10-K



 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 3, 2015
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to
Commission file number 1-10658
Micron Technology, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
75-1618004
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
8000 S. Federal Way, Boise, Idaho
83716-9632
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(208) 368-4000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  T   No ¨    

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ¨   No  T

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  T   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  T   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  T

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of such stock on March 5, 2015, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $27.7 billion.  Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock as of October 21, 2015, was 1,085,753,663.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Fiscal 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 28, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part II and Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 
 
 





Definitions of Commonly Used Terms
As used herein, "we," "our," "us," and similar terms include Micron Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Abbreviations, terms, or acronyms are commonly used or found in multiple locations throughout this report and include the following:

Term
 
Definition
 
Term
 
Definition
2014 Notes
 
1.875% Convertible Notes due 2014
 
LPDRAM
 
Mobile Low-Power DRAM
2022 Notes
 
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
 
MAI
 
Micron Akita, Inc.
2023 Notes
 
5.250% Senior Notes due 2023
 
MCP
 
Multi-Chip Package
2024 Notes
 
5.250% Senior Notes due 2024
 
Micron
 
Micron Technology, Inc. (Parent Company)
2025 Notes
 
5.500% Senior Notes due 2025
 
MIT
 
Micron Technology, Italia, S.r.l.
2026 Notes
 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026
 
MLC
 
Multi-Level Cell
2027 Notes
 
1.875% Convertible Notes due 2027
 
MMJ
 
Micron Memory Japan, Inc.
2031 Notes
 
2031A and 2031B Notes
 
MMJ Companies
 
MAI and MMJ
2031A Notes
 
1.500% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031
 
MMJ Group
 
MMJ and its subsidiaries
2031B Notes
 
1.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031
 
MMT
 
Micron Memory Taiwan Co., Ltd.
2032 Notes
 
2032C and 2032D Notes
 
MP Mask
 
MP Mask Technology Center, LLC
2032C Notes
 
2.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2032
 
OEM
 
Original Equipment Manufacturer
2032D Notes
 
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2032
 
Photronics
 
Photronics, Inc.
2033 Notes
 
2033E and 2033F Notes
 
PSRAM
 
Pseudo-static DRAM
2033E Notes
 
1.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033
 
Qimonda
 
Qimonda AG
2033F Notes
 
2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033
 
R&D
 
Research and Development
2043G Notes
 
3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2043
 
Rexchip
 
Rexchip Electronics Corporation
Aptina
 
Aptina Imaging Corporation
 
RLDRAM
 
Reduced Latency DRAM
Elpida
 
Elpida Memory, Inc.
 
SEC
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
Gb
 
Gigabit
 
SG&A
 
Selling, General and Administration
HMC
 
Hybrid Memory Cube
 
SLC
 
Single-Level Cell
HP
 
Hewlett-Packard Company
 
SSD
 
Solid-State Drive
IMFT
 
IM Flash Technologies, LLC
 
ST
 
STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
Inotera
 
Inotera Memories, Inc.
 
Tera Probe
 
Tera Probe, Inc.
Intel
 
Intel Corporation
 
TLC
 
Triple-Level Cell
Japan Court
 
Tokyo District Court
 
VIE
 
Variable Interest Entity





PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS


The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements such as those made in "Products" regarding increased sales of DDR4 products, growth in demand for NAND Flash products and SSDs, and production of 3D NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory, and in "Manufacturing" regarding the transition to smaller line-width process technologies and 3D NAND Flash. Our actual results could differ materially from our historical results and those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, those identified in "Item 1A. Risk Factors." All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated.


Corporate Information

Micron, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in 1978.  Our executive offices are located at 8000 South Federal Way, Boise, Idaho 83716-9632 and our telephone number is (208) 368-4000.  Information about us is available on the internet at www.micron.com.  Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to these reports, are available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.  Materials filed or furnished by us with the SEC are also available at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room is available by calling (800) SEC-0330.  Also available on our website are our:  Corporate Governance Guidelines, Governance Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Audit Committee Charter, and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  Any amendments or waivers of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will also be posted on our website at www.micron.com within four business days of the amendment or waiver.  Copies of these documents are available to shareholders upon request.  Information contained or referenced on our website is not incorporated by reference and does not form a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Overview

Micron Technology, Inc., including its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global leader in advanced semiconductor systems. Our broad portfolio of high-performance memory technologies, including DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash, is the basis for solid-state drives, modules, multi-chip packages, and other system solutions. Our memory solutions enable the world's most innovative computing, consumer, enterprise storage, networking, mobile, embedded, and automotive applications. We market our products through our internal sales force, independent sales representatives, and distributors primarily to OEMs and retailers located around the world. Our success is largely dependent on the market acceptance of our diversified portfolio of semiconductor products, efficient utilization of our manufacturing infrastructure, successful ongoing development of advanced product and process technologies, and generating a return on R&D investments.

We obtain products for sale to our customers from our wholly-owned manufacturing facilities and our joint ventures. In recent years, we have increased our manufacturing scale and product diversity through strategic acquisitions and various partnering arrangements.

We make significant investments to develop the proprietary product and process technologies that are implemented in our worldwide manufacturing facilities and through our joint ventures. These investments enable our production of semiconductor products with increasing functionality and performance at lower costs. We generally reduce the manufacturing cost of each generation of product through advancements in product and process technologies, such as our leading-edge line-width process technology. We continue to introduce new generations of products that offer improved performance characteristics, including higher data transfer rates, reduced package size, lower power consumption, improved read/write reliability, and increased memory density. To leverage our significant investments in R&D, we have formed, and may continue to form, strategic joint ventures that allow us to share the costs of developing memory product and process technologies with joint venture partners. In addition, from time to time, we also sell and/or license technology to other parties. We continue to pursue additional opportunities to monetize our investment in intellectual property through partnering and other arrangements.


1




On July 31, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Elpida, now known as MMJ, and a controlling interest in Rexchip, now known as MMT (together, the "MMJ Acquisition"). The MMJ Acquisition included a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility located in Hiroshima, Japan, a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility in Taichung City, Taiwan, and an assembly and test facility located in Akita, Japan. These wafer fabrication facilities together represented approximately 30% of our total wafer capacity for 2015. The operations from the MMJ Acquisition, which are included primarily in our MBU and CNBU segments, include the manufacture of mobile DRAM targeted to mobile phones and tablets and computing DRAM targeted to desktop PCs, servers, notebooks, and workstations. (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Micron Memory Japan, Inc.")

Business Segments

We have the following four business units, which are our reportable segments:

Compute and Networking Business Unit ("CNBU"): Includes memory products sold into compute, networking, graphics, and cloud server markets.
Mobile Business Unit ("MBU"): Includes memory products sold into smartphone, tablet, and other mobile-device markets.
Storage Business Unit ("SBU"): Includes memory products sold into enterprise, client, cloud, and removable storage markets. SBU also includes products sold to Intel through our IMFT joint venture.
Embedded Business Unit ("EBU"): Includes memory products sold into automotive, industrial, connected home, and consumer electronics markets.

For more information regarding our segments, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Segment Information."


Products

DRAM

DRAM products are high-density, low-cost-per-bit, random access memory devices that provide high-speed data storage and retrieval with a variety of performance, pricing, and other characteristics. Sales of DRAM products were 64%, 68%, and 48% of our total net sales in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. DRAM products are sold by CNBU, MBU, and EBU.

DDR3 DRAM is a standardized, high-density, high-volume, DRAM product, which offers high speed and high bandwidth at a relatively low cost. DDR3 products are primarily targeted at computers, servers, networking devices, communications equipment, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. In 2015, we offered DDR3 products in 1Gb, 2Gb, 4Gb, and 8Gb densities. We also offered next generation DDR4 DRAM products in 4Gb and 8Gb densities in 2015 and we expect sales of these products to increase significantly in 2016 as they replace DDR3 DRAM products in many applications. Sales of DDR3 and DDR4 DRAM products were 38%, 40%, and 31% of our total net sales in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

LPDRAM products offer lower power consumption relative to other DRAM products and are used primarily in mobile phones, tablets, embedded applications, ultra-thin laptop computers, and other mobile consumer devices that require low power consumption. We offer DDR4, DDR3, DDR2, and DDR versions of LPDRAM. Sales of LPDRAM products were 18%, 20%, and 6% of our total net sales in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

We also offer other DRAM products targeted to specialty markets including DDR2 DRAM, DDR DRAM, GDDR5 DRAM, SDRAM, RLDRAM, and PSRAM. These products are used primarily in networking devices, servers, consumer electronics, communications equipment, computer peripherals, automotive and industrial applications, and computer memory upgrades. We offer HMC products, which are semiconductor memory devices where vertical stacks of DRAM die that are connected using through-silicon-via interconnects are placed above a small, high-speed logic layer. HMC enables ultra-high system performance and is targeted primarily at networking and high performance computing applications.


2




Non-Volatile Memory

Non-Volatile Memory includes NAND Flash and 3D XPoint™ memory. Through 2015, substantially all of our Non-Volatile Memory sales were from NAND Flash products. NAND Flash products are electrically re-writeable, non-volatile semiconductor memory devices that retain content when power is turned off. NAND Flash sales were 33%, 27%, and 40% of our total net sales in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. NAND Flash is ideal for mass-storage devices due to its fast erase and write times, high density, and low cost per bit relative to other solid-state memories. Embedded NAND Flash-based storage devices are utilized in mobile phones, SSDs, tablets, computers, industrial and automotive applications, networking, and other personal and consumer applications. Removable storage devices, such as USB and Flash memory cards, are used with applications such as PCs, digital still cameras, and mobile phones. The market for NAND Flash products has grown rapidly and we expect it to continue to grow due to increased demand for these and other embedded and removable storage devices. NAND Flash products are sold by SBU, EBU, MBU, and CNBU.

Our NAND Flash products feature a small cell structure that enables higher densities for demanding applications. We offer high-speed SLC, MLC, and TLC NAND Flash products that are compatible with advanced interfaces. MLC and TLC products have two and three times, respectively, the bit density of SLC products. In 2015, we offered SLC NAND Flash products in 1Gb to 64Gb densities; 2-bit-per-cell MLC NAND Flash products in 8Gb to 128Gb densities; and 3-bit-per-cell TLC NAND Flash in 128Gb density. In 2015, we began sampling products featuring our new 3D NAND Flash technology, which stacks layers of data storage cells vertically to create storage devices with three times higher capacity than competing NAND Flash technologies. This enables more storage in a smaller space, bringing significant cost savings, low power usage and high performance to a range of mobile consumer devices as well as the most demanding enterprise deployments. We expect to be in production of a 256Gb MLC version and 384Gb TLC version of 3D NAND Flash products by the end of calendar year 2015.

We offer client and enterprise SSDs which feature higher performance, reduced-power consumption, and enhanced reliability as compared to typical hard disk drives. Our client SSDs are targeted at notebooks, desktops, workstations, and other consumer applications. Using our NAND Flash process technology and a leading-edge SATA 6 Gb per second interface, our SSDs deliver read and write speeds that help improve boot and application load times and deliver higher performance than hard disk drives. Our client SSDs feature industry-leading encryption for corporate users and are offered in a 2.5-inch, M.2., and mSATA modules, with densities up to 1 terabyte. Our enterprise SSDs are targeted at server and storage applications and incorporate our Extended Performance and Enhanced Reliability Technology ("XPERT") architecture, which closely incorporates the storage and controller through highly optimized firmware algorithms and hardware enhancements. The end result is a set of market-focused enterprise features that deliver ultra-low latencies, improved data transfer time, power-loss protection, and cost-effectiveness, along with higher capacities and power efficiency. We offer enterprise SSDs with both PCIe and SATA interfaces and capacities up to 1.4 terabytes. We expect that demand for both client and enterprise SSDs will continue to increase significantly over the next several years.

We also offer managed MCP products, which incorporate our NAND Flash. These managed NAND Flash products include e-MMC, e-MCP, and embedded USB. Our e-MMC products combine NAND Flash with a logic controller that performs media management and Error Code Correction ("ECC"), which provides reduced ECC complexity, better system performance, improved reliability, easy integration, and lower overall system costs. Our e-MCP products combine e-MMC with LPDRAM on the same substrate, which improves overall functionality and performance while simplifying system design.

Through our Lexar® brand, we sell high-performance digital media products and other flash-based storage products through retail and OEM channels. Our digital media products include a variety of flash memory cards and JumpDrive® products with a range of speeds, capacities, and value-added features. We offer flash memory cards in a variety of speeds and capacities and in all major media formats, including CompactFlash®, Memory Stick®, and Secure Digital ("SD") formats. CompactFlash and Memory Stick products sold by us incorporate our patented controller technology. Other products, including SD memory cards and some JumpDrive products, incorporate third party controllers. We also manufacture products that are sold under other brand names and resell flash memory products that are purchased from other NAND Flash suppliers.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we introduced 3D XPoint technology, a new category of non-volatile memory. 3D XPoint memory's innovative, transistor-less, cross point architecture creates a three-dimensional checkerboard where memory cells sit at the intersection of word lines and bit lines, allowing the cells to be addressed individually. As a result, data can be written and read in small sizes, leading to fast and efficient read/write processes. We plan to produce commercial volumes of 3D XPoint memory products in 2016.


3




Other

Other products included primarily NOR Flash, which are electrically re-writeable, semiconductor memory devices that offer fast read times which are used in wireless and embedded applications.


Partnering Arrangements

The following is a summary of our partnering arrangements as of September 3, 2015:

Entity
 
 
 
Member or Partner
 
Micron
Ownership Interest
 
Formed/
Acquired
 
Product Market
Consolidated entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IMFT
(1)
 
 
Intel Corporation
 
51%
 
2006
 
Non-Volatile
MP Mask
(2)
 
 
Photronics, Inc.
 
50%
 
2006
 
Photomasks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity method investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inotera
(3)
 
 
Nanya Technology Corporation
 
33%
 
2009
 
DRAM
Tera Probe
(4)
 
 
Various
 
40%
 
2013
 
Wafer Probe

(1)
IMFT: We partner with Intel for the design, development, and manufacture of NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory products.  In connection therewith, we formed the IMFT joint venture with Intel to manufacture NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory products for the exclusive use of the members.  The members share the output of IMFT generally in proportion to their investment.  We sell a portion of our products to Intel through IMFT at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost.  We generally share with Intel the costs of product design and process development activities for NAND Flash memory and 3D XPoint memory.  The IMFT joint venture agreement extends through 2024 and includes certain buy-sell rights. Commencing in January 2015, Intel can put to us, and commencing in January 2018, we can call from Intel, Intel's interest in IMFT, in either case, for an amount equal to the noncontrolling interest balance attributable to Intel at that time. If Intel elects to sell to us, we can elect to set the closing date of the transaction to be any time within two years following such election by Intel and can elect to receive financing of the purchase price from Intel for one to two years from the closing date. (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – IMFT.")

(2)
MP Mask: We produce photomasks for leading-edge and advanced next-generation semiconductors through MP Mask, a joint venture with Photronics.  On March 24, 2015, we notified Photronics of our election to terminate MP Mask effective in May 2016. Upon termination, we have the right to acquire Photronics' interest in MP Mask for an amount equal to the noncontrolling interest balance. Since its inception, we and Photronics have each owned approximately 50% of MP Mask.  We purchase a substantial majority of the photomasks produced by MP Mask pursuant to a supply arrangement. (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – MP Mask.")

(3)
Inotera: We partner with Nanya for the manufacture of DRAM products by Inotera, a Taiwan DRAM memory company.  Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at prices reflecting discounts from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed a supply agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016 (the "2016 Supply Agreement"), which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us.  The 2016 Supply Agreement has an initial two-year term, followed by a three-year wind-down period, and contemplates negotiations in late 2016 with respect to a two-year extension, and annual negotiations thereafter with respect to successive one-year extensions.  Upon termination of the initial two-year term of the 2016 Supply Agreement, or any extensions, we would purchase DRAM from Inotera during the wind-down period. Our share of Inotera's capacity would decline over the wind-down period. (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity Method Investments – Inotera.")

(4)
Tera Probe: We have an approximate 40% ownership interest in Tera Probe, an entity that provides semiconductor wafer testing and probe services to us and others.

4






Manufacturing

Our manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Our Inotera joint venture has a wafer fabrication facility in Taiwan. Nearly all of our products are manufactured on 300mm wafers in facilities that generally operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Semiconductor manufacturing is extremely capital intensive, requiring large investments in sophisticated facilities and equipment. A significant portion of our semiconductor equipment is replaced every three to five years with increasingly advanced equipment. DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash products share a number of common manufacturing processes, enabling us to leverage our product and process technologies and manufacturing infrastructure across these product lines. In 2015, we began construction of a significant expansion of our wafer fabrication facilities in Singapore for production of NAND Flash memory.

Our process for manufacturing semiconductor products is complex, involving a number of precise steps, including wafer fabrication, assembly, and test. Efficient production of semiconductor products requires utilization of advanced semiconductor manufacturing techniques and effective deployment of these techniques across multiple facilities. The primary determinants of manufacturing cost are process line-width, number of mask layers, number of fabrication steps, and number of good die produced on each wafer. Other factors that contribute to manufacturing costs are wafer size, cost and sophistication of manufacturing equipment, equipment utilization, process complexity, cost of raw materials, labor productivity, package type, and cleanliness of the manufacturing environment. We continuously enhance our production processes, reducing die sizes, and transitioning to higher density products. In 2015, the majority of our DRAM production was manufactured on our 25nm line-width process technologies. We expect that by the second half of 2016 the majority of our DRAM production will be manufactured on our 20nm line-width process technology. In 2015, a majority of our NAND Flash production was manufactured on our 20nm and 16nm line-width process technology. We began production of 3D NAND Flash products in 2015 and expect that in 2016 the majority of our NAND Flash production will be manufactured using 16nm line-width process technology or 3D NAND technology.

Wafer fabrication occurs in a highly controlled, clean environment to minimize dust and other yield and quality-limiting contaminants. Despite stringent manufacturing controls, individual circuits may be nonfunctional or wafers may need to be scrapped due to equipment errors, minute impurities in materials, defects in photomasks, circuit design marginalities or defects, and dust particles. Success of our manufacturing operations depends largely on minimizing defects to maximize yield of high-quality circuits. In this regard, we employ rigorous quality controls throughout the manufacturing, screening, and testing processes. We are able to recover certain devices by testing and grading them to their highest level of functionality.

We test our products at various stages in the manufacturing process, perform high temperature burn-in on finished products, and conduct numerous quality control inspections throughout the entire production flow. In addition, we use our proprietary AMBYX™ line of intelligent test and burn-in systems to perform simultaneous circuit tests of semiconductor memory die during the burn-in process, capturing quality and reliability data, and reducing testing time and cost.

We sell semiconductor products in both packaged and unpackaged (i.e. "bare die") forms. Our packaged products include memory modules, SSDs, MCPs, managed NAND, memory cards, USB devices, and HMCs. We assemble many products in-house and, in some cases, outsource assembly services where we can reduce costs and minimize our capital investment. We contract with independent foundries and assembly and testing companies to manufacture NAND Flash media products such as memory cards and USB devices.

In recent years, we have produced an increasingly broad portfolio of products, which enhances our ability to allocate resources to our most profitable products but also increases the complexity of our manufacturing operations. Although our product lines generally use similar manufacturing processes, our overall cost efficiency can be affected by frequent conversions to new products, the allocation of manufacturing capacity to more complex, smaller-volume parts, and the reallocation of manufacturing capacity across various product lines.




5




Availability of Raw Materials

Our operations require raw materials that meet exacting standards. We generally have multiple sources of supply for our raw materials; however, only a limited number of suppliers are capable of delivering certain raw materials that meet our standards. In some cases, materials are provided by a single supplier. Various factors could reduce the availability and increase the cost of raw materials such as silicon wafers, photomasks, chemicals, gases, photoresist, lead frames, and molding compound. Shortages may occur from time to time in the future. We and/or our suppliers could be affected by laws and regulations enacted in response to concerns regarding climate change, which could increase the cost and limit the supply of our raw materials. In addition, disruptions in transportation lines could delay our receipt of raw materials. Lead times for the supply of raw materials have been extended in the past. If our supply of raw materials is disrupted or our lead times extended, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.


Marketing and Customers

Our products are sold into compute and graphics, mobile, SSD and other storage, automotive, industrial, medical, and other embedded and server markets. Market concentrations from 2015 net sales were approximately as follows: 25% for compute and graphics (including desktop PCs, notebooks, and workstations); 25% for mobile; 20% for SSD and other storage; 15% for server; and 10% for automotive, industrial, medical, and other embedded. Sales to Kingston, primarily DRAM, were 11% of our net sales in 2015 and 10% of our net sales in 2014. Sales to Intel, primarily NAND Flash products through IMFT were 8% of our net sales in 2015, 8% of our net sales in 2014, and 10% of our net sales in 2013. Sales to HP, primarily DRAM, were 7% of our net sales in 2015, 9% of our net sales in 2014, and 10% of our net sales in 2013.

Our semiconductor memory products are offered under the Micron®, Lexar, Crucial®, SpecTek®, and Elpida® brand names and private labels. We market our semiconductor memory products primarily through our own direct sales force and maintain sales or representative offices in our primary markets around the world. We sell Lexar-branded NAND Flash memory products primarily through retail channels and our Crucial-branded products through a web-based customer direct sales channel as well as through channel and distribution partners. Our products are also offered through independent sales representatives and distributors. Independent sales representatives obtain orders subject to final acceptance by us and are compensated on a commission basis. We make shipments against these orders directly to the customer. Distributors carry our products in inventory and typically sell a variety of other semiconductor products, including competitors' products. We maintain inventory at locations in close proximity to certain key customers to facilitate rapid delivery of products. Many of our customers require a thorough review or qualification of semiconductor products, which may take several months.


Backlog

Because of volatile industry conditions, customers are reluctant to enter into long-term, fixed-price contracts.  Accordingly, new order volumes for our semiconductor products fluctuate significantly.  We typically accept orders with acknowledgment that the terms may be adjusted to reflect market conditions at the date of shipment.  For these reasons, we do not believe that our order backlog as of any particular date is a reliable indicator of actual sales for any succeeding period.


Product Warranty

Because the design and manufacturing process for semiconductor products is highly complex, it is possible that we may produce products that do not comply with customer specifications, contain defects, or are otherwise incompatible with end uses.  In accordance with industry practice, we generally provide a limited warranty that our products are in compliance with our specifications existing at the time of delivery.  Under our general terms and conditions of sale, liability for certain failures of product during a stated warranty period is usually limited to repair or replacement of defective items or return of, or a credit with respect to, amounts paid for such items.  Under certain circumstances, we provide more extensive limited warranty coverage than that provided under our general terms and conditions.




6




Competition

We face intense competition in the semiconductor memory market from a number of companies, including Intel; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; SanDisk Corporation; SK Hynix Inc.; and Toshiba Corporation. Some of our competitors are large corporations or conglomerates that may have greater resources to withstand downturns in the semiconductor markets in which we compete, invest in technology, and capitalize on growth opportunities. Our competitors seek to increase silicon capacity, improve yields, reduce die size, and minimize mask levels in their product designs resulting in significantly increased worldwide supply and downward pressure on prices. Many of our high-volume memory products are manufactured to industry standard specifications and as such have similar performance characteristics to those of our competitors. For these high-volume memory products, the principal competitive factors are generally price and performance characteristics including: operating speed, power consumption, reliability, compatibility, size, and form factors. For our other memory products, the aforementioned performance characteristics generally take precedence over pricing.


Research and Development

Our process technology R&D efforts are focused primarily on development of successively smaller line-width process technologies, as well as new, fundamentally different memory structures, materials, and packages, which are designed to facilitate our transition to next generation memory products. Additional process technology R&D efforts focus on the enablement of advanced computing and mobile memory architectures, the investigation of new opportunities that leverage our core semiconductor expertise, and the development of new manufacturing materials. Product design and development efforts include our high density DDR3 and DDR4 DRAM and LPDRAM products as well as high density and mobile NAND Flash memory (including 3D NAND and MLC and TLC technologies), 3D XPoint memory, NOR Flash memory, specialty memory, SSDs, HMCs, and other memory technologies and systems.

Our R&D expenses were $1.54 billion, $1.37 billion, and $931 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We generally share with Intel the costs of product design and process development activities for NAND Flash memory and 3D XPoint memory. Our R&D expenses reflect net reductions of $231 million, $162 million, and $176 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, as a result of reimbursements under our Intel and other cost-sharing arrangements.

To compete in the semiconductor memory industry, we must continue to develop technologically advanced products and processes. We believe that expansion of our semiconductor product offerings is necessary to meet expected market demand for specific memory solutions. Our process, design, and package development efforts occur at multiple locations across the world, with our largest R&D center located in Boise, Idaho, and other significant R&D centers in Japan, China, and other sites in the U.S. In addition, we develop photolithography mask technology at our MP Mask joint venture facility in Boise.

R&D expenses vary primarily with the number of development wafers processed, the cost of advanced equipment dedicated to new product and process development, and personnel costs. Because of the lead times necessary to manufacture our products, we typically begin to process wafers before completion of performance and reliability testing. We deem development of a product complete once the product has been thoroughly reviewed and tested for performance and reliability. R&D expenses can vary significantly depending on the timing of product qualification.


Geographic Information

Sales to customers outside the United States totaled $13.63 billion for 2015 and included sales of $6.66 billion in China, $2.24 billion in Taiwan, $1.25 billion in Europe, $1.03 billion in Japan, and $2.04 billion in the rest of the Asia Pacific region (excluding China, Japan, and Taiwan).  Sales to customers outside the United States totaled $13.81 billion for 2014 and $7.56 billion for 2013.  As of September 3, 2015, we had net property, plant, and equipment of $3.64 billion in the United States, $3.24 billion in Singapore, $2.17 billion in Japan, $1.07 billion in Taiwan, $331 million in China, and $96 million in other countries.  (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Geographic Information" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors.")




7




Patents and Licenses

In recent years, we have been recognized as a leader in per capita and quality of patents issued.  As of September 3, 2015, we owned approximately 16,800 U.S. patents and 4,200 foreign patents.  In addition, we have thousands of U.S. and foreign patent applications pending.  Our patents have various terms expiring through 2034.

We have a number of patent and intellectual property license agreements and have from time to time licensed or sold our intellectual property to third parties.  Some of these license agreements require us to make one-time or periodic payments while others have resulted in us receiving payments. We may need to obtain additional patent licenses or renew existing license agreements in the future and we may enter into additional sales or licenses of intellectual property and partnering arrangements.  We are unable to predict whether these license agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms.


Employees

As of September 3, 2015, we had approximately 31,800 employees.


Environmental Compliance

Government regulations impose various environmental controls on raw materials and discharges, emissions, and solid wastes from our manufacturing processes.  In 2015, our wafer fabrication facilities continued to conform to the requirements of ISO 14001 certification.  To continue certification, we must meet annual requirements in environmental policy, compliance, planning, management, structure and responsibility, training, communication, document control, operational control, emergency preparedness and response, record keeping, and management review.  While we have not experienced any material adverse effects to our operations from environmental regulations, changes in the regulations could necessitate additional capital expenditures, modification of our operations, or other compliance actions.


Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers are appointed annually by the Board of Directors and our directors are elected annually by our shareholders. Any directors appointed by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board serve until the next election by the shareholders. All officers and directors serve until their successors are duly chosen or elected and qualified, except in the case of earlier death, resignation, or removal.

As of September 3, 2015, the following executive officers and directors were subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Name
 
Age
 
Position
Mark W. Adams
 
51
 
President
April S. Arnzen
 
44
 
Vice President, Human Resources
Scott J. DeBoer
 
49
 
Vice President, Research & Development
D. Mark Durcan
 
54
 
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Ernest E. Maddock
 
57
 
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance
Joel L. Poppen
 
51
 
Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary
Brian M. Shirley
 
46
 
Vice President, Memory Technology and Solutions
Steven L. Thorsen, Jr.
 
50
 
Vice President, Worldwide Sales
Robert L. Bailey
 
58
 
Director
Richard M. Beyer
 
66
 
Director
Patrick J. Byrne
 
54
 
Director
D. Warren A. East
 
53
 
Director
Mercedes Johnson
 
61
 
Director
Lawrence N. Mondry
 
55
 
Director
Robert E. Switz
 
68
 
Chairman


8




Mark W. Adams joined us in June 2006 and served as our Vice President of Digital Media and Vice President of Worldwide Sales before being appointed our President in February 2012. Mr. Adams also served as our interim Chief Financial Officer from March 2015 through May 2015. From January 2006, until he joined us, Mr. Adams was the Chief Operating Officer of Lexar Media, Inc. Mr. Adams served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Creative Labs, Inc. from December 2002 to January 2006. From March 2000 to September 2002, Mr. Adams was the Chief Executive Officer of Coresma, Inc. Mr. Adams currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Mr. Adams holds a BA in Economics from Boston College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

April S. Arnzen joined us in December 1996 and has served in various leadership positions since that time. Ms. Arnzen was appointed our Vice President, Human Resources in January 2015. Ms. Arnzen holds a BS in Human Resource Management and Marketing from the University of Idaho.

Scott J. DeBoer joined us in February 1995 and has served in various leadership positions since that time. Dr. DeBoer became an officer in May 2007 and, in January 2013, he was appointed our Vice President, Research & Development. Dr. DeBoer holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Physics from Iowa State University. He completed his undergraduate degree at Hastings College.

D. Mark Durcan joined us in June 1984 and has served in various positions since that time.  Mr. Durcan was appointed our Chief Operating Officer in February 2006, President in June 2007, and Director and Chief Executive Officer in February 2012. Mr. Durcan has been an officer since 1996.  Mr. Durcan is a member of the Board of Directors of AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Mr. Durcan holds a BS and MChE in Chemical Engineering from Rice University.

Ernest E. Maddock joined us in June 2015 as our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance. From April 2013 until he joined us, Mr. Maddock served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Riverbed Technology. From October 2008 to April 2013, Mr. Maddock served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lam Research Corporation after serving as Lam's Vice President of Global Operations from October 2003 to September 2008. Mr. Maddock currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Intersil Corporation. Mr. Maddock holds a BS in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Georgia State University.

Joel L. Poppen joined us in October 1995 and has held various leadership positions since that time.  He was appointed to his current position in December 2013. Mr. Poppen holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a JD from the Duke University School of Law.

Brian M. Shirley joined us in August 1992 and has served in various leadership positions since that time.  Mr. Shirley became Vice President of Memory in February 2006, Vice President of DRAM Solutions in June 2010 and has served as Vice President, Memory Technology and Solutions since April 2014.  Mr. Shirley holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.

Steven L. Thorsen, Jr. joined us in September 1988 and has served in various leadership positions since that time including Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. Mr. Thorsen became Vice President, Worldwide Sales in April 2012. Mr. Thorsen holds a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University.

Robert L. Bailey was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PMC-Sierra, Inc. from 2005 until May 2011 and also served as PMC's Chairman from February 2000 until February 2003.  Mr. Bailey served as a director of PMC from October 1996 to May 2011.  He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of PMC from July 1997 until May 2008.  PMC is a leading provider of broadband communication and semiconductor storage solutions for the next-generation Internet.  Mr. Bailey holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport and an MBA from the University of Dallas.  Mr. Bailey has served on our Board of Directors since 2007.

Richard M. Beyer was Chairman and CEO of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. from 2008 through June 2012 and served as a director with Freescale until April 2013. Prior to Freescale, Mr. Beyer was President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Intersil Corporation from 2002 to 2008. He has also previously served in executive management roles at FVC.com, VLSI Technology, and National Semiconductor Corporation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Dialog Semiconductor and Analog Devices, Inc. Mr. Beyer served three years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a BA and an MA in Russian from Georgetown University and an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Beyer has served on our Board of Directors since 2013.


