged that chips that support certain error correc on codes as specified in IEEE Standards 802.11n and 802.11ac willfully
infringed four patents related to error correc on coding: U.S. Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833 (“’833 patent”). Prior to trial, Caltech
dismissed its claims against Cypress and withdrew its infringement allega ons as to ‘833 patent. The complaint sought a preliminary and permanent injunc on,
damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as a orneys’ fees, costs, and expenses. The trial was held in January 2020, and on January 29, 2020, the jury
issued its verdict finding infringement and awarding Caltech past damages of $270.2 million from Broadcom and $837.8 million from Apple, for which Apple is
seeking indemnifica on from Broadcom. On August 3, 2020, the U.S. Central District Court issued its judgment, awarding Caltech past damages in the amounts
awarded by the jury, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest. Addi onally, the U.S. Central District Court awarded Caltech an unspecified amount of ongoing
royal es to be determined a er the an cipated appeals process is resolved. Neither the jury nor the U.S. Central District Court found willful infringement, which
if it had, could have resulted in enhanced damages up to three mes the amount awarded. Broadcom and Apple appealed to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit Court”). In February 2022, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed infringement of two patents, both of which expired in
August 2020, but it did not address all issues and ordered a new trial on damages and on the infringement of the 7,916,781 patent, which also expired in August
2020. In May 2022, the Federal Circuit Court denied the pe on for rehearing filed by Broadcom and Apple, and remanded the case to the U.S. Central District
Court. Subsequently, Caltech withdrew its infringement allega ons as to the 7,916,781 patent. In September 2023, we entered into a se lement and patent
license agreement with Caltech pursuant to which we agreed to pay an aggregate of $160 million over five years and the case was dismissed with prejudice.
Other Ma ers
In addi on to the ma ers discussed above, we are currently engaged in a number of legal ac ons in the ordinary course of our business.
Con ngency Assessment
We do not believe, based on currently available facts and circumstances, that the final outcome of any pending legal proceedings or ongoing regulatory
inves ga ons, taken individually or as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. However, lawsuits may involve
complex ques ons of fact and law and may require the expenditure of significant funds and other resources to defend. The results of li ga on or regulatory
inves ga ons are inherently uncertain, and material adverse outcomes are possible. From me to me, we may enter into confiden al discussions regarding the
poten al se lement of such lawsuits. Any se lement of pending li ga on could require us to incur substan al costs and other ongoing expenses, such as future
royalty payments in the case of an IP dispute.
During the periods presented, no material amounts have been accrued or disclosed in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to
loss con ngencies associated with any other legal proceedings or regulatory inves ga ons, as poten al losses for such ma ers are not considered probable and
ranges of losses are not reasonably es mable. These ma ers are subject to many uncertain es and the ul mate outcomes are not predictable. There can be no
assurances that the actual amounts required to sa sfy any liabili es arising from the ma ers described above will not have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial statements.
Other Indemnifica ons
As is customary in our industry and as provided for in local law in the U.S. and other jurisdic ons, many of our standard contracts provide remedies to our
customers and others with whom we enter into contracts, such as defense, se lement, or payment of judgment for IP claims related to the use of our products.
From me to me, 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 combina ons of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events related to the sale and the use of our
products, the use of their goods and services, the use of facili es and state of our owned facili es, the state of the assets and businesses that we sell and other
ma ers covered by such contracts, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addi on, from me to me we also provide protec on to these par es against
claims related to undiscovered liabili es, addi onal product liabili es or environmental obliga ons. In our experience, claims made under such indemnifica ons
are rare and the associated es mated fair value of the liability is not material.
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14. Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring Charges
From me to me, we ini ate cost reduc on ac vi es to integrate acquired businesses, align our workforce with strategic business ac vi es, or improve
efficiencies in our opera ons. We recognized charges of $36 million, $55 million and $149 million during fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respec vely. These
charges were primarily recognized in opera ng expenses.
The following table summarizes the significant ac vi es within, and components of, the restructuring liabili es:
Balance as of November 1, 2020
Restructuring charges
U liza on
Balance as of October 31, 2021
Restructuring charges
U liza on
Balance as of October 30, 2022
Restructuring charges
U liza on
Balance as of October 29, 2023
Employee
Termina on
Costs
Other Exit Costs
Total
(In millions)
$
$
34 $
100
(130)
4
24
(24)
4
20
(22)
2 $
— $
13
(13)
—
6
(4)
2
9
(11)
— $
34
113
(143)
4
30
(28)
6
29
(33)
2
Restructuring charges in our consolidated statement of opera ons for the fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 included $7 million, $25 million and $36 million
respec vely, for the write-down of certain lease-related ROU assets and other lease-related charges. As of each October 29, 2023 and October 30, 2022, short-
term and long-term lease liabili es included $44 million and $52 million of liabili es related to restructuring ac vi es.
Other Charges
During fiscal year 2023, other charges included $204 million of non-recurring charges related to IP li ga on and $8 million of impairment and disposal
charges primarily related to property, plant and equipment. During fiscal years 2022 and 2021, other charges included impairment and disposal charges of
$7 million and $16 million, respec vely, primarily related to leasehold improvements.
