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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One) 
þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152017
 or
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                to

Commission file number: 000-22339

RAMBUS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware94-3112828
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
  
1050 Enterprise Way, Suite 700 
Sunnyvale, California94089
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(408) 462-8000


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.001 Par Value The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
  (The NASDAQ Global Select Market)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes þ     No o

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

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 þ     No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 þ No o

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 the 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. þ

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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

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

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 20152017 was approximately $1.5$1.0 billion based upon the closing price reported for such date on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. For purposes of this disclosure, shares of Common Stock held by officers and directors of the Registrant and persons that may be deemed to be affiliates under the Act have been excluded. 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, $.001 par value, was 109,514,426109,847,582 as of January 29, 2016.31, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information is incorporated into Part III of this report by reference to the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held on or about April 21, 201626, 2018 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.






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NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”Report on Form 10-K”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, predictions regarding the following aspects of our future:
Success in the markets of our products and services or our customers’ products;
Sources of competition;
Research and development costs and improvements in technology;
Sources, amounts and concentration of revenue, including royalties;
Success in signing and renewing license agreements;
Terms of our licenses and amounts owed under license agreements;
Technology product development;
Dispositions, acquisitions, mergers or strategic transactions and our related integration efforts, including our recent acquisitionacquisitions of Smart Card Software Ltd.;, the assets of Semtech Corporation's Snowbush IP group and Inphi Corporation's Memory Interconnect Business;
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets;
Pricing policies of our customers;
Changes in our strategy and business model, including the expansion of our portfolio of inventions, products, software, services and solutions to address additional markets in lighting, memory, chip, mobile payments, smart ticketing and system security;
Deterioration of financial health of commercial counterparties and their ability to meet their obligations to us;
Effects of security breaches or failures in our or our customers’ products and services on our business;
Engineering, sales and general and administration expenses;
Contract revenue;
Operating results;
International licenses, operations and operations;expansion;
Effects of changes in the economy and credit market on our industry and business;
Ability to identify, attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel;
Effects of government regulations on our industry and business;
Manufacturing, shipping and supply partners and/or sale and distribution channels;
Growth in our business;
Methods, estimates and judgments in accounting policies;
Adoption of new accounting pronouncements;pronouncements, including our expectations regarding the new revenue recognition standard on our financial position and results of operations;
Effective tax rates;rates, including as a result of the new U.S. tax legislation;
Restructurings and plans of termination;
Realization of deferred tax assets/release of deferred tax valuation allowance;
Trading price of our common stock;
Internal control environment;
The level and terms of our outstanding debt and the repayment or financing of such debt;
Litigation expenses;
Protection of intellectual property;
Any changes in laws, agency actions and judicial rulings that may impact the ability to enforce intellectual property rights;
Indemnification and technical support obligations;
Equity repurchase plans;

Issuances of debt or equity securities, which could involve restrictive covenants or be dilutive to our existing stockholders;

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TableEffects of Contentsfluctuations in currency exchange rates;

Outcome and effect of potential future intellectual property litigation and other significant litigation; and
Likelihood of paying dividends.
You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “future,” “shall,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “intends,” “potential,” “continue,” “projecting” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements.
Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on our assessment of information available to us at this time. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.


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PART I
Rambus, RDRAMTM, XDRTM, FlexIOTM, FlexPhaseTM, R+TM, CryptoFirewallTM, CryptoMediaTM, CryptoManagerTM, TruEdgeTM and MicroLens® are trademarks, registered trademarks or copyrights of Rambus Inc. Other trademarks or copyrights that may be mentioned in this annual reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Industry terminology, used widely throughout this annual report, has been abbreviated and, as such, these abbreviations are defined below for your convenience:


Differential Power AnalysisDPA
Double Data RateDDR
Dynamic Random Access MemoryDRAM
Field Programmable Gate ArraysFPGA
Light Emitting DiodesLED
Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory
RDRAMTM
Simple Power AnalysisSPA
eXtreme Data Rate
XDRTM
On occasion we will refer to the abbreviated names of certain entities and, as such, have provided a chart to indicate the full names of those entities for your convenience.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc.AMD
Broadcom CorporationBroadcom
Cryptography Research DivisionCRD
Eaton Corporation plcEaton
Elpida Memory, Inc.Elpida
Emerging Solutions DivisionESD
Freescale Semiconductor Inc.Freescale
Fujitsu LimitedFujitsu
General Electric CompanyGE
Intel CorporationIntel
International Business Machines CorporationIBM
Lighting and Display TechnologyLDT
LSI Corporation (now a division of Avago Technologies Limited)LSI
Memory and Interfaces DivisionMID
Micron Technology, Inc.Micron
Mobile Technology DivisionMTD
Nanya Technology CorporationNanya
NVIDIA CorporationNVIDIA
Qualcomm IncorporatedQualcomm
Panasonic CorporationPanasonic
Renesas ElectronicsRenesas
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Samsung
SK hynix, Inc.SK hynix
Sony Computer ElectronicsSony
ST Microelectronics N.V.STMicroelectronics
Toshiba CorporationToshiba


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Item 1.Business
Rambus Inc., referredDedicated to as we, us or Rambus, was founded in 1990making data faster and reincorporated in Delaware in March 1997. Our principal executive offices are located at 1050 Enterprise Way, Suite 700, Sunnyvale, California. Our website is www.rambus.com. You can obtain copies of our Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other filings with the SEC, and all amendments to these filings, free of charge, from our website as soon as reasonably practicable following our filing of any of these reports with the SEC. In addition, you may read and copy any material we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy, and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
safer, Rambus creates cutting-edge semiconductorinnovative hardware, software and services that drive technology advancements from the data center to the mobile edge. Our architecture licenses, IP products, spanningcores, chips, software, and services span memory and interfaces, security, and emerging technologies to security, smart sensors and lighting. Our chips, customizable IP cores, architecture licenses, tools, services, software, training and innovations improvepositively impact the competitive advantage of our customers.modern world. We collaborate with the industry, partnering with leading ASICchip and SoCsystem designers, foundries, IP developers, EDA companies and validation labs. Our products are integratedservice providers. Integrated into tens of billionsa wide array of devices and systems, poweringour products power and securingsecure diverse applications, including Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), security, mobile consumerpayments, and media platforms.We generate revenue by licensing our inventions and solutions, selling our semiconductor products and providing services to market-leading companies.smart ticketing.
While we have historically focused our efforts on
Building upon the developmentfoundation of technologies for electronics memory, SerDes and other chip interfaces, we have expanded our portfolio of inventions and solutions to address additional markets in lighting, chip and system security, as well as new areas within the semiconductor industry, such as computational sensingmobile payments and imaging.smart ticketing. We intend to continue our growth into new technology fields, consistent with our mission to create great value through our innovations and to make those technologies available through both ourthe shipment of products, the delivery of services, and licensing and non-licensing business models. Key to our efforts will be hiringis continuing to hire and retainingretain world-class inventors, scientists engineers, and product managersengineers to lead the development and deployment of inventions and technology solutions for our fields of focus, and the management and business support personnel necessary to execute our plans and strategies.focus.
We have four operational units: (1) Memory and Interfaces Division, or MID, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technology that is related to memory and interfaces; (2) Cryptography Research Division, or CRD, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technologies for chip and system security, anti-counterfeiting, smart ticketing and mobile payments; (3) Emerging Solutions Division, or ESD, which includes our computational sensing and imaging group along with our development efforts in the area of emerging technologies; and (4) Lighting and Display Technologies, or LDT, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technologies for lighting.
Our inventions and technology solutions are offered to our customers through patent, technology, software and IP core licenses, technology licenses, software licensesas well as product sales and the shipmentservices. Today, our primary source of products. Royalties from patent licenses accounted for 84%, 88% and 92% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Royalties from technology licenses accounted for 5%, 4% and 5% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Today, a majority of our revenues areis derived from patent licenses, through which we provide our customers a license to use a certain portion of our broad portfolio of patented inventions. The license provides our customers with a defined right to use our innovations in the customer's own digital electronics products, systems or services, as applicable. TheRoyalties from patent licenses may also define the specific field of use where our customers may use or employ our inventions in their products. License agreements are structured with fixed, variable or a hybrid of fixedaccounted for 67%, 73% and variable royalty payments over certain defined periods ranging for periods of up to ten years. The majority84% of our intellectual property was developed in-houseconsolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and we have expanded our business strategy of monetizing our intellectual property to include the sale of select intellectual property. As any sales executed under this expanded strategy represent a component of our ongoing major or central operations and activities, we will record the related proceeds as revenue.2015, respectively.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is to evolve from providing primarilycontinue to augment our patent licenseslicense business model to providingprovide additional technology, products and services while creating and leveraging strategic synergies to increase revenue. One of our goals is to supplement our patent licensing business with additional licensing opportunities for our technologies, products and services to be incorporated into our customers’ products and/or systems. Our technology licenses are designed toIn support the implementation and adoption of our technology into our customers’ products or services. As part of these offerings, we can provide a range of services that can include access to technical experts, advanced system design and analysis, hardware and software to enhance design and validation, system IP and specifications, and process-specific hard and soft macros, along with other services. These technology license agreements may have both a fixed price (non-recurring) component and ongoing royalties. Further, under technology

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licenses, our customers typically receive licenses to our patents necessary to implement these solutions in their products with specific rights and restrictions to the applicable patents elaborated in their individual contracts with us.
In 2015, we continued our focus on the development of innovative technology and furthering open and collaborative relationships with the broader industry. We signed or renewed license agreements with IBM, Renesas, SK hynix, and Toshiba. In addition, we announced our first physical product with the introduction of the R+ DDR4 server DIMM chip for RDIMMs and LRDIMMs and, in January 2016, acquired an advanced mobile payment platform and smart ticketing platform which we believe will complement our existing CRD product offerings such as CryptoManager. We also unveiled a research program entitled the Smart Data Acceleration (SDA) platform.
We believe that the successful execution of our strategy, requiresRambus has transitioned to focus on two key high-growth markets - the data center and the mobile edge - with an exceptional business modelapproach and product roadmap that relies onleverage our core competencies and supplement with ingredient components to both differentiate and accelerate our position in complementary markets.

We bolstered our offerings in these markets in 2016 through the skillsacquisition and talentintegration of four businesses in the fields of mobile payments, smart ticketing, memory buffer chips and SerDes IP cores. In 2017, we extended the product and service portfolio in our Security division with the launch of our employees. Accordingly, we seekHost Card Emulation (HCE) Ticket Wallet Service and white label mobile application, the Unified Payment Platform, bringing bank-level security to hireretail “scan-and-go” and retain world-class scientificthe CrytpoManager IoT Security Service, protecting and engineering expertise in allmonitoring IoT endpoints. We believe these businesses complement our security division by allowing us to extend its foundational security technology to offer differentiated, value-added security solutions to its customers.

In addition, the Memory and Interface division augmented its suite of IP Cores with the announcement of 56G SerDes and High Bandwidth Memory Gen2 (HBM2) PHYs and grew the Chips catalog with the launch of the DDR4 non-volatile DIMM (NVDIMM) buffer chip and our fieldsserver DIMM chipset expected for next-generation DDR5. We believe these products strengthen our market position for memory buffer chips and enhance our SerDes and IP offerings enabling us to better address the needs of technological focus, as well as the executive managementserver, networking and operating personnel required to successfully executedata center market.
Organization

We have organized our business strategy. In orderinto four operational units:

Memory and Interfaces (MID)
Security (RSD)
Emerging Solutions (ESD)
Lighting (RLD)

As of December 31, 2017, MID and RSD met quantitative thresholds for disclosure as reportable segments. Results for ESD and RLD are shown under “Other.” For additional information concerning segment reporting, see Note 6, “Segments and Major Customers,” of Notes to attract the qualityConsolidated Financial Statements of employees required for this business model, we have created an environment and culture that encourages, fosters and supports research, development and innovation in breakthrough technologies with significant opportunities for broad industry adoption. We believe we have created a compelling company for inventors and innovators who are able to work within a business model and platform that focuses on technology development and execution to drive strong future growth.
Design and ManufacturingForm 10-K.
Our technology solutions are developed with high-volume commercial manufacturing processes in mind. Our solutions can be delivered in a number of ways, from reference designs to full turnkey custom development deliverables to physical products through our manufacturing partners. A reference design engagement might include an architectural specification, data sheet, theory of operation and implementation guides. A custom development project would entail a specific design implementation optimized for the customer's manufacturing process. In some cases, we may provide supply chain enablement services where we assist our customers in designing and establishing certain manufacturing processes to implement our technologies in their product offerings. We often develop test-chips of our designs and have begun the process to deliver our solutions to the market through physical product.
Background
The demand for increased performance and improved power efficiency in computers, tablets, smartphones, consumer electronics and other electronic systems rises dramatically with each passing year. Semiconductor and system designers face key challenges in sustaining the pace of innovation. We strive to offer compelling technologies that provide value to our customers.
Memory and Interfaces
There are four main areas of focus in our
The Rambus Memory and Interface Division: mobileInterfaces Division develops products and services that solve the power, performance, and capacity challenges of the communications and data center computing markets. Rambus standards-compatible memory server-basedand

SerDes solutions include chips, architectures, memory serial link designs, and custom solutions. The primary marketsSerDes interface IP Cores, IP validation tools, and system and IC design services. Developed through our system-aware design methodology, Rambus products deliver improved time-to-market and first-time-right quality.