9




Patrick J. Byrne has served as the President of Tektronix, a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, since July 2014. Mr. Byrne was Vice President of Strategy and Business Development and Chief Technical Officer of Danaher from November 2012 to July 2014. Danaher designs, manufactures, and markets innovative products and services to professional, medical, industrial, and commercial customers. Prior to that, Mr. Byrne served as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intermec, Inc. from 2007 to May 2012. Mr. Byrne was with Agilent Technologies, Inc. from 1999 to 2007 and served in various management positions. Mr. Byrne holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.  Mr. Byrne has served on our Board of Directors since 2011.

D. Warren A. East has served as CEO of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc since July 2015. Mr. East was the CEO of ARM Holdings PLC from October 2001 to July 2013. He originally joined ARM in 1994, and served in various roles prior to being appointed CEO. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Rolls-Royce plc. Mr. East is a chartered engineer, Distinguished Fellow of the British Computer Society, Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute. Mr. East holds a BA BSc(Eng) and an MBA MEng in Engineering Science from Oxford University and an MBA and honorary doctorate from Cranfield University. Mr. East has served on our Board of Directors since 2013.

Mercedes Johnson was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Avago Technologies Limited, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, from December 2005 to August 2008.  She also served as the Senior Vice President, Finance, of Lam Research Corporation from June 2004 to January 2005 and as Lam's Chief Financial Officer from May 1997 to May 2004.  Ms. Johnson holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Buenos Aires and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Intersil Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., and Teradyne, Inc.  Ms. Johnson is the Chairman of the Board's Audit Committee and has served on our Board of Directors since 2005.

Lawrence N. Mondry was the Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Brands, a consumer products portfolio company, from February 2014 to February 2015. Mr. Mondry was the Chief Executive Officer of Flexi Compras Corporation, a rent-to-own retailer, from June 2013 to February 2014. Mr. Mondry was the President and Chief Executive Officer of CSK Auto Corporation, a specialty retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, from August 2007 to July 2008.  Prior to his appointment at CSK, Mr. Mondry served as the Chief Executive Officer of CompUSA Inc. from November 2003 to May 2006.  Mr. Mondry joined CompUSA in 1990.  Mr. Mondry holds a BA degree from Boston University.  Mr. Mondry is the Chairman of the Board's Compensation Committee and Governance Committee and has served on our Board of Directors since 2005.

Robert E. Switz was the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., a supplier of network infrastructure products and services from August 2003 until December 2010, when Tyco Electronics Ltd. acquired ADC.  Mr. Switz joined ADC in 1994 and throughout his career there held numerous leadership positions.  Mr. Switz holds an MBA from the University of Bridgeport and a BS in Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.  Mr. Switz also serves on the Board of Directors for Broadcom Corporation, GT Advanced Technologies, and Gigamon Inc.  Mr. Switz was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2012 and has served on our Board of Directors since 2006.

There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.


Additional Information

Micron, Lexar, Crucial, SpecTek, Elpida, JumpDrive, any associated logos, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron. 3D XPoint is a trademark of Intel in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names or trademarks that are not owned by Micron are for identification purposes only and may be the registered or unregistered trademarks of their respective owners.

10




ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, the following are important factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.

We have experienced dramatic declines in average selling prices for our semiconductor memory products which have adversely affected our business.

If average selling prices for our memory products decrease faster than we can decrease per gigabit costs, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. We have experienced significant decreases in our average selling prices per gigabit in previous years as noted in the table below and may continue to experience such decreases in the future. In some prior periods, average selling prices for our memory products have been below our manufacturing costs and we may experience such circumstances in the future.

 
 
DRAM
 
Trade NAND Flash*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(percentage change in average selling prices)
2015 from 2014
 
(11
)%
 
(17
)%
2014 from 2013
 
6
 %
 
(23
)%
2013 from 2012
 
(11
)%
 
(18
)%
2012 from 2011
 
(45
)%
 
(55
)%
2011 from 2010
 
(39
)%
 
(12
)%
* Trade NAND Flash excludes sales to Intel from IMFT.
 
 
 
 

We may be unable to maintain or improve gross margins.

Our gross margins are dependent upon continuing decreases in per gigabit manufacturing costs achieved through improvements in our manufacturing processes and product designs, including, but not limited to, process line-width, architecture, number of mask layers, number of fabrication steps, and yield. In future periods, we may be unable to reduce our per gigabit manufacturing costs at sufficient levels to maintain or improve gross margins. Factors that may limit our ability to reduce costs include, but are not limited to, strategic product diversification decisions affecting product mix, the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes, difficulty in transitioning to smaller line-width process technologies, technological barriers, and changes in process technologies or products that may require relatively larger die sizes. Per gigabit manufacturing costs may also be affected by the relatively smaller production quantities and shorter product lifecycles of certain specialty memory products.

The semiconductor memory industry is highly competitive.

We face intense competition in the semiconductor memory market from a number of companies, including Intel; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; SanDisk Corporation; SK Hynix Inc.; and Toshiba Corporation. Some of our competitors are large corporations or conglomerates that may have greater resources to invest in technology, capitalize on growth opportunities, and withstand downturns in the semiconductor markets in which we compete. Consolidation of industry competitors could put us at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, some governments, such as China, have provided, and may continue to provide, significant financial assistance to some of our competitors or to new entrants. Our competitors seek to increase silicon capacity, improve yields, reduce die size, and minimize mask levels in their product designs. Transitions to smaller line-width process technologies and product and process improvements have resulted in significant increases in the worldwide supply of semiconductor memory. Increases in worldwide supply of semiconductor memory also result from semiconductor memory fab capacity expansions, either by way of new facilities, increased capacity utilization, or reallocation of other semiconductor production to semiconductor memory production. Our competitors may increase capital expenditures resulting in future increases in worldwide supply. In recent periods, we and some of our competitors have begun construction on or announced plans to build new fabrication facilities. Increases in worldwide supply of semiconductor memory, if not accompanied by commensurate increases in demand, would lead to further declines in average selling prices for our products and would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.


11




Debt obligations could adversely affect our financial condition.

In recent periods, our debt levels have increased due to the capital intensive nature of our business, business acquisitions, and restructuring of our capital structure. As of September 3, 2015, we had debt with a carrying value of $7.34 billion. In addition, the conversion value in excess of principal amount for our convertible notes outstanding as of September 3, 2015 was $553 million. In 2015, we paid $1.43 billion to repurchase and settle conversion obligations for convertible notes with a principal amount of $489 million. In 2014, we paid $2.30 billion to repurchase and settle conversion obligations for convertible notes with a principal amount of $1.09 billion. As of September 3, 2015, we had (1) revolving credit facilities available that provide for up to $842 million of additional financing and (2) a term loan agreement available to obtain financing collateralized by certain property, plant, and equipment in the amount of 6.90 billion New Taiwan dollars or an equivalent amount in U.S. dollars (approximately $213 million as of September 3, 2015), of which we drew $40 million in 2015. The availability of these revolving and other facilities is subject to certain conditions, including outstanding balances of trade receivables; inventories; collateralization of certain property, plant, and equipment; and other conditions. Events and circumstances may occur which would cause us to not be able to satisfy these applicable drawdown conditions and utilize these facilities. We have in the past and expect in the future to continue to incur additional debt to finance our capital investments, business acquisitions, and restructuring of our capital structure.

Our debt obligations could adversely impact us. For example, these obligations could:

require us to use a large portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on debt, which will reduce the amount of cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, R&D expenditures, and other business activities;
continue to dilute our earnings per share as a result of the conversion provisions in our convertible notes;
require us to continue to pay cash amounts substantially in excess of the principal amounts upon settlement of our convertible notes to minimize dilution of our earnings per share;
limit our future ability to raise funds for capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or business opportunities, R&D, and other general corporate requirements;
adversely impact our credit rating, which could increase future borrowing costs; and
increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and semiconductor memory industry conditions.

Our ability to meet our payment obligations under our debt instruments depends on our ability to generate significant cash flows in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that additional capital will be available to us, in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our debt payment obligations and to fund other liquidity needs. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt obligations, we may need to refinance or restructure our debt, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. If we were unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, we may be unable to meet our debt payment obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain access to external financing necessary to fund our operations, make scheduled debt payments, and make adequate capital investments.

Our cash flows from operations depend primarily on the volume of semiconductor memory sold, average selling prices, and manufacturing costs. To develop new product and process technologies, support future growth, achieve operating efficiencies, and maintain product quality, we must make significant capital investments in manufacturing technology, capital equipment, facilities, R&D, and product and process technology. We estimate that cash expenditures in 2016 for property, plant, and equipment will be approximately $5.3 billion to $5.8 billion. Investments in capital expenditures for 2015 were $4.12 billion. In addition, as a result of the MMJ acquisition and our capacity expansion in Singapore, we expect our future capital spending will be higher than our historical levels. As of September 3, 2015, we had cash and marketable investments of $5.63 billion, which included $748 million held by the MMJ Group and $134 million held by IMFT, none of which is generally available to finance our other operations.


12




As a result of the Japan Proceedings, for so long as such proceedings are continuing, the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on dividends, loans, and advances. The plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies prohibit the MMJ Companies from paying dividends, including any cash dividends, to us and require that excess earnings be used in their businesses or to fund the MMJ Companies' installment payments. These prohibitions would also effectively prevent the subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies from paying cash dividends to us in respect of the shares of such subsidiaries owned by the MMJ Companies, as any such dividends would have to be first paid to the MMJ Companies which are prohibited from repaying those amounts to us as dividends under the plans of reorganization. In addition, pursuant to an order of the Japan Court, the MMJ Companies cannot make loans or advances, other than certain ordinary course advances, to us without the consent of the Japan Court. Moreover, loans or advances by subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies may be considered outside of the ordinary course of business and subject to approval of the legal trustees and Japan Court. As a result, the assets of the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries, while available to satisfy the MMJ Companies' installment payments and the other obligations, capital expenditures, and other operating needs of the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries, are not available for use by us in our other operations. Furthermore, certain uses of the assets of the MMJ Group, including investments in certain capital expenditures and in MMT, may require consent of MMJ's trustees and/or the Japan Court.

In the past we have utilized external sources of financing when needed. As a result of our debt levels, expected debt amortization and general economic conditions, it may be difficult for us to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows, use cash held by MMJ to fund its capital expenditures, access capital markets or find other sources of financing to fund our operations, make debt payments, and make adequate capital investments to remain competitive in terms of technology development and cost efficiency. Our inability to do the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial conditions.

The acquisition of our ownership interest in Inotera from Qimonda has been challenged by the administrator of the insolvency proceedings for Qimonda.

On January 20, 2011, Dr. Michael Jaffé, administrator for Qimonda insolvency proceedings, filed suit against Micron and Micron Semiconductor B.V., our Netherlands subsidiary ("Micron B.V."), in the District Court of Munich, Civil Chamber. The complaint seeks to void under Section 133 of the German Insolvency Act a share purchase agreement between Micron B.V. and Qimonda signed in fall 2008 pursuant to which Micron B.V. purchased substantially all of Qimonda's shares of Inotera Memories, Inc. (the "Inotera Shares"), representing approximately 55% of our total shares in Inotera as of September 3, 2015, and seeks an order requiring us to re-transfer those shares to the Qimonda estate. The complaint also seeks, among other things, to recover damages for the alleged value of the joint venture relationship with Inotera and to terminate under Sections 103 or 133 of the German Insolvency Code a patent cross-license between us and Qimonda entered into at the same time as the share purchase agreement.

Following a series of hearings with pleadings, arguments, and witnesses on behalf of the Qimonda estate, on March 13, 2014, the Court issued judgments:  (1) ordering Micron B.V. to pay approximately $1 million in respect of certain Inotera shares sold in connection with the original share purchase; (2) ordering Micron B.V. to disclose certain information with respect to any Inotera Shares sold by it to third parties; (3) ordering Micron B.V. to disclose the benefits derived by it from ownership of the Inotera Shares, including in particular, any profits distributed on such shares and all other benefits; (4) denying Qimonda’s claims against Micron for any damages relating to the joint venture relationship with Inotera; and (5) determining that Qimonda's obligations under the patent cross-license agreement are canceled. In addition, the Court issued interlocutory judgments ordering, among other things:  (1) that Micron B.V. transfer to the Qimonda estate the Inotera Shares still owned by it and pay to the Qimonda estate compensation in an amount to be specified for any Inotera Shares sold to third parties; and (2) that Micron B.V. pay the Qimonda estate as compensation an amount to be specified for benefits derived by it from ownership of the Inotera Shares. The interlocutory judgments have no immediate, enforceable effect on us, and, accordingly, we expect to be able to continue to operate with full control of the Inotera Shares subject to further developments in the case. We have filed a notice of appeal, and the parties have submitted briefs to the appeals court. The next hearing on the matter has not yet been scheduled.

We are unable to predict the outcome of the matter and therefore cannot estimate the range of possible loss. The final resolution of this lawsuit could result in the loss of the Inotera shares or monetary damages, unspecified damages based on the benefits derived by Micron B.V. from the ownership of the Inotera Shares, and/or the termination of the patent cross-license, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, or financial condition.  As of September 3, 2015, the Inotera Shares had a carrying value for purposes of our financial reporting of $683 million and a market value of $846 million.


13




Our future success depends on our ability to develop and produce competitive new memory technologies.

Our key semiconductor memory technologies of DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash face technological barriers to continue to meet long-term customer needs. These barriers include potential limitations on the ability to shrink products in order to reduce costs, meet higher density requirements, and improve power consumption and reliability. To meet these requirements, we expect that new memory technologies will be developed by the semiconductor memory industry. Our competitors are working to develop new memory technologies that may offer performance and/or cost advantages to our existing memory technologies and render existing technologies obsolete. Accordingly, our future success may depend on our ability to develop and produce viable and competitive new memory technologies. There can be no assurance of the following:

that we will be successful in developing competitive new semiconductor memory technologies;
that we will be able to cost-effectively manufacture new products;
that we will be able to successfully market these technologies; and
that margins generated from sales of these products will allow us to recover costs of development efforts.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we announced the development of new 3D XPoint technology, which is an entirely new class of non-volatile memory. There is no assurance that our efforts to develop and market this new product technology will be successful. If our efforts to develop new semiconductor memory technologies are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations, or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

New product development may be unsuccessful.

We are developing new products, including system-level memory products, that complement our traditional memory products or leverage their underlying design or process technology. We have made significant investments in product and process technologies and anticipate expending significant resources for new semiconductor product development over the next several years. The process to develop DRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash, and certain specialty memory products, requires us to demonstrate advanced functionality and performance, many times well in advance of a planned ramp of production, in order to secure design wins with our customers. There can be no assurance of the following:

that our product development efforts will be successful;
that we will be able to cost-effectively manufacture new products;
that we will be able to successfully market these products; or
that margins generated from sales of these products will allow us to recover costs of development efforts.

If our efforts to develop new products are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations, or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

Products that fail to meet specifications, are defective, or that are otherwise incompatible with end uses could impose significant costs on us.

Products that do not meet specifications or that contain, or are perceived by our customers to contain, defects or that are otherwise incompatible with end uses could impose significant costs on us or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. From time to time we experience problems with nonconforming, defective or incompatible products after we have shipped such products. In recent periods we have further diversified and expanded our product offerings which could potentially increase the chance that one or more of our products could fail to meet specifications in a particular application. As a result of these problems we could be adversely affected in several ways, including the following:

we may be required to compensate customers for costs incurred or damages caused by defective or incompatible product or replace products;
we could incur a decrease in revenue or adjustment to pricing commensurate with the reimbursement of such costs or alleged damages; and
we may encounter adverse publicity, which could cause a decrease in sales of our products.


14




A determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others or entering into a license agreement covering such intellectual property could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

As is typical in the semiconductor and other high technology industries, from time to time others have asserted, and may in the future assert, that our products or manufacturing processes infringe their intellectual property rights. We are unable to predict the outcome of assertions of infringement made against us. A determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others, or entering a license agreement covering such intellectual property, could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes. Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. (See "Part II. Financial Information – Item 8. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Contingencies.")

We have a number of intellectual property license agreements. Some of these license agreements require us to make one time or periodic payments. We may need to obtain additional patent licenses or renew existing license agreements in the future. We are unable to predict whether these license agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms.

Our joint ventures and strategic relationships involve numerous risks.

We have entered into strategic relationships to manufacture products and develop new manufacturing process technologies and products. These relationships include our IMFT joint venture with Intel, our Inotera joint venture with Nanya, and our MP Mask joint venture with Photronics. These joint ventures and strategic relationships are subject to various risks that could adversely affect the value of our investments and our results of operations. These risks include the following:

our interests could diverge from our partners or we may not be able to agree with partners on ongoing manufacturing and operational activities, or on the amount, timing, or nature of further investments in our joint venture;
our joint venture partners' products may compete with our products;
we may experience difficulties in transferring technology to joint ventures;
we may experience difficulties and delays in ramping production at joint ventures;
our control over the operations of our joint ventures is limited;
we may recognize losses from our equity method investments;
due to financial constraints, our joint venture partners may be unable to meet their commitments to us or our joint ventures and may pose credit risks for our transactions with them;
due to differing business models or long-term business goals, our partners may decide not to join us in funding capital investment in our joint ventures, which may result in higher levels of cash expenditures by us;
cash flows may be inadequate to fund increased capital requirements;
we may experience difficulties or delays in collecting amounts due to us from our joint ventures and partners;
the terms of our partnering arrangements may turn out to be unfavorable; and
changes in tax, legal, or regulatory requirements may necessitate changes in the agreements with our partners.

If our joint ventures and strategic relationships are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations, or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

If our manufacturing process is disrupted, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We manufacture products using highly complex processes that require technologically advanced equipment and continuous modification to improve yields and performance. Difficulties in the manufacturing process or the effects from a shift in product mix can reduce yields or disrupt production and may increase our per gigabit manufacturing costs. We maintain operations and continuously implement new product and process technology at our manufacturing operations which are widely dispersed in multiple locations in several countries including the U.S., Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and China. Additionally, our control over operations at IMFT, Inotera, MP Mask, and Tera Probe is limited by our agreements with our partners. From time to time, we have experienced disruptions in our manufacturing process as a result of power outages, improperly functioning equipment, equipment failures, earthquakes, or other environmental events. If production at a fabrication facility is disrupted for any reason, manufacturing yields may be adversely affected or we may be unable to meet our customers' requirements and they may purchase products from other suppliers. This could result in a significant increase in manufacturing costs, loss of revenues, or damage to customer relationships, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.


15




The operations of the MMJ Companies are subject to continued oversight by the Japan Court during the pendency of the corporate reorganization proceedings.

Because the plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies provide for ongoing payments to creditors following the closing of our acquisition of MMJ, the Japan Proceedings are continuing, and the MMJ Companies remain subject to the oversight of the Japan Court and of the trustees (including a trustee designated by us, who we refer to as the business trustee, and a trustee designated by the Japan Court, who we refer to as the legal trustee), pending completion of the Japan Proceedings. The Japan Proceedings and oversight of the Japan Court are expected to continue until the final creditor payment is made under the MMJ Companies' plans of reorganization, which is scheduled to occur in December 2019, but may occur on a later date to the extent any claims of creditors remain unfixed on the final scheduled installment payment date. Although we may be able to petition the court to terminate the Japan Proceedings once two-thirds of all payments under the plans of reorganization are made, there can be no assurance that the Japan Court will grant any such petition.

During the pendency of the Japan Proceedings, the MMJ Companies are obligated to provide periodic financial reports to the Japan Court and may be required to obtain the consent of the Japan Court prior to taking a number of significant actions relating to their businesses, including transferring or disposing of, or acquiring, certain material assets, incurring or guaranteeing material indebtedness, settling disputes, or entering into certain material agreements. The consent of the legal trustee may also be required for matters that would likely have a material impact on the operations or assets of the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries or for transfers of material assets, to the extent the matters or transfers would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect execution of the plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies. Accordingly, during the pendency of the Japan Proceedings, our ability to effectively integrate the MMJ Companies as part of our global operations or to cause the MMJ Companies to take certain actions that we deem advisable for their businesses could be adversely affected if the Japan Court or the legal trustee is unwilling to consent to various actions that we may wish to take with respect to the MMJ Companies.

Our Inotera supply agreements involves numerous risks.

Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at a price reflecting a discount from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed a supply agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016 (the "2016 Supply Agreement"), which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us.  The 2016 Supply Agreement has an initial two-year term, followed by a three-year wind-down period, and contemplates negotiations in late 2016 with respect to a two-year extension, and annual negotiations thereafter with respect to successive one-year extensions.  Upon termination of the initial two-year term of the 2016 Supply Agreement, or any extensions, we would purchase DRAM from Inotera during the wind-down period. Our share of Inotera's capacity would decline over the wind-down period. Our Inotera supply agreements involve numerous risks including the following:

higher costs for supply obtained under the Inotera supply agreements as compared to our wholly-owned facilities;
difficulties and delays in ramping production at Inotera;
difficulties in transferring technology to Inotera; and
difficulties in coming to an agreement with Nanya regarding major corporate decisions, such as capital expenditures or capital structure.

In 2015 and in 2014, our cost of products purchased from Inotera was significantly higher than our cost of similar products manufactured in our wholly-owned facilities, due to the pricing formula of the current agreement and strong market conditions. For 2015, we purchased $2.37 billion of DRAM products from Inotera and our supply from Inotera accounted for 35% of our aggregate DRAM gigabit production. If our supply of DRAM from Inotera is impacted, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.


16




Changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Across our global operations, there are transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (our reporting currency), primarily the British pound, euro, shekel, Singapore dollar, New Taiwan dollar, yen, and yuan. We recorded net losses from changes in currency exchange rates of $27 million for 2015, $28 million for 2014, and $229 million for 2013. Based on our foreign currency exposures from monetary assets and liabilities, offset by balance sheet hedges, we estimate that a 10% adverse change in exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar would result in losses of approximately $3 million as of September 3, 2015. In addition, a significant portion of our manufacturing costs are denominated in foreign currencies. Exchange rates for some of these currencies against the U.S. dollar, particularly the yen, have been volatile in recent periods. If these currencies strengthen against the U.S. dollar, our manufacturing costs could significantly increase. In the event that exchange rates for the U.S. dollar adversely change against our foreign currency exposures, our results of operations or financial condition may be adversely affected.

We may make future acquisitions and/or alliances, which involve numerous risks.

Acquisitions and the formation or operation of alliances, such as joint ventures and other partnering arrangements, involve numerous risks including the following:

integrating the operations, technologies, and products of acquired or newly formed entities into our operations;
increasing capital expenditures to upgrade and maintain facilities;
increased debt levels;
the assumption of unknown or underestimated liabilities;
the use of cash to finance a transaction, which may reduce the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures, R&D expenditures, and other business activities;
diverting management's attention from daily operations;
managing larger or more complex operations and facilities and employees in separate and diverse geographic areas;
hiring and retaining key employees;
requirements imposed by governmental authorities in connection with the regulatory review of a transaction, which may include, among other things, divestitures or restrictions on the conduct of our business or the acquired business;
inability to realize synergies or other expected benefits;
failure to maintain customer, vendor, and other relationships;
inadequacy or ineffectiveness of an acquired company's internal financial controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and/or environmental, health and safety, anti-corruption, human resource, or other policies or practices; and
impairment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill as a result of changing business conditions, technological advancements, or worse-than-expected performance of the acquired business.

In previous years, supply of memory products has significantly exceeded customer demand resulting in significant declines in average selling prices for DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash products. Resulting operating losses have led to the deterioration in the financial condition of a number of industry participants, including the liquidation of Qimonda and the 2012 bankruptcy filing by Elpida (now known as MMJ). These types of proceedings often lead to court-directed processes involving the sale of related businesses or assets. We believe the global memory industry is experiencing a period of consolidation as a result of these market conditions and other factors, and we may engage in discussions regarding potential acquisitions and similar opportunities arising out of these industry conditions. To the extent we are successful in completing any such transactions, we could be subject to some or all of the risks described above, including the risks pertaining to funding, assumption of liabilities, integration challenges, and increases in debt that may accompany such transactions. Acquisitions of, or alliances with, high-technology companies are inherently risky and may not be successful and may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Breaches of our network security could expose us to losses.

We manage and store on our network systems various proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data relating to our operations. We also process, store, and transmit large amounts of data relating to our customers and employees, including sensitive personal information. Unauthorized users may be able to gain access to our network system and steal proprietary information, compromise confidential information, create system disruptions, or cause shutdowns. These parties may also be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that disrupt our operations and create security vulnerabilities. Attacks on our network systems could result in significant losses and damage our reputation with customers, and could expose us to litigation if the confidential information of our customers, suppliers, or employees is compromised.

17





Compliance with regulations regarding the use of conflict minerals could limit the supply and increase the cost of certain metals used in manufacturing our products.

Increased focus on environmental protection and social responsibility initiatives led to the passage of Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and its implementing Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.  The Dodd-Frank Act imposes supply chain diligence and disclosure requirements for certain manufacturers of products containing specific minerals that may originate in or near the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC") and finance or benefit local armed groups. These "conflict minerals" are commonly found in materials used in the manufacture of semiconductors. The implementation of these new regulations may limit the sourcing and availability of some of these materials. This in turn may affect our ability to obtain materials necessary for the manufacture of our products in sufficient quantities and may affect related material pricing.  Some of our customers may elect to disqualify us as a supplier or reduce purchases from us if we are unable to verify that our products are DRC conflict free.

We may incur additional tax expense or become subject to additional tax exposure.

We operate in a number of locations outside the U.S., including in Singapore, and, to a lesser extent, Taiwan, where we have tax incentive agreements that are, in part, conditional upon meeting certain business operations and employment thresholds. Our domestic and international taxes are dependent upon the distribution of our earnings among these different jurisdictions. Our provision for income taxes and cash tax liabilities in the future could be adversely affected by numerous factors, including challenges by tax authorities to our tax structure, income before taxes being lower than anticipated in countries with lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries with higher statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, failure to meet performance obligations with respect to tax incentive agreements, and changes in tax laws and regulations. We file income tax returns with the U.S. federal government, various U.S. states, and various other jurisdictions throughout the world.  Our U.S. federal and state tax returns remain open to examination for 2011 through 2015.  In addition, tax returns open to examination in multiple other taxing jurisdictions range from the years 2007 to 2015. The results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of our tax exposures may have an adverse effect on our provision for income taxes and cash tax liability.

We may not utilize all of our net deferred tax assets.

We have substantial deferred tax assets, which include, among others, net operating loss and credit carryforwards. As of September 3, 2015, our U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, including uncertain tax benefits, were $4.02 billion and $2.05 billion, respectively, which, if not utilized, will expire at various dates from 2016 through 2035. As of September 3, 2015, our foreign net operating loss carryforwards were $5.15 billion, including $3.81 billion pertaining to Japan, which, if not utilized, substantially all will expire at various dates from 2017 through 2025. As of September 3, 2015, we had valuation allowances of $1.16 billion and $710 million against our net deferred tax assets in the U.S. and Japan, respectively.

The limited availability of raw materials, supplies, or capital equipment could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Our operations require raw materials, and in certain cases, third party services, that meet exacting standards. We generally have multiple sources of supply for our raw materials and services. However, only a limited number of suppliers are capable of delivering certain raw materials and services that meet our standards. In some cases, materials, components, or services are provided by a single supplier. Various factors could reduce the availability of raw materials or components such as silicon wafers, controllers, photomasks, chemicals, gases, photoresist, lead frames, and molding compound. Shortages may occur from time to time in the future. We and/or our suppliers could be affected by laws and regulations enacted in response to concerns regarding climate change, which could increase the cost and limit the supply of our raw materials. In addition, disruptions in transportation lines could delay our receipt of raw materials. Lead times for the supply of raw materials have been extended in the past. If our supply of raw materials or services is disrupted or our lead times extended, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.


18




Our operations are dependent on our ability to procure advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment that enables the transition to lower cost manufacturing processes. For certain key types of equipment, including photolithography tools, we are sometimes dependent on a single supplier. From time to time we have experienced difficulties in obtaining some equipment on a timely basis due to the supplier's limited capacity. Our inability to obtain this equipment timely could adversely affect our ability to transition to next generation manufacturing processes and reduce costs. Delays in obtaining equipment could also impede our ability to ramp production at new facilities and increase our overall costs of the ramp. If we are unable to obtain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a timely manner, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

A downturn in the worldwide economy may harm our business.

Downturns in the worldwide economy have harmed our business in the past and future downturns could also adversely affect our business. Adverse economic conditions affect demand for devices that incorporate our products, such as personal computers, mobile devices, solid-state drives, and servers. Reduced demand for these products could result in significant decreases in our average selling prices and product sales. A deterioration of current conditions in worldwide credit markets could limit our ability to obtain external financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures. In addition, we may experience losses on our holdings of cash and investments due to failures of financial institutions and other parties. Difficult economic conditions may also result in a higher rate of loss on our accounts receivables due to credit defaults. As a result, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Our results of operations could be affected by natural disasters and other events in the locations in which we or our customers or suppliers operate.

We have manufacturing and other operations in locations subject to natural occurrences such as severe weather and geological events including earthquakes or tsunamis that could disrupt operations.  In addition, our suppliers and customers also have operations in such locations.  A natural disaster, fire, explosion, or other event that results in a prolonged disruption to our operations, or the operations of our customers or suppliers, may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

We face risks associated with our international sales and operations that could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Sales to customers outside the United States approximated 84% of our consolidated net sales for 2015. In addition, a substantial portion of our manufacturing operations are located outside the United States. In particular, a significant portion of our manufacturing operations are concentrated in Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. Our international sales and operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:

export and import duties, changes to import and export regulations, customs regulations and processes, and restrictions on the transfer of funds;
compliance with U.S. and international laws involving international operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, export and import laws, and similar rules and regulations;
protection of intellectual property;
political and economic instability;
problems with the transportation or delivery of our products;
issues arising from cultural or language differences and labor unrest;
longer payment cycles and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;
compliance with trade, technical standards, and other laws in a variety of jurisdictions;
contractual and regulatory limitations on our ability to maintain flexibility with our staffing levels;
disruptions to our manufacturing operations as a result of actions imposed by foreign governments;
changes in economic policies of foreign governments; and
difficulties in staffing and managing international operations.

These factors may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.


19




We are subject to counterparty default risks.

We have numerous arrangements with financial institutions that subject us to counterparty default risks, including cash deposits, investments, capped-call contracts on our stock, and derivative instruments. As a result, we are subject to the risk that the counterparty to one or more of these arrangements will default on its performance obligations. A counterparty may not comply with their contractual commitments which could then lead to their defaulting on their obligations with little or no notice to us, which could limit our ability to take action to mitigate our exposure. Additionally, our ability to mitigate our exposures may be constrained by the terms of our contractual arrangements or because market conditions prevent us from taking effective action. If one of our counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, our ability to recover any losses suffered as a result of that counterparty's default may be limited by the liquidity of the counterparty or the applicable laws governing the bankruptcy proceeding. In the event of such default, we could incur significant losses, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations, or financial condition.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None.



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES


Our corporate headquarters are located in Boise, Idaho.  The following is a summary of our principal facilities as of September 3, 2015:

Location
 
Principal Operations
Boise, Idaho
 
R&D, including wafer fabrication; reticle manufacturing; test and module assembly
Lehi, Utah
 
Wafer fabrication
Manassas, Virginia
 
Wafer fabrication
Singapore
 
Three wafer fabrication facilities and a test, assembly and module assembly facility
Xi’an, China
 
Module assembly and test
Muar, Malaysia
 
Assembly and test
Taichung City, Taiwan
 
Wafer fabrication
Hiroshima, Japan
 
Wafer fabrication and R&D
Akita, Japan
 
Module assembly and test

Substantially all of the capacity of the facilities listed above is fully utilized. Our Inotera joint venture has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility in Kueishan, Taiwan. Under our supply agreement with Inotera, we purchase all of the output of Inotera. We also own and lease a number of other facilities in locations throughout the world that are used for design, R&D, and sales and marketing activities.

Our facility in Lehi is owned and operated by our IMFT joint venture with Intel.  (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – IMFT.")

In December 2014, we announced plans to add approximately 255,000 square feet of clean room space to our fabrication facility in Singapore to implement 3D NAND Flash production.  Construction of the additional space began in 2015 with initial manufacturing output likely in 2017.