15. Subsequent Events
Acquisi on of VMware, Inc.
On November 22, 2023, we completed the acquisi on of VMware in a cash-and-stock transac on (the “VMware Merger”). Pursuant to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, each share of VMware common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effec ve me of the VMware Merger was indirectly
converted into the right to receive, at the elec on of the holder of such share of VMware common stock, either $142.50 in cash, without interest, or 0.2520
shares of Broadcom common stock. The stockholder elec on was prorated, such that the total number of shares of VMware common stock en tled to receive
cash and the total number of shares of VMware common stock en tled to receive Broadcom common stock, in each case, was equal to 50% of the aggregate
number of shares of VMware common stock issued and outstanding. Based on the VMware stockholders’ elec ons, the VMware stockholders received
approximately $30.8 billion in cash and 54.4 million shares of Broadcom common stock in aggregate.
We assumed all outstanding VMware RSU awards and performance stock unit awards held by con nuing employees. The assumed awards were converted
into approximately 5 million Broadcom RSU awards. All outstanding in-the-money VMware stock op ons and RSU awards held by non-employee directors were
accelerated and converted into the right to receive cash and shares of Broadcom common stock, in equal parts.
VMware was a leading provider of mul -cloud services for all applica ons, enabling digital innova on with enterprise control. We acquired VMware to
enhance our infrastructure so ware capabili es.
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Preliminary Purchase Considera on
Fair value of Broadcom common stock issued for outstanding VMware common stock
Cash paid for outstanding VMware common stock
Cash paid by Broadcom to re re VMware’s term loan
Fair value of par ally vested assumed equity awards
Fair value of Broadcom common stock issued for accelerated VMware equity awards
Cash paid for accelerated VMware equity awards
Effec ve se lement of pre-exis ng rela onships
Total purchase considera on
Less: cash acquired
Total purchase considera on, net of cash acquired
(In millions)
53,3
30,7
1,2
8
86,2
6,6
79,6
$
$
We funded the cash por on of the VMware Merger with the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Term Loans, as discussed in further detail below,
as well as cash on hand. We assumed $8,250 million of VMware’s outstanding senior unsecured notes.
We are currently evalua ng the purchase price alloca on following the consumma on of the VMware Merger. It is not prac cable to disclose the
preliminary purchase price alloca on or unaudited pro forma combined financial informa on for this transac on, given the short period of me between the
acquisi on date and the issuance of these consolidated financial statements.
2023 Term Loans
On August 15, 2023, we entered into a credit agreement (the “2023 Credit Agreement”), which provided us with the ability to borrow term loans in
connec on with the VMware Merger. In connec on with entering into the 2023 Credit Agreement, we terminated the commitment le er for a senior unsecured
bridge facility in an aggregate principal amount of $32 billion that we entered into on May 26, 2022. Upon comple on of the VMware Merger, we entered an
$11,195 million unsecured term A-2 facility (the "Term A-2 Loan”), an $11,195 million unsecured term A-3 facility (the “Term A-3 Loan”), and an $8,000 million
unsecured term A-5 facility (the “Term A-5 Loan”, collec vely, the “2023 Term Loans”).
The term loans under the Term A-2 Loan, Term A-3 Loan and Term A-5 Loan bear interest at floa ng interest rates and will mature and be payable on the
second, third or fi h anniversary, respec vely, of the date of the VMware Merger. Our obliga ons under the 2023 Credit Agreement are unsecured and are not
guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.
Cash Dividends Declared
On December 5, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $5.25 per share on our common stock, payable on December 29, 2023
to stockholders of record on December 20, 2023.
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Accounts receivable allowances:
(a)
Distributor credit allowances
Fiscal year ended October 29, 2023
Fiscal year ended October 30, 2022
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2021
Other accounts receivable allowances
Fiscal year ended October 29, 2023
Fiscal year ended October 30, 2022
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2021
(b)
Income tax valua on allowances:
Fiscal year ended October 29, 2023
Fiscal year ended October 30, 2022
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2021
________________________________
Schedule II — Valua on and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Addi ons to
Allowances
Charges
U lized/
Write-offs
Balance at
End of
Period
(In millions)
502 $
484 $
756 $
5 $
10 $
14 $
117 $
118 $
121 $
(494) $
(487) $
(777) $
(2) $
(11) $
(40) $
133
125
128
4
1
2
(105) $
(123) $
(46) $
1,789
1,777
1,782
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
125 $
128 $
149 $
1 $
2 $
28 $
1,777 $
1,782 $
1,707 $
(a) Distributor credit allowances relate to price adjustments and other allowances.
(b) Other accounts receivable allowances primarily include sales returns and allowance for doub ul accounts.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evalua on of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the par cipa on of our Chief Execu ve Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), evaluated the effec veness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of October 29, 2023. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the
Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that informa on required to be disclosed by a company in the
reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the me periods specified in the SEC’s rules and
forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limita on, controls and procedures designed to ensure that informa on required to be disclosed by a
company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its principal execu ve
and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow mely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures,
no ma er how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objec ves and management necessarily applies its
judgment in evalua ng the cost-benefit rela onship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evalua on of our disclosure controls and procedures as of
October 29, 2023, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effec ve at the reasonable assurance level.