As data rates continue to rise to meet that growing demands for these technologies include: (1) DRAM devices; (2) NAND devices; (3) System-on-Chip (SoC) devices; (4) silicon physical IP; and (5) memory buffer chips. In these markets, memory technology transitions, serial link transitions and SoC microarchitecture transitions or overall process technology node transitions provide opportunities. Since battery technology improves modestly over time, mobile device designers face challenges in adding increased functionality and higher performance with only small increases in power budget. For plug-in systems, there is a strong desire to reduce power consumption for both economic and environmental reasons while still providing increased computing capability and more visually compelling displays. At the chip level,faster data delivery, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain signal integrity and power efficiency as data transferat the speeds riserequired to support more powerful, multi-core processors.
To address these challenges and enable the continued improvement of electronics systems, ongoing innovation is required. The many contributions and patented innovations developed by Rambus scientists and engineers have been, and continue to be, critical in addressing some of the most difficult chip and system challenges. The foundations of MID are world-class memory architectures and high-performance serial linkSerDes technologies that are brought to market through three main business initiatives: (1) patent licensing; (2) silicon IP core licensing; and (3) chipsets.

Patent Licensing

Our traditional patent licensing program remains our primary source of revenue. Our patent licenses provide our customers a license to use a certain portion of our portfolio of patented inventions in the customer’s own digital electronics products, systems or services. The licenses may also define the specific field of use where our customers may use or employ our inventions in their products. License agreements are structured with fixed, variable or a hybrid of fixed and variable royalty payments over certain periods ranging up to ten years. Leading consumer product, industrial, semiconductor and system companies such as AMD, Broadcom, Cisco, Freescale, Fujitsu, GE, IBM, Intel, LSI, Micron, Nanya, NVIDIA, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Renesas, Samsung, SK hynix, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, Western Digital, Winbond and Xilinx have licensed our patents for use in their own products. The vast majority of our patents were secured through our internal research and development efforts across all of our business units.

Silicon IP Core Licensing

Our IP core licensing program offers a suite of high-speed memory and SerDes PHY solutions designed to meet the growing performance needs of data center and networking. Due to the complex nature of implementing our technologies, we provide engineering services under certain of these licenses to help our customers successfully integrate our technology solutions into their semiconductor and system products. Licensees may also receive, in addition to their license agreements, patent licenses as necessary to implement the technology in their products with specific rights and restrictions to the applicable patents elaborated in their individual contracts. Our solutions are designed into systems bought by OEMs. We license both directly to ASIC design houses and semiconductor foundries that, in turn, sell to OEMs, or to OEMs directly.

Chip Sets

Made for high speed, reliability and power efficiency, our DDR memory buffer chips.
We have developed technologies, advanced designs,chipsets for RDIMM, LRDIMM and development tools for building high-performance and low-power memory and serial-link interface cores for semiconductor chips. We develop both proprietary and industry-standard interfaces that we provide to our customers under technology license agreements. We also offer a range of services as part of our technology licenses which can include know-how and technology transfer, product design and development, system integration, and other services. We offer a set of solutions under the name R+TM enhanced standard solutions. Fully compatible with industry standards, R+ solutions offer compelling benefits that enable our customers to differentiate their products. We recently announced the R+ DDR4 Server DIMM chip, the RCD26, which is designed to enableNVDIMM server modules deliver top-of-the-line performance and capacity

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with optimized power efficiency to advance critical for the next wave of enterprise and data center servers. Rambus offers DDR3 and enterpriseDDR4 server infrastructure.  DIMM chipsets to enable increased memory capacity, while maintaining peak performance for data-intensive work loads. In the third quarter of 2017, we announced a silicon-proven server DIMM buffer chipset capable of achieving the speeds expected for next-generation DDR5.

We sell our semiconductor products directly and indirectly to module manufacturers and OEMs worldwide through multiple channels, including our direct sales force and distributors. We operate direct sales offices in the United States, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and employ sales personnel that cover our direct customers and manage our channel partners.

We operate a fabless business model and use third-party foundries and assembly and test manufacturing contractors to manufacture, assemble and test our semiconductor products. We also inspect and test parts in our U.S. based facilities. This outsourced manufacturing approach allows us to focus our resources on the design, sale and effortmarketing of our products. Outsourcing also allows us the flexibility needed to help bringrespond to new market opportunities, simplifies our operations and significantly reduces our capital requirements.

Security

Rambus Security is dedicated to providing a secure foundation for a connected world. Our innovative solutions span areas including tamper-resistant electronic devices and systems, network security, mobile payment, smart ticketing and trusted transaction services. Rambus' foundational technologies protect a substantial amount of licensed products annually, providing secure access to market under technology license agreements with leading companies in the industry as well asdata and creating an economy of digital trust between our Rambus-branded buffer chip product that is currently under developmentcustomers and not yet commercially available.their customer base.
Chip and System Security Technology
Security challenges are increasingly prevalent in a multitude of industries, including high-growth sectors such as mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), automotive and content distribution,the data center, providing a variety of opportunities for our security technologies and services. This market trend provides usWe believe robust security starts with the opportunitydesign of the SoC and continues through the manufacturing supply chain to provide critical technologies,end-user applications. In line with this thinking, RSD offers a suite of products and we are deployingservices from DPA countermeasures and developing productscores to enable us to achieve this objective. Through our Cryptography Research Division, weCryptoManager™ Platform, mobile payments and smart ticketing.

DPA Countermeasures and Cores

We own a portfolio of patented inventions and technology solutions that are needed for creating secure tamper-resistant electronic devices and systems. These patented DPA countermeasures are critical in protecting devices against side channel attacks such as differential power analysis, which involve monitoring the variations in power consumption or electromagnetic emissions of a device. In addition, our hardware-based cores provide a robust hardware-based solution to protect electronics systems from side-channel attacks, counterfeiting, piracy, and other forms of attack.

For DPA countermeasures, our business model is to provide a combination of patent licenses, technology, consulting services (training, evaluation, and design), and test equipment as well as DPA resistant cores and software libraries. We are recognized worldwide for our expertise in this area, and our strategy is to strengthen our offering beyond stand-alone patent licensing. We discovered the existence of SPA and DPA vulnerabilities in the 1990s, and patented the fundamental techniques for preventing against this method of attack. DPA protections are a critical security ingredient in tamper-resistant products, and are important or required for a broad range of applications and devices (including smart cards, mobile devices, FPGAs, government/defense applications, consumer set-top boxes, postage meters and security tokens).

In addition to the DPA countermeasures portfolio, we have developed technologies, expertise, advanced designs, and development tools for building highly secure cryptographic semiconductor cores. We have successfully deployed our semiconductor cores in two primary application areas where effective security is valued and paid for by customers: content protection and anti-counterfeiting. For our content protection cores, our most common business model is

CryptoManager Platform

As the amount of valuable data stored and communicated across devices continues to partner with chip manufacturers to integrate our technology,grow in the mobile, automotive and then license it to downstream customers.
Secure Foundation for Connected Devices
In 2014, we introducedIoT segments, the Rambus CryptoManager™ feature management platform from our Cryptography Research Division. As connected products, including mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, have a critical need for security, a robust security systemservices is critical.becoming increasingly necessary. Robust security starts with the design of the SoC and continues with the manufacturing supply chain. The Rambus CryptoManager™CryptoManager Platform includes a hardware root of trust, infrastructure, software and hosted security services, capable of supporting a variety of configurations via a hardware core or secure software, to provide a scalable and flexible security solution brings revolutionary security improvements to the semiconductor chips and supply chains that enable our mobile world.for chip-to-cloud-to-crowd security.

The CryptoManager platform provides chip and device companies with an advanced hardware root-of-trust for their SoCs, as well as an Infrastructure Suite for end-to-end security throughout the SoC design and manufacturing process. The CryptoManager platform has been developed with a services-based architecture that enables a secure, two-way communication channel across the manufacturing stages. This fully integratedextensible solution is built on a foundation that simplifies, automates, and reduces costs for global enterprise IT, manufacturing, and operations functions. The platform is designed to support the enablement of in-field provisioning and downstream services, such as media, ticketinghosted security services.

Mobile Payments

NFC-based mobile payments offer many advantages to consumers, retailers and financial institutions alike. For consumers, mobile payments.
In addition, aswallets provide a result of the acquisition of Smart Card Software Ltd. (“Smart Card Software”) in January 2016, we will incorporate Smart Card Software’s advancedconvenient, “tap-and-go” frictionless commerce experience, seamlessly integrating credit cards, loyalty points and gift cards, while leveraging enhanced security features like multi-factor authentication and biometrics. For retailers, mobile payment platform and smart ticketing platform into CRD. Bell ID, one division of Smart Card Software, provides banks, governments and enterprises withwallets offer businesses the ability to issueengage users with an immersive, “in-app” experience that bridges the gap from digital to physical with profile-based shopping to offer customized recommendations and managecoupons to customers. Finally, for banks and retailers, mobile wallets enhance protection from fraud and greater customer engagement and loyalty.

Our technology adapts to any mobile payments ecosystem - whether card credentials are stored on smartphones,the device or in the cloud using host card emulation - and ensures security through tokenization. With our software, customers can fulfill the role of a token service provider, securing transactions by removing vulnerable card data from the payment network. Our mobile payment solutions are offered to financial institutions and retailers through software license agreements.

Smart Ticketing

Smart ticketing is changing the way people travel by bringing greater convenience and security to travelers and transport operators alike. Through the use of smart cards and other connected devices. The Bell ID technology supports all ofsmart phones, travelers can download and store their tickets electronically, eliminating the leading mobile payment platforms via host card emulation technology. Ecebs, the second division of Smart Card Software, providesneed for ticket vending machines and paper tickets, enabling users to simply tap their smart card or device on a gate or validator to access their travel. Our smart ticketing technology combines back-office processing and analytics systems with web portals, smart cards and mobile applications to deliver comprehensive solutions to nationaltransport operators and local governments,authorities. Data analytics enable improved profitability and optimization of smart transport operators, banksschemes through access to real-world travel data, with easy management of transaction data to ensure accurate reimbursements. ITSO certified and system integrators. Ecebs is known for itsinteroperable with existing transport providers, our smart ticketing solutions that is compliant with the ITSO standardare easy to integrate across multiple modes of travel, simplifying customer journeys at lower cost. Currently, our smart ticketing solutions are primarily offered to public transit authorities in the United Kingdom and iswe are working to expand inour offerings into the broader European Union.international markets.

Emerging Solutions

ESD encompasses our long-term research and development efforts in emerging technologies, primarily focused on next-generation memory solutions and cryogenic computing. ESD programs are generally at the research and pre-commercial stages and may involve collaboration with government entities, universities and industry partners.

Lighting and Display Technology

The continued evolutionadoption of LED as a bright, reliable and energy-efficient light source creates significant market opportunities in consumer electronics and inthe field of general lighting. Harnessing the benefits of LEDs, however, presentsWe have pioneered a light guide-based design that enables a new setlevel of challengesstyling, efficiency and control for companies that offer and provide electronics and lighting products and solutions.LED lighting. Our technology allows customers to efficiently and uniformly spreadinnovations combine our TruEdge™ LED Coupling (maximizing the point sourceamount of light emitted from anthe LED overto a large arealight guide) with our MicroLens® optics (tiny 3D features that control how light is emitted from a light guide) to create efficient and cost-effective fixtures. Our light guides are available as off-the-shelf or customized designs that are optimized to specific customer and application requirements by varying the size, shape and density of the MicroLens optics. Manufactured by our global lighting partners or at our state-of-the-art facility in Brecksville, Ohio, our light guides can support both flat and curved designs in a very cost effective way. Moreover,broad range of high volume lighting applications. In addition, complete fixture prototype designs that combine our optical innovations, design engineering and manufacturing support services are also available to lighting system companies and fixture manufacturers worldwide.

On January 30, 2018, we can controlannounced our plans to close our lighting division and direct the emitted light to improve the overall product performance or application efficiency. This technology enables class-leading price/performance and freedom of designmanufacturing operations in the general lighting field.Brecksville, Ohio. We

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believe our patented technology, software and know-how, which enables precise placement of MicroLens® optics on light guides, provides our customers with a fundamental competitive advantage over alternative products in the market. We continue to focus resources and effort to help our customers bring new products to market under technology license agreements. Our business model is a blend of patent and technology licensing, product sales and services to help bring innovative products to market.
Research and Development and Employees
Our ability to compete in the future will be substantially dependent on our ability to develop key innovations that meet the future needs of a dynamic market. To this end, we have assembled a team of highly skilled inventors, engineers and scientists whose activities are focused on continually developing new innovations within our chosen technology fields. Using this foundation of innovations, our technical teams develop new solutions that enable increased performance, greater power efficiency, increased levels of security, as well as other improvements and benefits. Our solution design and development process is a multi-disciplinary effort requiring expertise in multiple fields across all of our operational units.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 330 employees in our engineering departments, representing 67% of our total number of approximately 495 employees. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. As noted, we believe our future success is dependent on our continued ability to identify, attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel. To date, we believe that we have been successful in recruiting qualified employees and that our relationship with our employeessuch business is good.
A significant number of our scientists and engineers spend all or a portion of their time on research and development. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, research and development expenses were $111.1 million, $110.0 million and $118.0 million, respectively, including stock-based compensation of approximately $6.8 million, $7.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, research and development expenses also included $1.5 million and $8.6 million, respectively, for the accrual of retention bonuses for engineers. There was no accrual for retention bonuses for engineers as of December 31, 2015. Since innovation is criticalnot core to our future success, we expectstrategy and growth objectives. Refer to continueNote 19, “Subsequent Event,” of Notes to invest substantial funds in research and development activities. In addition, because our customer agreements often callConsolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for us to provide engineering support, a portion of our total engineering costs are allocated to the cost of contract revenue.additional details.