We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate for our present purposes.  We do not identify or allocate assets by operating segment.  (See "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Geographic Information.")



20




ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


Reorganization Proceedings of the MMJ Companies

On July 31, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Elpida, now known as MMJ, a Japanese corporation, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement on Support for Reorganization Companies (as amended, the "Sponsor Agreement") that we entered into on July 2, 2012 with the trustees of the MMJ Companies' pending corporate reorganization proceedings under the Corporate Reorganization Act of Japan.

The MMJ Companies filed petitions for commencement of corporate reorganization proceedings with the Japan Court under the Corporate Reorganization Act of Japan on February 27, 2012, and the Japan Court issued an order to commence the reorganization proceedings (the "Japan Proceedings") on March 23, 2012. On July 2, 2012, we entered into the Sponsor Agreement with the legal trustees of the MMJ Companies and the Japan Court approved the Sponsor Agreement. Under the Sponsor Agreement, we agreed to provide certain support for the reorganization of the MMJ Companies and the trustees agreed to prepare and seek approval from the Japan Court and the MMJ Companies' creditors of plans of reorganization consistent with such support.

The trustees initially submitted the proposed plans of reorganization for the MMJ Companies to the Japan Court on August 21, 2012 and submitted final proposed plans on October 29, 2012. On October 31, 2012, the Japan Court approved submission of the trustees' proposed plans of reorganization to creditors for approval. On February 26, 2013, the MMJ Companies' creditors approved the reorganization plans and on February 28, 2013, the Japan Court issued an order approving the plans of reorganization. Appeals filed by certain creditors of MMJ in Japan challenging the plan approval order issued by the Japan Court were denied.

In a related action, MMJ filed a Verified Petition for Recognition and Chapter 15 Relief in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "U.S. Court") on March 19, 2012 and, on April 24, 2012, the U.S. Court entered an order that, among other things, recognized MMJ's corporate reorganization proceeding as a foreign main proceeding pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 1517(b). On June 25, 2013, the U.S. Court issued a recognition order, which recognized the order of the Japan Court approving MMJ's plan of reorganization. On November 19, 2013, the U.S. Court closed the U.S. Chapter 15 proceeding.

The plans of reorganization provide for payments by the MMJ Companies to their secured and unsecured creditors in an aggregate amount of 200 billion yen, less certain expenses of the reorganization proceedings and certain other items. The plans of reorganization also provided for the investment by us pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement of 60 billion yen ($615 million) paid at closing in cash into MMJ in exchange for 100% ownership of MMJ's equity and the use of such investment to fund the initial installment payment by the MMJ Companies to their creditors of 60 billion yen, subject to reduction for certain items specified in the Sponsor Agreement and plans of reorganization.

Under MMJ's plan of reorganization, secured creditors will recover 100% of the amount of their fixed claims and unsecured creditors will recover at least 17.4% of the amount of their fixed claims. The actual recovery of unsecured creditors will be higher, however, based, in part, on events and circumstances occurring following the plan approval. The remaining portion of the unsecured claims will be discharged, without payment, over the period that payments are made pursuant to the plans of reorganization. The secured creditors will be paid in full on or before the sixth installment payment date, while the unsecured creditors will be paid in seven installments. MAI's plan of reorganization provides that secured creditors will recover 100% of the amount of their claims, whereas unsecured creditors will recover 19% of the amount of their claims. The secured creditors of MAI were paid in full on the first installment payment date, while the unsecured creditors will be paid in seven installments.


21




Because the plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies provide for ongoing payments to creditors following the closing of the MMJ acquisition, the Japan Proceedings are continuing and the MMJ Companies remain subject to the oversight of the Japan Court and of the trustees (including a trustee designated by us, who we refer to as the business trustee, and a trustee designated by the Japan Court, who we refer to as the legal trustee), pending completion of the reorganization proceedings. The business trustee makes decisions in relation to the operation of the businesses of the MMJ Companies, other than decisions in relation to acts that need to be carried out in connection with the Japan Proceedings, which are the responsibility of the legal trustee. The Japan Proceedings and oversight of the Japan Court will continue until the final creditor payment is made under the MMJ Companies' plans of reorganization, which is scheduled to occur in December 2019, but may occur on a later date to the extent any claims of creditors remain unfixed on the final scheduled installment payment date. The MMJ Companies may petition the Japan Court for an early termination of the Japan Proceedings once two-thirds of all payments under the plans of reorganization are made. Although such early terminations are customarily granted, there can be no assurance that the Japan Court will grant any such petition in these particular cases.

During the pendency of the Japan Proceedings, the MMJ Companies are obligated to provide periodic financial reports to the Japan Court and may be required to obtain the consent of the Japan Court prior to taking a number of significant actions relating to their businesses, including transferring or disposing of, or acquiring, certain material assets, incurring or guaranteeing material indebtedness, settling material disputes, or entering into certain material agreements. The consent of the legal trustee may also be required for matters that would likely have a material impact on the operations or assets of the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries or for transfers of material assets, to the extent the matters or transfers would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect execution of the plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies. Accordingly, during the pendency of the Japan Proceedings, our ability to effectively integrate the MMJ Companies as part of our global operations or to cause the MMJ Companies to take certain actions that we deem advisable for their businesses could be adversely affected if the Japan Court or the legal trustee is unwilling to consent to various actions that we may wish to take with respect to the MMJ Companies.

For a discussion of other legal proceedings, see "Part II Financial Information – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Contingencies" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors."


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not Applicable.


22




PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Market for Common Stock

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and trades under the symbol "MU."  The following table represents the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock for each quarter of 2015 and 2014, as reported by Bloomberg L.P.:

 
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
 
$
26.59

 
$
29.52

 
$
36.49

 
$
36.10

Low
 
14.27

 
26.31

 
28.35

 
27.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
 
$
34.64

 
$
28.61

 
$
25.49

 
$
21.17

Low
 
28.59

 
21.13

 
20.67

 
13.57



Holders of Record

As of October 21, 2015, there were 2,378 shareholders of record of our common stock.


Dividends

We have not declared or paid cash dividends since 1996 and do not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

As a result of the Japan Proceedings, for so long as such proceedings continue, the MMJ Group is subject to certain restrictions on dividends, loans, and advances. Our ability to access IMFT's cash and other assets through dividends, loans, or advances, including to finance our other operations, is subject to agreement by Intel.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information to be set forth in our 2015 Proxy Statement under the section entitled "Equity Compensation Plan Information," which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 3, 2015.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Since the first quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.25 billion of our common stock, $250 million of which was authorized in the first quarter of 2016. Any repurchases under the authorization may be made in open market purchases, block trades, privately negotiated transactions, and/or derivative transactions, subject to market conditions and our ongoing determination that it is the best use of available cash. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we purchased 35,495,175 shares of our common stock through open market transactions.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we also received 2,685,482 shares of our common stock from the share settlement for a portion of our 2031 Capped Calls.

23






Period
 
(a) Total number of shares purchased
 
(b) Average price paid per share(1)
 
(c) Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs(2)
June 5, 2015
July 9, 2015
 
2,196,500

 
$
18.67

 
2,196,500

 
$
766,818,080

July 10, 2015
August 6, 2015
 
19,961,832

 
18.21

 
18,507,698

 
430,818,357

August 7, 2015
September 3, 2015
 
16,022,325

 
17.69

 
14,790,977

 
169,836,046

 
 
 
 
38,180,657

 
18.02

 
35,495,175

 
 
(1) Excludes commissions.
(2) Does not include $250 million repurchase authorization received in the first quarter of 2016.

In our consolidated financial statements, we also treat shares of common stock withheld as payment of withholding taxes or exercise prices in connection with the vesting or exercise of equity awards as common stock repurchases. Those withheld shares of common stock are not considered common stock repurchases under an authorized common stock repurchase plan and accordingly are excluded from the above table.


Performance Graph

The following graph illustrates a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns for our common stock, the S&P 500 Composite Index, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) from August 31, 2010, through August 31, 2015. We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year which ends on the Thursday closest to August 31.  Accordingly, the last day of our fiscal year varies.  For consistent presentation and comparison to the industry indices shown herein, we have calculated our stock performance graph assuming an August 31 year end.

Note:  Management cautions that the stock price performance information shown in the graph above is provided as of August 31 for the years presented and may not be indicative of current stock price levels or future stock price performance.


24




The performance graph above assumes $100 was invested on August 31, 2010 in common stock of Micron Technology, Inc., the S&P 500 Composite Index, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX).  Any dividends paid during the period presented were assumed to be reinvested.  The performance was plotted using the following data:

 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Micron Technology, Inc.
 
$
100

 
$
92

 
$
96

 
$
210

 
$
505

 
$
254

S&P 500 Composite Index
 
100

 
119

 
140

 
166

 
208

 
209

Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX)
 
100

 
117

 
132

 
156

 
223

 
217




ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions except per share amounts)
Net sales
 
$
16,192

 
$
16,358

 
$
9,073

 
$
8,234

 
$
8,788

Gross margin
 
5,215

 
5,437

 
1,847

 
968

 
1,758

Operating income (loss)
 
2,998

 
3,087

 
236

 
(612
)
 
761

Net income (loss)
 
2,899

 
3,079

 
1,194

 
(1,031
)
 
190

Net income (loss) attributable to Micron
 
2,899

 
3,045

 
1,190

 
(1,032
)
 
167

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
2.47

 
2.54

 
1.13

 
(1.04
)
 
0.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments
 
3,521

 
4,534

 
3,101

 
2,559

 
2,160

Total current assets
 
8,596

 
10,245

 
8,911

 
5,758

 
5,832

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
10,554

 
8,682

 
7,626

 
7,103

 
7,555

Total assets
 
24,143

 
22,416

 
19,068

 
14,295

 
14,730

Total current liabilities
 
3,905

 
4,791

 
4,122

 
2,243

 
2,480

Long-term debt
 
6,252

 
4,893

 
4,406

 
3,005

 
1,839

Redeemable convertible notes
 
49

 
68

 

 

 

Total Micron shareholders’ equity
 
12,302

 
10,760

 
9,142

 
7,700

 
8,470

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
937

 
802

 
864

 
717

 
1,382

Total equity
 
13,239

 
11,562

 
10,006

 
8,417

 
9,852


On July 31, 2013, we completed the MMJ Acquisition, in which we acquired Elpida, now known as MMJ, and a controlling interest in Rexchip, now known as MMT. The MMJ Group's products include mobile DRAM targeted to mobile phones and tablets and computing DRAM targeted to desktop PCs, servers, notebooks, and workstations. The MMJ Acquisition included a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility located in Hiroshima, Japan, a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility in Taichung City, Taiwan, and an assembly and test facility located in Akita, Japan. In connection with the MMJ Acquisition, we recorded net assets of $2.60 billion, noncontrolling interests of $168 million, and a gain on the transaction of $1.48 billion in 2013. (See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Micron Memory Japan, Inc.")

We entered into a joint venture relationship with Intel to form IMFT in 2006 and IM Flash Singapore, LLP ("IMFS") in 2007 to manufacture NAND Flash memory products for the exclusive use of the members. We have owned 51% of IMFT from inception through September 3, 2015. Our ownership percentage of IMFS had increased from 51% at inception to 82% as of April 6, 2012 due to a series of contributions by us that were not fully matched by Intel. On April 6, 2012, we entered into a series of agreements with Intel to restructure IMFT and IMFS, in which we acquired Intel's remaining 18% interest in IMFS for $466 million. In addition, we acquired IMFT's assets located at our Virginia wafer fabrication facility, for which Intel received a distribution from IMFT of $139 million. For both transactions, the amounts Intel received approximated the book values of Intel's interests in the assets acquired. We consolidate IMFT (and IMFS through April 6, 2012) and report Intel's ownership interests as noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. (See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – IMFT.")

25






ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements such as those made in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" regarding our pursuit of additional financing and debt restructuring, regarding capital spending in 2016, regarding the expansion of our clean room space in Singapore, regarding the sufficiency of our cash and investments, cash flows from operations, and available financing to meet our requirements for at least the next 12 months, and regarding the timing of payments for certain contractual obligations; and in "Recently Issued Accounting Standards" regarding the impact of adopting these new standards. Our actual results could differ materially from our historical results and those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, those identified in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors." This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended September 3, 2015. All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated. Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Thursday closest to August 31. Our fiscal 2015 contains 53 weeks and our fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 each contained 52 weeks. All production data includes the production of IMFT and Inotera. All tabular dollar amounts are in millions except per share amounts.

Our Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is provided in addition to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. MD&A is organized as follows:

Overview:  Overview of our operations and business.
Results of Operations:  An analysis of our financial results consisting of the following:
Consolidated results;
Operating results by business segment;
Operating results by product; and
Operating expenses and other.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:  An analysis of changes in our balance sheet and cash flows and discussion of our financial condition and potential sources of liquidity.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements: Description of off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Estimates:  Accounting estimates that we believe are most important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results and forecasts.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards


Overview

For an overview of our business, see "Part I – Item 1. – Business – Overview."




26




Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
16,192

 
100
 %
 
$
16,358

 
100
 %
 
$
9,073

 
100
 %
Cost of goods sold
 
10,977

 
68
 %
 
10,921

 
67
 %
 
7,226

 
80
 %
Gross margin
 
5,215

 
32
 %
 
5,437

 
33
 %
 
1,847

 
20
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
719

 
4
 %
 
707

 
4
 %
 
562

 
6
 %
Research and development
 
1,540

 
10
 %
 
1,371

 
8
 %
 
931

 
10
 %
Restructure and asset impairments
 
3

 
 %
 
40

 
 %
 
126

 
1
 %
Other operating (income) expense, net
 
(45
)
 
 %
 
232

 
1
 %
 
(8
)
 
 %
Operating income
 
2,998

 
19
 %
 
3,087

 
19
 %
 
236

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income (expense), net
 
(336
)
 
(2
)%
 
(329
)
 
(2
)%
 
(217
)
 
(2
)%
Gain on MMJ Acquisition
 

 
 %
 
(33
)
 
 %
 
1,484

 
16
 %
Other non-operating income (expense), net
 
(53
)
 
 %
 
8

 
 %
 
(218
)
 
(2
)%
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
(157
)
 
(1
)%
 
(128
)
 
(1
)%
 
(8
)
 
 %
Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees
 
447

 
3
 %
 
474

 
3
 %
 
(83
)
 
(1
)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 %
 
(34
)
 
 %
 
(4
)
 
 %
Net income attributable to Micron
 
$
2,899

 
18
 %
 
$
3,045

 
19
 %
 
$
1,190

 
13
 %

Business Segments

We have the following four business units, which are our reportable segments:

Compute and Networking Business Unit ("CNBU"): Includes memory products sold into compute, networking, graphics, and cloud server markets.
Mobile Business Unit ("MBU"): Includes memory products sold into smartphone, tablet, and other mobile-device markets.
Storage Business Unit ("SBU"): Includes memory products sold into enterprise, client, cloud, and removable storage markets. SBU also includes products sold to Intel through our IMFT joint venture.
Embedded Business Unit ("EBU"): Includes memory products sold into automotive, industrial, connected home, and consumer electronics markets.

Acquisition of Micron Memory Japan, Inc.

On July 31, 2013, we completed the MMJ Acquisition, in which we acquired Elpida, now known as MMJ, and a controlling interest in Rexchip, now known as MMT. In 2014, we purchased additional interests in MMT, increasing our ownership interest to 99.5%. In connection with the MMJ Acquisition, we recorded net assets of $2.60 billion, noncontrolling interests of $168 million and a gain on the transaction of $1.48 billion in 2013. In the second quarter of 2014, the provisional amounts recorded in connection with the MMJ Acquisition were adjusted, primarily for pre-petition liabilities. As a result, other non-operating expense for 2014 included these measurement period adjustments of $33 million. (See "Item 8. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Micron Memory Japan, Inc.")

The MMJ Acquisition included a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility located in Hiroshima, Japan, a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility in Taichung City, Taiwan, and an assembly and test facility located in Akita, Japan. These wafer fabrication facilities together represented approximately 30% of our total wafer capacity for 2015. The MMJ Group's products include mobile DRAM targeted to mobile phones and tablets, and computing DRAM targeted to desktop PCs, servers, notebooks, and workstations. The operations from the MMJ Acquisition are included primarily in the MBU and CNBU segments.


27




Net Sales
For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CNBU
 
$
6,725

 
42
%
 
$
7,333

 
45
%
 
$
3,462

 
38
%
MBU
 
3,692

 
23
%
 
3,627

 
22
%
 
1,214

 
13
%
SBU
 
3,687

 
23
%
 
3,480

 
21
%
 
2,824

 
31
%
EBU
 
1,999

 
12
%
 
1,774

 
11
%
 
1,275

 
14
%
All Other
 
89

 
1
%
 
144

 
1
%
 
298

 
3
%
 
 
$
16,192

 

 
$
16,358

 


 
$
9,073

 


Percentages reflect rounding and may not total 100%.

Total net sales for 2015 decreased 1% as compared to 2014 primarily due to lower CNBU sales as a result of decreases in DRAM sales as declines in average selling prices outpaced increases in gigabit sales volumes. SBU and MBU sales for 2015 increased as compared to 2014 as a result of higher NAND Flash sales due to increases in gigabit sales volumes partially offset by declines in average selling prices. EBU sales for 2015 increased as compared to 2014 due to higher sales volumes as a result of increases in market demand. The increases in gigabit sales volumes for 2015 were primarily attributable to higher manufacturing output due to improvements in product and process technologies.

Total net sales for 2014 increased 80% as compared to 2013 primarily due to higher CNBU and MBU sales resulting from the MMJ Acquisition. Net sales for all segments in 2014 also benefitted, as compared to 2013, from increases in DRAM and NAND Flash sales volumes driven primarily by higher manufacturing output as a result of improvements in product and process technology and an increased share of output from Inotera.

Gross Margin

Our overall gross margin percentage declined to 32% for 2015 from 33% for 2014 primarily due to declines in average selling prices partially offset by manufacturing cost reductions. CNBU and SBU experienced declines in gross margin percentage for 2015 as compared to 2014 as declines in average selling price outpaced manufacturing cost reductions. MBU's gross margin percentage for 2015 improved as compared to 2014 as manufacturing cost reductions outpaced declines in average selling prices.

Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at prices reflecting discounts from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed a supply agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016 (the "2016 Supply Agreement"), which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us.  The 2016 Supply Agreement has an initial two-year term, followed by a three-year wind-down period, and contemplates negotiations in late 2016 with respect to a two-year extension, and annual negotiations thereafter with respect to successive one-year extensions.  Upon termination of the initial two-year term of the 2016 Supply Agreement, or any extensions, we would purchase DRAM from Inotera during the wind-down period. Our share of Inotera's capacity would decline over the wind-down period. In 2015 and 2014, our cost of products purchased from Inotera was significantly higher than our cost of similar products manufactured in our wholly-owned facilities, due to the pricing formula of the current agreement and strong market conditions.  Under the market conditions prevailing in the fourth quarter of 2015, costs of products purchased under the current agreement were higher than they would have been under the pricing formula of the 2016 Supply Agreement. We purchased $2.37 billion, $2.68 billion, and $1.26 billion of DRAM products from Inotera in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Our overall gross margin percentage improved to 33% for 2014 from 20% for 2013 primarily due to improvements in the gross margin percentage for CNBU and MBU as a result of higher margins for DRAM products. The gross margin improvements for CNBU and MBU for 2014 as compared to 2013 resulted primarily from the MMJ Acquisition, manufacturing cost reductions, and higher average selling prices for CNBU. Our gross margin percentage on sales of DRAM products for 2014 improved from 2013 primarily due to reductions in costs and increases in average selling prices. Cost reductions for 2014 primarily reflected improvements in product and process technologies and the comparatively lower manufacturing costs of the MMJ Group, partially offset by higher costs for product obtained under the Inotera supply agreement. For 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2013, our costs of goods sold for DRAM products included the sale of the MMJ Group's inventories recorded at fair value in the MMJ Acquisition, which was higher than the manufacturing cost of such inventories. This increased our costs of goods sold by approximately $153 million for 2014 and $41 million for 2013.


28




Operating Results by Business Segments

CNBU

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
6,725

 
$
7,333

 
$
3,462

Operating income
 
1,481

 
1,957

 
160


CNBU sales and operating results are significantly impacted by average selling prices, gigabit sales volumes, and cost per gigabit of our DRAM products. (See "Operating Results by Product – DRAM" for further detail.) CNBU sales for 2015 decreased 8% as compared to 2014 primarily due to declines in average selling prices as a result of continued weakness in the PC sector, partially offset by increases in gigabits sold. CNBU operating income for 2015 declined from 2014 as decreases in average selling prices outpaced manufacturing cost reductions.

CNBU sales for 2014 increased 112% as compared to 2013 primarily due to (1) the MMJ Acquisition, (2) higher average selling prices, (3) increased DRAM supply from Inotera as a result of the restructuring of our supply agreement, and (4) higher output due to improvements in product and process technologies. CNBU sales for 2014 as compared to 2013 were adversely impacted by the transition of production at one of our Singapore wafer fabrication facilities from DRAM to NAND Flash. CNBU operating income for 2014 improved from 2013 primarily due to the MMJ Acquisition, higher average selling prices, and manufacturing cost reductions.

MBU

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
3,692

 
$
3,627

 
$
1,214

Operating income (loss)
 
1,126

 
683

 
(265
)

In 2015 and 2014, MBU sales were comprised primarily of DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash, in decreasing order of revenue, with mobile DRAM products accounting for a significant majority of the sales. MBU sales for 2015 increased 2% as compared to 2014 primarily due to significant increases in gigabit sales volumes for managed NAND Flash and MCP products partially offset by lower sales of mobile DRAM products as a result of declines in average selling prices and sales volumes. MBU operating income for 2015 improved from 2014 as manufacturing cost reductions outpaced declines in average selling prices.

MBU sales for 2014 increased 199% as compared to 2013 primarily due to significant increases in mobile DRAM sales as a result of the MMJ Acquisition. MBU operating margin for 2014 also improved from 2013 primarily due to the MMJ Acquisition and manufacturing cost reductions, which significantly outpaced declines in average selling prices.

SBU

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
3,687

 
$
3,480

 
$
2,824

Operating income (loss)
 
(89
)
 
255

 
173


SBU sales and operating results are significantly impacted by average selling prices, gigabit sales volumes, and cost per gigabit of our NAND Flash products. (See "Operating Results by Product – Non-Volatile Memory" for further details.) SBU sales for 2015 increased 6% from 2014 primarily due to increases in gigabits sold partially offset by declines in average selling prices. SBU sells a portion of its products to Intel through our IMFT joint venture at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost. SBU sales of products to Intel under this arrangement were $420 million, $423 million, and $387 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. All other SBU products are sold to OEMs, resellers, retailers, and other customers (including Intel), which we collectively refer to as "trade customers."


29




SBU sales of NAND Flash products to trade customers for 2015 increased 7% as compared to 2014 primarily due to increases in gigabits sold partially offset by declines in average selling prices. Increases in gigabits sold for 2015 as compared to 2014 were primarily due to higher manufacturing output. SBU operating margin for 2015 declined from 2014 as decreases in average selling prices outpaced manufacturing cost reductions and R&D costs increased in connection with increased spending on controllers, firmware, and engineering for SSDs and managed NAND Flash products.

SBU sales for 2014 increased 23% from 2013 primarily due to increases in gigabits sold partially offset by declines in average selling prices. Increases in gigabits sold for 2014 were primarily due to the transition in 2014 of production at one of our wafer fabrication facilities in Singapore from DRAM to NAND Flash and improvements in product and process technologies. SBU sales of NAND Flash products to trade customers for 2014 increased 26% as compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in gigabits sold partially offset by declines in average selling prices. SBU operating income for 2014 improved from 2013 primarily due to higher gigabit sales volumes as manufacturing cost reductions were essentially offset by declines in average selling prices.

EBU

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
1,999

 
$
1,774

 
$
1,275

Operating income
 
435

 
331

 
227


In 2015 and 2014, EBU sales were comprised of DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash in decreasing order of revenue. EBU sales for 2015 increased 13% as compared to 2014 primarily due to higher sales volumes of DRAM and NAND Flash products as a result of increases in demand. EBU operating income for 2015 improved as compared to 2014 primarily due to the higher sales volumes.

EBU sales for 2014 increased 39% as compared to 2013 primarily due to increased sales volumes of DRAM and NAND Flash products partially offset by declines in average selling prices. EBU operating income for 2014 improved as compared to 2013 primarily due to higher margins on sales of DRAM and NAND Flash products as a result of the increase in sales and cost reductions.

Operating Results by Product

Net Sales by Product

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
DRAM
 
$
10,339

 
64
%
 
$
11,164

 
68
%
 
$
4,361

 
48
%
Non-Volatile Memory
 
5,274

 
33
%
 
4,468

 
27
%
 
3,589

 
40
%
Other
 
579

 
4
%
 
726

 
4
%
 
1,123

 
12
%
 
 
$
16,192

 
 
 
$
16,358

 
 
 
$
9,073

 
 
Percentages reflect rounding and may not total 100%.

Non-Volatile Memory includes NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory. Through 2015, substantially all of our Non-Volatile Memory sales were from NAND Flash products. Sales of NOR Flash products are included in Other. Information regarding our MCP products, which combine both NAND Flash and DRAM components, is reported within Non-Volatile Memory.

DRAM

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(percentage change from prior period)
Net sales
 
(7
)%
 
156
 %
Average selling prices per gigabit
 
(11
)%
 
6
 %
Gigabits sold
 
4
 %
 
142
 %
Cost per gigabit
 
(12
)%
 
(20
)%

30





The increase in gigabit sales volumes of DRAM products for 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to increases in gigabit production despite our continued preparation of fabrication facilities for production of the next technology node, which constrained output. DRAM gigabit production growth in 2015 was also impacted by a shift to a higher mix of mobile and DDR4 products, which have larger die sizes and therefore produce fewer bits per wafer. The increase in gigabit sales of DRAM products for 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily due to higher production volumes resulting from the MMJ Acquisition, increased supply under the Inotera supply agreement, and improved product and process technologies, partially offset by the transition of one of our wafer fabrication facilities in Singapore from DRAM to NAND Flash. In 2014, DRAM products produced by facilities acquired in the MMJ Acquisition constituted 54% of our aggregate DRAM gigabit production as compared to 9% in 2013.

In 2015 and 2014, our cost of products purchased from Inotera was significantly higher than our cost of similar products manufactured in our wholly-owned facilities, due to the pricing formula of the current agreement and strong market conditions.  Under the market conditions prevailing in the fourth quarter of 2015, costs of products purchased under the current agreement were higher than they would have been under the pricing formula of the 2016 Supply Agreement. DRAM products acquired from Inotera accounted for 35% of our aggregate DRAM gigabit production for 2015 as compared to 38% for 2014 and 54% for 2013.

Our gross margin percentage on sales of DRAM products for 2015 improved from 2014 as manufacturing cost reductions outpaced declines in average selling prices. Our gross margin percentage on sales of DRAM products for 2014 improved from 2013 primarily due to reductions in costs and increases in average selling prices. Cost reductions for 2014 primarily reflected improvements in product and process technologies and the comparatively lower manufacturing costs of the MMJ Group partially offset by higher costs for product obtained under the Inotera supply agreement and the sale of the MMJ Group's inventories recorded in the MMJ Acquisition.

Non-Volatile Memory

The following discussion focuses on sales of NAND Flash products which constituted substantially all of Non-Volatile Memory sales through 2015. This discussion of NAND Flash excludes NAND Flash products manufactured and sold to Intel through IMFT at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost.

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(percentage change from prior period)
Sales to trade customers:
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
20
 %
 
27
 %
Average selling prices per gigabit
 
(17
)%
 
(23
)%
Gigabits sold
 
45
 %
 
65
 %
Cost per gigabit
 
(10
)%
 
(23
)%

The increase in NAND Flash gigabits sold to trade customers for 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to higher production from improved product and process technologies and the transition of our wafer fabrication facility in Singapore from DRAM to NAND Flash production. Increases in gigabit production of NAND Flash products for 2015 as compared to 2014 were limited by a shift in product mix to higher levels of managed NAND Flash and MCP products, which have both higher average selling prices and costs per gigabit. Increases in NAND Flash gigabits sold to trade customers for 2014 as compared to 2013 were primarily due to the transition of our wafer fabrication facility in Singapore from DRAM to NAND Flash production and improvements in product and process technologies.

Our gross margin percentage on sales of trade NAND Flash products for 2015 declined from 2014 as the declines in average selling prices outpaced manufacturing cost reductions resulting from improvements in product and process technologies. Our gross margin percentage on sales of trade NAND Flash products for 2014 was relatively unchanged from 2013 as manufacturing cost reductions offset declines in average selling prices. Manufacturing cost reductions for 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily resulted from improvements in product and process technologies.




31




Operating Expenses and Other

Selling, General and Administrative

SG&A expenses for 2015 increased 2% as compared to 2014 primarily due to an additional week in 2015 and higher legal costs.

SG&A expenses for 2014 increased 26% as compared to 2013 primarily due to the incremental costs resulting from the MMJ Acquisition and higher payroll costs resulting primarily from the reinstatement of variable pay plans.

Research and Development

R&D expenses for 2015 increased 12% from 2014 primarily due to a higher volume of development wafers processed, an increase in depreciation expense due to R&D capital expenditures, higher payroll costs, higher subcontracted engineering and other professional service costs, and an additional week in 2015. Increases in R&D expenses for 2015 as compared to 2014 were partly attributable to increased spending on controllers, firmware, and engineering to support system level products, including SSD, managed NAND Flash, and HMC products.

R&D expenses for 2014 increased 47% from 2013 primarily due to the incremental costs resulting from the MMJ Acquisition, higher payroll costs resulting primarily from the reinstatement of variable pay plans, and increased resources dedicated to development efforts.

We generally share with Intel the costs of product design and process development activities for NAND Flash memory and 3D XPoint memory. Our R&D expenses reflect net reductions of $231 million, $162 million, and $176 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, as a result of reimbursements under our Intel and other cost-sharing arrangements.

Our process technology R&D efforts are focused primarily on development of successively smaller line-width process technologies which are designed to facilitate our transition to next generation memory products. Additional process technology R&D efforts focus on the enablement of advanced computing and mobile memory architectures, the investigation of new opportunities that leverage our core semiconductor expertise, and the development of new manufacturing materials. Product design and development efforts include our high density DDR3 and DDR4 DRAM, Mobile LPDRAM products, high density NAND Flash memory (including 3D NAND and MLC and TLC technologies), 3D XPoint memory, SSDs, Hybrid Memory Cubes, specialty memory, NOR Flash memory, and other memory technologies and systems.

Restructure and Asset Impairments

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Loss on impairment of LED assets
 
$
1

 
$
(6
)
 
$
33

Loss on impairment of MIT assets
 

 
(5
)
 
62

Gain on termination of lease to Transform
 

 

 
(25
)
Loss on restructure of ST consortium agreement
 

 

 
26

Other
 
2

 
51

 
30

 
 
$
3

 
$
40

 
$
126


In order to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and increase our focus on our core memory operations, we have entered into various restructure activities. For 2014 and 2013, other restructure included charges associated with our efforts to wind down our 200mm operations primarily in Agrate, Italy and Kiryat Gat, Israel and charges associated with workforce optimization activities, primarily related to our MBU and EBU operating segments. As of September 3, 2015, we do not anticipate incurring any significant additional costs for these restructure activities. (See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Restructure and Asset Impairments.")

Interest Income (Expense)

Net interest expense for 2015, 2014, and 2013, included aggregate amounts of amortization of debt discount and other costs of $138 million, $167 million, and $122 million, respectively.


32




Income Taxes

Our effective tax rates were 6.0%, 4.7%, and 0.6% for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Our effective tax rates reflect the following:

operations in tax jurisdictions, including Singapore and Taiwan, where our earnings are indefinitely reinvested and the effective tax rates in these jurisdictions are significantly lower than the U.S. statutory rate;
operations outside the U.S., including Singapore and, to a lesser extent Taiwan, where we have tax incentive arrangements that decrease our effective tax rates; and
a valuation allowance against substantially all of our U.S. net deferred tax assets.  