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Repor ng
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial repor ng. Internal control over financial repor ng
is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal execu ve and
principal financial officers and effected by the Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
repor ng and the prepara on of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transac ons and disposi ons of the assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transac ons are recorded as necessary to permit prepara on of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and
that receipts and expenditures of us are being made only in accordance with authoriza ons of management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding preven on or mely detec on of unauthorized acquisi on, use or disposi on of our assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limita ons, internal control over financial repor ng may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projec ons of any evalua on of
effec veness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in condi ons, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effec veness of our internal control over financial repor ng as of October 29, 2023. In making this assessment, our
management used the criteria set forth by the Commi ee of Sponsoring Organiza ons of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework
(2013). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of October 29, 2023, our internal control over financial repor ng is effec ve based on
those criteria.
The effec veness of our internal control over financial repor ng as of October 29, 2023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accoun ng firm, as stated in their report which is included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Repor ng
No change in our internal control over financial repor ng (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fourth
quarter ended October 29, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial repor ng.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PART III
The informa on required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from sec ons en tled “Board of Directors,” “Corporate Governance” and
“Proposal 1 — Elec on of Directors” in our defini ve Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Mee ng of Stockholders. Our execu ve officers are listed at the end of
Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The informa on required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from sec ons en tled “Board of Directors — Director Compensa on,” “Board of
Directors — Board Commi ees — Compensa on Commi ee — Compensa on Commi ee Interlocks and Insider Par cipa on,” “Compensa on Discussion and
Analysis,” “Compensa on Commi ee Report,” “Execu ve Compensa on,” “CEO Pay Ra o” and “Pay versus Performance” in our defini ve Proxy Statement for
our 2024 Annual Mee ng of Stockholders.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The informa on required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from sec ons en tled “Stockholder Informa on — Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners, Directors and Execu ve Officers” and “Equity Compensa on Plan Informa on” in our defini ve Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Mee ng
of Stockholders.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The informa on required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from sec ons en tled “Board of Directors” and “Certain Rela onships and Related
Party Transac ons” in our defini ve Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Mee ng of Stockholders.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The informa on required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the sec on en tled “Proposal 2 — Ra fica on of Appointment of
Independent Registered Public Accoun ng Firm” in our defini ve Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Mee ng of Stockholders.
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PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1. Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accoun ng Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Opera ons
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Page
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
The financial statement schedule of the Registrant and its subsidiaries for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 required by Item 15(a) (Schedule II, Valua on
and Qualifying Accounts) is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Schedule II - Valua on and Qualifying Accounts
Page
88
Schedules not filed have been omi ed because they are not applicable, are not required or the informa on required to be set forth therein is included in
the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated by reference to the loca on indicated.
Exhibit
Number
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
Descrip on
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May
26, 2022, by and among Broadcom Inc., VMware,
Inc., Verona Holdco, Inc., Verona Merger Sub, Inc.,
Barcelona Merger Sub 2, Inc. and Barcelona
Merger Sub 3, LLC.
Amended and Restated Cer ficate of
Incorpora on.
Cer ficate of Designa on of the 8.00% Mandatory
Conver ble Preferred Stock, Series A.
Amended and Restated Bylaws.
Form of Common Stock Cer ficate.
Descrip on of Common Stock.
Form
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Incorporated by Reference
File No.
001-38449
Exhibit
2.1
Filing Date
05-26-2022
Filed
Herewith
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K12B
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K12B
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
3.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.3
04-04-2018
09-30-2019
04-04-2018
06-14-2018
12-20-2019
91
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
Descrip on
Indenture, dated as of January 19, 2017, by and
among the Broadcom Corpora on and Broadcom
Cayman Finance Limited (the “Co-Issuers”), the
guarantors and Wilmington Trust, Na onal
Associa on, as trustee.
Supplement Indenture to the January 2017
Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2018.
Second Supplement Indenture to the January 2017
Indenture, dated as of January 25, 2019.
Form of 3.625% Senior Notes due 2024 (included
in Exhibit 4.5).
Form of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2027 (included
in Exhibit 4.5).
Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2017, by and
among the Co-Issuers, the guarantors and
Wilmington Trust, Na onal Associa on, as trustee.
Supplemental Indenture to October 2017
Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2018.
Second Supplemental Indenture to October 2017
Indenture, dates as of January 25, 2019.
Form of 2.650% Senior Notes due 2023 (included
in Exhibit 4.11).
Form of 3.125% Senior Notes due 2025 (included
in Exhibit 4.11).
Form of 3.500% Senior Notes due 2028 (included
in Exhibit 4.11).
Indenture, dated as of April 5, 2019, by and among
the Company, as Issuer, Broadcom Technologies
Inc., Broadcom Corpora on and Broadcom
Cayman Finance Limited (the “2019 Guarantors”),
and Wilmington Trust, Na onal Associa on, as
trustee.
Form of 3.625% Senior Notes due 2024 (included
in Exhibit 4.17).
Form of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2029 (included
in Exhibit 4.17).
Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2020, by and among
the Company, as Issuer, Broadcom Technologies
Inc. and Broadcom Corpora on (the “2020
Guarantors”), and Wilmington Trust, Na onal
Associa on, as trustee.