Competition

Our selected industries are intensely competitive and have been impacted by price erosion, rapid technological change, short product life cycles, cyclical market patterns, andprice erosion, increasing foreign and domestic competition. We face competition from semiconductor and digital electronics products and systems companies, other semiconductor intellectual property companies that provide security cores and non-edge lit LED lighting options that are available to the market.
market consolidation. We believe the principal competition for our technologies may come from our prospective customers, some of whom are evaluating and developing products based on technologies that they contend or may contend will not require a license from us. Some of our competitors use a system-level design approach similar to ours, including activities such as board and package design, power and signal integrity analysis, and thermal management. Many of these companies are larger and may have better access to financial, technical and other resources than we possess.

To the extent that alternatives might provide comparable system performance at lower or similar cost to our technologies or are perceived to require the payment of no or lower royalties, or to the extent other factors influence the industry, our customers and prospective customers may adopt and promote alternative technologies. Even to the extent we determine that such alternative technologies infringe our patents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to negotiate agreements that would result in royalties being paid to us without litigation, which could be costly and the results of which would be uncertain. In the past, litigation has been and in the future may be required to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights, as well as the substantial investments undertaken to research and develop our innovations and technologies.

PatentsResearch, Development and Employees

Our growth strategy will be substantially dependent on our ability to develop key innovations that meet the future needs of a dynamic market. To this end, we continue to invest substantial funds in research and development and have assembled a team of highly skilled inventors, engineers and scientists whose activities are focused on continually developing new innovations


within our chosen technology fields. Using this foundation of innovations, our technical teams develop new solutions that enable increased performance, greater power efficiency, increased levels of security, as well as other improvements and benefits. Our solution design and development process is a multi-disciplinary effort requiring expertise in multiple fields across all of our operational units.

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 570 employees in our engineering departments, representing approximately 69% of our total number of 819 employees. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. As noted, we believe our future success is dependent on our continued ability to identify, attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel. In order to attract qualified employees, we have created an environment and culture that encourages, fosters and supports research, development and innovation in breakthrough technologies with significant opportunities for broad industry adoption. To date, we believe we have been successful in recruiting qualified employees and that we have a good relationship with our employees.

A significant number of our scientists and engineers spend all or a portion of their time on research and development. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, research and development expenses were $149.1 million, $129.8 million and $111.1 million, respectively. We expect to continue to invest substantial funds in research and development activities. In addition, because our customer agreements often call for us to provide engineering support, a portion of our total engineering costs are allocated to the cost of contract and other revenue.

Intellectual Property Protection

We maintain and support an active program to protect our intellectual property, primarily through the filing of patent applications and the defense of issued patents against infringement. As of December 31, 2015,2017, our semiconductor, lighting, security and other technologies are covered by 1,8322,079 U.S. and foreign patents, having expiration dates ranging from 20162018 to 2038. Additionally, we have 681579 patent applications pending. Some of the patents and pending patent applications are derived from a common parent patent application or are foreign counterpart patent applications. We believe our patented innovations provide our customers with the ability to achieve improved performance, lower risk, greater cost-effectiveness and other benefits in their products and services.

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We have a program to file applications for and obtain patents in the United States and in selected foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate and would further our overall business strategy and objectives. In some instances, obtaining appropriate levels of protection may involve prosecuting continuation and counterpart patent applications based on a common parent application. In addition, we attempt to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information through agreements with current and prospective customers, and confidentiality agreements with employees and consultants and other security measures. We also rely on copyright, trademarks and trade secret laws to protect our intellectual property.

Corporate and Other Information

Rambus Inc. was founded in 1990 and reincorporated in Delaware in March 1997. Our principal executive offices are located at 1050 Enterprise Way, Suite 700, Sunnyvale, California. Our website is www.rambus.com. The inclusion of our website address in this report does not include or incorporate by reference into this report any information on our website. You can obtain copies of our Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other filings with the SEC, and all amendments to these filings, free of charge, from our website as soon as reasonably practicable following our filing of any of these reports with the SEC. In addition, you may read and copy any material we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy, and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Information concerning our revenue, results of operations and revenue by geographic area is set forth in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” in Item 7, “Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in Note 6, “Segments and Major Customers,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning identifiable assets and segment reporting is also set forth in Note 6, “Segments and Major Customers,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K. Information on customers that comprise 10% or more of our consolidated revenue and risks attendant to our foreign operations is set forth below in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” .”


Item 1A.Risk Factors
RISK FACTORS
Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting our operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. See also “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report.
Risks Associated With Our Business, Industry and Market Conditions
The success of our business depends on sustaining or growing our licensing revenue and the failure to achieve such revenue would lead to a material decline in our results of operations.
Our revenue consists mainly of patent and technology license fees paid for access to our patents, developed technology and development and support services provided to our customers. Our ability to secure and renew the licenses from which our revenues are derived depends on our customers adopting our technology and using it in the products they sell. Once secured, license revenue may be negatively affected by factors within and outside our control, including reductions in our customers’ sales prices, sales volumes, our failure to timely complete engineering deliverables, and the terms of such licenses. In addition, weour licensing cycle for new licensees as well as renewals for existing licensees is lengthy, costly and unpredictable without any degree of certainty. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in signing new license agreements or renewing existing license agreements on equal or favorable terms or at all. As an example, for the year ended December 31, 2015, our revenue attributable to royalties declined 3.4% from the year ended December 31, 2014. If we do not achieve our revenue goals, our results of operations could decline.
We have traditionally operated in, and may enter other, industries that are highly cyclical and competitive.
Our target customers are companies that develop and market high volume business and consumer products in semiconductors, computing, data centers, networks, tablets, handheld devices, mobile applications, gaming and graphics, high-definition televisions, and displays, general lighting, cryptography and data security. The electronics industry is intensely competitive and has been impacted by price erosion, rapid technological change, short product life cycles, cyclical market patterns, price erosion and increasing foreign and domestic competition. We are subject to many risks beyond our control that influence whether or not we are successful in winning target customers or retaining existing customers, including, primarily, competition in a particular industry, market acceptance of such customers' products and the financial resources of such customers. In particular, DRAM manufacturers, which make up a significant part of our revenue, are prone to significant business cycles and have suffered material losses and other adverse effects to their businesses, leading to industry consolidation from time-to-time that may result in loss of revenues under our existing license agreements or loss of target customers. As a result of ongoing competition in the industries in which we operate and volatility in various economies around the world, we may achieve a reduced number of licenses or may experience tightening of customers' operating budgets, difficulty or inability of our customers to pay our licensing fees, lengthening of the approval process for new licenses and consolidation among our customers. All of these factors may adversely affect the demand for our technology and may cause us to experience substantial fluctuations in our operating results.
We face competition from semiconductor and digital electronics products and systems companies, other semiconductor intellectual property companies that provide security cores and non-edge lit LED lighting options that are available to the market. We believe the principal competition for our technologies may come from our prospective customers, some of whomwhich are evaluating and developing products based on technologies that they contend or may contend will not require a license from us. Some of our competitors use a system-level design approach similar to ours, including activities such as board and package design, power and signal integrity analysis, and thermal management. Many of these companies are larger and may have better access to financial, technical and other resources than we possess.

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To the extent that alternatives might provide comparable system performance at lower or similar cost to our technologies, or are perceived to require the payment of no or lower royalties, or to the extent other factors influence the industry, our customers and prospective customers may adopt and promote alternative technologies. Even to the extent we determine that such alternative technologies infringe our patents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to negotiate agreements that would result in royalties being paid to us without litigation, which could be costly and the results of which would be uncertain.
In addition, our expansion into new markets subjects us to additional risks. We may have limited or no experience in new products and markets, including our recently announced buffer chip set, our CryptoManager platform and new offerings that will resulthave resulted from our acquisition of Smart Card SoftwareSCS in the mobile credentialpayment and smart cardticketing solution spaces, and our acquisitions of the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business, and our customers may not adopt our new offerings. These and other new offerings may present new and difficult challenges, which could negatively affect our operating results.


We may have to invest more resources in research and development than anticipated, which could increase our operating expenses and negatively impact our operating results.

If new competitors, technological advances by existing competitors, and/or development of new technologies or other competitive factors require us to invest significantly greater resources than anticipated in our research and development efforts, our operating expenses could increase. If we are required to invest significantly greater resources than anticipated in research and development efforts without an increase in revenue, our operating results would decline. We expect these expenses to increase in the foreseeable future as our technology development efforts continue.
Our revenue is concentrated in a few customers, and if we lose any of these customers through contract terminations or acquisitions, our revenue may decrease substantially.
We have a high degree of revenue concentration. Our top five customers represented approximately 65%55% and 62%63% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. For both of the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, revenues from Micron, Samsung and SK hynix each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue in each year. We extended our license agreement with Samsung in December 2013, and we expect Samsung to continue to account for a significant portion of our licensing revenue. We also entered into settlement agreements with each of SK hynix and Micron (which included Elpida, which Micron had acquired in July 2013) in June 2013 and December 2013, respectively. In June 2015, we also extended our license agreement with SK hynix. As a result of the renewal and such settlements, we expect each of Samsung, SK hynix and Micron to account for a significant portion of our licensing revenue in the future. We expect to continue to experience significant revenue concentration for the foreseeable future.
In addition, our license agreements are complex and some contain terms that require us to provide certain customers with the lowest royalty rate that we provide to other customers for similar technologies, volumes and schedules. These clauses may limit our ability to effectively price differently among our customers, to respond quickly to market forces, or otherwise to compete on the basis of price. These clauses may also require us to reduce royalties payable by existing customers when we enter into or amend agreements with other customers. Any adjustment that reduces royalties from current customers or licensees may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We continue to negotiate with customers and prospective customers to enter into license agreements. Any future agreement may trigger our obligation to offer comparable terms or modifications to agreements with our existing customers, which may be less favorable to us than the existing license terms. We expect licensing fees will continue to vary based on our success in renewing existing license agreements and adding new customers, as well as the level of variation in our customers' reported shipment volumes, sales price and mix, offset in part by the proportion of customer payments that are fixed. In particular, under our license agreement with Samsung, the license fees payable by Samsung are subject to certain adjustments and conditions, and we therefore cannot provide assurances that the revenues generated by this license will not decline in the future. In addition, some of our material license agreements may contain rights by the customer to terminate for convenience, or upon certain other events, such as change of control, material breach, insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. If we are unsuccessful in entering into license agreements with new customers or renewing license agreements with existing customers, on favorable terms or at all, or if they are terminated, our results of operations may decline significantly.
Our business and operations could suffer in the event of security breaches.
Attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems are becoming more sophisticated. These attempts, which might be related to industrial or other espionage, include covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks and impersonating authorized users, among others. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their recurrence, but in some cases, we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. While we have not identified any material incidents of unauthorized access to date, the theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual

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property and/or confidential business information could harm our competitive position and reputation, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives or otherwise adversely affect our business. To the extent that any future security breach results in inappropriate disclosure of our customers' confidential information, we may incur liability.
Failures in our products and services or in the products of our customers, including those resulting from security vulnerabilities, defects, bugs or errors, could harm our business.
Our products and services are highly technical and complex, and among our various businesses our products and services are crucial to providing security, payment and other critical functions for our customers’ operations. Our products and services have from time to time contained and may in the future contain undetected errors, bugs defects or other security vulnerabilities. Some errors in our products and services may only be discovered after a product or service has been deployed and used by customers, and may in some cases only be detected under certain circumstances or after extended use. In addition, because the

techniques used by hackers to access or sabotage our products and services and other technologies change and evolve frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate, detect or prevent these techniques and may not address them in our data security technologies. Any errors, bugs, defects or security vulnerabilities discovered in our solutions after commercial release could adversely affect our revenue, our customer relationships and the market's perception of our products and services. We may not be able to correct any errors, bugs, defects, security flaws or vulnerabilities promptly, or at all. Any breaches, defects, errors or vulnerabilities in our products and services could result in:

expenditure of significant financial and research and development resources in efforts to analyze, correct, eliminate or work around breaches, errors, bugs or defects or to address and eliminate vulnerabilities;
financial liability to customers for breach of certain contract provisions, including indemnification obligations;
loss of existing or potential customers;
delayed or lost revenue;
delay or failure to attain market acceptance;
negative publicity, which would harm our reputation; and
litigation, regulatory inquiries or investigations that would be costly and harm our reputation.
Some of our revenue is subject to the pricing policies of our customers over whomwhich we have no control.
We have no control over our customers' pricing of their products and there can be no assurance that licensed products will be competitively priced or will sell in significant volumes. Any premium charged by our customers in the price of memory and controller chips or other products over alternatives must be reasonable. If the benefits of our technology do not match the price premium charged by our customers, the resulting decline in sales of products incorporating our technology could harm our operating results.
Our licensing cycle is lengthy and costly, and our marketing and licensing efforts may be unsuccessful.
The process of persuading customers to adopt and license our chip interface, lighting, data security, and other technologies can be lengthy.  Even if successful, there can be no assurance that our technologies will be used in a product that is ultimately brought to market, achieves commercial acceptance or results in significant royalties to us. We generally incur significant marketing and sales expenses prior to entering into our license agreements, generating a license fee and establishing a royalty stream from each customer. The length of time it takes to establish a new licensing relationship can take many months or even years. We may incur costs in any particular period before any associated revenue stream begins, if at all. If our marketing and sales efforts are very lengthy or unsuccessful, then we may face a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations as a result of failure to obtain or an undue delay in obtaining royalties.
Future revenue is difficult to predict for several reasons, and our failure to predict revenue accurately may result in our stock price declining.
Our lengthy license negotiation cycles could make our future revenue difficult to predict because we may not be successful in entering into licenses with our customers on our anticipated timelines.
In addition, while some of our license agreements provide for fixed, quarterly royalty payments, many of our license agreements provide for volume-based royalties, and may also be subject to caps on royalties in a given period. The sales volume and prices of our customers' products in any given period can be difficult to predict. Furthermore, when we apply the new revenue standard in the first quarter of 2018, we anticipate that our revenue will vary a great deal from quarter to quarter. As a result of the foregoing items, our actual results may differ substantially from analyst estimates or our forecasts in any given quarter.
Furthermore,Also, a portion of our revenue comes from development and support services provided to our customers. Depending upon the nature of the services, a portion of the related revenue may be recognized ratably over the support period, or may be

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recognized according to contract revenue accounting. Contract revenue accounting may result in deferral of the service fees to the completion of the contract, or may result in the recognition of service fees over the period in which services are performed on a percentage-of-completion basis.
We may not be successful in entering into new markets, and our new product offerings, such as our recently announced buffer chip set,acquisitions of SCS, the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business, our CryptoManager platform and new offerings in the mobile credential and smart card solution spaces, may not be adopted.adopted by our customers or potential customers. In addition, once we commercially launch our products, the sales volume of and resulting revenue from such products in any given period will be difficult to predict.