Income taxes for 2015 and 2014 included $80 million and $59 million, respectively, related to changes in amounts of net deferred tax assets associated with the MMJ Group. Income taxes for 2013 included benefits of $19 million from the favorable resolution of prior year tax matters and a change in tax laws applicable to prior years.  The remaining tax provision for 2015, 2014, and 2013 primarily reflects taxes on our other non-U.S. operations. Income taxes on U.S. operations for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were substantially offset by changes in the valuation allowance.

We have a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset associated with our U.S. operations.  Management continues to evaluate future projected financial performance to determine whether such performance is sufficient evidence to support a reduction in or reversal of the valuation allowances.  The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if significant positive evidence increases.

We operate in a number of locations outside the U.S., including Singapore and, to a lesser extent, Taiwan, where we have tax incentive agreements that are conditional upon meeting certain business operations and employment thresholds. The effect of tax incentive arrangements, which expire in whole or in part at various dates through 2030, reduced our tax provision for 2015, 2014, and 2013 by $338 million (benefitting our diluted earnings per share by $0.29), $286 million ($0.24 per diluted share), and $141 million ($0.13 per diluted share), respectively.

(See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Income Taxes.")

Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Equity Method Investees

We recognize our share of earnings or losses from equity method investments, generally on a two-month lag.  Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees, net of tax, included the following:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Inotera
 
$
445

 
$
465

 
$
(79
)
Tera Probe
 
1

 
11

 

Other
 
1

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
 
$
447

 
$
474

 
$
(83
)

Our share of earnings for 2015 included $49 million for the net effect of Inotera's full release of its valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets related to its net operating loss carryforward and the resulting tax provision in subsequent periods. As a result of the release, Inotera's future net income is subject to tax provisions. Our equity in net income of Inotera declined for 2015 as compared to 2014 due to a decrease in Inotera's operating results as a result of declines in average selling prices.

Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at prices reflecting a discount from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed the 2016 Supply Agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016, which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us. In 2015 and in 2014, our cost of products purchased from Inotera was significantly higher than our cost of similar products manufactured in our wholly-owned facilities, due to the pricing formula of the current agreement and strong market conditions. Under the market conditions prevailing in the fourth quarter of 2015, costs of products purchased under the current agreement were higher than they would have been under the pricing formula of the 2016 Supply Agreement.


33




Other Operating and Non-Operating

In 2014, we settled all pending litigation between us and Rambus, including all antitrust and patent matters, and entered into a patent cross-license agreement.  As a result, other operating expense for 2014 included a $233 million charge to accrue a liability, which reflects the discounted value of amounts due under this arrangement.

Other non-operating expense for 2015, 2014, and 2013 included losses from the restructure of our debt of $49 million, $184 million, and $31 million, respectively. (See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt.")

Other non-operating expense included losses from changes in currency exchange rates of $27 million, $28 million, and $229 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The loss for 2013 included a $228 million loss for currency contracts to hedge our yen-denominated obligations in connection with the MMJ Acquisition.

On August 15, 2014, ON Semiconductor Corporation acquired Aptina for approximately $433 million and we recognized a non-operating gain of $119 million on the sale of our shares based on our diluted ownership interest of approximately 27%.

On May 15, 2014, Inotera issued 400 million common shares in a public offering at a price equal to 31.50 New Taiwan dollars per share, which was in excess of our carrying value per share. As a result of the issuance, our ownership interest decreased from 35% to 33% and we recognized a non-operating gain of $93 million in 2014. On May 28, 2013, Inotera issued 634 million common shares to Nanya and certain of its affiliates in a private placement at a price equal to 9.47 New Taiwan dollars per share, which was in excess of our carrying value per share. As a result of the issuance, our ownership interest decreased from 40% to 35% and we recognized a non-operating gain of $48 million in 2013.

Further discussion of other operating and non-operating income and expenses can be found in the following notes contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements":

Equity Plans
Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and financing obtained from capital markets. We generated cash from operations of $5.21 billion in 2015 and $5.70 billion in 2014. Cash generated from operations is highly dependent on selling prices for our products, which can vary significantly from period to period. We obtained $2.50 billion from debt and lease financing in 2015 and $2.23 billion in 2014. As of September 3, 2015, we had (1) revolving credit facilities available that provide for up to $842 million of additional financing based on eligible receivables and inventories and (2) a term loan agreement available to obtain financing collateralized by certain property, plant, and equipment in the amount of 6.90 billion New Taiwan dollars or an equivalent amount in U.S. dollars (approximately $213 million as of September 3, 2015), of which we drew $40 million on June 18, 2015. We are continuously evaluating alternatives for efficiently funding capital expenditures, dilution-management activities (including repurchases of convertible notes and our common stock), and ongoing operations. We expect, from time to time in the future, to engage in a variety of transactions for such purposes, including the issuance or incurrence of secured and unsecured debt and the refinancing and restructuring of existing debt.

To develop new product and process technologies, support future growth, achieve operating efficiencies, and maintain product quality, we must continue to invest in manufacturing technologies, facilities and equipment, and R&D. As a result of the MMJ acquisition and our expansion in Singapore, we expect our future capital spending will be higher than our historical levels. We estimate that cash expenditures in 2016 for property, plant, and equipment will be approximately $5.3 billion to $5.8 billion, which includes amounts we expect to be funded by our partners. The actual amounts for 2016 will vary depending on market conditions. Investments in capital expenditures for 2015 were $4.12 billion. Total additions to property, plant, and equipment were $4.46 billion, which, in comparison to cash expenditures, reflects differences in timing of receipts and payments for equipment as well as non-cash additions such as equipment leases. As of September 3, 2015, we had commitments of approximately $1.62 billion for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment, substantially all of which is expected to be paid within one year.


34




In December 2014, we announced plans to add approximately 255,000 square feet of clean room space to our fabrication facility in Singapore.  This expansion facilitates efficient implementation of 3D NAND Flash production at the Singapore facility and gives us the flexibility to gradually add incremental capacity in response to market requirements.  Construction of the additional space began in 2015 with initial manufacturing output likely in 2017.  Subject to market conditions, we estimate capital expenditures of approximately $1.93 billion in 2016 related to this facility.

Since the first quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors has authorized the discretionary repurchase of up to $1.25 billion of our outstanding common stock, $250 million of which was authorized in the first quarter of 2016. Any repurchases under the authorization may be made in open market purchases, block trades, privately-negotiated transactions, and/or derivative transactions. Repurchases are subject to market conditions and our ongoing determination of the best use of available cash. During 2015, we repurchased 42 million shares for $831 million (including commissions) in the open market.

We expect that our cash and investments, cash flows from operations, and available financing will be sufficient to meet our requirements at least through the next 12 months.

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Cash and equivalents and short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
Bank deposits
 
$
1,684

 
$
2,445

Corporate bonds
 
618

 
154

Government securities
 
449

 
136

Certificates of deposit
 
339

 
410

Commercial paper
 
255

 
107

Money market funds
 
168

 
1,281

Asset-backed securities
 
8

 
1

 
 
$
3,521

 
$
4,534

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term marketable investments
 
$
2,113

 
$
819


As of September 3, 2015, $2.17 billion of our cash and equivalents and short-term investments was held by foreign subsidiaries, of which $149 million was denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. To mitigate credit risk, we invest through high-credit-quality financial institutions and, by policy, generally limit the concentration of credit exposure by restricting the amount of investments with any single obligor.

Limitations on the Use of Cash and Investments

MMJ Group: Cash and equivalents and short-term investments in the table above included an aggregate of $748 million held by the MMJ Group as of September 3, 2015. As a result of the corporate reorganization proceedings of the MMJ Companies entered into in March 2012 and for so long as such proceedings are continuing, the MMJ Companies and their subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on dividends, loans, and advances. The plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies prohibit the MMJ Companies from paying dividends, including any cash dividends, to us and require that excess earnings be used in their businesses or to fund the MMJ Companies' installment payments. These prohibitions also effectively prevent the subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies from paying cash dividends. In addition, pursuant to an order of the Japan Court, the MMJ Companies cannot make loans or advances, other than certain ordinary course advances, to us without the consent of the Japan Court. Moreover, loans or advances by subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies may be considered outside of the ordinary course of business and subject to approval of the legal trustee and Japan Court. As a result, the assets of the MMJ Group are not available for use by us in our other operations. Moreover, certain uses of the assets of the MMJ Group, including investments in certain capital expenditures and in MMT, may require consent of MMJ's trustees and/or the Japan Court.

IMFT: Cash and equivalents and short-term investments in the table above included $134 million held by IMFT as of September 3, 2015. Our ability to access funds held by IMFT to finance our other operations is subject to agreement by Intel and contractual limitations. Amounts held by IMFT are not anticipated to be available to finance our other operations.


35




Indefinitely Reinvested: As of September 3, 2015, we had $1.48 billion of cash and equivalents and short-term investments, including substantially all of the amounts held by the MMJ Group, that were held by foreign subsidiaries whose earnings were considered to be indefinitely reinvested and repatriation of these funds to the U.S. would subject these funds to U.S. federal income taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.21 billion for 2015. Cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to net income generated by our operations, adjusted for certain non-cash items.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $6.23 billion for 2015, which consisted primarily of cash expenditures of $4.02 billion for property, plant, and equipment and $2.14 billion of net outflows for investments in available-for-sale securities.

Financing Activities

Net cash used by financing activities was $718 million for 2015, which included outflows of $2.33 billion for repayments of debt (including $932 million for the amount in excess of principal of our convertible notes), $831 million for the open-market repurchases of 42 million shares of our common stock, and $95 million of payments on equipment purchase contracts. Cash outflows for financing activities in 2015 were partially offset by inflows of $2.00 billion in aggregate from the issuance of the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, and 2026 Notes, $291 million from the proceeds of sale-leaseback transactions, $125 million from draws on our revolving credit facilities, and $87 million from term loans.

2015 Debt Activity

Throughout 2015, we reduced the dilutive effects of our convertible notes through conversions and repurchases. As a result, we eliminated convertible notes that were convertible into approximately 37 million shares of our common stock. The following table summarized our debt restructure activities in 2015.

 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Principal
 
Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value
 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
 
(Decrease) in Equity
 
Loss(1)
Conversions and settlements
 
$
(121
)
 
$
(367
)
 
$
(408
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(22
)
Repurchases
 
(368
)
 
(319
)
 
(1,019
)
 
(676
)
 
(22
)
Issuances
 
2,000

 
1,979

 
1,979

 

 

Early repayment
 
(121
)
 
(115
)
 
(122
)
 

 
(5
)
 
 
$
1,390

 
$
1,178

 
$
430

 
$
(691
)
 
$
(49
)
(1) 
Included in other non-operating expense.

Potential Settlement Obligations of Convertible Notes

Since the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ended September 30, 2015 exceeded 130% of the conversion price per share of our 2032 Notes and 2033 Notes, holders of those notes have the right to convert their notes at any time through December 31, 2015. For all of our convertible notes, we have either: (1) the requirement to pay cash for the principal amount and the option to pay either cash, shares of our common stock, or any combination thereof for any remaining conversion obligation, or (2) the option to pay cash, issue shares of common stock, or any combination thereof for the aggregate amount due upon conversion.


36




The following table summarizes the potential settlements, as of September 3, 2015, that we could be required to make if all holders converted their 2032 Notes and 2033 Notes:
 
 
Conversion Price Per Share
 
Settlement Option for Principal Amount
 
Outstanding Principal
 
If Settled With Minimum Cash Required(1)
 
If Settled Entirely With Cash(2)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
Remainder in Shares
 
Cash
2032C Notes
 
$
9.63

 
Cash and/or shares
 
$
224

 
$

 
23

 
$
385

2032D Notes
 
9.98

 
Cash and/or shares
 
177

 

 
18

 
294

2033E Notes
 
10.93

 
Cash
 
233

 
233

 
7

 
354

2033F Notes
 
10.93

 
Cash
 
297

 
297

 
9

 
451

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
931

 
$
530

 
57

 
$
1,484

(1) 
We are required to settle the principal amount of the 2033 Notes in cash. The remaining conversion obligation paid in shares is based on our closing share price of $16.59 as of September 3, 2015.
(2) 
Based on our closing share price of $16.59 as of September 3, 2015. Assumes we elect cash settlement for the entire obligation.

Contractual Obligations

 
 
Payments Due by Period
As of September 3, 2015
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years

 
3-5 years

 
More than 5 years
Notes payable(1)(2)
 
$
9,429

 
$
556

 
$
1,315

 
$
1,712

 
$
5,846

Capital lease obligations(2)
 
852

 
349

 
304

 
123

 
76

Operating leases(3)
 
682

 
218

 
402

 
27

 
35

Purchase obligations
 
2,545

 
2,189

 
335

 
11

 
10

Other long-term liabilities(4)
 
716

 
222

 
304

 
152

 
38

Total
 
$
14,224

 
$
3,534

 
$
2,660

 
$
2,025

 
$
6,005

(1) Amounts include MMJ Creditor Installment Payments, convertible notes, and other notes. Any future redemptions, repurchases, or conversions of convertible debt could impact the amount and timing of our cash payments.
(2) Amounts include principal and interest.
(3) Amounts include contractually obligated minimum lease payments for operating leases having an initial noncancelable term in excess of one year.
(4) Amounts represent future cash payments to satisfy other long-term liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, including $222 million for the current portion of these long-term liabilities. We are unable to reliably estimate the timing of future payments related to uncertain tax positions and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities; therefore, $91 million in aggregate of long-term income taxes payable and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities has been excluded from the preceding table. However, other noncurrent liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheet included these uncertain tax positions and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities.

The expected timing of payment amounts of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on current information. Timing and actual amounts paid may differ depending on the timing of receipt of goods or services, market prices, changes to agreed-upon amounts, or timing of certain events for some obligations. The contractual obligations in the table above include the current portions of the related long-term obligations. All other current liabilities are excluded.

Purchase obligations include all commitments to purchase goods or services of either a fixed or minimum quantity that meet any of the following criteria: (1) they are noncancelable, (2) we would incur a penalty if the agreement was canceled, or (3) we must make specified minimum payments even if we do not take delivery of the contracted products or services ("take-or-pay"). If the obligation to purchase goods or services is noncancelable, the entire value of the contract was included in the above table. If the obligation is cancelable, but we would incur a penalty if canceled, the dollar amount of the penalty was included as a purchase obligation. Contracted minimum amounts specified in take-or-pay contracts are also included in the above table as they represent the portion of each contract that is a firm commitment.


37




Inotera Supply Agreements: Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at prices reflecting discounts from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed the 2016 Supply Agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016, which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us.  The 2016 Supply Agreement has an initial two-year term, followed by a three-year wind-down period, and contemplates negotiations in late 2016 with respect to a two-year extension, and annual negotiations thereafter with respect to successive one-year extensions.  Upon termination of the initial two-year term of the 2016 Supply Agreement, or any extensions, we would purchase DRAM from Inotera during the wind-down period. Our share of Inotera's capacity would decline over the wind-down period. We purchased $2.37 billion of DRAM products from Inotera in 2015 under the current agreement. The current agreement does not contain a fixed or minimum purchase quantity as quantities are based on qualified production output and pricing fluctuates as it is based on market prices. Therefore, we did not include any amounts under the current agreement in the contractual obligations table above. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, payments are primarily based on fluctuating quantities and prices, but a portion of the expected costs under the agreement meet the criteria of a minimum lease payment under an operating lease and are included in the table above.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have entered into capped calls, which are intended to reduce the effect of potential dilution from our convertible notes.  The capped calls provide for our receipt of cash or shares, at our election, from our counterparties if the trading price of our stock is above a specified initial strike price at the expiration dates. The amounts receivable varies based on the trading price of our stock, up to specified cap prices. The dollar value of the cash or shares that we would receive from the capped calls on their expiration dates ranges from $0 if the trading price of our stock is below the initial strike price for all of the capped calls to $814 million if the trading price of our stock is at or above the cap price for all of the capped calls. We paid $57 million in 2011, $103 million in 2012, and $48 million in 2013 to purchase capped calls. The amounts paid were recorded as charges to additional capital. For further details of our capped call arrangements, see "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity – Micron Shareholders' Equity – Capped Calls."


Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures.  Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, forecasted events, and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Estimates and judgments may vary under different assumptions or conditions.  We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.  Our management believes the accounting policies below are critical in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requires management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.

Business Acquisitions: Accounting for acquisitions requires us to estimate the fair value of consideration paid and the individual assets and liabilities acquired, which involves a number of judgments, assumptions, and estimates that could materially affect the amount and timing of costs recognized.  Accounting for acquisitions can also involve significant judgment to determine when control of the acquired entity is transferred. We typically obtain independent third party valuation studies to assist in determining fair values, including assistance in determining future cash flows, appropriate discount rates, and comparable market values. The items involving the most significant assumptions, estimates, and judgments included determining the fair value of the following:

Property, plant, and equipment, including determination of values in a continued-use model;
Deferred tax assets, including projections of future taxable income and tax rates;
Inventory, including estimated future selling prices, timing of product sales, and completion costs for work in process;
Debt, including discount rate and timing of payments; and
Intangible assets, including valuation methodology, estimations of future revenue and costs, profit allocation rates attributable to the acquired technology, and discount rates.


38




Consolidations: We have interests in joint venture entities that are VIEs.  Determining whether to consolidate a VIE requires judgment in assessing whether an entity is a VIE and if we are the entity's primary beneficiary.  To determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we evaluate whether we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Our evaluation includes identification of significant activities and an assessment of our ability to direct those activities based on governance provisions and arrangements to provide or receive product and process technology, product supply, operations services, equity funding, financing, and other applicable agreements and circumstances.  Our assessment of whether we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs requires significant assumptions and judgment.

Contingencies: We are subject to the possibility of losses from various contingencies.  Considerable judgment is necessary to estimate the probability and amount of any loss from such contingencies.  An accrual is made when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset has been impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  We accrue a liability and charge operations for the estimated costs of adjudication or settlement of asserted and unasserted claims existing as of the balance sheet date. In accounting for the resolution of contingencies, considerable judgment may be necessary to estimate amounts pertaining to periods prior to the resolution that are charged to operations in the period of resolution, and amounts related to future periods.

Income Taxes: We are required to estimate our provision for income taxes and amounts ultimately payable or recoverable in numerous tax jurisdictions around the world.  These estimates involve judgment and interpretations of regulations and are inherently complex.  Resolution of income tax treatments in individual jurisdictions may not be known for many years after completion of any fiscal year.  We are also required to evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on an ongoing basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the assessment of our performance and other relevant factors.  Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income. In recent periods, our results of operations have benefitted from increases in the amount of deferred taxes we expect to realize, primarily from the levels of capital spending and increases in the amount of taxable income we expect to realize in Japan and Taiwan.  Our income tax provision or benefit is dependent, in part, on our ability to forecast future taxable income in these and other jurisdictions.  Such forecasts are inherently difficult and involve numerous judgments including, among others, projecting future average selling prices and sales volumes, manufacturing and overhead costs, levels of capital spending, and other factors that significantly impact our analyses of the amount of net deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Cost includes depreciation, labor, material and overhead costs, including product and process technology costs.  Determining net realizable value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including projecting future average selling prices, sales volumes, and costs to complete products in work in process inventories.  To project average selling prices and sales volumes, we review recent sales volumes, existing customer orders, current contract prices, industry analyses of supply and demand, seasonal factors, general economic trends, and other information.  When these analyses reflect estimated net realizable value below our manufacturing costs, we record a charge to cost of goods sold in advance of when the inventory is actually sold.  Differences in forecasted average selling prices used in calculating lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments can result in significant changes in the estimated net realizable value of product inventories and accordingly the amount of write-down recorded.  For example, a 5% variance in the estimated selling prices would have changed the estimated net realizable value of our memory inventory by approximately $195 million as of September 3, 2015.  Due to the volatile nature of the semiconductor memory industry, actual selling prices and volumes often vary significantly from projected prices and volumes; as a result, the timing of when product costs are charged to operations can vary significantly.

U.S. GAAP provides for products to be grouped into categories in order to compare costs to net realizable values.  The amount of any inventory write-down can vary significantly depending on the determination of inventory categories. Inventories are primarily categorized as memory (including DRAM, non-volatile, and other memory) for purposes of determining lower of average cost or net realizable value. The major characteristics we consider in determining inventory categories are product type and markets.

Property, Plant and Equipment: We review the carrying value of property, plant, and equipment for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and/or disposition.  In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  The estimation of future cash flows involves numerous assumptions which require judgment by us, including, but not limited to, future use of the assets for our operations versus sale or disposal of the assets, future selling prices for our products and future production and sales volumes.  In addition, judgment is required in determining the groups of assets for which impairment tests are separately performed.

39





Research and Development: Costs related to the conceptual formulation and design of products and processes are expensed as R&D as incurred.  Determining when product development is complete requires judgment by us.  We deem development of a product complete once the product has been thoroughly reviewed and tested for performance and reliability.  Subsequent to product qualification, product costs are valued in inventory.

Stock-based Compensation: Stock-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense using the straight-line amortization method over the requisite service period.  For performance-based stock awards, the expense recognized is dependent on the probability of the performance measure being achieved.  We utilize forecasts of future performance to assess these probabilities and this assessment requires considerable judgment.

Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life, and forfeiture rates.  We develop these estimates based on historical data and market information which can change significantly over time.  A small change in the estimates used can result in a relatively large change in the estimated valuation.  We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards.  We estimate stock price volatility based on an average of its historical volatility and the implied volatility derived from traded options on our stock.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Recently Adopted Accounting Standards."


Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Recently Issued Accounting Standards."


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our indebtedness and our investment portfolio. Substantially all of our indebtedness is at fixed interest rates. As a result, the fair value of our debt fluctuates based on changes in market interest rates. We estimate that, as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, a hypothetical decrease in market interest rates of 1% would increase the fair value of our notes payable by approximately $366 million and $250 million, respectively. The increase in interest expense caused by a 1% increase in the interest rates of our variable-rate debt would not be significant.

As of September 3, 2015 and August 24, 2014, we held debt securities of $3.83 billion and $1.65 billion, respectively, that were subject to interest rate risk. We estimate that a 0.5% increase in market interest rates would decrease the fair value of these instruments by approximately $13 million as of September 3, 2015 and $6 million as of August 28, 2014.


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the information related to changes in the currency exchange rates in "Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors."  Changes in currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.


40




The functional currency for all of our consolidated subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The substantial majority of our revenues are transacted in the U.S. dollar; however, significant amounts of our operating expenditures and capital purchases are incurred in or exposed to other currencies, primarily the British pound, the euro, the shekel, the Singapore dollar, the New Taiwan dollar, the yen, and the yuan. We have established currency risk management programs for our operating expenditures and capital purchases to hedge against fluctuations in the fair value and volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in currency exchange rates. We utilize currency forward and option contracts in these hedging programs, which reduce, but do not always entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

To hedge our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates from our monetary assets and liabilities, we utilize a rolling hedge strategy for our primary currency exposures with currency forward contracts that generally mature within 35 days.  Based on our foreign currency exposures from monetary assets and liabilities, offset by balance sheet hedges, we estimate that a 10% adverse change in exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar would result in losses of approximately $3 million as of September 3, 2015 and $7 million as of August 28, 2014. To hedge the exposure of changes in cash flows from changes in currency exchange rates for certain capital expenditures, we utilize currency forward contracts that generally mature within 12 months.



41




ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Index to Consolidated Financial Statements


 
Page
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014 and for the fiscal years ended
September 3, 2015, August 28, 2014, and August 29, 2013:
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
Financial Statement Schedules:
 
 
 
Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant
 
 
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


42




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions except per share amounts)

For the year ended
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
 
August 29,
2013
Net sales
 
$
16,192

 
$
16,358

 
$
9,073

Cost of goods sold
 
10,977

 
10,921

 
7,226

Gross margin
 
5,215

 
5,437

 
1,847

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
719

 
707

 
562

Research and development
 
1,540

 
1,371

 
931

Restructure and asset impairments
 
3

 
40

 
126

Other operating (income) expense, net
 
(45
)
 
232

 
(8
)
Operating income
 
2,998

 
3,087

 
236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
35

 
23

 
14

Interest expense
 
(371
)
 
(352
)
 
(231
)
Gain on MMJ Acquisition
 

 
(33
)
 
1,484

Other non-operating income (expense), net
 
(53
)
 
8

 
(218
)
 
 
2,609

 
2,733

 
1,285

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
(157
)
 
(128
)
 
(8
)
Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees
 
447

 
474

 
(83
)
Net income
 
2,899

 
3,079

 
1,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
(34
)
 
(4
)
Net income attributable to Micron
 
$
2,899

 
$
3,045

 
$
1,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.71

 
$
2.87

 
$
1.16

Diluted
 
2.47

 
2.54

 
1.13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares used in per share calculations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
1,070

 
1,060

 
1,022

Diluted
 
1,170

 
1,198

 
1,057
















See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)

For the year ended
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
 
August 29,
2013
Net income
 
$
2,899

 
$
3,079

 
$
1,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(42
)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
 
(18
)
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
Gain (loss) on investments, net
 
(4
)
 
1

 
(1
)
Pension liability adjustments
 
20

 
3

 
(1
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(44
)
 
(7
)
 
(16
)
Total comprehensive income
 
2,855

 
3,072

 
1,178

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
1

 
(34
)
 
(5
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Micron
 
$
2,856

 
$
3,038

 
$
1,173






































See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

44




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except par value amounts)

As of
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
 
$
2,287

 
$
4,150

Short-term investments
 
1,234

 
384

Receivables
 
2,507

 
2,906

Inventories
 
2,340

 
2,455

Other current assets
 
228

 
350

Total current assets
 
8,596

 
10,245

Long-term marketable investments
 
2,113

 
819

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
10,554

 
8,682

Equity method investments
 
1,379

 
971

Intangible assets, net
 
449

 
468

Deferred tax assets
 
597

 
816

Other noncurrent assets
 
455

 
415

Total assets
 
$
24,143

 
$
22,416

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
2,611

 
$
2,864

Deferred income
 
205

 
309

Current debt
 
1,089

 
1,618

Total current liabilities
 
3,905

 
4,791

Long-term debt
 
6,252

 
4,893

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
698

 
1,102

Total liabilities
 
10,855

 
10,786

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable convertible notes
 
49

 
68

 
 
 
 
 
Micron shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, 1,084 shares issued and outstanding (1,073 as of August 28, 2014)
 
108

 
107

Additional capital
 
7,474

 
7,868

Retained earnings
 
5,588

 
2,729

Treasury stock, 45 shares held as of September 3, 2015
 
(881
)
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
13

 
56

Total Micron shareholders' equity
 
12,302

 
10,760

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
937

 
802

Total equity
 
13,239

 
11,562

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
24,143

 
$
22,416






See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

45




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in millions)
 
 
Micron Shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated
Deficit)
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total Micron Shareholders' Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
 
Total Equity
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at August 30, 2012
 
1,018

 
$
102

 
$
8,920

 
$
(1,402
)
 
$

 
$
80

 
$
7,700

 
$
717

 
$
8,417

Net income
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
1,190

 
 
 
 
 
1,190

 
4

 
1,194

Other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17
)
 
(17
)
 
1

 
(16
)
Stock issued under stock plans
 
27

 
2

 
148

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150

 
 
 
150

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
91

 
 
 
91

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
11

 
11

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(37
)
 
(37
)
Noncontrolling interests acquired in connection with business combination
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
168

 
168

Repurchase and retirement of stock
 
(1
)
 

 
(5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5
)
 
 
 
(5
)
Purchase and settlement of capped calls
 
 
 
 
 
(24
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(24
)
 
 
 
(24
)
Issuance and repurchase of convertible notes
 
 
 
 
 
57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57

 
 
 
57

Balance at August 29, 2013
 
1,044

 
$
104

 
$
9,187

 
$
(212
)
 
$

 
$
63

 
$
9,142

 
$
864

 
$
10,006

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,045

 
 
 
 
 
3,045

 
34

 
3,079

Other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
 
 
 
(7
)
Stock issued under stock plans
 
36

 
4

 
262

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
266

 
 
 
266

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
115

 
 
 
115

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
102

 
102

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(18
)
 
(18
)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

 
(180
)
 
(146
)
Repurchase and retirement of stock
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(33
)
 
(42
)
 
 
 
 
 
(76
)
 
 
 
(76
)
Settlement of capped calls and share retirement
 
(3
)
 

 
62

 
(62
)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Redeemable convertible notes
 
 
 
 
 
(68
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(68
)
 
 
 
(68
)
Exchange, conversion and repurchase of convertible notes
 
 
 
 
 
(1,691
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,691
)
 
 
 
(1,691
)
Balance at August 28, 2014
 
1,073

 
$
107

 
$
7,868

 
$
2,729

 
$

 
$
56

 
$
10,760

 
$
802

 
$
11,562

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,899

 
 
 
 
 
2,899

 

 
2,899

Other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(43
)
 
(43
)
 
(1
)
 
(44
)
Stock issued under stock plans
 
13

 
1

 
73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74

 
 
 
74

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
168

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
168

 
 
 
168

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
142

 
142

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Repurchase and retirement of stock
 
(2
)
 

 
(13
)
 
(40
)
 
 
 
 
 
(53
)
 
 
 
(53
)
Repurchase of treasury stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(831
)
 
 
 
(831
)
 
 
 
(831
)
Settlement of capped calls
 
 
 
 
 
50

 
 
 
(50
)
 
 
 

 
 
 

Redeemable convertible notes
 
 
 
 
 
19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19

 
 
 
19

Conversion and repurchase of convertible notes
 
 
 
 
 
(691
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(691
)
 
 
 
(691
)
Balance at September 3, 2015
 
1,084

 
$
108

 
$
7,474

 
$
5,588

 
$
(881
)
 
$
13

 
$
12,302

 
$
937

 
$
13,239




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
For the year ended
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
 
August 29,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
2,899

 
$
3,079

 
$
1,194

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets
 
2,667

 
2,103

 
1,804

Amortization of debt discount and other costs
 
138

 
167

 
122

Stock-based compensation
 
168

 
115

 
91

(Gain) loss from currency hedges, net
 
64

 
27

 
222

Loss on restructure of debt
 
49

 
195

 
31

Noncash restructure and asset impairment, net
 
1

 
(17
)
 
106

(Gain) on MMJ Acquisition
 

 
33

 
(1,484
)
Equity in net (income) loss of equity method investees
 
(447
)
 
(474
)
 
83

Gain from Inotera issuance of shares
 
(3
)
 
(97
)
 
(48
)
Gain from disposition of interest in Aptina
 
(1
)
 
(119
)
 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Receivables
 
393

 
(518
)
 
(409
)
Inventories
 
116

 
194

 
83

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(691
)
 
671

 
28

Deferred income taxes, net
 
168

 
68

 
(7
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
(16
)
 
243

 
(15
)
Other
 
(297
)
 
29

 
10

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
5,208

 
5,699

 
1,811

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
 
(4,392
)
 
(1,063
)
 
(924
)
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
 
(4,021
)
 
(3,107
)
 
(1,442
)
Payments to settle hedging activities
 
(132
)
 
(26
)
 
(253
)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash
 
(15
)
 
536

 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
 
2,248

 
557

 
678

Cash received from disposition of interest in Aptina
 
1

 
105

 

Other
 
79

 
96

 
31

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 
(6,232
)
 
(2,902
)
 
(1,910
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 
Repayments of debt
 
(2,329
)
 
(3,843
)
 
(743
)
Cash paid to acquire treasury stock
 
(884
)
 
(76
)
 
(5
)
Payments on equipment purchase contracts
 
(95
)
 
(30
)
 
(16
)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
 
2,212

 
2,212

 
1,121

Proceeds from equipment sale-leaseback transactions
 
291

 
14

 
126

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
142

 
102

 
11

Proceeds from issuance of stock under equity plans
 
73

 
265

 
150

Other
 
(128
)
 
(143
)
 
(124
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
(718
)
 
(1,499
)
 
520

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates on cash and equivalents
 
(121
)
 
(28
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
(1,863
)
 
1,270

 
421

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
 
4,150

 
2,880

 
2,459

Cash and equivalents at end of period
 
$
2,287

 
$
4,150

 
$
2,880

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures
 
 

 
 

 
 
Income taxes refunded (paid), net
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(43
)
 
$
4

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
 
(226
)
 
(163
)
 
(107
)
Noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Exchange of convertible notes
 

 
756

 

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
 

 
127

 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

47




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tabular amounts in millions except per share amounts)

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: We are a global leader in advanced semiconductor systems. Our broad portfolio of high-performance memory technologies, including DRAM, NAND Flash, and NOR Flash, is the basis for solid-state drives, modules, multi-chip packages, and other system solutions. Our memory solutions enable the world's most innovative computing, consumer, enterprise storage, networking, mobile, embedded, and automotive applications. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Micron Technology, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to current period presentation. In addition, amounts for certain equipment purchases were reclassified from financing to investing within the statement of cash flows to better reflect the current nature of these transactions and to improve comparability with our industry peers. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we adopted, on a retrospective basis, Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. (See "Debt – Retrospective Application of a New Accounting Standard" note.)

Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Thursday closest to August 31. Fiscal year 2015 contained 53 weeks and fiscal years 2014 and 2013 each contained 52 weeks. All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated.

Derivative and Hedging Instruments: We use derivative instruments to manage a portion of our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates from our monetary assets and liabilities or future cash flows and to reduce volatility in our earnings caused by changes in interest rates that affect our variable-rate debt. Our derivatives have consisted of forward and option contracts and we have also entered into interest rate swap contracts. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative instruments are measured at their fair values and recognized as either assets or liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is based on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges for accounting purpose, gains or losses from changes in fair values are recognized in other non-operating income (expense). For derivative instruments designated as cash-flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss is included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), and the ineffective or excluded portion of the gain or loss is included in other non-operating income (expense). The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from these cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same line items of the consolidated statements of operation and in the same periods in which the underlying transactions affect earnings. Effectiveness is measured by comparing the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the forecasted cash flows of the hedged item. For the effectiveness assessment of our cash-flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded for forward contracts.

We enter into master netting arrangements with our counterparties to mitigate credit risk in derivative hedge transactions. These master netting arrangements allow us and our counterparties to net settle amounts owed to each other. Derivative assets and liabilities that can be net settled with each counterparty have been presented in our consolidated balance sheet on a net basis.

(See "Derivative Instruments" note.)

Financial Instruments: Cash equivalents include highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities to us of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash.  Investments with maturities greater than three months and less than one year are included in short-term investments.  Investments with remaining maturities greater than one year are included in long-term marketable investments.  The carrying value of investment securities sold is determined using the specific identification method.

Functional Currency: The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all of our consolidated subsidiaries.


48




Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Cost includes depreciation, labor, material, and overhead costs, including product and process technology costs.  Determining net realizable value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including projecting future average selling prices, sales volumes, and costs to complete products in work in process inventories.  When net realizable value is below cost, we record a charge to cost of goods sold to write down inventories to their estimated net realizable value in advance of when the inventories are actually sold.  Inventories are primarily categorized as memory (including DRAM, non-volatile, and other memory) for purposes of determining the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The major characteristics considered in determining inventory categories for purposes of determining the lower of cost or net realizable value are product type and markets. We remove amounts from inventory and charge such amounts to cost of goods sold on an average cost basis.

Product and Process Technology: Costs incurred to (1) acquire product and process technology, (2) patent technology, and (3) maintain patent technology are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging up to 12.5 years.  We capitalize a portion of the costs incurred to patent technology based on historical and projected patents issued as a percent of patents we file.  Capitalized product and process technology costs are amortized over the shorter of (1) the estimated useful life of the technology, (2) the patent term, or (3) the term of the technology agreement.  Fully-amortized assets are removed from product and process technology and accumulated amortization.

Product Warranty: We generally provide a limited warranty that our products are in compliance with our specifications existing at the time of delivery.  Under our general terms and conditions of sale, liability for certain failures of product during a stated warranty period is usually limited to repair or replacement of defective items or return of, or a credit with respect to, amounts paid for such items.  Under certain circumstances, we provide more extensive limited warranty coverage than that provided under our general terms and conditions.  Our warranty obligations are not significant.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 10 to 30 years for buildings, 5 to 7 years for equipment, and 3 to 5 years for software.  Assets held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and are included in other noncurrent assets.  When property, plant, or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed, the net book value is removed and we recognize any gain or loss in our results of operations.

We capitalize interest on borrowings during the period of time over which we carry out the activities necessary to bring the asset to the condition of its intended use and location.  Capitalized interest becomes part of the cost of the underlying assets and amortized over the useful lives of the assets.

Research and Development: Costs related to the conceptual formulation and design of products and processes are expensed as research and development as incurred.  Determining when product development is complete requires judgment.  Development of a product is deemed complete once the product has been thoroughly reviewed and has passed tests for performance and reliability.  Subsequent to product qualification, product costs are valued in inventory.  Product design and other research and development costs for certain technologies are shared with our joint venture partners.  Amounts receivable from cost-sharing arrangements are reflected as a reduction of research and development expense.  (See "Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – IMFT" note.)

Revenue Recognition: We recognize product or license revenue when persuasive evidence that a sales arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  If we are unable to reasonably estimate returns or the price is not fixed or determinable, sales made under agreements allowing rights of return or price protection are deferred until customers have resold the product.

Stock-based Compensation: Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognized as expense under the straight-line attribution method over the requisite service period.  We issue new shares upon the exercise of stock options or conversion of share units.  (See "Equity Plans" note.)

Treasury Stock: When we retire our treasury stock, any excess of the repurchase price paid over par value is allocated between additional capital and retained earnings.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures.  Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, forecasted events, and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Estimates and judgments may differ under different assumptions or conditions.  We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.  Actual results could differ from estimates.

49






Variable Interest Entities

We have interests in entities that are VIEs. If we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we are required to consolidate it. To determine if we are the primary beneficiary, we evaluate whether we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our evaluation includes identification of significant activities and an assessment of our ability to direct those activities based on governance provisions and arrangements to provide or receive product and process technology, product supply, operations services, equity funding, financing, and other applicable agreements and circumstances. Our assessments of whether we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs require significant assumptions and judgments.

Unconsolidated VIEs

Inotera: Inotera is a VIE because of the terms of its supply agreement with us. We have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities of Inotera that most significantly impact its economic performance, primarily due to limitations on our governance rights that require the consent of other parties for key operating decisions and due to Inotera's dependence on Nanya for financing and the ability of Inotera to operate in Taiwan. Therefore, we do not consolidate Inotera and we account for our interest under the equity method. (See "Equity Method Investments – Inotera" note.)

EQUVO: EQUVO HK Limited ("EQUVO") is a special purpose entity created to facilitate an equipment sale-leaseback financing transaction between us and a consortium of financial institutions. Neither we nor the financing entities have an equity interest in EQUVO. EQUVO is a VIE because its equity is not sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional support from the financing entities and because the third-party equity holder lacks characteristics of a controlling financial interest. By design, the arrangement with EQUVO is merely a financing vehicle and we do not bear any significant risks from variable interests with EQUVO. Therefore, we have determined that we do not have the power to direct the activities of EQUVO that most significantly impact its economic performance and we do not consolidate EQUVO.

SC Hiroshima Energy Corporation: SC Hiroshima Energy Corporation ("SCHE") is an entity created to construct and operate a cogeneration, electrical power plant to support our wafer manufacturing facility in Hiroshima, Japan. SCHE is a VIE due to the nature of its tolling agreements with us and our purchase and call options for SCHE's assets. We do not have an equity ownership interest in SCHE. We do not control the operation and maintenance of the plant, which we have determined are the activities of SCHE that most significantly impact its economic performance. Therefore, we do not consolidate SCHE.

Consolidated VIEs

IMFT: IMFT is a VIE because all of its costs are passed to us and its other member, Intel, through product purchase agreements and because IMFT is dependent upon us or Intel for additional cash requirements.  The primary activities of IMFT are driven by the constant introduction of product and process technology. Because we perform a significant majority of the technology development, we have the power to direct its key activities.  In addition, IMFT manufactures certain products exclusively for us using our technology. We consolidate IMFT because we have the power to direct the activities of IMFT that most significantly impact its economic performance and because we have the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from IMFT that could potentially be significant to it.

MP Mask: MP Mask is a VIE because substantially all of its costs are passed to us and its other member, Photronics, through product purchase agreements and MP Mask is dependent upon us or Photronics for any additional cash requirements.  We have tie-breaking voting rights over key operating decisions and nearly all key MP Mask activities are driven by our supply needs.  We consolidate MP Mask because we have the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impact its economic performance and because we have the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from MP Mask that could potentially be significant to it.

(See "Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries" note.)




50




Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-11 – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changed the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value, with net realizable value defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. We adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, as appropriate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to an asset. We adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a retrospective basis. As a result of adopting this standard, we presented our debt issuance costs for recognized debt liabilities as a direct reduction of the related debt liability in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented. (See "Debt – Retrospective Application of a New Accounting Standard" note.)


Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05 – Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides additional guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. Under ASU 2015-05, if a software cloud computing arrangement contains a software license, customers should account for the license element of the arrangement in a manner consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, customers should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 also removes the requirement to analogize to ASC 840-10 Leases to determine the asset acquired in a software licensing arrangement. This ASU will be effective for us beginning in our first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the effects of the adoption of this ASU on our financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the consolidation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 810 Consolidation.  ASU 2015-02 makes targeted amendments to the current consolidation guidance for VIEs, which could change consolidation conclusions.  This ASU will be effective for us beginning in our first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the effects of the adoption of this ASU on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.  The core principal of this ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  Including the one-year extension of this ASU provided by ASU 2015-14, we are required to adopt this ASU beginning in our first quarter of 2019; however, we are permitted to adopt this ASU as early as our first quarter of 2018. This ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We are evaluating the timing of our adoption, the transition method we will elect, and the effects of the adoption of this ASU on our financial statements.




51




Micron Memory Japan, Inc.

On July 31, 2013, we acquired Elpida, now known as MMJ, and a controlling interest in Rexchip, now known as MMT, for an aggregate of $949 million in cash (collectively, "the MMJ Acquisition"). The MMJ Acquisition included (1) the acquisition of MMJ, including its 65% interest in MMT and (2) the acquisition of an additional 24% interest in MMT from Powerchip Technology Corporation (the "MMT Share Purchase"). The MMJ Acquisition was treated as a single business combination because: (1) the two transactions were entered into and closed contemporaneously, and (2) the MMT Share Purchase was negotiated in contemplation of the acquisition of MMJ and its completion was contingent on the closing of the acquisition of MMJ.

In 2014, we purchased additional interests in MMT, increasing our ownership interest to 99.5%. (See "Equity – Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries – MMT" note.)
 
The MMJ Acquisition included a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility located in Hiroshima, Japan, a 300mm DRAM wafer fabrication facility located in Taichung City, Taiwan, and an assembly and test facility located in Akita, Japan. The operations from the MMJ Acquisition, which are included primarily in our MBU and CNBU segments, include the manufacture of mobile DRAM targeted to mobile phones and tablets and computing DRAM targeted to desktop PCs, servers, notebooks, and workstations.

We estimated the provisional fair values of the assets and liabilities of the MMJ Group as of the July 31, 2013 acquisition date using an in-use model, which reflects its value through its use in combination with other assets as a group and we recognized a gain in 2013 of $1.48 billion. In the second quarter of 2014, the provisional amounts recorded in connection with the MMJ Acquisition were adjusted, primarily for pre-petition liabilities, and we recognized a charge in 2014 for these measurement period adjustments. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
Cash and equivalents
$
999

Receivables
697

Inventories
962

Restricted cash
557

Other current assets
142

Property, plant and equipment
935

Equity method investment
40

Intangible assets
10

Deferred tax assets
811

Other noncurrent assets
66

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(409
)
Current portion of long-term debt
(673
)
Long-term debt
(1,461
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(75
)
Total net assets acquired
2,601

Noncontrolling interest in MMJ
168

Consideration
949

Preliminary gain on acquisition recognized in 2013
1,484

Adjustment for preliminary pre-petition liabilities
(33
)
Final gain on acquisition
$
1,451


Our results of operations for 2013 included $355 million of net sales and $46 million of operating income from the MMJ Group's operations after the July 31, 2013 acquisition date. Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our results of operations for 2013 included transaction costs of $50 million incurred in connection with the MMJ Acquisition.


52




The acquisition of MMJ was pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement on Support for Reorganization Companies (as amended, the "Sponsor Agreement") that we entered into in July 2012 with the trustees of the MMJ Companies pursuant to and in connection with the MMJ Companies' corporate reorganization proceedings under the Corporate Reorganization Act of Japan. As a result of the Japan Proceedings, for so long as such proceedings are continuing, the MMJ Companies are subject to certain restrictions on dividends, loans, and advances. The plans of reorganization of the MMJ Companies prohibit the MMJ Companies from paying dividends, including any cash dividends, to us and require that excess earnings be used in their businesses or to fund the MMJ Companies' installment payments. These prohibitions would also effectively prevent the subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies from paying cash dividends to us as any such dividends would have to be first paid to the MMJ Companies which are prohibited from repaying those amounts to us as dividends under the plans of reorganization. In addition, pursuant to an order of the Japan Court, the MMJ Companies cannot make loans or advances, other than certain ordinary-course advances, to us without the consent of the Japan Court. Moreover, loans or advances by subsidiaries of the MMJ Companies may be considered outside the ordinary course of business and may require consent of MMJ's trustees or, in certain cases, approval by the Japan Court. As a result, the assets of the MMJ Companies, while available to satisfy the MMJ Companies' installment payments and other obligations, capital expenditures, and other operating needs of the MMJ Companies, are not available for use by us in our other operations. Certain uses of the assets of the MMJ Companies, including investments in certain capital expenditures and in MMT, may require consent of MMJ's trustees or, in certain cases, approval by the Japan Court. Disposition of certain assets of the MMJ Companies may also require consent of one or more of the secured creditors.

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the MMJ Acquisition had occurred on September 2, 2011.  The pro forma financial information includes the accounting effects of the business combination, including adjustments to the amortization of intangible assets; depreciation of property, plant, and equipment; interest expense; and elimination of intercompany activities.  The historical results of operations of the MMJ Group for the eleven months ended May 31, 2013 included a gain of $1.69 billion for the forgiveness of debt related to liabilities subject to compromise upon approval of the plans of reorganization by the creditors and the Japan Court. No adjustments were made to the unaudited pro forma financial information for this item, consistent with the requirements for preparation of the pro forma financial information. The unaudited pro forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the MMJ Acquisition occurred on September 2, 2011.

For the year ended
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
12,494

Net income
 
3,825

Net income attributable to Micron
 
3,770

 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
Basic
 
$
3.69

Diluted
 
3.57


The unaudited pro forma financial information for 2013 includes our results for the year ended August 29, 2013, which includes one month of results from the MMJ Group following the closing of the MMJ Acquisition, and the results of the MMJ Group, including the adjustments described above, for the eleven months ended May 31, 2013.




53




Cash and Investments

Cash and the fair values of our available-for-sale investments, which approximated amortized costs, were as follows:

As of
 
September 3, 2015
 
August 28, 2014
 
 
Cash and Equivalents
 
Short-term Investments
 
Long-term Marketable Investments(3)
 
Total Fair Value
 
Cash and Equivalents
 
Short-term Investments
 
Long-term Marketable Investments(3)
 
Total Fair Value
Cash
 
$
1,684

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,684

 
$
2,445

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,445

Level 1(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
168

 

 

 
168

 
1,281

 

 

 
1,281

Marketable equity securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
 
168

 

 

 
168

 
1,281

 

 
1

 
1,282

Level 2(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
 
2

 
616

 
1,261

 
1,879

 

 
154

 
407

 
561

Government securities
 
58

 
391

 
254

 
703

 

 
136

 
284

 
420

Asset-backed securities
 

 
8

 
575

 
583

 

 
1

 
127

 
128

Certificates of deposit
 
311

 
28

 
23

 
362

 
402

 
8

 

 
410

Commercial paper
 
64

 
191

 

 
255

 
22

 
85

 

 
107

 
 
435

 
1,234

 
2,113

 
3,782

 
424

 
384

 
818

 
1,626

 
 
$
2,287

 
$
1,234

 
$
2,113

 
$
5,634

 
$
4,150

 
$
384

 
$
819

 
$
5,353

(1) 
The fair value of Level 1 securities is measured based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
(2) 
The fair value of Level 2 securities is measured using information obtained from pricing services, which obtain quoted market prices for similar instruments, non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, or various other methodologies, to determine the appropriate value at the measurement date. We perform supplemental analysis to validate information obtained from these pricing services. As of September 3, 2015, no adjustments were made to such pricing information.
(3) 
The maturities of our long-term marketable securities generally range from one to four years.

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $1.49 billion, $355 million, and $526 million, respectively. Gross realized gains and losses from sales of available-for-sale securities were not significant for any period presented. As of September 3, 2015, none of our available-for-sale securities had been in a loss position for longer than 12 months.


Receivables

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Trade receivables
 
$
2,188

 
$
2,524

Income and other taxes
 
116

 
104

Other
 
203

 
278

 
 
$
2,507

 
$
2,906


As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, other receivables included $120 million and $70 million, respectively, due from Intel for amounts related to product design and process development activities under cost-sharing agreements for NAND Flash memory and 3D XPoint memory.  (See "Equity – Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries – IMFT" note.)




54




Inventories

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Finished goods
 
$
785

 
$
898

Work in process
 
1,315

 
1,372

Raw materials and supplies
 
240

 
185

 
 
$
2,340

 
$
2,455



Property, Plant and Equipment

As of
2014
 
Additions
 
Retirements and Other
 
2015
Land
$
86

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
88

Buildings (includes $289 as of 2014 and $271 as of 2015 for capital leases)
5,093

 
273

 
(8
)
 
5,358

Equipment(1) (includes $1,113 as of 2014 and $1,192 as of 2015 for capital leases)
17,781

 
3,805

 
(566
)
 
21,020

Construction in progress(2)
114

 
345

 
(23
)
 
436

Software
358

 
39

 
(24
)
 
373

 
23,432

 
4,464

 
(621
)
 
27,275

Accumulated depreciation (includes $695 as of 2014 and $717 as of 2015 for capital leases)
(14,750
)
 
(2,550
)
 
579

 
(16,721
)
 
$
8,682

 
$
1,914

 
$
(42
)
 
$
10,554

(1) 
Included costs related to equipment not placed into service of $928 million and $826 million, as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, respectively.
(2) 
Included building-related construction and tool installation costs on assets not placed into service.

Depreciation expense was $2.55 billion, $1.99 billion, and $1.72 billion for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Other noncurrent assets included land held for development of $58 million as of September 3, 2015 and $57 million as of August 28, 2014. As of September 3, 2015, production equipment and buildings with an aggregate carrying value of $248 million and land with a carrying value of $42 million were pledged as collateral under various notes payable. (See "Debt – Other Facilities" note.)




55




Equity Method Investments

As of
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Investment Balance
 
Ownership Percentage
 
Investment Balance
 
Ownership Percentage
Inotera(1)
 
$
1,332

 
33
%
 
$
914

 
33
%
Tera Probe
 
38

 
40
%
 
48

 
40
%
Other
 
9

 
Various

 
9

 
Various

 
 
$
1,379

 
 

 
$
971

 
 

(1) Entity is a variable interest entity.

As of September 3, 2015, substantially all of our maximum exposure to loss from our VIEs that were not consolidated was the $1.33 billion carrying value of our investment in Inotera.  We may also incur losses in connection with our rights and obligations to purchase all of Inotera's wafer production capacity under our supply agreements with Inotera.

We recognize our share of earnings or losses from our equity method investees generally on a two-month lag.  Our share of earnings for 2015 included $49 million for the net effect of Inotera's full release of its valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets related to its net operating loss carryforward and the resulting tax provision in subsequent periods. Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees, net of tax, included the following:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Inotera
 
$
445

 
$
465

 
$
(79
)
Tera Probe
 
1

 
11

 

Other
 
1

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
 
$
447

 
$
474

 
$
(83
)

The summarized financial information in the tables below reflects aggregate amounts for our equity method investees. Financial information is presented for equity method investments as of the respective dates and for the periods through which we recorded our proportionate share of each investee's results of operations. Summarized results of operations are presented only for the periods subsequent to the acquisition or through the disposition of our ownership interests.

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Current assets
 
$
1,980

 
$
2,233

Noncurrent assets
 
3,038

 
2,502

Current liabilities
 
436

 
1,417

Noncurrent liabilities
 
119

 
254

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales
 
$
2,647

 
$
3,382

 
$
1,788

Gross margin
 
1,253

 
1,576

 
1

Operating income (loss)
 
1,191

 
1,371

 
(203
)
Net income (loss)
 
1,361

 
1,339

 
(188
)

Inotera

We have partnered with Nanya in Inotera, a Taiwan DRAM memory company, since 2009.  In 2013, Inotera issued 634 million common shares to Nanya and certain of its affiliates in a private placement at a price equal to 9.47 New Taiwan dollars per share, which was in excess of our carrying value per share. As a result of the issuance, our ownership interest decreased from 40% to 35% and we recognized a non-operating gain of $48 million in 2013. In 2014, Inotera issued 400 million common shares in a public offering at a price equal to 31.50 New Taiwan dollars per share, which was in excess of our carrying value per share. As a result of the issuance, our ownership interest decreased from 35% to 33% and we recognized a non-operating gain of $93 million in 2014. As of September 3, 2015, we held a 33% ownership interest in Inotera, Nanya and certain of its affiliates held a 33% ownership interest, and the remaining ownership interest in Inotera was publicly held.

56





As of September 3, 2015, the market value of our equity interest in Inotera was $1.53 billion based on the closing trading price of 23.20 New Taiwan dollars per share in an active market. As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, there were gains of $13 million and $44 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for cumulative translation adjustments from our equity investment in Inotera.

Since January 2013, we have purchased all of Inotera's DRAM output at prices reflecting discounts from market prices for our comparable components under a supply agreement. In the second quarter of 2015, we executed a supply agreement, to be effective beginning on January 1, 2016 (the "2016 Supply Agreement"), which will replace the current agreement. Under the 2016 Supply Agreement, the price for DRAM products sold to us will be based on a formula that equally shares margin between Inotera and us.  The 2016 Supply Agreement has an initial two-year term, followed by a three-year wind-down period, and contemplates negotiations in late 2016 with respect to a two-year extension, and annual negotiations thereafter with respect to successive one-year extensions.  Upon termination of the initial two-year term of the 2016 Supply Agreement, or any extensions, we would purchase DRAM from Inotera during the wind-down period. Our share of Inotera's capacity would decline over the wind-down period. In 2015 and 2014, our cost of products purchased from Inotera was significantly higher than our cost of similar products manufactured in our wholly-owned facilities. We purchased $2.37 billion, $2.68 billion and $1.26 billion of DRAM products in 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively.

Tera Probe

In 2013, as part of the MMJ Acquisition, we acquired a 40% interest in Tera Probe, which provides semiconductor wafer testing and probe services to us and others. The initial net carrying value of our investment was less than our proportionate share of Tera Probe's equity and the difference is being amortized as a credit to our earnings through equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees (the "Tera Probe Amortization"). As of September 3, 2015, the remaining balance of the Tera Probe Amortization was $27 million and is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of seven years. Based on closing trading prices, the market value of our equity interest in Tera Probe was $32 million as of September 3, 2015 and $41 million as of June 30, 2015 (the other-than-temporary impairment measurement date for our fourth quarter, commensurate with our lag period). We evaluated our investment in Tera Probe and concluded that the decline in the market value did not indicate an other-than-temporary impairment primarily because of the limited amount of time of the decline and historical volatility of Tera Probe's stock price. In the first quarter of 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $10 million within equity in net income of equity method investees to write down the carrying value of our investment in Tera Probe to its fair value, based on its trading price (Level 1 fair value measurement). We incurred manufacturing costs for 2015, 2014, and 2013 of $90 million, $117 million, and $13 million respectively, for services performed by Tera Probe.

Other

Aptina: We held an equity interest in Aptina until August 15, 2014. On August 15, 2014, ON Semiconductor Corporation acquired Aptina for approximately $433 million and we recognized a non-operating gain of $119 million based on our diluted ownership interest of approximately 27%. The gain approximated our share of the consideration because the carrying value of our investment had been reduced to zero in 2012, at which time we ceased recognizing our proportionate share of Aptina's losses.

Through May 3, 2013, we manufactured components for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor ("CMOS") image sensors for Aptina under a wafer supply agreement.  Subsequent to May 3, 2013, we provided various services for Aptina under a service agreement. For 2014 and 2013, we recognized net sales of $43 million and $182 million, respectively, from products sold to and services performed for Aptina, and cost of goods sold of $37 million and $219 million, respectively. In 2013, we assigned to LFoundry Marsica L.r.l. ("LFoundry") our supply agreement with Aptina to manufacture components for image sensors. (See "Restructure and Asset Impairments" note.)




57




Intangible Assets

As of
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Product and process technology
 
$
864

 
$
(416
)
 
$
809

 
$
(341
)
Other
 
2

 
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
 
$
866

 
$
(417
)
 
$
810

 
$
(342
)

During 2015 and 2014, we capitalized $98 million and $177 million, respectively, for product and process technology with weighted-average useful lives of seven years and six years, respectively. Amortization expense was $117 million, $110 million, and $83 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  The expected annual amortization expense for intangible assets held as of September 3, 2015 is $118 million for 2016, $102 million for 2017, $93 million for 2018, $43 million for 2019, and $26 million for 2020.



Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Accounts payable
 
$
1,020

 
$
996

Property, plant and equipment payables
 
577

 
289

Related party payables
 
338

 
673

Salaries, wages and benefits
 
321

 
456

Income and other taxes
 
85

 
71

Customer advances
 
15

 
98

Other
 
255

 
281

 
 
$
2,611

 
$
2,864


As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, related party payables included $327 million and $660 million, respectively, due to Inotera primarily for the purchase of DRAM products. As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, related party payables also included $11 million and $13 million, respectively, due to Tera Probe for probe services performed. (See "Equity Method Investments" note.)

As of August 28, 2014, customer advances included $90 million, and other noncurrent liabilities also included $90 million, for amounts received from a customer in 2014 under a DRAM supply agreement, all of which was applied to purchases during 2015.




58




Debt

 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Instrument(1)
 
Stated Rate
 
Effective Rate
 
Current
 
Long-Term
 
Total
 
Current
 
Long-Term
 
Total
MMJ creditor installment payments
 
N/A

 
6.25
%
 
$
161

 
$
701

 
$
862

 
$
192

 
$
939

 
$
1,131

Capital lease obligations(2)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
326

 
466

 
792

 
323

 
588

 
911

1.258% notes
 
1.258
%
 
1.97
%
 
87

 
217

 
304

 
86

 
305

 
391

2022 senior notes
 
5.875
%
 
6.14
%
 

 
589

 
589

 

 
587

 
587

2023 senior notes
 
5.250
%
 
5.43
%
 

 
988

 
988

 

 

 

2024 senior notes
 
5.250
%
 
5.38
%
 

 
545

 
545

 

 

 

2025 senior notes
 
5.500
%
 
5.56
%
 

 
1,138

 
1,138

 

 
1,137

 
1,137

2026 senior notes
 
5.625
%
 
5.73
%
 

 
446

 
446

 

 

 

2031B convertible senior notes(3)
 
1.875
%
 
6.98
%
 

 

 

 
361

 

 
361

2032C convertible senior notes(4)
 
2.375
%
 
5.95
%
 

 
197

 
197

 

 
309

 
309

2032D convertible senior notes(4)
 
3.125
%
 
6.33
%
 

 
150

 
150

 

 
284

 
284

2033E convertible senior notes(4)
 
1.625
%
 
4.50
%
 
217

 

 
217

 
272

 

 
272

2033F convertible senior notes(4)
 
2.125
%
 
4.93
%
 
264

 

 
264

 
260

 

 
260

2043G convertible senior notes
 
3.000
%
 
6.76
%
 

 
644

 
644

 

 
631

 
631

Other notes payable
 
2.209
%
 
2.38
%
 
34

 
171

 
205

 
124

 
113

 
237

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,089

 
$
6,252

 
$
7,341

 
$
1,618

 
$
4,893

 
$
6,511

(1) 
We have either the obligation or the option to pay cash for the principal amount due upon conversion for all of our convertible notes. Since it is our current intent to settle in cash the principal amount of all of our convertible notes upon conversion, the dilutive effect of such notes on earnings per share is computed under the treasury stock method.
(2) Weighted-average imputed rate of 3.7% and 4.3% as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, respectively.
(3) 
Amount recorded for 2014 included the debt and equity components. The equity component was reclassified to a debt liability as a result of our obligation to settle the conversions of the 2031B Notes in cash.
(4) 
Since the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ending on June 30, 2015 exceeded 130% of the conversion price per share, holders had the right to convert their notes at any time during the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2015. The closing price of our common stock also exceeded the thresholds for the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2015; therefore, these notes are convertible by the holders through December 31, 2015. The 2033 Notes are classified as current because the terms of these notes require us to pay cash for the principal amount of any converted notes.


59




 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
As of
 
Expected Remaining Term
(Years)(1)
 
Outstanding Principal
 
Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Outstanding Principal
 
Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs
 
Net Carrying Amount
MMJ creditor installment payments
 
4
 
$
1,012

 
$
(150
)
 
$
862

 
$
1,369

 
$
(238
)
 
$
1,131

Capital lease obligations
 
4
 
792

 

 
792

 
911

 

 
911

1.258% notes
 
3
 
323

 
(19
)
 
304

 
416

 
(25
)
 
391

2022 Notes
 
6
 
600

 
(11
)
 
589

 
600

 
(13
)
 
587

2023 Notes
 
8
 
1,000

 
(12
)
 
988

 

 

 

2024 Notes
 
8
 
550

 
(5
)
 
545

 

 

 

2025 Notes
 
9
 
1,150

 
(12
)
 
1,138

 
1,150

 
(13
)
 
1,137

2026 Notes
 
10
 
450

 
(4
)
 
446

 

 

 

2031B Notes(2)
 
N/A
 

 

 

 
114

 
(28
)
 
361

2032C Notes
 
4
 
224

 
(27
)
 
197

 
362

 
(53
)
 
309

2032D Notes
 
6
 
177

 
(27
)
 
150

 
344

 
(60
)
 
284

2033E Notes
 
2
 
233

 
(16
)
 
217

 
300

 
(28
)
 
272

2033F Notes
 
4
 
297

 
(33
)
 
264

 
300

 
(40
)
 
260

2043G Notes(3)
 
13
 
1,025

 
(381
)
 
644

 
1,025

 
(394
)
 
631

Other notes payable
 
4
 
205

 

 
205

 
243

 
(6
)
 
237

 
 
 
 
$
8,038

 
$
(697
)
 
$
7,341

 
$
7,134

 
$
(898
)
 
$
6,511

(1) 
Expected remaining term for amortization of the remaining unamortized discount and debt issuance costs as of September 3, 2015. The expected remaining term of the 2031B Notes was not applicable because the notes were not outstanding as of September 3, 2015. Expected remaining term for capital lease obligations is the weighted-average remaining term.
(2) As holders had elected to convert these notes and we elected to settle the conversions in cash, the net carrying amount for 2014 included the debt component and equity component, which were reclassified to a debt liability as a result of our obligation to settle the conversions of the 2031B Notes in cash, resulting in an aggregate liability of $389 million. The outstanding principal reflects the original principal of the 2031B Notes.
(3) The 2043G Notes have an original principal amount of $820 million that accretes up to $917 million through the expected term on November 15, 2028 and $1.03 billion at maturity in 2043. The discount is based on the principal at maturity. See "2043G Notes" below.