Incorporated by Reference
Form
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
File No.
001-37690
Exhibit
4.1
Filing Date
01-20-2017
Filed
Herewith
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.2
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
04-09-2018
01-25-2019
01-20-2017
01-20-2017
10-17-2017
04-09-2018
01-25-2019
10-17-2017
10-17-2017
10-17-2017
04-05-2019
04-05-2019
04-05-2019
04-09-2020
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Limited Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
001-37690
001-37690
001-37690
001-38449
001-38449
001-37690
001-37690
001-37690
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
92
Table of Contents
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
4.28
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
Descrip on
Form of 5.000% Senior Notes due 2030 (included
in Exhibit 4.21).
Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2020, by and among
the Company, as Issuer, the 2020 Guarantors, and
Wilmington Trust, Na onal Associa on, as trustee.
Form of 2.250% Senior Notes due 2023 (included
in Exhibit 4.24).
Form of 3.150% Senior Notes due 2025 (included
in Exhibit 4.24).
Form of 4.150% Senior Notes due 2030 (included
in Exhibit 4.24).
Form of 4.300% Senior Notes due 2032 (included
in Exhibit 4.24).
Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2020, by and
among the Company, the 2020 Guarantors and
Wilmington Trust, Na onal Associa on, as trustee.
Form of 3.459% Senior Notes due 2026 (included
in Exhibit 4.29).
Form of 4.110% Senior Notes due 2028 (included
in Exhibit 4.29).
Indenture, dated as of January 19, 2021, by and
among the Company, the 2020 Guarantors and
Wilmington Trust, Na onal Associa on, as Trustee.
Form of 1.950% Senior Notes due 2028 (included
in Exhibit 4.32).
Form of 2.450% Senior Notes due 2031 (included
in Exhibit 4.32).
Form of 2.600% Senior Notes due 2033 (included
in Exhibit 4.32).
Form of 3.500% Senior Notes due 2041 (included
in Exhibit 4.32).
Form of 3.750% Senior Notes due 2051 (included
in Exhibit 4.32).
Form
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
File No.
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
93
Exhibit
4.1
Filing Date
04-09-2020
Filed
Herewith
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
05-08-2020
05-08-2020
05-08-2020
05-08-2020
05-08-2020
05-21-2020
05-21-2020
05-21-2020
01-19-2021
01-19-2021
01-19-2021
01-19-2021
01-19-2021
01-19-2021
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
4.42
4.43
4.44
Descrip on
Registra on Rights Agreement, dated as of January
19, 2021, by and among the Company, the 2020
Guarantors and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, BNP
Paribas Securi es Corp., RBC Capital Markets, LLC,
SMBC Nikko Securi es America, Inc., and Truist
Securi es, Inc., as representa ves of the several
ini al purchasers of the January 2021 Senior
Notes.
Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2021, by and
between the Company and Wilmington Trust,
Na onal Associa on, as Trustee.
Form of 3.419% Senior Notes due 2033 (included
in Exhibit 4.39).
Form of 3.469% Senior Notes due 2034 (included
in Exhibit 4.39).
Registra on Rights Agreement, dated as of March
31, 2021, by and among the Company and BofA
Securi es, Inc. and HSBC Securi es (USA) Inc., as
dealer-managers in connec on with the March
2021 Exchange Offer.
Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2021, by and
between the Company and Wilmington Trust,
Na onal Associa on, as Trustee.
Form of 3.137% Senior Notes due 2035 (included
in Exhibit 4.43).
Form of 3.187% Senior Notes due 2036 (included
in Exhibit 4.43).
Registra on Rights Agreement, dated as of
September 30, 2021, by and among the Company
and BNP Paribas Securi es Corp., J.P. Morgan
Securi es LLC and TD Securi es (USA) LLC, as
dealer-mangers in connec on with the September
2021 exchange offer.
Indenture, dated April 14, 2022, between the
Company and Wilmington Trust, Na onal
Associa on, as trustee.
Form of 4.00% Senior Notes due 2029 (included in
Exhibit 4.47).
Form of 4.15% Senior Notes due 2032 (included in
Exhibit 4.47).
Incorporated by Reference
Form
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
File No.
001-38449
Exhibit
4.7
Filing Date
01-19-2021
Filed
Herewith
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
94
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.4
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.4
4.1
4.1
4.1
03-31-2021
03-31-2021
03-31-2021
03-31-2021
09-30-2021
09-30-2021
09-30-2021
09-30-2021
04-15-2022
04-15-2022
04-15-2022
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.45
4.46
4.47
4.48
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
Descrip on
Registra on Rights Agreement, dated as of April
14, 2022, between the Company and BofA
Securi es, Inc., HSBC Securi es (USA) Inc., and
RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representa ves of the
several ini al purchasers of the April 2022 Senior
Notes.
Indenture, dated April 18, 2022, between the
Company and Wilmington Trust, Na onal
Associa on, as trustee.
Form of 4.926% Senior Notes due 2037 (included
in Exhibit 4.51).
Registra on Rights Agreement, dated April 18,
2022, between the Company and Barclays Capital
Inc., BBVA Securi es Inc., BNP Paribas Securi es
Corp. and J.P. Morgan Securi es LLC, as dealer-
managers in connec on with the April 2022
Exchange Offer.