We may fail to meet our publicly announced guidance or other expectations about our business, which would likely cause our stock price to decline.

We provide guidance regarding our expected financial and business performance including our anticipated future revenues, operating expenses and operating expenses. other financial and operation metrics. We are evaluating the form and content of any guidance that we may provide following implementation of the Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“the New Revenue Standard”), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“the FASB”) in May 2014. The New Revenue Standard will be effective for the first quarter of 2018, and we expect our guidance metrics to change.
Correctly identifying the key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is an inherently an uncertain process.
Such Any guidance that we provide may not always be accurate, or may vary from actual results, due to our inability to meet our assumptionscorrectly identify and the impact on our financial performance that could occur as a result of the variousquantify risks and uncertainties to our business as set forth in these risk factors.and to quantify their impact on our financial performance. We offer no assurance that such guidance will ultimately be accurate, and investors should treat any such guidance with appropriate caution. If we fail to meet our guidance or if we find it necessary to revise such guidance, even if such failure or revision is seemingly insignificant, investors and analysts may lose confidence in us and the market value of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.
Changes in accounting principles and guidance could result in unfavorable accounting charges or effects.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and these principles are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies. A change in these principles or application guidance, or in their interpretations, may have a material effect on our reported results, as well as our processes and related controls, and may retroactively affect previously reported results. For example, the New Revenue Standard, as amended, is effective for us on January 1, 2018. We will adopt the New Revenue Standard on a full retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2016 determined on the basis of the impact of the New Revenue Standard on the accounting for contracts that are not completed as of that date. Although we have yet to finalize our evaluation and quantification of the effects that the New Revenue Standard will have on our consolidated financial statements, and to finalize the design and implementation of related changes to our policies, procedures and controls, we expect the New Revenue Standard to materially impact the timing of revenue recognition for our fixed-fee intellectual property (IP) licensing arrangements (including certain fixed-fee agreements that license our existing IP portfolio as well as IP added to our portfolio during the license term) as a majority of such revenue would be recognized at inception of the license term, as opposed to over time as is the case under current U.S. GAAP, and we will be required to compute and recognize interest income over time as control over the IP generally transfers significantly in advance of cash being received from customers. We do not expect the adoption of the New Revenue Standard to have a material impact on our other revenue streams. We are also evaluating the form and content of any guidance that we may provide following implementation of the New Revenue Standard and expect our guidance metrics to change. We expect that any change to current revenue recognition practices may significantly increase volatility in our quarterly revenue, financial results and trends, and may impact our stock price.
We have in the past made and may in the future make acquisitions or enter into mergers, strategic investments, sales of assets or other arrangements that may not produce expected operating and financial results.
From time to time, we engage in acquisitions, strategic transactions and strategic investments, such as our acquisition2016 acquisitions of Smart Card Software in January 2016.SCS, the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business. Many of our acquisitions or strategic investments entail a high degree of risk, including those involving new areas of technology and such investments may not become liquid for several years after the date of the investment, if at all. Our acquisitions or strategic investments may not provide the advantages that we anticipated or generate the financial returns we expect, including if we are unable to close any pending acquisitions. For example, for any pending or completed acquisitions, we may discover unidentified issues not discovered in due diligence, and we may be subject to liabilities that either are not covered by indemnification protection we may obtain or become subject to litigation. Achieving the anticipated benefits of business acquisitions depends in part upon our ability to integrate the acquired businesses in an efficient and effective manner. The integration of companies that have previously operated independently may result in significant challenges, including, among others: retaining key employees; successfully integrating new employees, business systems and technology; retaining customers of the acquired business; minimizing the diversion of management's and other employees’ attention from ongoing business matters; coordinating geographically separate organizations; consolidating research and development operations; and consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures.
Our strategic investments in new areas of technology may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including distraction of management from current operations, greater than expected liabilities and expenses, inadequate return of capital, and unidentified issues not discovered in due diligence. These investments are inherently risky and may not be successful.

In addition, we may record impairment charges related to our acquisitions or strategic investments. Any losses or impairment charges that we incur related to acquisitions, strategic investments or sales of assets will have a negative impact on our financial results and the market value of our common stock, and we may continue to incur new or additional losses related to acquisitions or strategic investments.
We may have to incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any future acquisition, which debt could involve restrictive covenants or which equity security issuance could be dilutive to our existing stockholders.
From time to time, we may also divest certain assets, where we may be required to provide certain representations, warranties and covenants to their buyers. While we would seek to ensure the accuracy of such representations and warranties and fulfillment of any ongoing obligations, we may not be completely successful and consequently may be subject to claims by a purchaser of such assets.
A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from sources outside of the United States and this revenue and our business generally are subject to risks related to international operations that are often beyond our control.
For the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, revenues received from our international customers constituted approximately 60%58% and 63%64%, respectively, of our total revenue. We expect that future revenue derived from international sources will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue.

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To the extent that customer sales are not denominated in U.S. dollars, any royalties which are based on a percentage of the customers' sales that we receive as a result of such sales could be subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. In addition, if the effective price of licensed products sold by our foreign customers were to increase as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of the relevant currencies, demand for licensed products could fall, which in turn would reduce our royalties. We do not use financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange rate risk.
We currently have international business operations in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, international design operations in Canada, India, Finland and France, and business development operations in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. Our international operations and revenue are subject to a variety of risks which are beyond our control, including:
hiring, maintaining and managing a workforce and facilities remotely and under various legal systems, including compliance with local labor and employment laws;
non-compliance with our code of conduct or other corporate policies;
natural disasters, acts of war, terrorism, widespread illness or security breaches;
export controls, tariffs, import and licensing restrictions and other trade barriers;
profits, if any, earned abroad being subject to local tax laws and not being repatriated to the United States or, if repatriation is possible, limited in amount;
adverse tax treatment of revenue from international sources and changes to tax codes, including being subject to foreign tax laws and being liable for paying withholding, income or other taxes in foreign jurisdictions;
unanticipated changes in foreign government laws and regulations;
increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities;
lack of protection of our intellectual property and other contract rights by jurisdictions in which we may do business to the same extent as the laws of the United States;
potential vulnerability to computer system, internet or other systemic attacks, such as denial of service, viruses or other malware which may be caused by criminals, terrorists or other sophisticated organizations;
social, political and economic instability;
geopolitical issues, including changes in diplomatic and trade relationships; and
cultural differences in the conduct of business both with customers and in conducting business in our international facilities and international sales offices.
We and our customers are subject to many of the risks described above with respect to companies which are located in different countries. There can be no assurance that one or more of the risks associated with our international operations will not result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Weak global economic conditions may adversely affect demand for the products and services of our customers.
Our operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. Uncertainty about global or regional economic and political conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values, which could have a material negative effect on the demand for the products of our customers in the foreseeable future. If our customers experience reduced demand for their products as a result of global or regional economic conditions or otherwise, this could result in reduced royalty revenue and our

business and results of operations could be harmed.
If our counterparties are unable to fulfill their financial and other obligations to us, our business and results of operations may be affected adversely.
Any downturn in economic conditions or other business factors could threaten the financial health of our counterparties, including companies with whomwhich we have entered into licensing and/or settlement agreements, and their ability to fulfill their financial and other obligations to us. Such financial pressures on our counterparties may eventually lead to bankruptcy proceedings or other attempts to avoid financial obligations that are due to us. Because bankruptcy courts have the power to modify or cancel contracts of the petitioner which remain subject to future performance and alter or discharge payment obligations related to pre-petition debts, we may receive less than all of the payments that we would otherwise be entitled to receive from any such counterparty as a result of bankruptcy proceedings.
If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business and operations could suffer.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to identify, attract, compensate, motivate and retain qualified personnel, especially engineers, senior management and other key personnel. We recently have faced retention issues, such as when our employee turnover accelerated after our reduction-in-force efforts in 2012 and 2013 and subsequent voluntary and involuntary separations. We may experience a similar acceleration in employee turnover due to the restructuring and plan of termination instituted in the fourth quarter of 2015. The loss of the services of any key employees could be disruptive to our development

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efforts or business relationships and could cause our business and operations to suffer.
We are subject to various government restrictions and regulations, including on the sale of products and services that use encryption technology and those related to privacy and other consumer protection matters.
Various countries have adopted controls, license requirements and restrictions on the export, import and use of products or services that contain encryption technology. In addition, governmental agencies have proposed additional requirements for encryption technology, such as requiring the escrow and governmental recovery of private encryption keys. Restrictions on the sale or distribution of products or services containing encryption technology may impact the ability of CRDRSD to license its data security technologies to the manufacturers and providers of such products and services in certain markets or may require CRDRSD or its customers to make changes to the licensed data security technology that is embedded in such products to comply with such restrictions. Government restrictions, or changes to the products or services of CRD'sRSD's customers to comply with such restrictions, could delay or prevent the acceptance and use of such customers' products and services. In addition, the United States and other countries have imposed export controls that prohibit the export of encryption technology to certain countries, entities and individuals. Our failure to comply with export and use regulations concerning encryption technology of CRDRSD could subject us to sanctions and penalties, including fines, and suspension or revocation of export or import privileges.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States, the European Union and other countries that involve, for example, user privacy, data protection and security, content and consumer protection. A number of proposals are pending before federal, state, and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies that could significantly affect our business. Existing and proposed laws and regulations can be costly to comply with and can delay or impede the development of new products, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs and subject us to claims or other remedies.
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC established new disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies whothat use "conflict" minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries in their products, whether or not these products are manufactured by third parties. These requirements could affect the sourcing and availability of minerals that are used in the manufacture of our products. We have to date incurred costs and expect to incur significant additional costs associated with complying with the disclosure requirements, including for example, due diligence in regard to the sources of any conflict minerals used in our products, in addition to the cost of remediation and other changes to products, processes, or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. Additionally, we may face reputational challenges with our customers and other stakeholders if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins of all minerals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement. We may also face challenges with government regulators and our customers and suppliers if we are unable to sufficiently verify that the metals used in our products are conflict free.
Our operations are subject to risks of natural disasters, acts of war, terrorism, widespread illness or security breach at our domestic and international locations, any one of which could result in a business stoppage and negatively affect our operating results.
Our business operations depend on our ability to maintain and protect our facilities, computer systems and personnel, which are primarily located in the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India and Bangalore, India.Australia. The San Francisco Bay Area is in close proximity to known earthquake fault zones. Our facilities and transportation for our employees are susceptible to damage from earthquakes and other natural disasters such as fires, floods and similar events. Should a catastrophe disable our facilities, we do not have readily available alternative facilities from which we could conduct our business, so any resultant work stoppage could have a negative effect on our operating results. We also rely on our

network infrastructure and technology systems for operational support and business activities which are subject to physical and cyber damage, and also susceptible to other related vulnerabilities common to networks and computer systems. Acts of terrorism, widespread illness, war and any event that causes failures or interruption in our network infrastructure and technology systems could have a negative effect at our international and domestic facilities and could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We do not have extensive experience in manufacturing and marketing products and, as a result, may be unable to sustain and grow a profitable commercial market for new and existing products.
We do not have extensive experience in creating, manufacturing and marketing products, including our recently announced buffer chip set,CryptoManager platform, our CryptoManager platformRLD product offerings and new offerings that will resulthave resulted from our acquisition of Smart Card SoftwareSCS in the mobile credential and smart card solution spaces.spaces, and our acquisitions of the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business. These and other new offerings may present new and difficult challenges, and we may be subject to claims if customers of these offerings experience delays, failures, non-performance or other quality issues. In particular, we may experience difficulties with product design, qualification, manufacturing, marketing or certification that could delay or prevent our development, introduction or marketing of new products. Although we intend to design our products to be fully compliant with applicable industry standards, proprietary enhancements may not in the future result in full conformance with existing industry standards under all circumstances.

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If we fail to introduce products that meet the demand of our customers or penetrate new markets in which we expend significant resources, our revenues will decrease over time and our financial condition could suffer. Additionally, if we concentrate resources on a new market that does not prove profitable or sustainable, it could damage our reputation and limit our growth, and our financial condition could decline.

We rely on a number of third-party providers for data center hosting facilities, equipment, maintenance and other services, and the loss of, or problems with, one or more of these providers may impede our growth or cause us to lose customers.

We rely on third-party providers to supply data center hosting facilities, equipment, maintenance and other services in order to provide some of our services, including in our offerings of our advanced mobile payment platform and smart ticketing platform, and have entered into various agreements for such services. The continuous availability of our service depends on the operations of those facilities, on a variety of network service providers and on third-party vendors. In addition, we depend on our third-party facility providers’ ability to protect these facilities against damage or interruption from natural disasters, power or telecommunications failures, criminal acts, cyber-attacks and similar events. If there are any lapses of service or damage to a facility, we could experience lengthy interruptions in our service as well as delays and additional expenses in arranging new facilities and services. Even with current and planned disaster recovery arrangements, our business could be harmed. Any interruptions or delays in our service, whether as a result of third-party error, our own error, natural disasters, criminal acts, security breaches or other causes, whether accidental or willful, could harm our relationships with customers, harm our reputation and cause our revenue to decrease and/or our expenses to increase. Also, in the event of damage or interruption, our insurance policies may not adequately compensate us for any losses that we may incur. These factors in turn could further reduce our revenue, subject us to liability and cause us to issue credits or cause us to lose customers, any of which could materially adversely affect our business.