Our convertible and senior notes are unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future unsecured indebtedness, and are effectively subordinated to all of our other existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.  Our parent company, Micron, has $5.18 billion of debt (net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs), including all of our convertible notes and the 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, 2025 Notes, and 2026 Notes, that is structurally subordinated to all liabilities of its subsidiaries, including trade payables. Micron guarantees certain debt obligations of its subsidiaries. Micron does not guarantee the MMJ creditor installment payments.  Micron's guarantees of its subsidiary debt obligations are unsecured obligations ranking equally in right of payment with all of Micron's other existing and future unsecured indebtedness.


60




2015 Debt Restructure

In 2015, we consummated a number of transactions to restructure our debt, including conversions and settlements, repurchases of convertible notes, issuances of non-convertible notes, and the early repayment of a note. The following table presents the effect of each of the actions in 2015:

 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Principal
 
Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value
 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
 
(Decrease) in Equity
 
(Loss) Gain(1)
Conversions and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2031B Notes
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(361
)
 
$
(389
)
 
$

 
$
(24
)
2033E Notes
 
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
2

 
 
(121
)
 
(367
)
 
(408
)
 
(15
)
 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2032C Notes
 
(139
)
 
(121
)
 
(415
)
 
(283
)
 
(10
)
2032D Notes
 
(166
)
 
(140
)
 
(492
)
 
(341
)
 
(11
)
2033E Notes
 
(60
)
 
(56
)
 
(107
)
 
(49
)
 
(1
)
2033F Notes
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(3
)
 

 
 
(368
)
 
(319
)
 
(1,019
)
 
(676
)
 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2023 Notes
 
1,000

 
988

 
988

 

 

2024 Notes
 
550

 
545

 
545

 

 

2026 Notes
 
450

 
446

 
446

 

 

 
 
2,000

 
1,979

 
1,979

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Early repayment
 
(121
)
 
(115
)
 
(122
)
 

 
(5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,390

 
$
1,178

 
$
430

 
$
(691
)
 
$
(49
)
(1) 
Included in other non-operating expense.

Conversions and Settlements: During 2015, we had the following debt conversions and settlements:

2031B Notes: On July 23, 2014, we called for the redemption of our remaining 2031B Notes effective on August 22, 2014. Prior to such effective date, substantially all of the holders of our 2031B Notes exercised their option to convert their notes and, in each case, we elected to settle the amount due upon conversion entirely in cash. These notes were cash settled in 2015.

2033E Notes: During 2015, holders converted a portion of our 2033E Notes, and we elected to settle the amounts due upon conversion entirely in cash.

As a result of our elections to settle the amounts due upon conversion in cash, each of the settlement obligations became derivative debt liabilities subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment. Under the terms of the indentures for the above notes, cash settlement amounts for these derivative debt liabilities were determined based on the shares underlying the converted notes multiplied by the volume-weighted-average price of our common stock over a period of 20 consecutive trading days. Therefore, at the dates of our election to settle the conversion in cash, we reclassified the fair values of the equity components of each of the converted notes from additional capital to derivative debt liabilities within current debt in our consolidated balance sheet.


61




Repurchases: During 2015, we repurchased portions of our convertible 2032C Notes, 2032D Notes, 2033E Notes, and 2033F Notes. The liability and equity components of the repurchased notes had previously been stated separately within debt and additional capital in our consolidated balance sheet. As a result, our accounting for the repurchased notes affected debt and equity.

Issuances: On April 30, 2015, we issued $550 million in principal amount of 2024 Notes due January 2024 and $450 million in principal amount of 2026 Notes due January 2026. On February 3, 2015, we issued $1.00 billion in principal amount of 2023 Notes due August 2023. Issuance costs for these notes totaled $21 million. (See further discussion in "Senior Notes" below.)

Early Repayment: On October 17, 2014, we repaid a note prior to its scheduled maturity.

2014 Debt Restructure

In 2014, we consummated a number of transactions to restructure our debt, including exchanges, conversions and settlements, repurchases of convertible notes, issuances of non-convertible notes, and early repayments of notes. The following table presents the net effect of each of the actions:

 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Principal
 
Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value
 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
 
(Decrease) in Equity
 
Loss(1)
Exchanges
 
$
585

 
$
282

 
$

 
$
(238
)
 
$
49

Conversions and settlements
 
(770
)
 
(434
)
 
(1,446
)
 
(886
)
 
130

Repurchases
 
(320
)
 
(264
)
 
(857
)
 
(567
)
 
23

Issuances
 
2,212

 
2,157

 
2,157

 

 

Early repayments
 
(336
)
 
(332
)
 
(339
)
 

 
3

 
 
$
1,371

 
$
1,409

 
$
(485
)
 
$
(1,691
)
 
$
205

(1) 
$184 million included in other non-operating expense and $21 million included in interest expense

Exchanges: Exchanged $440 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2027 Notes, 2031A Notes, and 2031B Notes into $1.03 billion principal amount at maturity of 2043G Notes.
Conversions and Settlements: Holders of substantially all of our remaining 2014 Notes, 2027 Notes, and 2031A Notes (with an aggregate principal amount of $770 million) converted their notes and we settled the conversions in cash for $1.45 billion. Holders of substantially all of our remaining 2031B Notes converted their notes in August 2014. As a result of our election to settle the conversion amounts entirely in cash, the settlement obligations became derivative debt liabilities, increasing the carrying value of the 2031B Notes by $275 million in 2014 before being cash settled in 2015.
Repurchases: Repurchased $320 million in aggregate principal amount of our convertible 2031B Notes, 2032C Notes, and 2032D Notes for an aggregate of $857 million in cash.
Issuances: Issued $600 million in principal amount of the 2022 Notes and $1.15 billion in principal amount of the 2025 Notes, and issued $462 million in principal amount of the 1.258% senior notes due 2019.
Early Repayments: Repaid $332 million of notes and capital leases prior to their scheduled maturities.

2013 Debt Restructure

During 2013, we repurchased $464 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2014 Notes for $477 million in cash. The liability and equity components of the 2014 Notes had previously been stated separately within debt and additional capital in our consolidated balance sheet. As a result, the repurchase resulted in the derecognition of $430 million in debt for the principal amount (net of $34 million of debt discount) and $15 million in additional capital for the equity component. We recognized a loss of $31 million in 2013, which was included in other non-operating expense.


62




MMJ Creditor Installment Payments

Under the MMJ Companies' plans of reorganization, which set forth the treatment of the MMJ Companies' pre-petition creditors and their claims, the MMJ Companies were required to pay 200 billion yen, less certain expenses of the reorganization proceedings and other items, to their secured and unsecured creditors in 7 annual installment payments (the "MMJ Creditor Installment Payments"). The MMJ Creditor Installment Payments do not provide for interest and were recorded at fair value in the MMJ Acquisition. The fair-value discount is accreted to interest expense over the term of the installment payments.

Under the MMJ Companies' corporate reorganization proceedings, the secured creditors of MMJ will recover 100% of their amount of their fixed claims in 6 annual installment payments through December 2018 and the unsecured creditors will recover at least 17.4% of the amount of their fixed claims in 7 annual installment payments through December 2019. In December 2014, we paid the second installment payment of 21 billion yen to the reorganization creditors of the MMJ Companies. The secured creditors of MAI were paid in full with a portion of the first installment payment made in October 2013, while the unsecured creditors of MAI will recover at least 19% of the amount of their claims in 7 installment payments through December 2019. The remaining portion of the unsecured claims of the creditors of the MMJ Companies not recovered pursuant to the Reorganization Proceedings will be discharged, without payment, through December 2019.

The following table presents the remaining amounts of MMJ Creditor Installment Payments (stated in Japanese yen and U.S. dollars) and the amount of unamortized discount as of September 3, 2015:

2016
 
¥
19,813

 
$
165

2017
 
19,840

 
165

2018
 
19,762

 
164

2019
 
28,687

 
238

2020
 
33,642

 
280

 
 
121,744

 
1,012

Less unamortized discount
 
(17,981
)
 
(150
)
 
 
¥
103,763

 
$
862


Pursuant to the terms of the Sponsor Agreement, we entered into a series of agreements with the MMJ Companies, including supply agreements, research and development services agreements, and general services agreements, which are intended to generate operating cash flows to meet the requirements of the MMJ Companies' businesses, including the funding of the MMJ Creditor Installment Payments.

Capital Lease Obligations

In 2015, we recorded capital lease obligations aggregating $324 million, including $291 million related to equipment sale-leaseback transactions, at a weighted-average effective interest rate of 3.2%, payable in periodic installments through May 2019. In 2014, we recorded capital lease obligations aggregating $121 million at a weighted-average effective interest rate of 4.6%, payable in periodic installments through December 2023.

1.258% Notes

On December 20, 2013, we issued $462 million in principal amount of the 1.258% Notes. The 1.258% Notes mature on January 15, 2019 and are collateralized by certain equipment, which had a carrying value of $95 million as of September 3, 2015. The principal amount of the 1.258% Notes is payable in 10 semiannual installments in January and July of each year, commencing in July 2014. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (the "Ex-Im Bank") guaranteed payment of all regularly scheduled installment payments of principal and interest on the 1.258% Notes. We paid $23 million to Ex-Im Bank for its guarantee upon issuance of the 1.258% Notes.

The 1.258% Notes contain covenants which are customary for financings of this type, including negative covenants that limit or restrict our ability to create liens or dispose of the equipment securing the 1.258% Notes. Events of default also include, among others, the occurrence of any event or circumstance that, in the reasonable judgment of Ex-Im Bank, is likely materially and adversely to affect our ability to perform any payment obligation, or any of our other material obligations under the indenture, the 1.258% Notes, or under any other related transaction documents to which Ex-Im Bank is a party.

63





Cash Redemption at Our Option: At any time prior to the maturity date of the 1.258% Notes, we may redeem the 1.258% Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to the principal amount of the 1.258% Notes to be redeemed plus a make-whole premium as described in the indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

Senior Notes

 
 
Issuance Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Principal Issued
2022 Notes
 
Feb 2014
 
Feb 2022
 
$
600

2023 Notes
 
Feb 2015
 
Aug 2023
 
1,000

2024 Notes
 
Apr 2015
 
Jan 2024
 
550

2025 Notes
 
Jul 2014
 
Feb 2025
 
1,150

2026 Notes
 
Apr 2015
 
Jan 2026
 
450


The senior notes above contain covenants that, among other things, limit, in certain circumstances, our ability and/or the ability of our domestic restricted subsidiaries (which are generally subsidiaries in the U.S. in which we own at least 80% of the voting stock) to (1) create or incur certain liens and enter into sale and lease-back transactions, (2) create, assume, incur, or guarantee certain additional secured indebtedness and unsecured indebtedness of our domestic restricted subsidiaries, and (3) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets, to another entity. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations, exceptions, and qualifications.

Cash Redemption at Our Option: We have the option to redeem these notes. The applicable redemption price will be determined as follows:
 
Redemption Period Requiring Payment of:
 
Redemption up to 35% Using Cash Proceeds From an Equity Offering(3)
 
Make-Whole(1)
 
Premium(2)
 
Date
 
Specified Price
2022 Notes
Prior to Feb 15, 2017
 
On or after Feb 15, 2017
 
Prior to Feb 15, 2017
 
105.875
%
2023 Notes
Prior to Feb 1, 2018
 
On or after Feb 1, 2018
 
Prior to Feb 1, 2018
 
105.250
%
2024 Notes
Prior to May 1, 2018
 
On or after May 1, 2018
 
Prior to May 1, 2018
 
105.250
%
2025 Notes
Prior to Aug 1, 2019
 
On or after Aug 1, 2019
 
Prior to Aug 1, 2017
 
105.500
%
2026 Notes
Prior to May 1, 2020
 
On or after May 1, 2020
 
Prior to May 1, 2018
 
105.625
%
(1) 
If we redeem prior to the applicable date, the price is principal plus a make-whole premium equal to the present value of the remaining scheduled interest payments as described in the applicable indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.
(2) 
If we redeem on or after the applicable date, the price is principal plus a premium which declines over time as specified in the applicable indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.
(3) 
If we redeem prior to the applicable date with net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings, the price is equal to the amount specified above, together with accrued and unpaid interest, subject to a maximum redemption of 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the respective notes being redeemed.

Convertible Senior Notes

Accounting standards for convertible debt instruments that may be fully or partially settled in cash upon conversion require the debt and equity components to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects a nonconvertible borrowing rate when interest expense is recognized in subsequent periods. The amount initially recorded as debt is based on the fair value of the debt component as a standalone instrument, determined using an interest rate for similar nonconvertible debt issued by entities with credit ratings similar to ours at the time of issuance. The difference between the debt recorded at inception and its principal amount is accreted to principal through interest expense over the estimated life of the note.


64




As of September 3, 2015, the trading price of our common stock was higher than the initial conversion prices of our 2032 Notes and our 2033 Notes. As a result, the conversion values were in excess of principal amounts for such notes. The following table summarizes our convertible notes outstanding as of September 3, 2015:

 
 
Holder Put Date(1)
 
Outstanding Principal
 
Underlying Shares
 
Conversion Price Per Share
 
Conversion Price Per Share Threshold(2)
 
Conversion Value in Excess of Principal(3)
2032C Notes
 
May 2019
 
$
224

 
23

 
$
9.63

 
$
12.52

 
$
161

2032D Notes
 
May 2021
 
177

 
18

 
9.98

 
12.97

 
117

2033E Notes
 
February 2018
 
233

 
21

 
10.93

 
14.21

 
121

2033F Notes
 
February 2020
 
297

 
27

 
10.93

 
14.21

 
154

2043G Notes(4)
 
November 2028
 
1,025

 
35

 
29.16

 
37.91

 

 
 
 
 
$
1,956

 
124

 
 
 
 
 
$
553

(1) 
The terms of our convertible notes give holders the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes at a date prior to the contractual maturities of the notes at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest.
(2) 
Holders have the right to convert all or a portion of their notes at a date prior to the contractual maturity if, during any calendar quarter, the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price. The closing price of our common stock exceeded the thresholds for the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2015 for our 2032 Notes and 2033 Notes; therefore, those notes are convertible by the holders through December 31, 2015.
(3) 
Based on our closing share price of $16.59 as of September 3, 2015.
(4) 
See "2043G Notes."

Carrying amounts of the equity components of our convertible notes, which are included in additional capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
2032C Notes
 
$
41

 
$
67

2032D Notes
 
35

 
69

2033E Notes (excludes $16 and $27 million in mezzanine equity, respectively)
 
8

 
3

2033F Notes (excludes $33 and $41 million in mezzanine equity, respectively)
 
8

 
1

2043G Notes
 
173

 
173

 
 
$
265

 
$
313


Interest expense for our convertible notes, consisting of contractual interest and amortization of discount and issuance costs, aggregated $101 million, $132 million, and $156 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Interest expense by note was as follows:

 
 
Contractual Interest
 
Amortization of Discount and Issuance Costs
For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
2032C Notes
 
$
8

 
$
11

 
$
13

 
$
9

 
$
12

 
$
14

2032D Notes
 
9

 
13

 
14

 
6

 
8

 
9

2033E Notes
 
5

 
5

 
3

 
7

 
7

 
4

2033F Notes
 
6

 
6

 
3

 
7

 
6

 
3

2043G Notes
 
31

 
24

 

 
13

 
9

 

Other notes(1)
 

 
7

 
27

 

 
24

 
66

 
 
$
59

 
$
66

 
$
60

 
$
42

 
$
66

 
$
96

(1)    Other notes include the 2014 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2031A Notes, and 2031B Notes.


65




2031B Notes: On July 26, 2011, we issued $345 million of 2031B Notes due August 2031. During 2014, we exchanged $205 million of aggregate principal amount of 2031B Notes for a portion of the 2043G Notes, repurchased $26 million of aggregate principal amount for cash, and called for the redemption of the remaining $114 million of aggregate principal amount effective on August 22, 2014. Prior to such effective date, substantially all of the holders of the 2031B Notes had converted their notes, which were settled in cash with payments of $389 million in 2015.

2032C and 2032D Notes: On April 18, 2012, we issued $550 million of the 2032C Notes and $450 million of the 2032D Notes, each due May 2032. The initial conversion rate for the 2032C Notes is 103.8907 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.63 per share of common stock. The initial conversion rate for the 2032D Notes is 100.1803 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.98 per share of common stock. Interest is payable in May and November of each year. During 2015 and 2014, we repurchased $139 million and $188 million, respectively of aggregate principal amounts of the 2032C Notes and $166 million and $106 million, respectively of aggregate principal amounts of the 2032D Notes, for cash.

Conversion Rights: Holders may convert their 2032 Notes under the following circumstances: (1) if the 2032 Notes are called for redemption; (2) during any calendar quarter if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price of the 2032 Notes (approximately $12.52 per share for the 2032C Notes and $12.97 per share for the 2032D Notes); (3) if the trading price of the 2032 Notes is less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate of the 2032 Notes during the periods specified in the indenture; (4) if specified distributions or corporate events occur, as set forth in the indenture for the 2032 Notes; or (5) at any time after February 1, 2032.

We have the option to pay cash, issue shares of common stock or any combination thereof for the aggregate amount due upon conversion. It is our intent to settle the principal amount of the 2032 Notes in cash upon any conversion. As a result, only the amounts payable in excess of the principal amounts upon conversion of the 2032 Notes are considered in diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method.

Cash Redemption at Our Option: We may redeem for cash the 2032C Notes on or after May 1, 2016 and the 2032D Notes on or after May 1, 2017 if the volume weighted average price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period. The redemption price will equal the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. If we redeem the 2032C Notes prior to May 4, 2019, or the 2032D Notes prior to May 4, 2021, we will also pay a make-whole premium in cash equal to the present value of all remaining scheduled payments of interest from the redemption date to May 4, 2019 for the 2032C Notes, or to May 4, 2021 for the 2032D Notes, using a discount rate equal to 1.5%.

Cash Repurchase at the Option of the Holder: We may be required by the holders of the 2032 Notes to repurchase for cash all or a portion of the 2032C Notes on May 1, 2019 and all or a portion of the 2032D Notes on May 1, 2021 at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change in control or a termination of trading, as defined in the indenture, holders of the 2032 Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their 2032 Notes at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

2033E and 2033F Notes: On February 12, 2013, we issued $300 million of the 2033E Notes and $300 million of the 2033F Notes. The initial conversion rate for the 2033 Notes is 91.4808 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.93 per share of common stock. Interest is payable in February and August of each year. During 2015, holders converted $7 million of aggregate principal amounts of the 2033E Notes, and we elected to settle the amounts due upon conversion entirely in cash. During 2015, we repurchased $60 million of aggregate principal amounts of the 2033E Notes and $3 million of aggregate principal amounts of the 2033F Notes, for cash.

Conversion Rights: Holders may convert their 2033 Notes under the following circumstances: (1) if the 2033 Notes are called for redemption; (2) during any calendar quarter if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price of the 2033 Notes (approximately $14.21 per share); (3) if the trading price of the 2033 Notes is less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate of the 2033 Notes during the periods specified in the indenture; (4) if specified distributions or corporate events occur, as set forth in the indenture for the 2033 Notes; or (5) at any time after November 15, 2032.


66




Upon conversion, we will pay cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount and the conversion value of the notes being converted and cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our option, for any remaining conversion obligation. As a result, only the amounts payable in excess of the principal amounts upon conversion of the 2033 Notes are considered in diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method.

Cash Redemption at Our Option: We may redeem for cash the 2033E Notes on or after February 20, 2018 and the 2033F Notes on or after February 20, 2020 at a price equal the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Cash Repurchase at the Option of the Holder: We may be required by the holders of the 2033 Notes to repurchase for cash all or a portion of the 2033E Notes on February 15, 2018 and on February 15, 2023 and all or a portion of the 2033F Notes on February 15, 2020 and on February 15, 2023 at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change in control or a termination of trading, as defined in the indenture, holders of the 2033 Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their 2033 Notes at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

2043G Notes: On November 12, 2013, we issued $1.03 billion principal amount of the 2043G Notes in exchange for $440 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2027 Notes, 2031A Notes, and 2031B Notes. Each $1,000 of principal amount at maturity had an original issue price of $800. An amount equal to the difference between the original issue price and the principal amount at maturity will accrete in accordance with a schedule set forth in the indenture.  The original principal amount of $820 million accretes up to $1.03 billion at maturity in 2043. The initial conversion rate for the 2043G Notes is 34.2936 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount at maturity, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $29.16 per share of common stock. Interest is payable in May and November of each year.

Conversion Rights: Holders may convert their 2043G Notes under the following circumstances: (1) if the 2043G Notes are called for redemption; (2) during any calendar quarter if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price of the 2043G Notes (approximately $37.91 per share); (3) if the trading price of the 2043G Notes is less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate of the 2043G Notes during the periods specified in the indenture; (4) if specified distributions or corporate events occur, as set forth in the indenture; or (5) at any time after August 15, 2043.

We have the option to pay cash, issue shares of common stock or any combination thereof, for the aggregate amount due upon conversion. It is our current intent to settle in cash the principal amount of the 2043G Notes upon conversion. As a result, the dilutive effect of the 2043G Notes in earnings per share is computed under the treasury stock method.

Cash Redemption at Our Option: Prior to November 20, 2018, we may redeem for cash the 2043G Notes if the volume weighted average price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period. The redemption price will equal the principal amount at maturity plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after November 20, 2018, we may redeem for cash the 2043G Notes without regard to the closing price of our common stock at a price equal the accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. If we redeem the 2043G Notes prior to November 20, 2018, we are required to pay in cash a make-whole premium as specified in the indenture.

Cash Repurchase at the Option of the Holder: Holders of the 2043G Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of the 2043G Notes on November 15, 2028 at a price equal to the accreted principal amount of $917 million plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders of the 2043G Notes may also require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their 2043G Notes at a price equal to the accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest upon a change in control or a termination of trading, as defined in the indenture.


67




Other Facilities

Revolving Credit Facilities: On February 12, 2015, we terminated our unused $255 million senior three-year revolving credit facility and entered into a senior five-year revolving credit facility. Under this credit facility, we can draw up to the lesser of $750 million or 80% of the net outstanding balance of certain trade receivables, as defined in the facility agreement. Any amounts drawn are collateralized by a security interest in such trade receivables.  The credit facility contains customary covenants and conditions, including as a funding condition the absence of any event or circumstance that has a material adverse effect on certain of our operations, assets, prospects, business, or condition, and including negative covenants that limit or restrict our ability to create liens on, or dispose of, the collateral underlying the obligations under this facility.  Interest is payable on any outstanding principal balance at a variable rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.75% to 2.25%, depending upon the utilized portion of the facility.  On April 16, 2015, we drew $75 million under this facility at an interest rate equal to 2.15% per annum. As of September 3, 2015, $75 million of principal was outstanding under this facility and $572 million was available for us to draw.

On December 2, 2014, we terminated our unused $153 million senior three-year revolving credit facility and entered into a senior five-year revolving credit facility, collateralized by a security interest in certain trade receivables and inventory. The new credit facility has an aggregate revolving commitment which is subject to certain adjustments, including an availability block that effectively limits the maximum amount we could draw to $540 million. Additionally, the maximum amount we could draw may decrease further if the value, as defined, of our trade receivables and inventory collateralizing the credit facility decreases below a specified threshold. The credit facility contains customary covenants and conditions, including as a funding condition the absence of any event or circumstance that has a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.  Generally, interest is payable on any outstanding principal balance at a variable rate not to exceed LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% to 1.75%, depending upon the utilized portion of the facility. On April 16, 2015, we drew $50 million under this facility at an interest rate equal to 1.65% per annum. As of September 3, 2015, $50 million of principal was outstanding under this facility and $270 million was available for us to draw.

Other Facilities: On April 14, 2015, our IMFT joint venture entered into a commitment letter and progress payment agreement to obtain up to $275 million of financing collateralized by semiconductor production equipment. The facility was terminated in September 2015 and not utilized.

On May 28, 2015, we entered into a term loan agreement to obtain financing collateralized by certain property, plant, and equipment. Subject to customary conditions, we can draw up to 6.90 billion New Taiwan dollars or an equivalent amount in U.S. dollars (approximately $213 million as of September 3, 2015). On June 18, 2015, we drew $40 million under this arrangement. Subsequent draws must occur by December 18, 2015. Amounts drawn will be made subject to a three-year loan, with equal quarterly principal payments beginning six months after the initial draw. Amounts drawn in New Taiwan dollars will accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the three-month Taipei Interbank Offered Rate ("TAIBOR") plus a margin not to exceed 2.0%. Amounts drawn in U.S. dollars will accrue interest at a variable rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a margin not to exceed 2.2%. As of September 3, 2015, the outstanding balance was $40 million.

On March 13, 2015, we borrowed $47 million under a two-year note, collateralized by certain property, plant, and equipment. The note is payable in equal quarterly installments, plus interest at a variable rate equal to the 90-day TAIBOR plus 1.65% per annum. As of September 3, 2015, the outstanding balance was $40 million.

During 2015, we repaid, prior to their scheduled maturities, an aggregate of $159 million to close certain other notes payable with a weighted-average annual interest rate of 2.44% and repaid, according to the scheduled payment terms, another note payable of $127 million, which amount represented the present value of monthly installment payments for the acquisition of an additional 9.9% interest in MMT.


68




Maturities of Notes Payable and Future Minimum Lease Payments

As of September 3, 2015, maturities of notes payable (including the MMJ Creditor Installment Payments) and future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations were as follows:

 
 
Notes Payable
 
Capital Lease Obligations
2016
 
$
291

 
$
349

2017
 
289

 
173

2018
 
504

 
131

2019
 
508

 
91

2020
 
702

 
32

2021 and thereafter
 
4,844

 
76

Unamortized discounts and interest, respectively
 
(589
)
 
(60
)
 
 
$
6,549

 
$
792


Retrospective Application of a New Accounting Standard

Effective in the fourth quarter of 2015, we adopted ASU 2015-03 – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, as appropriate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to an asset. The new accounting standard required retrospective application; therefore, our financial statements and notes to these statements contained herein have been adjusted to reflect the impact of adopting this new accounting standard. The following table sets forth the financial statement line items affected by retrospective application of this new accounting standard:

As of August 28, 2014
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Adoption
 
Retrospectively Adjusted
Other noncurrent assets
 
$
497

 
$
(82
)
 
$
415

Current debt
 
1,638

 
(20
)
 
1,618

Long-term debt
 
4,955

 
(62
)
 
4,893

Redeemable convertible debt
 
57

 
11

 
68

Additional capital
 
7,879

 
(11
)
 
7,868



Commitments

As of September 3, 2015, we had commitments of approximately $1.62 billion for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment.  We lease certain facilities and equipment under operating leases.  Total rental expense was $48 million, $57 million, and $41 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Minimum future operating lease commitments as of September 3, 2015 were as follows:

2016
 
$
218

2017
 
296

2018
 
106

2019
 
15

2020
 
12

2021 and thereafter
 
35

 
 
$
682





69




Contingencies

We have accrued a liability and charged operations for the estimated costs of adjudication or settlement of various asserted and unasserted claims existing as of the applicable balance sheet dates, including those described below. We are currently a party to other legal actions arising from the normal course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Patent Matters

As is typical in the semiconductor and other high technology industries, from time to time others have asserted, and may in the future assert, that our products or manufacturing processes infringe their intellectual property rights.

On November 21, 2014, Elm 3DS Innovations, LLC ("Elm") filed a patent infringement action against Micron, Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc., and Micron Consumer Products Group, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. On March 27, 2015, Elm filed an amended complaint against the same entities. The amended complaint alleges that unspecified semiconductor products of ours that incorporate multiple stacked die infringe thirteen U.S. patents and seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

On December 15, 2014, Innovative Memory Solutions, Inc. filed a patent infringement action against us in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.  The complaint alleges that a variety of our NAND Flash products infringe eight U.S. patents and seeks damages, attorneys' fees, and costs.

Among other things, the above lawsuits pertain to certain of our DDR DRAM, DDR2 DRAM, DDR3 DRAM, DDR4 DRAM, SDR SDRAM, PSRAM, RLDRAM, LPDRAM, NAND Flash, and certain other memory products we manufacture, which account for a significant portion of our net sales.

We are unable to predict the outcome of assertions of infringement made against us and therefore cannot estimate the range of possible loss. A determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others or entering into a license agreement covering such intellectual property could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Qimonda

On January 20, 2011, Dr. Michael Jaffé, administrator for Qimonda insolvency proceedings, filed suit against Micron and Micron Semiconductor B.V., our Netherlands subsidiary ("Micron B.V."), in the District Court of Munich, Civil Chamber. The complaint seeks to void under Section 133 of the German Insolvency Act a share purchase agreement between Micron B.V. and Qimonda signed in fall 2008 pursuant to which Micron B.V. purchased substantially all of Qimonda's shares of Inotera Memories, Inc. (the "Inotera Shares"), representing approximately 55% of our total shares in Inotera as of September 3, 2015, and seeks an order requiring us to re-transfer those shares to the Qimonda estate. The complaint also seeks, among other things, to recover damages for the alleged value of the joint venture relationship with Inotera and to terminate under Sections 103 or 133 of the German Insolvency Code a patent cross-license between us and Qimonda entered into at the same time as the share purchase agreement.

Following a series of hearings with pleadings, arguments and witnesses on behalf of the Qimonda estate, on March 13, 2014, the Court issued judgments:  (1) ordering Micron B.V. to pay approximately $1 million in respect of certain Inotera shares sold in connection with the original share purchase; (2) ordering Micron B.V. to disclose certain information with respect to any Inotera Shares sold by it to third parties; (3) ordering Micron B.V. to disclose the benefits derived by it from ownership of the Inotera Shares, including in particular, any profits distributed on such shares and all other benefits; (4) denying Qimonda’s claims against Micron for any damages relating to the joint venture relationship with Inotera; and (5) determining that Qimonda's obligations under the patent cross-license agreement are canceled. In addition, the Court issued interlocutory judgments ordering, among other things:  (1) that Micron B.V. transfer to the Qimonda estate the Inotera Shares still owned by it and pay to the Qimonda estate compensation in an amount to be specified for any Inotera Shares sold to third parties; and (2) that Micron B.V. pay the Qimonda estate as compensation an amount to be specified for benefits derived by it from ownership of the Inotera Shares. The interlocutory judgments have no immediate, enforceable effect on us, and, accordingly, we expect to be able to continue to operate with full control of the Inotera Shares subject to further developments in the case. We have filed a notice of appeal, and the parties have submitted briefs to the appeals court. The next hearing on the matter has not yet been scheduled.

70





We are unable to predict the outcome of the matter and therefore cannot estimate the range of possible loss. The final resolution of this lawsuit could result in the loss of the Inotera Shares or monetary damages, unspecified damages based on the benefits derived by Micron B.V. from the ownership of the Inotera Shares, and/or the termination of the patent cross-license, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, or financial condition.  As of September 3, 2015, the Inotera Shares had a carrying value in equity method investments for purposes of our financial reporting of $683 million and a market value of $846 million.

Other

In the normal course of business, we are a party to a variety of agreements pursuant to which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these types of agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, our payments under these types of agreements have not had a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.


Redeemable Convertible Notes

Under the terms of the indentures governing the 2033 Notes, upon conversion, we would be required to pay cash equal to the lesser amount of (1) the aggregate principal amount or (2) the conversion value of the notes being converted. To the extent the conversion value exceeds the principal amount, we could pay cash, shares of common stock, or a combination thereof, at our option, for the amount of such excess. The 2033 Notes were convertible at the option of the holders as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014. Therefore, the 2033 Notes were classified as current debt and the aggregate difference between the principal amount and the carrying value of $49 million as of September 3, 2015 and $68 million as of August 28, 2014 was classified as redeemable convertible notes in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. (See "Debt" note.)


Equity

Micron Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock Repurchases:  Since the first quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.25 billion of our outstanding common stock, $250 million of which was authorized in the first quarter of 2016. Any repurchases under the authorization may be made in open market purchases, block trades, privately-negotiated transactions, and/or derivative transactions. Repurchases are subject to market conditions and our ongoing determination of the best use of available cash. During 2015, we repurchased 42 million shares for $831 million (including commissions) through open market transactions, which were recorded as treasury stock.