Form of Indemnifica on and Advancement
Agreement (effec ve April 4, 2018).
Credit Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2019,
among Broadcom Inc., the lenders and other
par es party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.,
as Administra ve Agent.
Credit Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2019,
among Broadcom Inc., the lenders and other
par es party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.,
as Administra ve Agent.
Credit Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2021,
among the Company, the lenders and other
par es party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.,
as Administra ve Agent.
Amendment No. 1, dated April 18, 2023, among
Broadcom Inc., the lenders and other par es
thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as
Administra ve Agent, to the Credit Agreement,
dated as of January 19, 2021.
Credit Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2023,
among Broadcom, the lenders and other par es
party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as
Administra ve Agent.
Lease Agreement dated August 10, 2017 between
Five Point Office Venture I, LLC and Broadcom
Corpora on.
First Amendment to Lease Agreement by and
between Five Point Office Venture 1, LLC and
Broadcom Corpora on.
Incorporated by Reference
Form
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
File No.
001-38449
Exhibit
4.4
Filing Date
04-15-2022
Filed
Herewith
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
4.1
4.1
4.3
04-18-2022
04-18-2022
04-18-2022
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K12B
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
10.1
10.1
04-04-2018
05-07-2019
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
10.1
11-04-2019
001-38449
10.1
01-19-2021
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
001-38449
10.1
06-07-2023
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
10.1
08-16-2023
Broadcom Limited Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K
001-37690
10.29
12-21-2017
001-38449
10.12
12-18-2020
95
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
Descrip on
Form
10.9 +
Se lement and Patent License and Non-Assert
Agreement by and between Qualcomm
Incorporated and Broadcom Corpora on.
10.10 + Avago Technologies Limited 2009 Equity Incen ve
Award Plan.
10.11 + Broadcom Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as
amended and restated on April 1, 2019).
10.12 +
LSI Corpora on 2003 Equity Incen ve Plan, as
amended.
10.13 + Amendment to the LSI Corpora on 2003 Equity
Incen ve Plan (effec ve February 1, 2016).
10.14 + Amendment to the LSI Corpora on 2003 Equity
Incen ve Plan (effec ve April 4, 2018).
10.15 + Broadcom Inc. 2012 Stock Incen ve Plan (as
amended and restated on April 5, 2021).
Form of Annual Bonus Plan for Execu ve
Employees.
Form of Op on Agreement under Avago
Technologies Limited 2009 Equity Incen ve Plan.
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Sell to
Cover) Under Avago Technologies Limited 2009
Equity Incen ve Award Plan (effec ve December
5, 2017).
Form of Agreement for Mul -Year Equity Award of
Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Avago
Technologies Limited 2009 Equity Incen ve Award
Plan).
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement
(Rela ve TSR) under Avago Technologies Limited
2009 Equity Incen ve Plan (effec ve March 13,
2018).
Form of Agreement for Mul -Year Equity Award of
Performance Stock Units under the Avago
Technologies Limited 2009 Equity Incen ve Award
Plan).
10.16 +
10.17 +
10.18 +
10.19 +
10.20 +
10.21 +
Incorporated by Reference
File No.
000-23993
Exhibit
10.1
Filing Date
07-23-2009
Filed
Herewith
333-153127
10.18
07-27-2009
001-38449
Appendix B-1 02-19-2019
333-195741
4.1
05-06-2014
001-37690
10.45
12-23-2016
001-38449
10.10
04-04-2018
001-38449
10.1
06-11-2021
001-37690
10.53
12-23-2016
333-153127
10.61
07-27-2009
001-37690
10.49
12-21-2017
Broadcom Corpora on
Current Report on
Form 8-K/A
Avago Technologies
Limited Amendment No. 5
to Registra on Statement
on
Form S-1
Broadcom Inc. Defini ve
Proxy Statement on
Schedule 14A
Avago Technologies
Limited Registra on
Statement on
Form S-8
Broadcom Limited Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K12B
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Limited Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Avago Technologies
Limited Amendment No. 5
to Registra on Statement
on
Form S-1
Broadcom Limited Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
10.1
12-06-2018
Broadcom Limited
Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-37690
10.2
03-15-2018
001-38449
10.2
12-06-2018
96
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
10.22 +
10.23 +
10.24 +
10.25 +
10.26 +
10.27 +
10.28 +
Descrip on
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
under LSI Corpora on 2003 Equity Incen ve Plan,
as amended (effec ve December 8, 2020).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement
(Rela ve TSR) under LSI Corpora on 2003 Equity
Incen ve Plan, as amended (effec ve December 8,
2020).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
under Broadcom Corpora on 2012 Stock Incen ve
Plan (effec ve December 5, 2017).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
under Broadcom Inc. 2012 Stock Incen ve Plan
(effec ve April 5, 2021).
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement
(Rela ve TSR) under Broadcom Corpora on 2012
Stock Incen ve Plan (effec ve March 15, 2018).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement
under the Broadcom Inc. 2012 Stock Incen ve Plan
(effec ve April 5, 2021).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement
(Price Con ngency) under Broadcom Inc. 2012
Stock Incen ve Plan.