We rely on third parties for a variety of services, including manufacturing, and these third parties’ failure to perform these services adequately could materially and adversely affect our business.

We rely on third parties for a variety of services, including our manufacturing supply chain partners and third parties within our sales and distribution channels. Certain of these third parties are, and may be, our sole manufacturer or sole source of production materials. If we fail to manage our relationship with these manufacturers and suppliers effectively, or if they experience delays, disruptions, capacity constraints or quality control problems in their operations, our ability to ship products to our customers could be impaired and our competitive position and reputation could be harmed. In addition, any adverse change in any of our manufacturers and suppliers’ financial or business condition could disrupt our ability to supply quality products to our customers. If we are required to change our manufacturers, we may lose revenue, incur increased costs and damage our end-customer relationships. In addition, qualifying a new manufacturer and commencing production can be an expensive and lengthy process. If our third party manufacturers or suppliers are unable to provide us with adequate supplies of high-quality products for any other reason, we could experience a delay in our order fulfillment, and our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. In the event these and other third parties we rely on fail to provide their services adequately, including as a result of errors in their systems or events beyond their control, or refuse to provide these services on terms acceptable to us or at all, and we are not able to find suitable alternatives, our business may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, our orders may represent a relatively small percentage of the overall orders

received by our manufacturers from their customers. As a result, fulfilling our orders may not be considered a priority in the event our manufacturers are constrained in their ability to fulfill all of their customer obligations in a timely manner. If our manufacturers are unable to provide us with adequate supplies of high-quality products, or if we or our manufacturers are unable to obtain adequate quantities of components, it could cause a delay in our order fulfillment, in which case our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Warranty and product liability claims brought against us could cause us to incur significant costs and adversely affect our operating results as well as our reputation and relationships with customers.

We may from time to time be subject to warranty and product liability claims with regard to product performance and our services. We could incur material losses as a result of warranty, support, repair or replacement costs in response to customer complaints or in connection with the resolution of contemplated or actual legal proceedings relating to such claims. In addition to potential losses arising from claims and related legal proceedings, warranty and product liability claims could affect our reputation and our relationship with customers. We generally attempt to limit the maximum amount of indemnification or liability that we could be exposed to under our contracts, however, this is not always possible.


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Any failure in our delivery of high-quality technical support services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our financial results.

Our customers depend on our support organization to resolve technical issues and provide ongoing maintenance relating to our products and services. We may be unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for support services. Increased customer demand for these services, without corresponding revenues, could increase costs and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, our sales process is highly dependent on our offerings and business reputation and on positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality technical support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality support, could adversely affect our reputation, our ability to sell our solutions to existing and prospective customers, and our business, operating results and financial position.

Certain software that we use in certain of our products is licensed from third parties and, for that reason, may not be available to us in the future, which has the potential to delay product development and production or cause us to incur additional expense, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

Some of our products and services contain software licensed from third parties. Some of these licenses may not be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us or allow our products to remain competitive. The loss of these licenses or the inability to maintain any of them on commercially acceptable terms could delay development of future offerings or the enhancement of existing products and services. We may also choose to pay a premium price for such a license in certain circumstances where continuity of the licensed product would outweigh the premium cost of the license. The unavailability of these licenses or the necessity of agreeing to commercially unreasonable terms for such licenses could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

Certain software we use is from open source code sources, which, under certain circumstances, may lead to unintended consequences and, therefore, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

We use open source software in our services, including our advanced mobile payment platform and smart ticketing platform, and we intend to continue to use open source software in the future. From time to time, there have been claims challenging the ownership of open source software against companies that incorporate open source software into their products or alleging that these companies have violated the terms of an open source license. As a result, we could be subject to lawsuits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software or alleging that we have violated the terms of an open source license. Litigation could be costly for us to defend, have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our solutions. In addition, if we were to combine our proprietary software solutions with open source software in certain manners, we could, under certain open source licenses, be required to publicly release the source code of our proprietary software solutions. If we inappropriately use open source software, we may be required to re-engineer our solutions, discontinue the sale of our solutions, release the source code of our proprietary software to the public at no cost or take other remedial actions. There is a risk that open source licenses could be construed in a way that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to commercialize our solutions, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.


Our business and operating results could be harmed if we undertake any restructuring activities.

From time to time, we may undertake restructurings of our business, such as the restructuring and plan of termination that we undertook in the fourth quarter of 2015. There are several factors that could cause restructurings to have adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These include potential disruption of our operations, the development of our technology, the deliveries to our customers and other aspects of our business. Loss of sales, service and engineering talent, in particular, could damage our business. Any restructuring would require substantial management time and attention and may divert management from other important work. Employee reductions or other restructuring activities also would cause us to incur restructuring and related expenses such as severance expenses. Moreover, we could encounter delays in executing any restructuring plans, which could cause further disruption and additional unanticipated expense.

Problems with our information systems could interfere with our business and could adversely impact our operations.
16We rely on our information systems and those of third parties for fulfilling licensing and contractual obligations, processing customer orders, delivering products, providing services and support to our customers, billing and tracking our customer orders, performing accounting operations and otherwise running our business. If our systems fail, our disaster and data recovery planning and capacity may prove insufficient to enable timely recovery of important functions and business records. Any disruption in our information systems and those of the third parties upon whom we rely could have a significant impact on our business. Additionally, our information systems may not support new business models and initiatives and significant investments could be required in order to upgrade them. For example, in connection with our adoption of the New Revenue Standard, we plan to augment our systems with new revenue accounting software, utilizing internal and third party resources. Delays in adapting our information systems to address new business models and accounting standards could limit the success or result in the failure of such initiatives and impair the effectiveness of our internal controls. Even if we do not encounter these adverse effects, the implementation of these enhancements may be much more costly than we anticipated. If we are unable to successfully implement the information systems enhancements as planned, our operating results could be negatively impacted.


Risks Related to Capitalization Matters and Corporate Governance
The price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “RMBS.” The trading price of our common stock has at times experienced price volatility and may continue to fluctuate significantly in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control.  Some of these factors include:
any progress, or lack of progress, real or perceived, in the development of products that incorporate our innovations and technology companies' acceptance of our products, including the results of our efforts to expand into new target markets;
our signing or not signing new licenses and the loss of strategic relationships with any customer;
announcements of technological innovations or new products by us, our customers or our competitors;
changes in our strategies, including changes in our licensing focus and/or acquisitions of companies with business models or target markets different from our own;
positive or negative reports by securities analysts as to our expected financial results and business developments;
developments with respect to patents or proprietary rights and other events or factors;
new litigation and the unpredictability of litigation results or settlements; and
issuance of additional securities by us, including in acquisitions.acquisitions; and
changes in accounting pronouncements, including implementation of the New Revenue Standard.
In addition, the stock market in general, and prices for companies in our industry in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.
We have outstanding senior convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount totaling $138.0$253.7 million. Because these notes are convertible into shares of our common stock, volatility or depressed prices of our common stock could have a similar effect on the trading price of such notes. In addition, the existence of these notes may encourage short selling in our common stock by market participants because the conversion of the notes could depress the price of our common stock.
We have been party to, and may in the future be subject to, lawsuits relating to securities law matters which may result in unfavorable outcomes and significant judgments, settlements and legal expenses which could cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to suffer.
We and certain of our current and former officers and directors, as well as our current auditors, were subject from 2006 to 2011 to several stockholder derivative actions, securities fraud class actions and/or individual lawsuits filed in federal court

against us and certain of our current and former officers and directors. The complaints generally alleged that the defendants violated the federal and state securities laws and stated state law claims for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. Although to date these complaints have either been settled or dismissed, the amount of time to resolve any future lawsuits is uncertain, and these matters could require significant management and financial resources. Unfavorable outcomes and significant judgments, settlements and legal expenses in litigation related to any future securities law claims could have material adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock.
We are leveraged financially, which could adversely affect our ability to adjust our business to respond to competitive pressures and to obtain sufficient funds to satisfy our future research and development needs, to protect and enforce our intellectual property, and to meet other needs.
We have material indebtedness. In August 2013, we issued $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2018 Notes of which remain$81.2 million aggregate principal amount remains outstanding. Further, in November 2017, we issued $172.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2023 Notes, the entire amount of which remains outstanding. The degree to which we are leveraged could have negative consequences, including, but not limited to, the following:
we may be more vulnerable to economic downturns, less able to withstand competitive pressures and less flexible in responding to changing business and economic conditions;
our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, litigation, general corporate or other purposes may be limited;
a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations in the future may be required for the payment of theinterest and principal amount of our existing indebtedness when it becomes due and at maturity in August 2018;2018 and February 2023; and
we may be required to make cash payments upon any conversion of the 2018 Notes and 2023 Notes (together, the “Notes”), which would reduce our cash on hand.

A failure to comply with the covenants and other provisions of our debt instruments could result in events of default under such instruments, which could permit acceleration of all of our outstanding 2018 Notes. Any required repurchase of the 2018 Notes as a result of a fundamental change or acceleration of the 2018 Notes would reduce our cash on hand such that we would not have those funds available for use in our business.

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If we are at any time unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to service our indebtedness when payment is due, we may be required to attempt to renegotiate the terms of the instruments relating to the indebtedness, seek to refinance all or a portion of the indebtedness or obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully renegotiate such terms, that any such refinancing would be possible or that any additional financing could be obtained on terms that are favorable or acceptable to us.
Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure have historically created uncertainty for companies such as ours. Any new or changed laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations due to their lack of specificity, and as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, Delaware law, and our outstanding convertible notes and certain other agreements contain provisions that could discourage transactions resulting in a change in control, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that might enable our management to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control. In addition, these provisions could limit the price that investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Pursuant to such provisions:
our board of directors is authorized, without prior stockholder approval, to create and issue preferred stock, commonly referred to as “blank check” preferred stock, with rights senior to those of common stock, which means that a stockholder rights plan could be implemented by our board;
our board of directors is staggered into two classes, only one of which is elected at each annual meeting;
stockholder action by written consent is prohibited;
nominations for election to our board of directors and the submission of matters to be acted upon by stockholders at a meeting are subject to advance notice requirements;

certain provisions in our bylaws and certificate of incorporation such as notice to stockholders, the ability to call a stockholder meeting, advance notice requirements and action of stockholders by written consent may only be amended with the approval of stockholders holding 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock;
our stockholders have no authority to call special meetings of stockholders; and
our board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws.
We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which provides, subject to enumerated exceptions, that if a person acquires 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, the person is an “interested stockholder” and may not engage in any “business combination” with us for a period of three years from the time the person acquired 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock.
Certain provisions of our outstanding 2018 Notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of such 2018 Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase, at a cash repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2018 Notes, all or a portion of their 2018 Notes. We may also be required to increase the conversion rate of such 2018 Notes in the event of certain fundamental changes.
Unanticipated changes in our tax rates or in the tax laws and regulations could expose us to additional income tax liabilities which could affect our operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and, in the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and regulations as well as other factors. Our tax determinations are regularly subject to audit by tax authorities and developments in those audits could adversely affect our income tax provision, and we are currently undergoing such audits of certain of our tax returns. Although we believe that our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits or tax disputes may be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions which could affect our operating results.

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Litigation, Regulation and Business Risks Related to our Intellectual Property
We have in the past, and may in the future, become engaged in litigation stemming from our efforts to protect and enforce our patents and intellectual property and make other claims, which could adversely affect our intellectual property rights, distract our management and cause substantial expenses and declines in our revenue and stock price.
We seek to diligently protect our intellectual property rights and will continue to do so. While we are not currently involved in intellectual property litigation, any future litigation, whether or not determined in our favor or settled by us, would be expected to be costly, may cause delays applicable to our business (including delays in negotiating licenses with other actual or potential customers), would be expected to tend to discourage future design partners, would tend to impair adoption of our existing technologies and would divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel from other business operations. In addition, we may be unsuccessful in any litigation if we have difficulty obtaining the cooperation of former employees and agents who were involved in our business during the relevant periods related to our litigation and are now needed to assist in cases or testify on our behalf. Furthermore, any adverse determination or other resolution in litigation could result in our losing certain rights beyond the rights at issue in a particular case, including, among other things: our being effectively barred from suing others for violating certain or all of our intellectual property rights; our patents being held invalid or unenforceable or not infringed; our being subjected to significant liabilities; our being required to seek licenses from third parties; our being prevented from licensing our patented technology; or our being required to renegotiate with current customers on a temporary or permanent basis.
From time to time, we are subject to proceedings by government agencies that may result in adverse determinations against us and could cause our revenue to decline substantially.
An adverse resolution by or with a governmental agency could result in severe limitations on our ability to protect and license our intellectual property, and could cause our revenue to decline substantially. Third parties have and may attempt to use adverse findings by a government agency to limit our ability to enforce or license our patents in private litigations, to challenge or otherwise act against us with respect to such government agency proceedings.