Capped Calls

Issued and Outstanding Capped Calls: We have entered into capped calls, which are intended to reduce the effect of potential dilution from our convertible notes.  The capped calls provide for our receipt of cash or shares, at our election, from our counterparties if the trading price of our stock is above a specified initial strike price at the expiration dates. The amounts receivable varies based on the trading price of our stock, up to specified cap prices. The dollar value of the cash or shares that we would receive from the capped calls upon their expiration date ranges from $0 if the trading price of our stock is below the initial strike price for all of the capped calls to $814 million if the trading price of our stock is at or above the cap price for all of the capped calls.  We paid $57 million in 2011 to purchase the 2031 Capped Calls, $103 million in 2012 to purchase the 2032 Capped Calls and $48 million in 2013 to purchase the 2033 Capped Calls. The amounts paid were recorded as charges to additional capital.


71




The following table presents information related to the issued and outstanding capped calls as of September 3, 2015:

Capped Calls
 

 
 
 
Strike Price
 
Cap Price Range
 
Underlying Common Shares
 
Value at Expiration(1)
 
Expiration Dates
 
 
Low
 
High
 
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
2031
 
Jan 2016
Feb 2016
 
$
9.50

 
$
13.17

 
$
13.17

 
18

 
$

 
$
67

2032C
 
May 2016
Nov 2017
 
9.80

 
14.26

 
15.69

 
56

 

 
307

2032D
 
Nov 2016
May 2018
 
10.16

 
14.62

 
16.04

 
44

 

 
244

2033E
 
Jan 2018
Feb 2018
 
10.93

 
14.51

 
14.51

 
27

 

 
98

2033F
 
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
 
10.93

 
14.51

 
14.51

 
27

 

 
98

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172

 
$

 
$
814

(1) 
Settlement in cash on the respective expiration dates would result in us receiving an amount ranging from zero, if the market price per share of our common stock is at or below the low strike price, to the maximum amount if the market price per share of our common stock is at or above the high cap price. If share settlement were elected, the number of shares received would be determined by the value of the capped calls at the time of settlement divided by the share price on the settlement date. Settlement of the capped calls prior to the expiration dates may be for an amount less than the maximum value at expiration.

Expiration and Unwind of Capped Calls: A portion of our 2031 Capped Calls expired in the fourth quarter of 2015. We elected share settlement and received 3 million shares of our stock, equivalent to approximately $50 million based on the trading stock price at the time of expiration, which were recorded as treasury stock. In May 2014, we and the counterparties agreed to terminate and unwind a portion of our 2031 Capped Calls. We elected share settlement and received 3 million shares of our stock, equivalent to approximately $86 million based on the trading stock price at the time of the unwind. The shares received in May 2014 were retired from treasury stock in 2014.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the year ended September 3, 2015, were as follows:

 
 
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments, Net
 
Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net
 
Pension Liability Adjustments
 
Total
Balance as of August 28, 2014
 
$
42

 
$
12

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
56

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(42
)
 
(11
)
 
(2
)
 
33

 
(22
)
Amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
Tax effects
 

 

 

 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(42
)
 
(17
)
 
(4
)
 
20

 
(43
)
Balance as of September 3, 2015
 
$

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
21

 
$
13


Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries

As of
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Noncontrolling Interest Balance
 
Noncontrolling Interest Percentage
 
Noncontrolling Interest Balance
 
Noncontrolling Interest Percentage
IMFT(1)
 
$
829

 
49
%
 
$
693

 
49
%
MP Mask(1)
 
93

 
50
%
 
93

 
50
%
Other
 
15

 
Various

 
16

 
Various

 
 
$
937

 
 
 
$
802

 
 
(1) Entity is a variable interest entity.


72




IMFT: Since inception in 2006, we have owned 51% of IMFT, a joint venture between us and Intel to manufacture NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory products for the exclusive use of the members. IMFT is governed by a Board of Managers, for which the number of managers appointed by each member varies based on the members' respective ownership interests. The IMFT joint venture agreement extends through 2024 and includes certain buy-sell rights. Commencing in January 2015, Intel can put to us, and commencing in January 2018, we can call from Intel, Intel's interest in IMFT, in either case, for an amount equal to the noncontrolling interest balance attributable to Intel at that time. If Intel elects to sell to us, we can elect to set the closing date of the transaction to be any time within two years following such election by Intel and can elect to receive financing of the purchase price from Intel for one to two years from the closing date.

IMFT manufactures memory products using designs and technology we develop with Intel. We generally share with Intel the costs of product design and process development activities for NAND Flash memory and 3D XPoint memory. Our R&D expenses were reduced by reimbursements from Intel of $224 million, $137 million, and $127 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

We sell a portion of our products to Intel through our IMFT joint venture at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost. Sales of products to Intel under this arrangement were $420 million, $423 million, and $387 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Receivables from Intel as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, were $67 million and $66 million, respectively, for these sales.

The following table presents the assets and liabilities of IMFT included in our consolidated balance sheets:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
 
$
134

 
$
84

Receivables
 
79

 
73

Inventories
 
65

 
48

Other current assets
 
7

 
5

Total current assets
 
285

 
210

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
1,768

 
1,545

Other noncurrent assets
 
49

 
47

Total assets
 
$
2,102

 
$
1,802

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
182

 
$
106

Deferred income
 
9

 
8

Current debt
 
22

 
21

Total current liabilities
 
213

 
135

Long-term debt
 
49

 
71

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
100

 
110

Total liabilities
 
$
362

 
$
316

Amounts exclude intercompany balances that were eliminated in our consolidated balance sheets.

Creditors of IMFT have recourse only to IMFT's assets and do not have recourse to any other of our assets.

The following table presents IMFT's distributions to and contributions from its shareholders:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
IMFT distributions to Micron
 
$
6

 
$
10

 
$
38

IMFT distributions to Intel
 
6

 
10

 
37

Micron contributions to IMFT
 
148

 
106

 
12

Intel contributions to IMFT
 
142

 
102

 
11



73




MP Mask: In 2006, we formed a joint venture with Photronics to produce photomasks for leading-edge and advanced next generation semiconductors.  On March 24, 2015, we notified Photronics of our election to terminate MP Mask effective in May 2016. Upon termination, we have the right to acquire Photronics' interest in MP Mask for an amount equal to the noncontrolling interest balance. Since its inception, we and Photronics have each owned approximately 50% of MP Mask.  We purchase a substantial majority of the photomasks produced by MP Mask pursuant to a supply arrangement.

The assets and liabilities of MP Mask included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Current assets
 
$
21

 
$
24

Noncurrent assets (primarily property, plant and equipment)
 
180

 
203

Current liabilities
 
21

 
28

Noncurrent liabilities
 

 
14

Amounts exclude intercompany balances that were eliminated in our consolidated balance sheets.

Creditors of MP Mask have recourse only to MP Mask's assets and do not have recourse to any other of our assets.

MMT: As of August 29, 2013, noncontrolling interests in MMT were 11%. In 2014, we purchased additional interests in MMT for an aggregate of $146 million, and as of August 28, 2014, noncontrolling interests in MMT were less than 1%. Substantially all of the MMT shares purchased in 2014 were financed with a short-term loan from a seller. As a result of the purchases of MMT shares in 2014, in aggregate, noncontrolling interests decreased by $180 million and additional capital increased by $34 million.

Restrictions on Net Assets

As a result of the reorganization proceedings of the MMJ Companies initiated on March 23, 2012, and for so long as such proceedings continue, the MMJ Group is subject to certain restrictions on dividends, loans, and advances. In addition, our ability to access IMFT's cash and other assets through dividends, loans, or advances, including to finance our other operations, is subject to agreement by Intel. As a result, our total restricted net assets (net assets less intercompany balances and noncontrolling interests) as of September 3, 2015 were $3.35 billion for the MMJ Group and $911 million for IMFT, which included cash and equivalents of $748 million for the MMJ Group and $134 million for IMFT. (See "Micron Memory Japan, Inc." note and "IMFT" above.)

As of September 3, 2015, our retained earnings included undistributed earnings from our equity method investees of $232 million.


Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards establish three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (referred to as Level 1), inputs other than Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly (referred to as Level 2), and unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities (referred to as Level 3).

All of our marketable debt and equity investments (excluding equity method investments) were classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. In addition to the fair value measurements disclosed in the "Cash and Investments" note, as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, we had certificates of deposit classified as restricted cash (included in other noncurrent assets) of $45 million and $27 million, respectively, valued using Level 2 fair value measurements.

In connection with our repurchases of debt in 2015, 2014, and 2013, we determined the fair value of the debt components of our convertible notes as if they were stand-alone instruments, using interest rates for similar nonconvertible debt issued by entities with credit ratings comparable to ours (Level 2).


74




Amounts reported as cash and equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value. The estimated fair value and carrying value of debt instruments (carrying value excludes the equity and mezzanine equity components of our convertible notes) were as follows:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
Notes and MMJ creditor installment payments
$
5,020

 
$
5,077

 
$
3,634

 
$
3,483

Convertible notes
 
2,508

 
1,472

 
5,886

 
2,117


The fair values of our convertible notes were determined based on inputs that were observable in the market or that could be derived from, or corroborated with, observable market data, including the trading price of our convertible notes when available, our stock price, and interest rates based on similar debt issued by parties with credit ratings similar to ours (Level 2).  The fair value of our other debt instruments was estimated based on discounted cash flows using inputs that were observable in the market or that could be derived from, or corroborated with, observable market data, including the trading price of our notes, when available, and interest rates based on similar debt issued by parties with credit ratings similar to ours (Level 2).

In connection with our restructure and asset impairment charges in 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our 200mm wafer fabrication equipment in Kiryat Gat, Israel was determined primarily based on the expected proceeds from the sale and the fair value of a supply agreement to manufacture NOR flash memory at the facility (Level 3). The fair values of our MIT assets and our Light-emitting Diode ("LED") production assets were based on quotations obtained from equipment dealers, which consider the remaining useful life and configuration of the equipment (Level 3). (See "Restructure and Asset Impairments" note.)


Derivative Instruments

We use derivative instruments to manage a portion of our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates from our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We have also had convertible note settlement obligations which were accounted for as derivative instruments as a result of our elections to settle conversions in cash. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purpose.

Derivative Instruments without Hedge Accounting Designation

Currency Derivatives: We use derivative instruments to manage a portion of our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates from our monetary assets and liabilities. Our primary objective for entering into currency derivatives is to reduce the volatility that changes in currency exchange rates have on our earnings.

To hedge our exposures to monetary assets and liabilities, we generally utilize a rolling hedge strategy with currency forward contracts that mature within 35 days.  At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are remeasured in U.S. dollars and the associated outstanding forward contracts are marked-to-market.  Currency forward contracts are valued at fair values based on the middle of bid and ask prices of dealers or exchange quotations (Level 2 fair value measurements). In connection with the currency exchange rate risk associated with the MMJ Acquisition in July 2013, we entered into currency exchange transactions (the "MMJ Acquisition Hedges"). The MMJ Acquisition Hedges were not designated for hedge accounting and were remeasured at fair value each period. We recorded losses from the MMJ Acquisition Hedges of $228 million in 2013. To mitigate the risk of the yen strengthening against the U.S. dollar on the MMJ creditor installment payments due in December 2014 and December 2015, we entered into forward contracts to purchase 20 billion yen on November 28, 2014 and 10 billion yen on November 27, 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, we paid $33 million to settle the 20 billion yen forward contracts.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on currency derivatives without hedge accounting designation as well as the change in the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to changes in currency exchange rates are included in other non-operating income (expense), net.


75




Convertible Notes Settlement Obligations: During 2015, holders elected to convert a portion of our 2033E Notes. In 2014, holders elected to convert substantially all of our remaining 2014 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2031A Notes, and 2031B Notes. As a result of our elections to settle the amounts due upon conversion in cash, each of the settlement obligations became derivative debt liabilities subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment for a period of approximately 30 days, beginning on the dates we notified the holder of our intention to settle the obligation in cash through the settlement dates. The fair values of the underlying derivative settlement obligations were initially determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model (Level 2 fair value measurements). The Black-Scholes model requires the input of assumptions, including the stock price, expected stock-price volatility, estimated option life, risk-free interest rate, and dividend rate. The subsequent measurements and final settlement amounts of our convertible note settlement obligations were based on the volume-weighted average stock price (Level 2 fair value measurements). Changes in fair values of the derivative settlement obligations were included in other non-operating income (expense), net.

Total notional amounts and gross fair values for derivative instruments without hedge accounting designation were as follows:

 
 
Notional Amount(1)
 
Fair Value of
Current Assets(2)
 
Current Liabilities(3)
 
Noncurrent Liabilities(4)
As of September 3, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yen
 
$
928

 
$

 
$
(24
)
 
$

Singapore dollar
 
282

 

 

 

New Taiwan dollar
 
89

 

 

 

Yuan
 
32

 
1

 

 

Euro
 
29

 

 

 

Shekel
 
27

 

 

 

British Pound
 
19

 

 

 

 
 
$
1,406

 
$
1

 
$
(24
)
 
$

As of August 28, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yen
 
$
554

 
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$
(6
)
Singapore dollar
 
330

 

 

 

Euro
 
245

 

 
(1
)
 

Shekel
 
62

 

 
(1
)
 

 
 
$
1,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible notes settlement obligations
 
12

 

 
(389
)
 

 
 
 
 
$

 
$
(403
)
 
$
(6
)
(1)
Notional amounts of forward contracts in U.S. dollars and convertible notes settlement obligations in shares.
(2) 
Included in receivables – other.
(3) 
Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses – other for forward contracts and in current debt for convertible notes settlement obligations.
(4) 
Included in other noncurrent liabilities.

Net gains (losses) for derivative instruments without hedge accounting designation were included in other non-operating income (expense), net as follows:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(64
)
 
$
(27
)
 
$
(222
)
Convertible notes settlement obligations
 
7

 
(59
)
 



76




Derivative Instruments with Cash Flow Hedge Accounting Designation

Currency Derivatives: We utilize currency forward contracts that generally mature within 12 months to hedge our exposure to changes in cash flows from changes in currency exchange rates for certain capital expenditures.  Currency forward contracts are measured at fair value based on market-based observable inputs including currency exchange spot and forward rates, interest rate, and credit risk spread (Level 2 fair value measurements). 

For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the realized and unrealized gain or loss on the derivatives is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings in the same line items of the consolidated statements of operations and in the same periods in which the underlying transactions affect earnings. The ineffective or excluded portion of the realized and unrealized gain or loss is included in other non-operating income (expense), net.  Total notional amounts and gross fair values for derivative instruments with cash flow hedge accounting designation were as follows:

 
 
Notional Amount (in U.S. Dollars)
 
Fair Value of
 
 
Current Assets(1)
 
Current Liabilities(2)
As of September 3, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yen
 
$
81

 
$
3

 
$

Euro
 
12

 

 

 
 
$
93

 
$
3


$

As of August 28, 2014
 
 

 
 
 
 

Yen
 
$
94

 
$

 
$
(2
)
Euro
 
24

 

 

 
 
$
118

 
$


$
(2
)
(1) 
Included in receivables – other.
(2) 
Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses – other.

For 2015, 2014, and 2013, we recognized losses of $10 million, $4 million, and $8 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from the effective portion of cash flow hedges.  The ineffective and excluded portions of cash flow hedges recognized in other non-operating income (expense) were not significant in 2015, 2014, or 2013.  For 2015, 2014, and 2013, we reclassified gains of $6 million, $4 million, and $1 million, respectively, from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings. As of September 3, 2015, $3 million of net gains from cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months.

Derivative Counterparty Credit Risk and Master Netting Arrangements

Our derivative instruments expose us to credit risk to the extent counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the contracts.  Our maximum exposure to loss due to credit risk if counterparties fail completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts would generally equal the fair value of assets for these contracts as listed in the tables above.  We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions and by spreading risk across multiple financial institutions.

We enter into master netting arrangements with our counterparties to mitigate credit risk in derivative hedge transactions. These master netting arrangements allow us and our counterparties to net settle amounts owed to each other. Derivative assets and liabilities that can be net settled with each counterparty under these arrangements have been presented in our consolidated balance sheets on a net basis. As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, amounts netted were not significant.




77




Equity Plans

As of September 3, 2015, our equity plans permit us to issue an aggregate of up to 170 million shares of common stock, of which 112 million shares were available for future awards.  Awards are subject to terms and conditions as determined by our Board of Directors.

Stock Options

Our stock options are generally exercisable in increments of either one-fourth or one-third per year beginning one year from the date of grant. Stock options issued after February 2014 generally expire eight years from the date of grant. Options issued prior to February 2014 generally expire six years from the date of grant.

Option activity for 2015 is summarized as follows:

 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
(In Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 28, 2014
 
48

 
$
10.57

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
8

 
34.45

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(10
)
 
7.35

 
 
 
 
Canceled or expired
 
(2
)
 
15.93

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 3, 2015
 
44

 
15.33

 
3.8
 
$
256

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at September 3, 2015
 
18

 
$
9.33

 
2.4
 
$
145

Expected to vest after September 3, 2015
 
25

 
19.11

 
4.7
 
109


The total intrinsic value was $229 million, $421 million, and $103 million for options exercised during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Stock options granted and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows:
For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options granted
 
8

 
12

 
18

Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share
 
$
14.79

 
$
9.64

 
$
3.34

Average expected life in years
 
5.6

 
4.9

 
5.1

Weighted-average expected volatility
 
45
%
 
48
%
 
59
%
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
 
1.7
%
 
1.6
%
 
0.7
%

The expected volatilities utilized were based on implied volatilities from traded options on our stock and on our historical volatility. The expected lives of options granted were based, in part, on historical experience and on the terms and conditions of the options. The risk-free interest rates utilized were based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at each grant date. No dividends were assumed in estimated option values.


78




Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units ("Restricted Stock Awards")

As of September 3, 2015, there were 14 million shares of Restricted Stock Awards outstanding, of which 1 million were performance-based or market-based Restricted Stock Awards.  For service-based Restricted Stock Awards, restrictions generally lapse in one-fourth increments during each year of employment after the grant date.  Vesting for performance-based awards is contingent upon meeting a specified return on assets ("ROA"), as defined, over a three-year performance period and vesting for market-based Restricted Stock Awards is contingent upon achieving total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the companies included in the S&P 500 over a three-year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of actual shares to be awarded varies between 0% and 200% of target amounts, depending upon the achievement level of the specified ROA or TSR.  Restricted Stock Awards activity for 2015 is summarized as follows:

 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at August 28, 2014
 
13

 
$
15.08

Granted
 
7

 
32.60

Restrictions lapsed
 
(5
)
 
13.48

Canceled
 
(1
)
 
19.81

Outstanding at September 3, 2015
 
14

 
23.88

 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest after September 3, 2015
 
13

 
$
23.78


For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Restricted stock awards granted
 
7

 
7

 
7

Weighted-average grant-date fair values per share
 
$
32.60

 
$
21.88

 
$
6.23

Aggregate fair values at vesting date
 
155

 
115

 
17


Stock-based Compensation Expense

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Stock-based compensation expense by caption:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
65

 
$
39

 
$
27

Selling, general and administrative
 
60

 
50

 
45

Research and development
 
42

 
25

 
18

Other
 
1

 
1

 
1

 
 
$
168

 
$
115

 
$
91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense by type of award:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
$
81

 
$
61

 
$
57

Restricted stock awards
 
87

 
54

 
34

 
 
$
168

 
$
115

 
$
91


Stock-based compensation expense of $9 million and $9 million was capitalized and remained in inventory as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, respectively. As of September 3, 2015, $384 million of total unrecognized compensation costs for unvested awards, net of estimated forfeitures, was expected to be recognized through the fourth quarter of 2019, resulting in a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. Stock-based compensation expense in the above presentation does not reflect any significant income tax benefits, which is consistent with our treatment of income or loss from our U.S. operations.




79




Employee Benefit Plans

We have employee retirement plans at our U.S. and international sites.  Details of the more significant plans are discussed as follows:

Employee Savings Plan for U.S. Employees

We have 401(k) retirement plans under which U.S. employees may contribute up to 75% of their eligible pay (subject to IRS annual contribution limits) to various savings alternatives, none of which include direct investment in our stock.  We match in cash eligible contributions from employees up to 5% of the employee's annual eligible earnings. Contribution expense for the 401(k) plans was $55 million, $44 million, and $41 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Retirement Plans

We have pension plans in various countries.  The pension plans are only available to local employees and are generally government mandated.  As of September 3, 2015, the projected benefit obligations of our plans was $132 million and plan assets were $105 million. As of August 28, 2014, the projected benefit obligations of our plans was $164 million and plan assets were $90 million. Pension expense was not significant for 2015, 2014, or 2013.


Restructure and Asset Impairments

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Loss on impairment of LED assets
 
$
1

 
$
(6
)
 
$
33

Loss on impairment of MIT assets
 

 
(5
)
 
62

Gain on termination of lease to Transform
 

 

 
(25
)
Loss on restructure of ST Consortium agreement
 

 

 
26

Other
 
2

 
51

 
30

 
 
$
3

 
$
40

 
$
126


In order to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and increase our focus on our core memory operations, we have entered into various restructure activities. For 2014, our MBU and EBU operating segments recorded restructure and asset impairment charges of $21 million and $20 million, respectively. For 2013, restructure and asset impairment charges of $20 million, $14 million, $12 million, and $12 million were recognized by our SBU, EBU, MBU, and CNBU operating segments, respectively. The remaining restructure and asset impairment charges were recognized by our other segments that do not meet the thresholds of a reportable segment. As of September 3, 2015, we do not anticipate incurring any significant additional costs for these restructure activities.

For 2014 and 2013, other restructure included charges associated with workforce optimization activities and with our efforts to wind down our 200mm operations primarily in Agrate, Italy and Kiryat Gat, Israel.

For 2013, we also recognized charges of $33 million primarily to impair certain production assets used in the development of LED technology, $62 million to impair the assets of MIT, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to their estimated fair values in connection with the sale of MIT to LFoundry, and $26 million in connection with the restructure of a consortium agreement with ST, whereby certain assets and approximately 500 employees from our Agrate, Italy fabrication facility were transferred to ST. For 2013, we also recognized a gain of $25 million related to the termination of a lease with Transform Solar Pty Ltd. ("Transform"), an equity method investee, to a portion of our manufacturing facilities in Boise, Idaho.




80




Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
$
(17
)
 
$
10

 
$
(3
)
Rambus settlement
 

 
233

 

Other
 
(28
)
 
(11
)
 
(5
)
 
 
$
(45
)
 
$
232

 
$
(8
)

In December 2013, we settled all pending litigation between us and Rambus, Inc., including all antitrust and patent matters.  We also entered into a seven-year term patent cross-license agreement with Rambus, Inc. that allows us to avoid costs of patent-related litigation during the term.  The primary benefits we received from these arrangements were (1) the settlement and termination of all existing litigation, (2) the avoidance of future litigation expenses and (3) the avoidance of future management and customer disruptions.  As a result, other operating expense for 2014 included a $233 million charge to accrue a liability, which reflects the discounted value of amounts due under this arrangement.


Other Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Loss on restructure of debt
 
$
(49
)
 
$
(184
)
 
$
(31
)
Gain (loss) from changes in currency exchange rates
 
(27
)
 
(28
)
 
(229
)
Gain from disposition of interest in Aptina
 
1

 
119

 

Gain from issuance of Inotera shares
 

 
93

 
48

Other
 
22

 
8

 
(6
)
 
 
$
(53
)
 
$
8

 
$
(218
)
 



81




Income Taxes

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income before income taxes, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 
$
2,431

 
$
2,619

 
$
839

U.S.
 
178

 
114

 
446

 
 
$
2,609

 
$
2,733

 
$
1,285

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax (provision) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(46
)
 
$
(17
)
State
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 

U.S. federal
 
6

 
(3
)
 

 
 
(88
)
 
(51
)
 
(17
)
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 
(85
)
 
(81
)
 
9

U.S. federal
 
15

 
4

 

State
 
1

 

 

 
 
(69
)
 
(77
)
 
9

Income tax (provision) benefit
 
$
(157
)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(8
)

Income tax (provision) benefit computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate reconciled to income tax (provision) benefit was as follows:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
U.S. federal income tax (provision) benefit at statutory rate
 
$
(913
)
 
$
(956
)
 
$
(450
)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits
 
(118
)
 
(152
)
 
2

Foreign tax rate differential
 
515

 
474

 
339

Change in valuation allowance
 
260

 
544

 
(418
)
Noncontrolling investment transactions
 
57

 

 

Tax credits
 
53

 
11

 
36

State taxes, net of federal benefit
 
19

 
(39
)
 
6

Gain on MMJ Acquisition
 

 
(11
)
 
520

Transaction costs related to the MMJ Acquisition
 

 

 
(38
)
Other
 
(30
)
 
1

 
(5
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
$
(157
)
 
$
(128
)
 
$
(8
)

We operate in tax jurisdictions, including Singapore and Taiwan, where our earnings are indefinitely reinvested and are taxed at lower effective tax rates than the U.S. statutory rate. We operate in a number of locations outside the U.S., including Singapore and, to a lesser extent, Taiwan, where we have tax incentive agreements that are, in part, conditional upon meeting certain business operations and employment thresholds. The effect of tax incentive arrangements, which expire in whole or in part at various dates through 2030, reduced our tax provision for 2015, 2014, and 2013 by $338 million (benefitting our diluted earnings per share by $0.29), $286 million ($0.24 per diluted share), and $141 million ($0.13 per diluted share), respectively.


82




Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes as well as carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
 
$
2,869

 
$
3,162

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 
143

 
152

Other accrued liabilities
 
97

 
113

Property, plant and equipment
 

 
284

Other
 
86

 
104

Gross deferred tax assets
 
3,195

 
3,815

Less valuation allowance
 
(2,051
)
 
(2,443
)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
 
1,144

 
1,372

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Debt discount
 
(207
)
 
(291
)
Unremitted earnings on certain subsidiaries
 
(162
)
 
(115
)
Product and process technology
 
(43
)
 
(29
)
Other
 
(57
)
 
(67
)
Deferred tax liabilities
 
(469
)
 
(502
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
 
$
675

 
$
870

 
 
 
 
 
Reported as:
 
 
 
 
Current deferred tax assets (included in other current assets)
 
$
104

 
$
228

Noncurrent deferred tax assets
 
597

 
816

Current deferred tax liabilities (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities (included in other noncurrent liabilities)
 
(22
)
 
(170
)
Net deferred tax assets
 
$
675

 
$
870


As of September 3, 2015, we had a valuation allowance of $1.16 billion against substantially all U.S. net deferred tax assets, primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards. The valuation allowance is based on our assessment of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. As of September 3, 2015, we had partial valuation allowances of $710 million for Japan and $177 million for our other foreign subsidiaries against net deferred tax assets, primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards. As of September 3, 2015, we had $3.81 billion of net operating loss carryforwards in Japan of which $2.19 billion is subject to a valuation allowance. Our valuation allowance decreased $392 million in 2015 primarily due to the utilization of U.S. and foreign net operating losses as well as adjustments based on management's assessment of the amount of foreign net operating losses that are more likely than not to be realized.

We have a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset associated with our U.S. operations.  Management continues to evaluate future projected financial performance to determine whether such performance is sufficient evidence to support a reduction in or reversal of the valuation allowances. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if significant positive evidence increases. Income taxes on U.S. operations for 2015 and 2014 were substantially offset by changes in the valuation allowance.


83




As of September 3, 2015, our federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforward amounts and expiration periods as reported to tax authorities, were as follows:

Year of Expiration
 
U.S. Federal
 
State
 
Japan
 
Other Foreign
 
Total
2016 - 2020
 
$

 
$
103

 
$
1,311

 
$
1,011

 
$
2,425

2021 - 2025
 

 
265

 
2,499

 
294

 
3,058

2026 - 2030
 
2,022

 
1,028

 

 

 
3,050

2031 - 2035
 
1,999

 
652

 

 

 
2,651

Indefinite
 

 

 

 
30

 
30

 
 
$
4,021

 
$
2,048

 
$
3,810

 
$
1,335

 
$
11,214


As of September 3, 2015, our federal and state tax credit carryforward amounts and expiration periods as reported to tax authorities, were as follows:

Year of Tax Credit Expiration
 
Federal
 
State
 
Total
2016 - 2020
 
$
20

 
$
65

 
$
85

2021 - 2025
 
99

 
43

 
142

2026 - 2030
 
65

 
61

 
126

2031 - 2035
 
119

 

 
119

Indefinite
 

 
39

 
39

 
 
$
303

 
$
208

 
$
511


We have not recognized deferred tax assets of $307 million for excess tax benefits that arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation greater than amounts recognized for financial reporting. These excess stock compensation benefits will be credited to additional capital if realized. We use the "with and without" method, as described in ASC 740, for purposes of determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.

Provision has been made for deferred taxes on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the extent that dividend payments from such companies are expected to result in additional tax liabilities.  Remaining undistributed earnings of $6.96 billion as of September 3, 2015 have been indefinitely reinvested; therefore, no provision has been made for taxes due on approximately $8.52 billion of the excess of the financial reporting amount over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested. Generally, this amount becomes taxable upon a repatriation of assets from the subsidiary or a sale or liquidation of the subsidiary. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.

Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits
 
$
228

 
$
78

 
$
77

Increases related to tax positions taken during current year
 
119

 
152

 
4

Increases related to tax positions from prior years
 
17

 

 

Foreign currency translation increases (decreases) to tax positions
 
(6
)
 
1

 
4

Lapse of statute of limitations
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 

Settlements with tax authorities
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(8
)
Decreases related to tax positions from prior years
 

 
(1
)
 

Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in current year
 

 

 
1

Ending unrecognized tax benefits
 
$
351

 
$
228

 
$
78



84




Included in the unrecognized tax benefits balance as of September 3, 2015, August 28, 2014, and August 29, 2013 were $53 million, $66 million, and $63 million, respectively, of unrecognized income tax benefits, which if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.  The increase in unrecognized tax benefits in 2015 primarily related to transfer pricing and other matters which were substantially offset by changes in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters within income tax expense. As of September 3, 2015, August 28, 2014, and August 29, 2013, the amount accrued for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $16 million, $19 million, and $16 million, respectively. The resolution of tax audits or lapses of statute of limitations could also reduce our unrecognized tax benefits. Although the timing of final resolution is uncertain, the estimated potential reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months ranges from $0 to $67 million, including interest and penalties.

We and our subsidiaries file income tax returns with the U.S. federal government, various U.S. states and various foreign jurisdictions throughout the world.  Our U.S. federal and state tax returns remain open to examination for 2011 through 2015.  In addition, tax returns open to examination in multiple foreign taxing jurisdictions range from the years 2007 to 2015.  We believe that adequate amounts of taxes and related interest and penalties have been provided for, and any adjustments as a result of examinations are not expected to materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.


Earnings Per Share

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income available to Micron shareholders – Basic
 
$
2,899

 
$
3,045

 
$
1,190

Dilutive effect related to equity method investment
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 

Net income available to Micron shareholders – Diluted
 
$
2,896

 
$
3,043

 
$
1,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – Basic
 
1,070

 
1,060

 
1,022

Dilutive effect of equity plans and convertible notes
 
100

 
138

 
35

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – Diluted
 
1,170

 
1,198

 
1,057

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.71

 
$
2.87

 
$
1.16

Diluted
 
2.47

 
2.54

 
1.13


Listed below are the potential common shares, as of the end of the periods shown, that could dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Equity plans
 
18

 
7

 
40

Convertible notes
 
18

 
26

 
186


Our 2033 Notes and, to the extent our 2027 Notes and 2031 Notes were outstanding during the periods presented, contain terms that upon conversion require us to settle the aggregate principal amount in cash and the remainder of our conversion obligation amount in either shares of our common stock or cash, at our election. Our 2032 Notes and 2043 Notes, and, to the extent our 2014 Notes were outstanding during the periods presented, contain terms that upon conversion provide us the option to pay cash, issue shares of common stock, or any combination thereof for the aggregate amount due. It is our current intent to settle the principal amount of our 2032 Notes and 2043 Notes in cash upon conversion. As a result of these conversion terms and stated intent, the shares underlying the 2014 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2031 Notes, 2032 Notes, 2033 Notes, and 2043 Notes were considered in diluted earnings per share for the periods they were outstanding under the treasury stock method. (See "Debt" note.)