10.29 + Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated
April 5, 2021, between Broadcom Inc. and Hock E.
Tan.
10.30 + Policy on Accelera on of Execu ve Staff Equity
Awards in the Event of Permanent Disability (as
amended June 2, 2021).
10.31 + Policy on Accelera on of Equity Awards in the
Event of Death (as amended January 1, 2023).
10.32 + Amended and Restated Severance Benefits
Agreement, dated December 10, 2020, between
Broadcom Inc. and Hock E. Tan.
10.33 + Amended and Restated Severance Benefits
Agreement, dated December 10, 2020, between
Broadcom Inc. and Charlie B. Kawwas.
Severance Benefits Agreement, dated September
26, 2017, between Broadcom Limited and Mark
Brazeal.
Severance Benefits Agreement, dated December
10, 2020, between Broadcom Inc. and Kirsten M.
Spears.
List of Subsidiaries.
10.34 +
10.35 +
21.1
Form
Broadcom Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Limited Annual
Report on Form 10-K
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Limited
Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Incorporated by Reference
File No.
001-38449
Exhibit
10.51
Filing Date
12-18-2020
Filed
Herewith
001-38449
10.52
12-18-2020
001-37690
10.61
12-21-2017
001-38449
10.3
06-11-2021
001-37690
10.5
03-15-2018
001-38449
10.4
06-11-2021
001-38449
10.1
11-02-2022
001-38449
10.2
06-11-2021
001-38449
10.1
06-03-2021
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
001-38449
10.2
10.1
09-06-2023
12-10-2020
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
Broadcom Inc. Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q
Broadcom Inc. Current
Report on Form 8-K
001-38449
10.2
12-10-2020
001-38449
10.18
06-16-2018
001-38449
10.5
12-10-2020
X
97
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
23.1
24.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
97.1
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
104
Descrip on
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
Incorporated by Reference
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent registered public accoun ng firm.
Power of A orney (see signature page to this
Form 10-K).
Cer fica on of Principal Execu ve Officer of
Broadcom Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the
Securi es Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted
Pursuant to Sec on 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
Cer fica on of Principal Financial Officer of
Broadcom Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the
Securi es Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted
Pursuant to Sec on 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
Cer fica on of Principal Execu ve Officer of
Broadcom Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec on 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Sec on 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Cer fica on of Principal Financial Officer of
Broadcom Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec on 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Sec on 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Clawback Policy.
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document
does not appear in the Interac ve Data File
because its XBRL tags are embedded within the
Inline XBRL document.
XBRL Schema Document.
XBRL Calcula on Linkbase Document.
XBRL Defini on Linkbase Document.
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document.
XBRL Presenta on Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interac ve Data File - the cover page
interac ve data file does not appear in the
Interac ve Data File because its XBRL tags are
embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Filed
Herewith
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Notes:
+
#
*
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Schedules have been omi ed pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regula on S-K. Broadcom Inc. hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally copies of any
omi ed schedules upon request by the SEC.
Certain informa on omi ed pursuant to a request for confiden al treatment filed with the SEC.
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
98
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of Sec on 13 or 15(d) of the Securi es Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
BROADCOM INC.
By:
/s/ Hock E. Tan
Name:
Title:
Hock E. Tan
President and Chief Execu ve Officer
Date: December 14, 2023
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose individual signature appears below hereby authorizes and appoints Hock E. Tan, Kirsten M. Spears and Mark D. Brazeal, and each of
them, with full power of subs tu on and resubs tu on and full power to act without the other, as his or her true and lawful a orney-in-fact and agent to act in
his or her name, place and stead and to execute in the name and on behalf of each person, individually and in each capacity stated below, and to file any and all
amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connec on therewith, with the
Securi es and Exchange Commission, gran ng unto said a orneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing, ra fying and confirming all that said a orneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his subs tute or subs tutes may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue thereof.
99
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securi es Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant in the capaci es indicated and on the dates indicated.
Signature
/s/ Hock E. Tan
Hock E. Tan
/s/ Kirsten M. Spears
Kirsten M. Spears
/s/ Henry Samueli
Henry Samueli
/s/ Eddy W. Hartenstein
Eddy W. Hartenstein
/s/ Diane M. Bryant
Diane M. Bryant
/s/ Gayla J. Delly
Gayla J. Delly
/s/ Raul F. Fernandez
Raul F. Fernandez
/s/ Check Kian Low
Check Kian Low
/s/ Jus ne F. Page
Jus ne F. Page
/s/ Harry L. You
Harry L. You
Title
President, Chief Execu ve
Officer and Director
(Principal Execu ve Officer)
Date
December 14, 2023
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accoun ng Officer)
December 14, 2023
Chairman of the Board of Directors
December 14, 2023
Lead Independent Director
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
100
List of Significant Subsidiaries
As of October 29, 2023
EXHIBIT 21.1
Name of Subsidiary
Avago Technologies International Sales Pte. Limited
Avago Technologies U.S. Inc.
Avago Technologies Wireless (U.S.A.) Manufacturing LLC
Broadcom Corporation
Broadcom Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Broadcom Technologies, Inc.
CA, Inc.
LSI Corporation
Country of Incorporation
Singapore
Delaware (U.S.A.)