Further, third parties have sought and may seek review and reconsideration of the patentability of inventions claimed in certain of our patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”USPTO”) and/or the European Patent Office (the “EPO”). Any re-examination proceedings may be reviewed by the PTO'sUSPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”). The PTAB and the

related former Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences ("BPAI") have previously issued decisions in a few cases, finding some challenged claims of Rambus' patents to be valid, and others to be invalid. Decisions of the PTAB are subject to further PTOUSPTO proceedings and/or appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. A final adverse decision, not subject to further review and/or appeal, could invalidate some or all of the challenged patent claims and could also result in additional adverse consequences affecting other related U.S. or European patents, including in any intellectual property litigation. If a sufficient number of such patents are impaired, our ability to enforce or license our intellectual property would be significantly weakened and could cause our revenue to decline substantially.

The pendency of any governmental agency acting as described above may impair our ability to enforce or license our patents or collect royalties from existing or potential customers, as any litigation opponents may attempt to use such proceedings to delay or otherwise impair any pending cases and our existing or potential customers may await the final outcome of any proceedings before agreeing to new licenses or to paying royalties.

Litigation or other third-party claims of intellectual property infringement could require us to expend substantial resources and could prevent us from developing or licensing our technology on a cost-effective basis.
Our research and development programs are in highly competitive fields in which numerous third parties have issued patents and patent applications with claims closely related to the subject matter of our programs. We have also been named in the past, and may in the future be named, as a defendant in lawsuits claiming that our technology infringes upon the intellectual property rights of third parties. As we develop additional products and technology, we may face claims of infringement of various patents and other intellectual property rights by third parties. In the event of a third-party claim or a successful infringement action against us, we may be required to pay substantial damages, to stop developing and licensing our infringing technology, to develop non-infringing technology, and to obtain licenses, which could result in our paying substantial royalties or our granting of cross licenses to our technologies. We may not be able to obtain licenses from other parties at a reasonable cost, or at all, which could cause us to expend substantial resources, or result in delays in, or the cancellation of, new products.

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Table Moreover, customers and/or suppliers of Contentsour products may seek indemnification for alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.  We could be liable for direct and consequential damages and expenses including attorneys’ fees. A future obligation to indemnify our customers and/or suppliers may harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

If we are unable to protect our inventions successfully through the issuance and enforcement of patents, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We have an active program to protect our proprietary inventions through the filing of patents. There can be no assurance, however, that:
any current or future U.S. or foreign patent applications will be approved and not be challenged by third parties;
our issued patents will protect our intellectual property and not be challenged by third parties;
the validity of our patents will be upheld;
our patents will not be declared unenforceable;
the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our ability to do business;
Congress or the U.S. courts or foreign countries will not change the nature or scope of rights afforded patents or patent owners or alter in an adverse way the process for seeking or enforcing patents;
changes in law will not be implemented, or changes in interpretation of such laws will occur, that will affect our ability to protect and enforce our patents and other intellectual property;
new legal theories and strategies utilized by our competitors will not be successful;
others will not independently develop similar or competing chip interfaces or design around any patents that may be issued to us; or
factors such as difficulty in obtaining cooperation from inventors, pre-existing challenges or litigation, or license or other contract issues will not present additional challenges in securing protection with respect to patents and other intellectual property that we acquire.
If any of the above were to occur, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Furthermore, recent patent reform legislation, such as the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of any patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our licensed patents. The federal courts, the USPTO, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. International Trade Commission have also recently taken certain actions and issued rulings that have been viewed as unfavorable to patentees. While we cannot predict what form any new patent reform laws or regulations may ultimately take, or what impact recent or future reforms may have on our business, any laws or regulations that restrict or negatively impact our ability to enforce our patent rights against third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, our patents will continue to expire according to their terms, with expiration dates ranging from 20162018 to 2038. Our failure to continuously develop or acquire successful innovations and obtain patents on those innovations could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our inability to protect and own the intellectual property we create would cause our business to suffer.
We rely primarily on a combination of license, development and nondisclosure agreements, trademark, trade secret and copyright law and contractual provisions to protect our non-patentable intellectual property rights. If we fail to protect these intellectual property rights, our customers and others may seek to use our technology without the payment of license fees and royalties, which could weaken our competitive position, reduce our operating results and increase the likelihood of costly litigation. The growth of our business depends in part on the use of our intellectual property in the products of third party manufacturers, and our ability to enforce intellectual property rights against them to obtain appropriate compensation. In addition, effective trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries. Although we intend to protect our rights vigorously, if we fail to do so, our business will suffer.

Effective protection of trademarks, copyrights, domain names, patent rights, and other intellectual property rights is expensive and difficult to maintain, both in terms of application and maintenance costs, as well as the costs of defending and enforcing those rights. The efforts we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient or effective. Our intellectual property rights may be infringed, misappropriated, or challenged, which could result in them being narrowed in scope or declared invalid or unenforceable. In addition, the laws or practices of certain countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Significant impairments of our intellectual property rights, and limitations on our ability to assert our intellectual property rights against others, could have a material and adverse effect on our business.

Third parties may claim that our products or services infringe on their intellectual property rights, exposing us to litigation that, regardless of merit, may be costly to defend.


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Our success and ability to compete are also dependent upon our ability to operate without infringing upon the patent, trademark and other intellectual property rights of others. Third parties may claim that our current or future products or services infringe upon their intellectual property rights. Any such claim, with or without merit, could be time consuming, divert management’s attention from our business operations and result in significant expenses. We cannot assure you that we would be successful in defending against any such claims. In addition, parties making these claims may be able to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief affecting our ability to license the products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property. As a result of such claims, we may be required to obtain licenses from third parties, develop alternative technology or redesign our products. We cannot be sure that such licenses would be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If a successful claim is made against us and we are unable to develop or license alternative technology, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

We rely upon the accuracy of our customers' recordkeeping, and any inaccuracies or payment disputes for amounts owed to us under our licensing agreements may harm our results of operations.

Many of our license agreements require our customers to document the manufacture and sale of products that incorporate our technology and report this data to us on a quarterly basis. While licenses with such terms give us the right to audit books and records of our customers to verify this information, audits rarely are undertaken because they can be expensive, time consuming, and potentially detrimental to our ongoing business relationship with our customers. Therefore, we typically rely on the accuracy of the reports from customers without independently verifying the information in them. Our failure to audit our customers' books and records may result in our receiving more or less royalty revenue than we are entitled to under the terms of our license agreements. If we conduct royalty audits in the future, such audits may trigger disagreements over contract terms with our customers and such disagreements could hamper customer relations, divert the efforts and attention of our management from normal operations and impact our business operations and financial condition.
Any dispute regarding our intellectual property may require us to indemnify certain customers, the cost of which could severely hamper our business operations and financial condition.
In any potential dispute involving our patents or other intellectual property, our customers could also become the target of litigation. While we generally do not indemnify our customers, some of our license agreements provide indemnities,for indemnification, and some require us to provide technical support and information to a customer that is involved in litigation involving use of our technology. In addition, we may be exposed to indemnification obligations, risks and liabilities that were unknown at the time of acquisitions, including with respect to our acquisitionacquisitions of Smart Card Software,SCS, the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business, and we may agree to indemnify others in the future. Any of these indemnification and support

obligations could result in substantial and material expenses. In addition to the time and expense required for us to indemnify or supply such support to our customers, a customer's development, marketing and sales of licensed semiconductors, lighting, mobile communications and data security technologies could be severely disrupted or shut down as a result of litigation, which in turn could severely hamper our business operations and financial condition as a result of lower or no royalty payments.
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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Item 2.Properties
As of December 31, 2015,2017, we occupied offices in the leased facilities described below:
Number of
Offices
Under Lease
 Location Primary Use
67 United States  
  Sunnyvale, CA (Corporate Headquarters) Executive and administrative offices, research and development, sales and marketing and service functions
  Chapel Hill, NC Research and development
  Brecksville, OH (2)(2 locations) Research and development, prototyping and light manufacturing facility
  San Francisco, CA Research and development
  Richardson, TXResearch and development
Agoura Hills, CA Research and development
1 Bangalore, India Administrative offices, research and development and service functions
1 Tokyo, Japan Business development
1 Seoul, Korea Business development
1 Shanghai, ChinaBusiness development
1SingaporeBusiness development
1Taipei, Taiwan Business development
1 Paris, FranceMelbourne, Australia Research andBusiness development
1 Newmarket,Rotterdam, The NetherlandsAdministrative offices, research and development, sales and marketing and service functions
1East Kilbride, United KingdomAdministrative offices, research and development, sales and marketing and service functions
1Toronto, Canada Research and development
1 Espoo, Finland Research and development
Item 3.Legal Proceedings
We are not currently a party to any material pending legal proceeding; however, from time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we currently believe that the final outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial position or cash flows. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Common Stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “RMBS.” The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales price per share of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Year Ended Year EndedYear Ended Year Ended
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
High Low High LowHigh Low High Low
First Quarter$12.88
 $10.01
 $11.00
 $8.38
$14.24
 $12.37
 $13.99
 $10.66
Second Quarter$15.49
 $12.44
 $14.82
 $10.74
$13.41
 $11.39
 $13.97
 $11.13
Third Quarter$14.80
 $10.36
 $14.77
 $11.27
$13.64
 $11.30
 $14.50
 $11.42
Fourth Quarter$14.07
 $9.86
 $12.55
 $9.87
$15.50
 $13.32
 $14.39
 $11.44

The graph below compares the cumulative 5-year total return of holders of Rambus Inc.'s common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the RDG Semiconductor Composite index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexesindex (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 20102012 to December 31, 2015.2017.


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Fiscal years ending:
12/1012/1112/1212/1312/1412/1512/1212/1312/1412/1512/1612/17
Rambus Inc.100.0036.8723.7846.2454.1556.59100.00194.46227.72237.99282.75291.99
NASDAQ Composite100.00100.53116.92166.19188.78199.95100.00141.63162.09173.33187.19242.29
RDG Semiconductor Composite100.0097.5199.00132.42166.28151.75100.00135.28172.65159.13212.14291.70
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Information regarding our securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans will be included in Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” of this report on Form 10-K.

As of January 29, 2016,31, 2018, there were 534493 holders of record of our common stock. Since many of the shares of our common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial stockholders represented by these record holders.
We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock or other securities.

Share Repurchase Program
On January 21, 2015, our Board approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 20.0 million shares. Share repurchases under the plan may be made through the open market, established plans or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with all applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations. There is no expiration date applicable to the plan. After giving effect to the accelerated share repurchase program detailed in the table below, we had remaining authorization to repurchase approximately 12.27.4 million shares.
We record stock repurchases as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. We record a portion of the purchase price of the repurchased shares as an increase to accumulated deficit when the price of the shares repurchased exceeds the average original proceeds per share received from the issuance of common stock.
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs Total Paid (1)
           
10/1/2015 - 10/31/15 7,812,500
 $10.24 7,812,500
 12,187,500 $100,000,000
  Total 7,812,500
   7,812,500
   $100,000,000
           
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
         
Cumulative shares repurchased as of December 31, 2016 8,548,361
   8,548,361
 11,451,639
May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017 (1) 3,187,251
 $12.45 3,187,251
 8,264,388
November 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017 (1) 829,760
 $12.45 829,760
 7,434,628
Cumulative shares repurchased as of December 31, 2017 12,565,372
   12,565,372
  
(1) In the fourthsecond quarter of 2015,2017, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase program with a financial institution to repurchase an aggregate of $100.0$50.0 million of our common stockstock. We made an upfront payment of $50.0 million pursuant to the accelerated share repurchase program and received an initial delivery of 7.83.2 million shares which were retired. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the accelerated share repurchase program was completed and we received an additional 0.8 million shares of our common stock, which were retired, and recorded as a $80.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $20.0 millionthe final settlement of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed toaccelerated share repurchase program. The total shares of our stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by us will be determined based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock duringreceived and retired under the terms of the transaction, minusaccelerated share repurchase program were 4.0 million, with an agreed upon discount between the parties. The program is expected to be completed by June 2016.average price paid per share of $12.45. See Note 13, “Stockholders' Equity,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Item 6.Selected Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data foras of and as offor the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 2013, 2012 and 20112013 was derived from our consolidated financial statements. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and

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Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data included elsewhere in this report. Our historical results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results of operations to be expected for any future period.


Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 (2) (3) (4) 2014 (2) 2013 (1) (2) 2012 (1) 2011 (2)2017 (3) (4) 2016 (1) (2) 2015 (2) (3) (4) 2014 (2) 2013 (1) (2)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Total revenue$296,278
 $296,558
 $271,501
 $234,051
 $312,363
$393,096
 $336,597
 $296,278
 $296,558
 $271,501
Net income (loss)$211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748) $(134,336) $(43,053)$(22,862) $6,820
 $211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748)
Net income (loss) per share:                  
Basic$1.84
 $0.23
 $(0.30) $(1.21) $(0.39)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.84
 $0.23
 $(0.30)
Diluted$1.80
 $0.22
 $(0.30) $(1.21) $(0.39)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.80
 $0.22
 $(0.30)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                  
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities$287,706
 $300,109
 $387,662
 $203,330
 $289,456
$329,376
 $172,182
 $287,706
 $300,109
 $387,662
Total assets$719,504
 $588,279
 $713,379
 $587,812
 $693,654
$891,072
 $783,496
 $718,021
 $586,235
 $710,485
Convertible notes$120,901
 $115,089
 $273,676
 $147,556
 $133,493
$213,898
 $126,167
 $119,418
 $113,045
 $270,782
Stockholders’ equity$526,533
 $391,622
 $340,229
 $321,594
 $429,794
$571,584
 $552,782
 $526,533
 $391,622
 $340,229

(1)The net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $18.3 million of impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset and a reduction of operating expenses due to the change in our contingent consideration liability of $6.8 million. The net loss for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 included $17.8 million and $35.5 million, respectively, of impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.
(2)The net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and 2011 included $0.6 million, $2.0 million, $2.0 million, $0.5 million and $6.2$0.5 million, respectively, of gain from settlement which was reflected as a reduction of operating costs and expenses.
(3)The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a $21.5 million deferred tax asset valuation allowance and $20.7 million related to re-measurement of deferred tax assets as a result of the tax law changes. The net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $174.5 million related to the reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
(4)Stockholders' equity includes $50.0 million paid under the accelerated share repurchase program initiated in May 2017 and $100.0 million paid under the accelerated share repurchase program initiated in October 2015 as well as the $174.5 million net impact of the reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.


Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27Aof the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of1934 as described in more detail under “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." Our forward-lookingstatements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and aresubject to risks, uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value andeffect. As a result of the factors described herein, and in the documentsincorporated herein by reference, including, in particular, those factors describedunder “Risk Factors,” we undertake no obligation to publicly disclose any revisionsto these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurringsubsequent to filing this report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our expectations and statements regarding our outlook and future revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, plans, strategies and objectives of management and any assumptions underlying any ofanalysis should be read in conjunction with the foregoing. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Our forward-lookingconsolidated financial statements and factorsrelated notes that might cause future actual results to differ materially from our recent resultsare included elsewhere in this report.

Rambus, CryptoFirewallTM, CryptoMediaTM and CryptoManagerTM are trademarks or those projectedregistered trademarks of Rambus Inc. Other trademarks that may be mentioned in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” of this Annual Reportreport on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Executive Summary
We create innovative hardware, software and services that drive technology advancements from the data center to update the forward-looking statements or our risk factors for any reason.
Business Overview
Rambus creates cutting-edge semiconductormobile edge. Our architecture licenses, IP cores, chips, software, and IP products, spanningservices span memory and interfaces, security, and emerging

technologies to security, smart sensors and lighting. Our chips, customizable IP cores, architecture licenses, tools, services, software, training and innovations improvepositively impact the competitive advantage of our customers.modern world. We collaborate with the industry, partnering with leading ASICchip and SoCsystem designers, foundries, IP developers, EDA companies and validation labs. Our products are integratedservice providers. Integrated into tens of billionsa wide array of devices and systems, poweringour products power and securingsecure diverse applications, including Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) security, mobile payments, and smart ticketing.

Highlights from our annual results were as follows:

Revenue of $393.1 million;
Operating Costs and Expenses of $338.7 million
GAAP diluted net loss per share of $0.21;
Royalty revenue of $289.6 million and licensing billings (1) of $289.6 million; and
Net cash provided by operating activities of $117.4 million

(1)Licensing billings is an operational metric that reflects amounts invoiced to our patent and technology licensing customers during the period.

In 2017, our CryptoManager Internet of Things (IoT) Security Service was selected by Cybertrust Japan, a subsidiary of Softbank Technology Corp. Additionally, we announced the GDDR6 (Graphics Double Data Rate) Memory PHY for Artificial Intelligence (AI), automotive and networking, with a comprehensive solution to be offered in conjunction with Micron, Northwest Logic and Avery Designs.
Business Overview
Dedicated to making data faster and safer, Rambus creates innovative hardware, software and services that drive technology advancements from the data center to the mobile consumeredge. Our architecture licenses, IP cores, chips, software, and media platforms.services span memory and interfaces, security, and emerging technologies to positively impact the modern world. We generate revenue by licensingcollaborate with the industry, partnering with leading chip and system designers, foundries, and service providers. Integrated into a wide array of devices and systems, our inventionsproducts power and solutions, selling our semiconductor productssecure diverse applications, including Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) security, mobile payments, and providing services to market-leading companies.smart ticketing.

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While we have historically focused our efforts onBuilding upon the developmentfoundation of technologies for electronics memory, SerDes and other chip interfaces, we have expanded our portfolio of inventions and solutions to address additional markets in lighting, chip and system security, as well as new areas within the semiconductor industry, such as computational sensingmobile payments and imaging.smart ticketing. We intend to continue our growth into new technology fields, consistent with our mission to create great value through our innovations and to make those technologies available through both ourthe shipment of products, the delivery of services, and licensing and non-licensing business models. Key to our efforts will be hiringis continuing to hire and retainingretain world-class inventors, scientists and engineers to lead the development and deployment of inventions and technology solutions for our fields of focus.

Our strategy is to continue to augment our patent license business model to provide additional technology, products and services while creating and leveraging strategic synergies to increase revenue. In support of our strategy, Rambus has transitioned to focus on two key high-growth markets - the data center and the managementmobile edge - with an approach and business support personnel necessaryproduct roadmap that leverage our core competencies and supplement with ingredient components to executeboth differentiate and accelerate our plans and strategies.position in complementary markets.

Organization

We have organized the business into four operational units: (1) Memory and Interfaces, Division, or MID, which focuses on the design, development, manufacturing through partnerships and licensing of technology and solutions that is related to memory and interfaces; (2) Cryptography Research Division,Security, or CRD,RSD, which focuses on the design, development, deployment and licensing of technologies for chip, system and in-field application security, anti-counterfeiting, smart ticketing and mobile payments; (3) Emerging Solutions, or ESD, which includes the Rambus Labs team, the development efforts in the area of emerging technologies; and (4) Lighting, or RLD, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technologies for chipadvanced LED-based lighting solutions.

On January 30, 2018, we announced our plans to close our lighting division and system security, anti-counterfeiting, smart ticketingmanufacturing operations in Brecksville, Ohio. We believe that such business is not core to our strategy and mobile payments; (3) ESD, which includes our computational sensing and imaging group along with our development efforts in the areagrowth objectives. Refer to Note 19, “Subsequent Event,” of emerging technologies; and (4) Lighting and Display Technologies, or LDT, which focuses on the design, development and licensingNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements of technologiesthis Form 10-K for lighting. additional details.

As of December 31, 2015,2017, MID and CRD were considered reportable segments as theyRSD met the quantitative thresholds for disclosure as a reportable segment. The results of the remaining operating segments weresegments. Results for ESD and RLD are shown under “Other.” For additional information concerning segment reporting, see Note 6, “Segments and Major Customers,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

Revenue Sources

Our strategyinventions and technology solutions are offered to our customers through patent, technology, software and IP core licenses, as well as product sales and services. Today, our primary source of revenue is to evolvederived from providing primarily patent licenses, through which we provide our customers a license to providing additional technology, products and services while creating and leveraging strategic synergies to increase revenue. Oneuse a certain portion of our goals isbroad portfolio of patented inventions. The license provides our customers with a defined right to supplementuse our innovations in the customer’s own digital electronics products, systems or services, as applicable. The licenses may also define the specific field of use where our customers may use or employ our inventions in their products. License agreements are structured with fixed, variable or a hybrid of fixed and variable royalty payments over certain defined periods ranging for periods of up to ten years. Leading consumer product, industrial, semiconductor and system companies such as AMD, Broadcom, Cisco, Freescale, Fujitsu, GE, IBM, Intel, LSI, Micron, Nanya, NVIDIA, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Renesas, Samsung, SK hynix, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, Western Digital, Winbond and Xilinx have licensed our patents, the majority of which we have produced organically, for use in their own products. Royalties from patent licensing business with additional licensing opportunitieslicenses accounted for 67%, 73% and 84% of our technologies, productsconsolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and services to be incorporated into2015, respectively.

We also offer our customers’ products and/or systems. Ourcustomers technology licenses are designed to support the implementation and adoption of our technology in their products or services. Our customers include leading companies such as GE, IBM, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. Our technology license offerings include a range of technologies for incorporation into our customers’ products or services. As part of these offerings, we can provideand systems. We also offer a range of services thatas part of our technology licenses which can include access to technical experts, advanced systemknow-how and technology transfer, product design and analysis, hardwaredevelopment, system integration, and software to enhance design and validation, system IP and specifications, and process-specific hard and soft macros, along with other services. These technology license agreements may have both a fixed price (non-recurring) component and ongoing use fees and in some cases, royalties. Further, under technology licenses, our customers typically receive licenses to our patents necessary to implement these solutions in their products with specific rights and restrictions to the applicable patents elaborated in their individual contracts with us. Royalties from technology licenses accounted for 6%, 6% and 5% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The remainder of our revenue is product revenue, contract services and other revenue, which includes our product sales, IP core licenses, software licenses and related implementation, support and maintenance fees, and engineering services fees. The timing and amounts invoiced to customers can vary significantly depending on specific contract terms and can therefore have a significant impact on deferred revenue or account receivables in any given period. Product revenue accounted for 9%, 8% and 6% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Contract and other revenue accounted for 17%, 14% and 6% of our consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As we continue to execute on our strategy to augment our traditional patent licensing business model to provide additional technology, products and services, product revenue and related cost of product revenue were reclassified from contract and other revenue and cost of contract and other revenue, respectively, during the second quarter of 2017.

Expenses

Cost of product revenue for 2017 increased approximately $2.5 million to $23.8 million from $21.3 million as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to increased cost of sales associated with higher sales of memory products.

Engineering expenses continue to play a key role in our efforts to maintain product innovations. Our engineering expenses for 2017 increased $28.9 million as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to increased headcount related expenses of $8.1 million, increased expenses related to software design tools of $5.5 million, increased amortization costs of $5.4 million, increased costs associated with engineering services of $4.2 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $3.0 million, increased prototyping costs of $2.4 million, increased travel costs of $0.9 million, increased bonus accrual expense of $0.8 million and increased consulting costs of $0.6 million, offset by lower depreciation expense of $1.6 million.

Sales, general and administrative expenses for 2017 increased $15.8 million as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to increased headcount related expenses of $5.4 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $3.3 million, increased bonus accrual expense of $3.1 million, increased sales and marketing expenses of $2.6 million, increased consulting costs of $2.2 million and increased travel costs of $1.3 million, offset by decreased acquisition related costs of $3.1 million.

Intellectual Property

As of December 31, 2015,2017, our semiconductor, lighting, security and other technologies are covered by 1,8322,079 U.S. and foreign patents. Additionally, we have 681579 patent applications pending. Some of the patents and pending patent applications are derived from a common parent patent application or are foreign counterpart patent applications. We have a program to file

applications for and obtain patents in the United States and in selected foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate and would further our overall business strategy and objectives. In some instances, obtaining appropriate levels of protection may involve prosecuting continuation and counterpart patent applications based on a common parent application. We believe our patented innovations provide our customers with the ability to achieve improved performance, lower risk, greater cost-effectiveness and other benefits in their products and services.
Our inventions and technology solutions are offered to our customers through either a patent license, a technology license or a software license. Today, a majority of our revenues are derived from patent licenses, through which we provide our customers a license to use a certain portion of our broad portfolio of patented inventions. The license provides our customers with a defined right to use our innovations in the customer's own digital electronics products, systems or services, as applicable. The licenses may also define the specific field of use where our customers may use or employ our inventions in their products. License agreements are structured with fixed, variable or a hybrid of fixed and variable royalty payments over certain defined periods ranging for periods of up to ten years. Leading consumer product, semiconductor and system companies such as AMD, Broadcom, Cisco, Freescale, Fujitsu, GE, IBM, Intel, LSI, Micron, Nanya, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Renesas, Samsung, SK hynix, STMicroelectronics and Toshiba have licensed our patents for use in their own products. The majority of our intellectual property in MID was developed in-house and we have expanded our business strategy of monetizing our MID intellectual property to include the sale of select intellectual property. As any sales executed under this expanded strategy represent a component of our ongoing major or central operations and activities, we will record the related proceeds as revenue.
We also offer our customers technology licenses to support the implementation and adoption of our technology in their products or services. Our customers include leading companies such as Eaton, GE, IBM, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. Our technology license offerings include a range of technologies for incorporation into our customers' products and systems. We also offer a range of services as part of our technology licenses which can include know-how and technology transfer, product design and development, system integration, and other services. These technology license agreements may have both a fixed price (non-recurring) component and ongoing royalties. Further, under technology licenses, our customers typically receive licenses to our patents necessary to implement these solutions in their products with specific rights and restrictions to the applicable patents elaborated in their individual contracts with us.

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The remainder of our revenue is contract services revenue which includes license fees and engineering services fees, although we expect the acquisition of Smart Card Software to be accretive to revenue within the first twelve months. The timing and amounts invoiced to customers can vary significantly depending on specific contract terms and can therefore have a significant impact on deferred revenue or account receivables in any given period.
We intend to continue making significant expenditures associated with engineering, sales, general and administration and expect that these costs and expenses will continue to be a significant percentage of revenue in future periods. Whether such expenses increase or decrease as a percentage of revenue will be substantially dependent upon the rate at which our revenue or expenses change.
Executive Summary
During 2015, we signed and renewed key license agreements with IBM, Renesas, SK hynix and Toshiba. We also revealed our Smart Data Acceleration research program which improves data center performance. Additionally, we initiated a $100 million accelerated share repurchase program. Furthermore, we introduced the R+ DDR4 server memory chipset, RCD26, for RDIMMs and LRDIMMs.
Engineering expenses continues to play a key role in our efforts to maintain product innovations. Our engineering expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $4.4 million as compared to 2014 primarily due to increased expenses related to software design tools of $3.5 million, increased headcount related expenses of $2.1 million, increased bonus accrual expense of $1.5 million and increased cost of sales associated with increased sales of light guides and security products and engineering services of $1.5 million, offset by decreased accrual of retention bonuses of $1.5 million, decreased amortization costs of $1.5 million and decreased equipment and software maintenance costs of $0.7 million.
Sales, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased $4.2 million as compared to 2014 primarily due to decreased consulting costs of $3.1 million, decreased depreciation expense of $1.3 million, decreased software and equipment maintenance costs of $0.9 million and decreased litigation costs of $0.5 million, offset by increased headcount related expenses of $0.9 million and increased stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million.
Trends
There are a number of trends that may have a material impact on us in the future, including but not limited to, the evolution of memory and SerDes technology, adoption of mobile payment, smart ticketing and security solutions, adoption of LEDs in edge-lit general lighting, the use and adoption of our inventions or technologies generally, industry consolidation, and global economic conditions with the resulting impact on sales of consumer electronic systems.