85




Segment Information

Segment information reported herein is consistent with how it is reviewed and evaluated by our chief operating decision maker. We have the following four business units, which are our reportable segments:

Compute and Networking Business Unit ("CNBU"): Includes memory products sold into compute, networking, graphics, and cloud server markets.
Mobile Business Unit ("MBU"): Includes memory products sold into smartphone, tablet, and other mobile-device markets.
Storage Business Unit ("SBU"): Includes memory products sold into enterprise, client, cloud, and removable storage markets. SBU also includes products sold to Intel through our IMFT joint venture.
Embedded Business Unit ("EBU"): Includes memory products sold into automotive, industrial, connected home, and consumer electronics markets.

Certain operating expenses directly associated with the activities of a specific segment are charged to that segment. Other indirect operating expenses (income) are generally allocated to segments based on their respective percentage of cost of goods sold or forecasted wafer production. The unallocated amount of operating expense for 2014 related to the Rambus settlement.

We do not identify or report internally our assets or capital expenditures by segment, nor do we allocate gains and losses from equity method investments, interest, other non-operating income or expense items, or taxes to segments.  There are no differences in the accounting policies for segment reporting and our consolidated results of operations.

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
CNBU
 
$
6,725

 
$
7,333

 
$
3,462

MBU
 
3,692

 
3,627

 
1,214

SBU
 
3,687

 
3,480

 
2,824

EBU
 
1,999

 
1,774

 
1,275

All Other
 
89

 
144

 
298

 
 
$
16,192

 
$
16,358

 
$
9,073

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
CNBU
 
$
1,481

 
$
1,957

 
$
160

MBU
 
1,126

 
683

 
(265
)
SBU
 
(89
)
 
255

 
173

EBU
 
435

 
331

 
227

All Other
 
45

 
94

 
(59
)
Unallocated
 

 
(233
)
 

 
 
$
2,998

 
$
3,087

 
$
236


Depreciation and amortization expense was as follows:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CNBU
 
$
1,058

 
$
878

 
$
687

MBU
 
514

 
475

 
293

SBU
 
765

 
512

 
551

EBU
 
322

 
226

 
215

All Other
 
10

 
11

 
67

Depreciation and amortization expense included in operating income (loss)
 
2,669

 
2,102

 
1,813

Other amortization
 
136

 
168

 
113

Total depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
2,805

 
$
2,270

 
$
1,926



86





Product Sales

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
DRAM
 
$
10,339

 
$
11,164

 
$
4,361

Non-Volatile Memory
 
5,274

 
4,468

 
3,589

Other
 
579

 
726

 
1,123

 
 
$
16,192

 
$
16,358

 
$
9,073


Non-Volatile Memory includes NAND Flash and 3D XPoint memory. Through 2015, substantially all of our Non-Volatile Memory sales were from NAND Flash products. Sales of NOR Flash products are included in Other. Information regarding our MCP products, which combine both NAND Flash and DRAM components, is reported within Non-Volatile Memory.


Certain Concentrations

Markets with concentrations of net sales were approximately as follows:
For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Compute and graphics
 
25
%
 
30
%
 
20
%
Mobile
 
25
%
 
20
%
 
15
%
SSDs and other storage
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
25
%
Server
 
15
%
 
10
%
 
10
%
Automotive, industrial, medical, and other embedded
 
10
%
 
10
%
 
15
%

Customer concentrations included net sales to Kingston of 11% for 2015 and 10% for 2014, net sales to Intel of 10% for 2013, and net sales to HP of 10% for 2013. Substantially all of our sales to Kingston were included in our CNBU and SBU segments, substantially all of our sales to Intel were included in our SBU segment, and substantially all of our sales to HP were included in our CNBU and SBU segments.

Certain of the raw materials and production equipment we use in manufacturing semiconductor products are available from multiple sources and in sufficient supply; however, only a limited number of suppliers are capable of delivering certain raw materials and production equipment that meet our standards. In some cases, materials are provided by a single supplier.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, fixed-rate debt securities, trade receivables, and derivative contracts. We invest through high-credit-quality financial institutions and, by policy, generally limit the concentration of credit exposure by restricting investments with any single obligor. A concentration of credit risk may exist with respect to receivables as a substantial portion of our customers are affiliated with the computing industry. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of customers worldwide and generally do not require collateral from our customers. Historically, we have not experienced significant losses on receivables. A concentration of risk may also exist with respect to derivatives as the number of counterparties to our currency hedges is limited and the notional amounts are relatively large. We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions and through entering into master netting arrangements. Capped calls expose us to credit risk to the extent the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions and by spreading the risk across several major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis.




87




Geographic Information

Geographic net sales based on customer ship-to location were as follows:

For the year ended
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
China
 
$
6,658

 
$
6,715

 
$
3,783

United States
 
2,565

 
2,551

 
1,512

Taiwan
 
2,241

 
2,313

 
980

Asia Pacific (excluding China, Taiwan, and Japan)
 
2,037

 
1,791

 
946

Europe
 
1,248

 
1,252

 
820

Japan
 
1,026

 
1,253

 
589

Other
 
417

 
483

 
443

 
 
$
16,192

 
$
16,358

 
$
9,073


Net property, plant, and equipment by geographic area was as follows:

As of
 
2015
 
2014
United States
 
$
3,643

 
$
3,282

Singapore
 
3,238

 
3,101

Japan
 
2,173

 
1,221

Taiwan
 
1,073

 
761

China
 
331

 
242

Other
 
96

 
75

 
 
$
10,554

 
$
8,682




88




Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
(in millions except per share amounts)

2015
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
Net sales
 
$
3,600

 
$
3,853

 
$
4,166

 
$
4,573

Gross margin
 
970

 
1,202

 
1,405

 
1,638

Operating income
 
427

 
631

 
855

 
1,085

Net income
 
471

 
491

 
935

 
1,002

Net income attributable to Micron
 
471

 
491

 
934

 
1,003

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.44

 
$
0.46

 
$
0.87

 
$
0.94

Diluted
 
0.42

 
0.42

 
0.78

 
0.84


Results of operations in the fourth, third, and first quarters of 2015 included losses of $1 million, $18 million, and $30 million, respectively, for losses on restructure of debt.

2014
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
Net sales
 
$
4,227

 
$
3,982

 
$
4,107

 
$
4,042

Gross margin
 
1,385

 
1,368

 
1,403

 
1,281

Operating income
 
828

 
839

 
869

 
551

Net income
 
1,151

 
806

 
741

 
381

Net income attributable to Micron
 
1,150

 
806

 
731

 
358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.08

 
$
0.76

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.34

Diluted
 
0.96

 
0.68

 
0.61

 
0.30


Results of operations for the first quarter of 2014 included a $233 million charge to accrue a liability for the settlement of all pending litigation between us and Rambus, including all antitrust and patent matters, which reflects the discounted value of amounts due under the arrangement.

Results of operations in the fourth, third, second, and first quarters of 2014 included losses of $17 million, $16 million, $80 million, and $92 million, respectively, for losses on restructure of debt.

Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 included a gain of $93 million from the issuance of shares by Inotera, which reduced our ownership interest from 35% to 33%. (See "Equity Method Investments – Inotera" note.)

Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 included a gain of $119 million from the sale of interest in Aptina to ON Semiconductor Corporation. (See "Equity Method Investments – Other" note.)

Results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 included a $66 million charge associated with a license agreement with Tessera executed in the fourth quarter of 2014.


89




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Micron Technology, Inc.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 8 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Micron Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries at September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 3, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 8 present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 3, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



San Jose, CA    
October 27, 2015

90




ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.



ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decision regarding disclosure.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control – Integrated Framework" (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 3, 2015.  The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 3, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.



ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION


None.


91




PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


Certain information concerning our executive officers is included under the caption, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant," in Part I, Item 1 of this report.  Other information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 will be contained in our Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after September 3, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference.



92




PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1.
 
Financial Statements:  See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8.
2.
 
Certain Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable or the information is otherwise included.
3.
 
Exhibits.

Exhibit Number
 
Description of Exhibit
2.1*
 
English Translation of Agreement on Support for Reorganization Companies with Nobuaki Kobayashi and Yukio Sakamoto, the trustees of Elpida Memory, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Akita Elpida Memory, Inc. dated July 2, 2012 (3)
2.2*
 
Share Purchase Agreement dated July 2, 2012, among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Semiconductor B.V, Powerchip Technology Corporation, Li-Hsin Investment Co. Ltd., Quantum Vision Corporation, Maxchip Electronics Corporation and Dr. Frank Huang (4)
2.3*
 
English Translation of Agreement Amending Agreement on Support for Reorganization Companies, dated October 29, 2012, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Nobuaki Kobayashi and Yukio Sakamoto, the trustees of Elpida Memory, Inc. and Akita Elpida Memory, Inc. (5)
2.4*
 
English Translation of Agreement Amending Agreement on Support for Reorganization Companies, dated July 31, 2013, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Nobuaki Kobayashi and Yukio Sakamoto, the trustees of Elpida Memory, Inc. and Akita Elpida Memory, Inc. (6)
2.5
 
English Translation of the Reorganization Plan of Elpida Memory, Inc. (6)
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (7)
3.2
 
Bylaws of the Registrant, Amended and Restated (31)
4.1
 
Indenture dated November 3, 2010, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (9)
4.2
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.1) (9)
4.3
 
Indenture dated as of April 18, 2012, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for 2.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2032 (1)
4.4
 
Indenture dated as of April 18, 2012, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for 3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2032 (1)
4.5
 
Form of 2032C Note (included in Exhibit 4.3) (1)
4.6
 
Form of 2032D Note (included in Exhibit 4.4) (1)
4.7
 
Indenture dated as of May 23, 2007, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (10)
4.8
 
Indenture dated July 26, 2011, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (11)
4.9
 
Indenture dated July 26, 2011, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (11)
4.10
 
Form of 2031A Note (included in Exhibit 4.8) (11)
4.11
 
Form of 2031B Note (included in Exhibit 4.9) (11)
4.12
 
Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (2)
4.13
 
Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (2)
4.14
 
Form of 2033E Note (included in Exhibit 4.12) (2)
4.15
 
Form of 2033F Note (included in Exhibit 4.13) (2)
4.16
 
Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. & U.S. Bank National Association (12)
4.17
 
Form of New Note (included in Exhibit 4.16) (12)

93




4.18
 
Indenture dated as of December 16, 2013, by and among Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte., Ltd., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Export-Import Bank of the United States (13)
4.19
 
Indenture dated as of February 10, 2014, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (14)
4.20
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.19) (14)
4.21
 
Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2014, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (15)
4.22
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.21) (15)
4.23
 
Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2015, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. (8)
4.24
 
Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2015, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. (8)
4.25
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.23). (8)
4.26
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.24). (8)
4.27
 
Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2015, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. (35)
4.28
 
Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.27). (35)
10.1
 
Executive Officer Performance Incentive Plan, as Amended (34)
10.2
 
1997 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, as Amended (4)
10.3
 
1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, as Amended (4)
10.4
 
2001 Stock Option Plan, as Amended (4)
10.5
 
2001 Stock Option Plan Form of Agreement (17)
10.6
 
2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated
10.7
 
2004 Equity Incentive Plan Forms of Agreement and Terms and Conditions
10.8
 
Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Incentive Plan
10.9
 
2007 Equity Incentive Plan Forms of Agreement
10.10
 
Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, as Amended
10.11
 
Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan Form of Agreement and Terms and Conditions
10.12
 
Numonyx Holdings B.V. Equity Incentive Plan (18)
10.13
 
Numonyx Holdings B.V. Equity Incentive Plan Forms of Agreement (18)
10.14*
 
Patent License Agreement dated September 15, 2006, by and among Toshiba Corporation, Acclaim Innovations, LLC and Micron Technology, Inc. (19)
10.15
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its officers and directors (13)
10.16*
 
Master Agreement dated as of November 18, 2005, between Micron Technology, Inc. and Intel Corporation (20)
10.17*
 
Supply Agreement dated as of January 6, 2006, between Intel Corporation and IM Flash Technologies, LLC (20)
10.18
 
Form of Severance Agreement (21)
10.19
 
Share Purchase Agreement by and among Micron Technology, Inc. as the Buyer Parent, Micron Semiconductor B.V., as the Buyer, Qimonda Ag as the Seller Parent and Qimonda Holding B.V., as the Seller Sub dated as of October 11, 2008 (16)
10.20
 
Form of Capped Call Confirmation dated as of July 20, 2011, between Micron Technology, Inc. and Société Genérale (22)
10.21
 
Form of Capped Call Confirmation dated as of July 22, 2011 (22)
10.22*
 
2012 Master Agreement by and among Intel Corporation, Intel Technology Asia PTE LTD, Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Semiconductor Asia PTE LTD, IM Flash Technologies, LLC and IM Flash Singapore, LLP dated February 27, 2012 (23)
10.23*
 
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of IM Flash Technologies, LLC dated April 6, 2012, between Micron Technology, Inc. and Intel Corporation (24)
10.24*
 
Amendment to the Master Agreement dated April 6, 2012, between Intel Corporation and Micron Technology, Inc. (24)
10.25*
 
Amended and Restated Supply Agreement dated April 6, 2012, between Intel Corporation and IM Flash Technologies, LLC (24)
10.26*
 
Amended and Restated Supply Agreement dated April 6, 2012, between Micron Technology, Inc. and IM Flash Technologies, LLC (24)

94




10.27*
 
Product Supply Agreement dated April 6, 2012, among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Semiconductor Asia PTE LTD (24)
10.28*
 
Wafer Supply Agreement dated April 6, 2012, among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Singapore (24)
10.29
 
Form of Capped Call Confirmation dated April 2012 (1)
10.30*
 
Supply Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. and Inotera Memories, Inc. (25)
10.31*
 
Joint Venture Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and among Micron Semiconductor B.V., Numonyx Holdings B.V., Micron Technology Asia Pacific, Inc. and Nanya Technology Corporation (25)
10.32*
 
Facilitation Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and among Micron Semiconductor B.V., Numonyx Holdings B.V., Micron Technology Asia Pacific, Inc., Nanya Technology Corporation and Inotera Memories, Inc. (25)
10.33
 
Micron Guaranty Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by Micron Technology, Inc. in favor of Nanya Technology Corporation (25)
10.34*
 
Technology Transfer and License Option Agreement for 20NM Process Node, dated January 17, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Nanya Technology Corporation (26)
10.35*
 
Omnibus IP Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and between Nanya Technology Corporation and Micron Technology, Inc. (25)
10.36*
 
Second Amended and Restated Technology Transfer and License Agreement for 68-50NM Process Nodes, dated January 17, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Nanya Technology Corporation (26)
10.37*
 
Third Amended and Restated Technology Transfer and License Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Nanya Technology Corporation (25)
10.38*
 
Omnibus IP Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Inotera Currency Option Transaction 590297603-2 Trade Date March 26, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch (25)
10.39*
 
English Translation of Front-End Manufacturing Supply Agreement, dated July 31, 2013, by and between Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. and Elpida Memory, Inc. (27)
10.40*
 
English Translation of Research and Development Engineering Services Agreement, dated July 31, 2013, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Elpida Memory, Inc. (6)
10.41*
 
English Translation of General Services Agreement, dated July 31, 2013, by and between Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. and Elpida Memory, Inc. (27)
10.42
 
Form of Capped Call Confirmation dated February 2013 (2)
10.43
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2014, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers (28)
10.44
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2014, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers (14)
10.45
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers (29)
10.46
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 28, 2014, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers (15)
10.47
 
Credit Agreement dated as of December 2, 2014 among Micron Technology, Inc. and Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc., as Borrowers, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Co-Collateral Agent, Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Runner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Collateral Agent and Syndication Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Runner, Bank of America, N.A., Citigroup Global Markets,  Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Joint Book Runners and Co-Documentation Agents, and certain financial institutions, as lenders. (30)
10.48
 
Facility Agreement, dated February 12, 2015, among Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd., as borrower, certain financial institutions party thereto, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, as facility agent, security agent and account bank. (32)
10.49*
 
2015 Supply Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. and Inotera Memories, Inc. (33)
10.50*
 
2016 Supply Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. and Inotera Memories, Inc. (33)
10.51*
 
Amended and Restated Supply Agreement, dated September 1, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.

95




10.52*
 
Supplemental Supply Agreement, dated September 1, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.
10.53*
 
Wafer Supply Agreement No. 3, dated September 1, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.
10.54*
 
First Amendment to the Wafer Supply Agreement, dated September 1, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc., Intel Corporation and Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.
10.55
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2015, by and among Micron Technology, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers. (8)
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



96




__________________________
(1)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 12, 2012
(2)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2013
(3)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated July 2, 2012, and filed October 31, 2012
(4)
 
Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2012
(5)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 29, 2012
(6)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2013
(7)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 26, 2015
(8)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2015
(9)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 3, 2010
(10)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 2007
(11)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2011
(12)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 12, 2013
(13)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 27, 2014
(14)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2014
(15)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2014
(16)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 4, 2008
(17)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2005
(18)
 
Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-167536)
(19)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006
(20)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 1, 2005
(21)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 26, 2007
(22)
 
Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 1, 2011
(23)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 1, 2012
(24)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2012
(25)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 5, 2015
(26)
 
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A Amendment 2 for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2013
(27)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated July 31, 2013, and filed October 2, 2013
(28)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2014
(29)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 23, 2014
(30)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2014
(31)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 2014
(32)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2015
(33)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2015
(34)
 
Incorporated by reference to Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed on December 12, 2014
(35)
 
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2015

* Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Commission.


97




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boise, State of Idaho, on the 27th day of October 2015.
 
Micron Technology, Inc.
 
By:
/s/ Ernest E. Maddock
 
 
Ernest E. Maddock
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
 
 
 
/s/ D. Mark Durcan
Chief Executive Officer
October 27, 2015
(D. Mark Durcan)
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ Ernest E. Maddock
Chief Financial Officer and
October 27, 2015
(Ernest E. Maddock)
Vice President, Finance
 
 
(Principal Financial and
 
 
Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert L. Bailey
Director
October 27, 2015
(Robert L. Bailey)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard M. Beyer
Director
October 27, 2015
(Richard M. Beyer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Patrick J. Byrne
Director
October 27, 2015
(Patrick J. Byrne)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Warren East
Director
October 27, 2015
(Warren East)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mercedes Johnson
Director
October 27, 2015
(Mercedes Johnson)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Lawrence N. Mondry
Director
October 27, 2015
(Lawrence N. Mondry)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Switz
Chairman of the Board
October 27, 2015
(Robert E. Switz)
Director
 

98




SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)

For the year ended
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
 
August 29,
2013
Net sales
 
$
5,547

 
$
5,819

 
$
4,404

Cost of goods sold
 
3,329

 
3,514

 
3,721

Gross margin
 
2,218

 
2,305

 
683

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
299

 
264

 
238

Research and development
 
1,483

 
1,389

 
921

Other operating (income) expense, net
 
(12
)
 
251

 
77

Operating income (loss)
 
448

 
401

 
(553
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on MMJ Acquisition
 

 
(33
)
 
1,484

Interest income (expense), net
 
(273
)
 
(209
)
 
(189
)
Other non-operating income (expense), net
 
(85
)
 
(86
)
 
(248
)
 
 
90

 
73

 
494

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
38

 
18

 
(1
)
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
 
2,773

 
2,956

 
703

Equity in net loss of equity method investees
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
Net income attributable to Micron
 
2,899

 
3,045

 
1,190

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(43
)
 
(7
)
 
(17
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Micron
 
$
2,856

 
$
3,038

 
$
1,173























See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

99




SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except par value amounts)
As of
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
 
$
721

 
$
1,249

Short-term investments
 
479

 
384

Receivables
 
133

 
114

Notes and accounts receivable from subsidiaries
 
1,091

 
1,767

Finished goods
 
77

 
84

Work in process
 
321

 
228

Raw materials and supplies
 
86

 
68

Other current assets
 
82

 
215

Total current assets
 
2,990

 
4,109

Investment in subsidiaries
 
13,051

 
10,149

Long-term marketable investments
 
932

 
819

Noncurrent notes receivable from and prepaid expenses to subsidiaries
 
163

 
111

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
1,679

 
1,519

Equity method investments
 

 
9

Other noncurrent assets
 
488

 
543

Total assets
 
$
19,303

 
$
17,259

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
677

 
$
766

Short-term debt and accounts payable to subsidiaries
 
384

 
619

Current debt
 
655

 
1,065

Other current liabilities
 
8

 
30

Total current liabilities
 
1,724

 
2,480

Long-term debt
 
4,797

 
3,191

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
431

 
760

Total liabilities
 
6,952

 
6,431

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable convertible notes
 
49

 
68

 
 
 
 
 
Micron shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, 1,084 shares issued and outstanding (1,073 as of August 28, 2014)
 
108

 
107

Other equity
 
12,194

 
10,653

Total Micron shareholders' equity
 
12,302

 
10,760

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
19,303

 
$
17,259




See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

100




SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

For the year ended
 
September 3,
2015
 
August 28,
2014
 
August 29,
2013
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
 
$
996

 
$
888

 
$
(347
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
 
(1,799
)
 
(1,047
)
 
(924
)
Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment
 
(609
)
 
(392
)
 
(350
)
Cash contributions to subsidiaries
 
(151
)
 
(121
)
 
(23
)
Payments to settle hedging activities
 
(135
)
 
(27
)
 
(256
)
Cash paid for acquisitions
 
(57
)
 

 
(596
)
Expenditures for intangible assets
 
(42
)
 
(43
)
 
(34
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
 
1,581

 
557

 
678

Proceeds from settlement of hedging activities
 
78

 
23

 
38

Proceeds from repayment of loans to subsidiaries, net
 
65

 
379

 
851

Cash distributions from subsidiaries
 
33

 
227

 
38

Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment
 
19

 
45

 
38

Proceeds from receipt of loan payments
 
10

 
56

 

Cash received from disposition of interest in Aptina
 
1

 
105

 

Other
 
5

 
7

 
(36
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 
(1,001
)
 
(231
)
 
(576
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayments of debt
 
(1,645
)
 
(2,469
)
 
(777
)
Cash paid to acquire treasury stock
 
(884
)
 
(76
)
 
(5
)
Payments of licensing obligations
 
(82
)
 
(47
)
 
(31
)
Proceeds from issuance of debt
 
2,050

 
1,750

 
693

Proceeds from issuance of stock under equity plans
 
73

 
265

 
150

Proceeds from equipment sale-leaseback transactions
 

 

 
126

Other
 
(35
)
 
(32
)
 
(43
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
(523
)
 
(609
)
 
113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
 

 
(1
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
(528
)
 
47

 
(810
)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
 
1,249

 
1,202

 
2,012

Cash and equivalents at end of period
 
$
721

 
$
1,249

 
$
1,202










See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

101




MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
SCHEDULE I
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT


NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tabular amounts in millions)


Basis of Presentation

Micron, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in 1978.  Micron is the parent company of its consolidated subsidiaries and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global leader in advanced semiconductor systems.

These condensed financial statements have been prepared on a parent-only basis. Under this parent-only presentation, Micron's investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. In accordance with Rule 12-04 of Regulation S-X, these parent-only financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States for annual financial statements. Because these parent-only financial statements and notes do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP in the U.S. for annual financial statements, these parent-only financial statements and other information included should be read in conjunction with Micron's audited Consolidated Financial Statements contained within Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for the year ended September 3, 2015.

Effective in the fourth quarter of 2015, Micron adopted ASU 2015-03 – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, as appropriate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to an asset. The new accounting standard required retrospective application; therefore, Micron's financial statements and notes to those statements contained herein have been adjusted to reflect the impact of adopting this new accounting standard.


Debt

 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Instrument(1)
 
Stated Rate
 
Effective Rate
 
Current
 
Long-Term
 
Total
 
Current
 
Long-Term
 
Total
Capital lease obligations(2)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
$
174

 
$
40

 
$
214

 
$
172

 
$
233

 
$
405

2022 senior notes
 
5.875
%
 
6.14
%
 

 
589

 
589

 

 
587

 
587

2023 senior notes
 
5.250
%
 
5.43
%
 

 
988

 
988

 

 

 

2024 senior notes
 
5.250
%
 
5.38
%
 

 
545

 
545

 

 

 

2025 senior notes
 
5.500
%
 
5.56
%
 

 
1,138

 
1,138

 

 
1,137

 
1,137

2026 senior notes
 
5.625
%
 
5.73
%
 

 
446

 
446

 

 

 

2031B convertible senior notes(3)
 
1.875
%
 
6.98
%
 

 

 

 
361

 

 
361

2032C convertible senior notes(4)
 
2.375
%
 
5.95
%
 

 
197

 
197

 

 
309

 
309

2032D convertible senior notes(4)
 
3.125
%
 
6.33
%
 

 
150

 
150

 

 
284

 
284

2033E convertible senior notes(4)
 
1.625
%
 
4.50
%
 
217

 

 
217

 
272

 

 
272

2033F convertible senior notes(4)
 
2.125
%
 
4.93
%
 
264

 

 
264

 
260

 

 
260

2043G convertible senior notes
 
3.000
%
 
6.76
%
 

 
644

 
644

 

 
631

 
631

Other
 
1.654
%
 
1.65
%
 

 
60

 
60

 

 
10

 
10

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
655

 
$
4,797

 
$
5,452

 
$
1,065

 
$
3,191

 
$
4,256

(1) 
Micron has either the obligation or the option to pay cash for the principal amount due upon conversion for all of its convertible notes. Micron's current intent is to settle in cash the principal amount of all of its convertible notes upon conversion.
(2) Weighted-average imputed rate of 4.5% and 4.7% as of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, respectively.

102




(3) 
Amount recorded for 2014 included the debt and equity components. The equity component was reclassified to a debt liability as a result of Micron's obligation to settle the conversions of the 2031B Notes in cash.
(4) 
Since the closing price of Micron's common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ending on June 30, 2015 exceeded 130% of the initial conversion price per share, holders have the right to convert their notes at any time during the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2015. The closing price of Micron's common stock also exceeded the thresholds for the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2015; therefore, these notes are convertible by the holders through December 31, 2015. The 2033 Notes are classified as current because the terms of these notes require us to pay cash for the principal amount of any converted notes.

Micron's convertible and senior notes are unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of Micron's other existing and future unsecured indebtedness, and are effectively subordinated to all of Micron's other existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.  The convertible notes and the 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, 2025 Notes, and 2026 Notes of Micron are structurally subordinated to all liabilities of its subsidiaries, including trade payables. Micron guarantees certain debt obligations of its subsidiaries. Micron does not guarantee the MMJ creditor installment payments. As of September 3, 2015, Micron had guaranteed $655 million of debt obligations of its subsidiaries. Micron's guarantees of its subsidiary debt obligations are unsecured obligations ranking equally in right of payment with all of its other existing and future unsecured indebtedness.

Capital Lease Obligations

Micron has various capital lease obligations due in periodic installments with a weighted-average remaining term of 1 year. As of September 3, 2015 and August 28, 2014, Micron had production equipment with carrying values of $140 million and $305 million, respectively, under capital leases.

Convertible Senior Notes and Other Senior Notes

For further information, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt" of Micron's consolidated financial statements.

Other Facilities

Micron has a credit facility with an aggregate revolving commitment which is subject to certain adjustments, including an availability block that effectively limits the maximum amount Micron could draw to $540 million. As of September 3, 2015, $50 million of principal was outstanding under this facility and $270 million was available for Micron to draw. For further information, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt – Other Facilities – Revolving Credit Facilities" of Micron's consolidated financial statements.

Maturities of Notes Payable and Future Minimum Lease Payments

As of September 3, 2015, maturities of notes payable and future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations were as follows:

 
 
Notes Payable
 
Capital Lease Obligations
2016
 
$

 
$
179

2017
 

 
30

2018
 
233

 
3

2019
 
224

 
3

2020
 
347

 
3

2021 and thereafter
 
4,854

 
3

Unamortized discounts and interest, respectively
 
(420
)
 
(7
)
 
 
$
5,238

 
$
214




103




Commitments

Micron has provided various financial guarantees issued in the normal course of business on behalf of its subsidiaries. These contracts include debt guarantees and guarantees on certain banking facilities. Micron enters into these arrangements to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties by enhancing the value of the transaction to the third party. Micron has entered into agreements covering certain activities of its subsidiaries, and occasionally Micron may be required to perform under such agreements on behalf of its subsidiaries.
As of September 3, 2015, the maximum potential amount of future payments Micron could have been required to make under its debt guarantees was approximately $655 million. Substantially all of this amount relates to guarantees for debt of wholly-owned entities whereby Micron would be obligated to perform under the guarantee if a subsidiary were to default on the terms of their debt arrangements. In the event of performance under the guarantee, Micron would be permitted to seek reimbursement from the subsidiary company(s) through liquidation of the assets which were collateral under various debt instruments. At the time these contracts were entered into, the collateralized assets approximated the value of the outstanding guarantees. The majority of these guarantees expire at various times between March 2016 and February 2020. Micron guarantees a credit facility of a subsidiary that provides for up to $750 million of financing. As of September 3, 2015, $75 million of principal amount was outstanding under this facility.
Micron guarantees certain banking facilities for its wholly-owned consolidated entities. Substantially all of these guarantees relate to bank overdraft protections. The maximum potential amount of future payments Micron could be required to make under these guarantees varies based on the extent of potential overdrafts. Micron's business processes substantially mitigate the risk of wholly-owned subsidiaries overdrafting their bank accounts. The majority of these guarantees have no contractual expiration.


Contingencies

As is typical in the semiconductor and other high technology industries, from time to time others have asserted, and may in the future assert, that Micron and its subsidiaries' products or manufacturing processes infringe their intellectual property rights. Micron has accrued a liability and charged operations for the estimated costs of adjudication or settlement of various asserted and unasserted claims existing as of the balance sheet date. Micron is currently a party to various litigation regarding patent, commercial, and other matters. Micron is a party to the matters listed in the "Contingencies" note in the consolidated financial statements. For further information, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Contingencies" of Micron's consolidated financial statements.


Redeemable Convertible Notes

For further information, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Redeemable Convertible Notes" of Micron's consolidated financial statements.


Related Party Transactions

Substantially all of Micron's activities relate to manufacturing services performed for a subsidiary and to royalties received from its subsidiaries for use of product and process technology. Micron's net sales to consolidated subsidiaries were $5.42 billion, $5.64 billion, and $4.19 billion for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Gross margins on manufacturing activities are commensurate with market rates for such services. Transactions between Micron and its consolidated subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation.

Micron engages in various transactions with its equity method investees and eliminates the profits or losses on those transactions to the extent of its ownership interest until such time as the profits or losses are realized. Micron held an equity interest in Aptina through August 15, 2014. Net sales for 2014 and 2013 included $43 million and $182 million, respectively, from products sold to and services performed for Aptina.


104




On August 15, 2014, ON Semiconductor Corporation acquired Aptina for approximately $433 million and Micron recognized a non-operating gain of $119 million on the sale of its shares based on its diluted ownership interest of approximately 27%. The gain approximated Micron's share of the consideration because the carrying value of its investment had been reduced to zero since the second quarter of 2012, at which time Micron ceased recognizing its proportionate share of Aptina's losses. For further information regarding transactions between Micron and its equity method investees, see "Part II – Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity Method Investments – Other" of Micron's consolidated financial statements.

105




SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in millions)

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

 
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
 
Business Acquisitions
 
Charged
(Credited) to
Income Tax
Provision
 
Currency
Translation
and Charges
to Other
Accounts
 
Balance at
End of
Year
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Year ended September 3, 2015
$
2,443

 
$

 
$
(260
)
 
$
(132
)
 
$
2,051

Year ended August 28, 2014
3,155

 

 
(544
)
 
(168
)
 
2,443

Year ended August 29, 2013
1,470

 
1,292

 
418

 
(25
)
 
3,155



106