Delaware (U.S.A.)
California (U.S.A.)
Singapore
Delaware (U.S.A.)
Delaware (U.S.A.)
Delaware (U.S.A.)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-275702, 333-235753, 333-235663,
333-228175, 333-209331-01, 333-215291-01, and 333-221654-01) and Form S-3 (Nos. 333-257056) of Broadcom Inc. of our report dated
December 14, 2023 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
Exhibit 23.1
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
December 14, 2023
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, Hock E. Tan, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Broadcom Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-
15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most
recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
b.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: December 14, 2023
/s/ Hock E. Tan
Hock E. Tan
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Kirsten M. Spears, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Broadcom Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-
15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most
recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
b.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: December 14, 2023
/s/ Kirsten M. Spears
Kirsten M. Spears
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Broadcom Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Hock E. Tan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 14, 2023
/s/ Hock E. Tan
Hock E. Tan
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.1
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure
document.
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Broadcom Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Kirsten M. Spears, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 14, 2023
/s/ Kirsten M. Spears
Kirsten M. Spears
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.2
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure
document.
Exhibit 97.1
Broadcom Inc.
CLAWBACK POLICY
December 1, 2023
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Broadcom Inc. (“Broadcom”) adopted this Clawback Policy, as it may be further amended or
restated from time to time (this “Policy”), to be effective as of the date first written above.
Capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in Section 7 of this Policy, unless otherwise defined herein.
1. Recoupment and Forfeiture of Covered Compensation
If there is a Restatement, any Covered Compensation (on a pre-tax basis) Received by any person who was an Executive Officer
during the applicable Lookback Period that (i) has been settled or paid to such person will be subject to reasonably prompt repayment to
Broadcom in accordance with Section 2 of this Policy and (ii) has been granted or earned (including vested) but has not yet been paid or
settled will be automatically forfeited.
The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) will pursue (and does not have the discretion to waive) the repayment
and/or forfeiture of such Covered Compensation in accordance with Section 2 of this Policy, except as provided below.
The Committee (or, if at any time the Committee is not a Board committee responsible for Broadcom’s executive compensation
decisions and composed entirely of independent directors, a majority of the independent directors serving on the Board) may determine
not to pursue repayment and/or forfeiture of the Covered Compensation if the Committee determines that such repayment and/or
forfeiture would be impracticable due to any of the following circumstances:
(i)
The direct expense paid to a third party (for example, reasonable legal expenses and consulting fees) to assist in enforcing this
Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered (following (x) reasonable attempts by the Committee to recover such Covered
Compensation, (y) the documentation of such attempts, and (z) if required, the provision of such documentation to the Nasdaq
Stock Market (“Nasdaq”));
(ii) Pursuing such recovery would violate Broadcom’s Home Country laws adopted before November 28, 2022 (provided that
Broadcom obtains an opinion of Home Country counsel acceptable to Nasdaq that recovery would result in such a violation and
provides such required opinion to Nasdaq); or
(iii) Recovery would likely cause any otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to
employees of Broadcom and its subsidiaries, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and
regulations thereunder.
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Recovery of any Covered Compensation under this Policy is not dependent on (i) fraud or misconduct by any Executive Officer or
whether the Executive Officer was responsible for preparing the Broadcom financial statements or (ii) if or when the Restatement is
actually filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
2. Means of Repayment
If the Committee determines that a current or former Executive Officer must repay any Covered Compensation, the Committee will
provide written notice to such person by email or certified mail to such person’s address on file with Broadcom and such person will
satisfy such repayment on such terms as required by the Committee. Broadcom will be entitled to set off the repayment amount against
any amount owed to the current or former Executive Officer by Broadcom, require the forfeiture of any award granted by Broadcom to
such person and/or take any and all necessary actions to reasonably promptly recoup such repayment from such person to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law, including without limitation, Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations and guidance thereunder.
If the Committee does not specify the timing of repayment in the written notice described above, the current or former Executive
Officer will be required to repay the Covered Compensation to Broadcom by wire, cash or cashier’s check no later than thirty (30) days
after receipt of such notice.
For Covered Compensation based on stock price or total stockholder return, where the amount of Covered Compensation is not
subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in a Restatement, the Committee will determine the amount of such
Covered Compensation, if any, based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Restatement on the stock price or total stockholder
return upon which the Covered Compensation was granted, vested or paid. The Committee may engage valuation experts or other third-
party advisors to determine the reasonable estimate. Broadcom will also maintain documentation of such determination and provide
documentation to Nasdaq if required.
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, for Covered Compensation that consists of an equity award:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
If the equity award has been granted or earned but the underlying shares have not settled or the award has not been exercised,
the outstanding portion of such award that is Covered Compensation will be forfeited;
If the equity award has been exercised or settled into shares that have not been sold, the Committee will recover the number of
shares received in excess of the shares that would have been received under the Restatement (less any exercise price paid for the
shares); and
If the shares underlying the equity award have been sold, the Committee will recover the proceeds received from the sale of the
number of shares received in excess of the shares that would have been received under the Restatement (less any exercise price
paid for the shares).
3. No Indemnification
No current or former Executive Officer may be indemnified, insured or reimbursed by Broadcom or any of its subsidiaries in respect
of any loss of compensation in accordance with this Policy, receive any advancement of expenses for disputes related to any loss of
compensation by such person in accordance with this Policy, or be paid or reimbursed by Broadcom or any of its subsidiaries for
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any premiums paid by such person for any third-party insurance policy covering potential recovery obligations under this Policy. For this
purpose, “indemnification” includes any modification to current compensation arrangements or other means that would amount to de facto
indemnification (for example, providing a new cash award which would be cancelled to effect the recovery of any Covered
Compensation).
In no event will Broadcom or any of its subsidiaries be required to award any current or former Executive Officer an additional
payment if any Restatement would result in a higher incentive compensation payment.
4. Miscellaneous
The Committee will administer and interpret this Policy. Any Committee determination concerning this Policy will be final,
conclusive and binding. Discretionary determinations by the Committee under this Policy, if any, need not be uniformly applied to any
persons or compensation covered hereunder.
This Policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, as it may be amended from time to time, and any related rules or regulations put into effect by the SEC or Nasdaq, including any
additional requirements that become effective after this Policy’s effective date. This Policy will be deemed automatically amended as
necessary to comply with such additional requirements.
Broadcom’s rights to seek repayment or forfeiture under this Policy are in addition to, and not instead of, any recoupment rights or
other remedies that may be available to Broadcom and its subsidiaries.
5. Amendment and Termination
To the extent permitted by, and in a manner consistent with applicable law, including SEC and Nasdaq rules, the Committee may
terminate, suspend or amend this Policy at any time in its discretion.
6. Successors
This Policy is binding and enforceable against all current or former Executive Officers and their respective beneficiaries, heirs,
executors, administrators or other legal representatives with respect to any Covered Compensation granted, vested or paid to or
administered by such persons or entities.
7. Definitions
The following definitions apply to this Policy:
a) “Covered Compensation” means the following, computed on a pre-tax basis: (i) the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation
granted, vested or paid to a person who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the Incentive-Based Compensation’s
performance period and that was Received (x) after such person became an Executive Officer, (y) during the Lookback Period
and (z) at a time Broadcom had a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association
that exceeds (ii) the amount of such Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have
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been granted or paid to such person or vested had such amount been determined based on the applicable Restatement.
Incentive-Based Compensation Received while a person was serving as a non-Executive Officer prior to becoming an
Executive Officer is not “Covered Compensation.”
b) “Executive Officer” means an “officer” of Broadcom as defined under Rule 16a-1(f) under Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which is deemed to include any individuals identified by Broadcom
as executive officers pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.
c) “Financial Reporting Measure” means any measure that is based on (i) accounting principles used in preparing Broadcom
financial statements and any measures derived wholly or in part from such measures (such as GAAP or non-GAAP financial
measures (as defined under Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act)), (ii)
stock price, or (iii) total stockholder return.
A Financial Reporting Measure may or may not be filed with the SEC and may be presented outside Broadcom financial
statements, such as in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Result of Operations or in the
performance graph required under Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.
d) “Home Country” means Broadcom’s jurisdiction of incorporation.
e) “Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation (including cash and equity) Received on or after October 2, 2023
and that is granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure.
Examples of “Incentive-Based Compensation” include, but are not limited to:
(i) Non-equity incentive plan awards that are earned wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure
performance goal;
(ii) Bonuses paid from a “bonus pool,” the size of which is determined based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial
Reporting Measure performance goal;
(iii) Restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, stock options or stock appreciation rights that are
granted or become vested based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal;
and
(iv) Proceeds received upon the sale of shares acquired through an incentive plan that were granted or vested based
wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal.
f) “Lookback Period” means the three completed fiscal years (plus any transition period of less than nine months that is within
or immediately following the three completed fiscal years and that results from a change in Broadcom’s fiscal year)
immediately preceding the date on which Broadcom is required to prepare a Restatement for a given reporting period, with
such date being the earlier of: (i) the date the Board, a Board committee, or the officer or officers of Broadcom authorized to
take such action if Board action is not
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required, concludes or reasonably should have concluded that Broadcom is required to prepare a Restatement, or (ii) the date a
court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs Broadcom to prepare a Restatement.
g) “Received.” Incentive-Based Compensation is deemed “Received in Broadcom’s fiscal period during which the Financial
Reporting Measure specified in or otherwise relating to the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the grant,
vesting or payment of the Incentive-Based Compensation occurs after the end of that period.
h) “Restatement” means a required accounting restatement that:
(i)
(ii)
corrects an error in previously issued Broadcom financial statements that is material to the previously issued
Broadcom financial statements (commonly referred to as a “Big R” restatement) or
corrects an error in previously issued Broadcom financial statements that is not material to the previously issued
Broadcom financial statements but that would result in a material misstatement if the error was corrected in the
current period or left uncorrected in the current period (commonly referred to as a “little r” restatement).
Financial statement includes any statement of financial position (balance sheet), statement of comprehensive income,
statement of cash flows, statement of stockholders’ equity, related schedules and accompanying footnotes, as required by SEC
rules.
Changes to Broadcom financial statements that do not represent error corrections under the then-current relevant accounting
standards will not constitute Restatements.
5