We have a high degree of revenue concentration, with ourconcentration. Our top five customers representingfor each reporting period represented approximately 65%, 62% and 62%55% of our revenue for the years ended December 31,2017 as compared to 63% in 2016 and 65% in 2015. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a result of renewing with Samsung in 2013 and settling with SK hynix and Micron in 2013, as well as extending our license agreement with SK hynix in June 2015, Samsung, SK hynix and Micron are expected to account for a significant portion of our ongoing licensing revenue. For both of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, revenue from Micron, Samsung and SK hynix each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2013, revenue fromWhile we expect Samsung, accountedSK hynix and Micron to account for 10% or morea significant portion of our totalongoing licensing revenue, in each year.
Thethe particular customers which account for revenue concentration have varied from period to periodperiod-to-period as a result of the addition of new contracts, expiration of existing contracts, renewals of existing contracts, industry consolidation and the volumes and prices at which the customers have recently sold to their customers. These variations are expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Our licensing cycle is lengthy, costly and unpredictable with any degree of certainty. We may incur costs in any particular period before any associated revenue stream begins, if at all. Our lengthy license negotiation cycles could make our future revenue difficult to predict because we may not be successful in entering into licenses with our customers in the amounts projected, or on our anticipated timelines. In addition, while some of our license agreements provide for fixed, quarterly royalty payments, many of our license agreements provide for volume-based royalties, and may also be subject to caps on royalties in a given period. The sales volume and prices of our customers' products in any given period can be difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ substantially from analyst estimates or our forecasts in any given quarter or over the next year.

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and highly cyclical, limiting our visibility with respect to future sales. To the extent that macroeconomic fluctuations negatively affect our principal customers, the demand for our technology may be significantly and adversely impacted and we may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results. The royalties we receive from our semiconductor customers are partly a function of the adoption of our technologies by system companies. Many system companies purchase semiconductors containing our technologies from our customers and do not have a direct contractual relationship with us. Our customers generally do not provide us with details as to the identity or volume of

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licensed semiconductors purchased by particular system companies. As a result, we face difficulty in analyzing the extent to which our future revenue will be dependent upon particular system companies. System companies face intense competitive pressure in their markets, which are characterized by extreme volatility, frequent new product introductions and rapidly shifting consumer preferences.
Global demand for effective security technologies continues to increase. In particular, highly integrated devices such as smart phones and tablets are increasingly used for applications requiring security such as mobile payments, content protection, corporate information and user data. Our CRD is primarily focused on positioning its DPA countermeasures, CryptoFirewall™ and CryptoManager™ technology solutions, and the introduction of mobile payments and smart ticketing solutions to our offerings to capitalize on these trends and growing adoption among technology partners and customers.
The highly fragmented general lighting industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from incandescent technology to cold cathode fluorescent lights and LED driven technology due to the need to reduce energy consumption and to comply with government mandates. LED lighting typically saves energy costs as compared to existing installed lighting. Our LDT group's patents in LED edge-lit light guide technology can be applied in the design of next generation LED lighting products.
The strategy of the LDT group focuses on providing the market with novel, patented light guide technologies and products to customers who are leading the transition to solid-state LED-based general lighting fixtures.
In 2013, we sold a set of patent assets related to our core display patents where the purchaser of the patents can proceed independently with a licensing program. We have a net proceeds-sharing program in place with the purchaser of the patents upon their licensing of these patent assets. We retain the rights to use certain application techniques and may selectively engage with customers to license our intellectual property and technology for use and applications as permitted under our agreement, including without limitation, display panel and designs.
During the third quarter of 2015 we announced that we are in technical development of the buffer chipset which we are currently sampling to key potential customers and critical ecosystem partners. We are currently working to make the chipset commercially available, but we do not expect any material contribution to revenue from the chipset through 2016.
Our revenue from companies headquartered outside of the United States accounted for approximately 60%, 63%58% in 2017 as compared to 64% in 2016 and 70% of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.60% in 2015. We expect that revenue derived from international customers will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue in the future. To date, allthe majority of the revenue from international customers has been denominated in U.S. dollars. However, to the extent that such customers’ sales to their customers are not denominated in U.S. dollars, any revenue that we receive as a result of such sales could be subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. In addition, if the effective price of licensed products sold by our foreign customers were to increase as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of the relevant currencies, demand for licensed products could fall, which in turn would reduce our revenue. We do not use financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange rate risk.
For additional information concerning international revenue, see Note 6, “Segments and Major Customers,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.
Engineering
Our licensing cycle for new licensees as well as renewals for existing licensees is lengthy, costly and unpredictable without any degree of certainty. We may incur costs in any particular period before any associated revenue stream begins, if at all. Our lengthy license negotiation cycles could make our future revenue difficult to predict because we may not be successful in entering into licenses with our customers in the amounts projected, or on our anticipated timelines.

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and highly cyclical, limiting our visibility with respect to future sales. To the extent that macroeconomic fluctuations negatively affect our principal customers, the demand for our products and technology may be significantly and adversely impacted and we may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results.

The royalties we receive from our semiconductor customers are partly a function of the adoption of our technologies by system companies. Many system companies purchase semiconductors containing our technologies from our customers and do not have a direct contractual relationship with us. Our customers generally do not provide us with details as to the identity or volume of licensed semiconductors purchased by particular system companies. As a result, we face difficulty in analyzing the extent to which our future revenue will be dependent upon particular system companies.
Global demand for effective security technologies continues to increase. In particular, highly integrated devices such as smart phones are increasingly used for applications requiring security such as mobile payments, corporate information and user data. Our RSD operating segment is primarily focused on positioning its DPA countermeasures, CryptoMedia™, CryptoFirewall™ and CryptoManager™ technology solutions, and the introduction of in-field applications mobile payments and smart ticketing solutions to our offerings to capitalize on these trends and growing adoption among technology partners and customers.
Cost of product revenue, engineering costs as well as sales, general and administrative expenses in the aggregate increased and as a percentage of revenue increased during the year ended December 31, 2015decreased in 2017 as compared to the prior year. In the near term, we expect engineeringthese costs in the aggregate to be higher as we intend to continue to make investments in the infrastructure and technologies required to maintainincrease our product innovation in semiconductor, lighting, security, mobile payments, smart cards and other technologies, including the acquisition of Smart Card Softwaretechnologies. In addition, while we

have not been involved in January 2016.
Sales, general and administrative expenses in the aggregate and as a percentage of revenue decreased during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year. In the past, our litigation expenses have been high and difficult to predict. Because we successfully negotiated settlements and license agreements with SK hynix, Micron and Nanya during the course of 2013 and 2014, we have settled all outstanding litigation and should no longer have material litigation expenses relatedsince 2014, to these specific matters. In the near term, we expect our sales, general and administrative costs in the aggregate to be higher due to the acquisition of Smart Card Software. To the extent litigation is again necessary, our expectations on the amount and timing of any future general and administrative costs isare uncertain.
Our continued investment in research and development projects, involvement in any future litigation or other legal proceedings and any lower revenue from our customers in the future, will negatively affect our cash from operations.
As a part of our overall business strategy, from time to time, we evaluate businesses and technologies for potential acquisition that are aligned with our core business and designed to supplement our growth. On January 25, 2016,growth, including the acquisitions of SCS, the assets of the Snowbush IP group and the Memory Interconnect Business. Similarly, we acquired Smart Card Software Ltd., a privately held company who is a leader in mobile paymentsevaluate our current businesses and a leading supplier of smart ticketing systems, which includes Bell Identification Ltd. and Ecebs Ltd. through the purchase of all outstanding shares of Smart Card Software Ltd.,technologies that are not aligned with our core business for approximately $93 million in cash.potential divestiture.

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To provideIn May 2014, the FASB issued the New Revenue Standard, which is effective for us with more flexibility in returning capital back to our shareholders, on January 21, 2015,1, 2018. We will adopt the New Revenue Standard and utilize the full retrospective method to restate each prior period presented. A cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2016 will be determined on the basis of the impact of the New Revenue Standard on the accounting for contracts that were not completed as of that date. As part of our Board authorizedassessment and implementation plan, we are evaluating and implementing internal control changes and key systems functionality to enable the preparation and reporting of the financial information required by the New Revenue Standard, and have reached conclusions on key accounting considerations related to the New Revenue Standard. We expect the New Revenue Standard to have a new share repurchase program authorizingmaterial impact on royalty revenue due to the repurchaseelimination of upmandatory revenue deferral for extended payment terms. Based on the results of our impact assessment analysis, we have determined that the New Revenue Standard will materially impact the timing of revenue recognition for our fixed-fee intellectual property (IP) and minimum guarantee licensing arrangements as such revenue will be accelerated and recognized upon commencement of a license term, as opposed to over time as is the case under current U.S. GAAP, and we will be required to compute and recognize interest income over time under such arrangements, as control over the IP transfers significantly in advance of cash being received from licensees. We expect such changes to current revenue recognition practices to significantly increase volatility in our quarterly revenue, financial results and trends, and may impact our stock price. In addition, and in accordance with existing U.S. GAAP, we currently recognize revenue from per-unit royalty-based IP licenses in the period the licensee reports its sales, generally in the quarter after the underlying sales by the licensee occurred. On adoption of the New Revenue Standard, such royalties will be recognized as revenue during the period in which the licensee's sales are estimated to have occurred, which will result in an aggregateadjustment to revenue when actual amounts are subsequently reported by our licensees. We are still assessing the impact that the adoption of 20.0 million shares. In the fourthNew Revenue Standard will have on our other revenue streams.

We will finalize our accounting assessment and quantification of the effects the New Revenue Standard will have on our consolidated financial statements during the first quarter of 2015, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase program to repurchase an aggregate of $100.0 million of our common stock and received an initial delivery of 7.8 million shares. We may continue to tactically execute the share repurchase program from time to time.2018.


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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of total revenue represented by certain items reflected in our consolidated statements of operations:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Revenue:          
Royalties88.6 % 91.6 % 97.3 %73.7 % 78.6 % 88.6 %
Product revenue9.3 % 7.7 % 5.8 %
Contract and other revenue11.4 % 8.4 % 2.7 %17.0 % 13.7 % 5.6 %
Total revenue100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of revenue*15.3 % 14.1 % 12.2 %
Cost of product revenue*6.1 % 6.3 % 4.2 %
Cost of contract and other revenue14.1 % 13.6 % 11.1 %
Research and development*37.5 % 37.1 % 43.5 %37.9 % 38.6 % 37.5 %
Sales, general and administrative*23.8 % 25.2 % 28.2 %28.2 % 28.3 % 23.8 %
Restructuring charges1.2 % 0.0 % 2.0 % %  % 1.2 %
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets %  % 6.5 %
Impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset % 5.4 %  %
Change in contingent consideration liability % (2.0)%  %
Gain from sale of intellectual property(1.2)% (1.2)% (0.5)%(0.1)%  % (1.2)%
Gain from settlement(0.7)% (0.6)% (0.2)% % (0.2)% (0.7)%
Total operating costs and expenses75.9 % 74.6 % 91.7 %86.2 % 90.0 % 75.9 %
Operating income24.1 % 25.4 % 8.3 %13.8 % 10.0 % 24.1 %
Interest income and other income, net0.3 % (0.1)% (0.6)%0.4 % 0.5 % 0.3 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt(0.3)%  %  %
Interest expense(4.2)% (8.4)% (12.1)%(3.5)% (3.8)% (4.2)%
Interest and other income (expense), net(3.9)% (8.5)% (12.7)%(3.4)% (3.3)% (3.9)%
Income (loss) before income taxes20.2 % 16.9 % (4.4)%
Income before income taxes10.4 % 6.7 % 20.2 %
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes(51.0)% 8.1 % 8.0 %16.2 % 4.7 % (51.0)%
Net income (loss)71.2 % 8.8 % (12.4)%(5.8)% 2.0 % 71.2 %

* Includes stock-based compensation:          
Cost of revenue0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Cost of product revenue0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Research and development2.3% 2.4% 2.4%3.1% 2.7% 2.3%
Sales, general and administrative2.8% 2.5% 3.1%3.9% 3.5% 2.8%
Segment Results
Revenue from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $40.9 million to $280.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $239.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher royalty revenue from Marvell Technology Group, a renewed license agreement with STMicroelectronics, Western Digital, Winbond Electronics, higher sales from technology projects and higher sales of memory products from the Memory Interconnect Business acquisition.
Segment operating income from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $23.3 million to $194.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $171.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased revenue as discussed above, partially offset by increased headcount related costs due to higher number of employees and increased cost of sales related to sales of memory products.

Revenue from the RSD reportable segment increased approximately $20.5 million to $96.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $76.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher royalty revenue from NVIDIA, Western Digital and higher revenue from Renesas and other security technology development projects, offset by lower royalty revenue from Xilinx.
Segment operating income from the RSD reportable segment increased approximately $22.4 million to $46.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased revenue as discussed above and decreased headcount related costs, partially offset by increased consulting costs.
Revenue from the Other segment decreased approximately $4.3$4.9 million to $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalties from technology licenses associated with lighting products and decreased revenue from lighting technology development projects, offset by increased sales of light guide products.
Segment operating loss from the Other segment increased approximately $8.3 million to $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to decreased revenue as discussed above.
Revenue from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $17.8 million to $239.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $222.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $226.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2015. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to sales of memory products, including revenue from the Memory and Interfaces Business and various new development projects, higher royalty revenue recognized from SK hynix and Xilinx, offset by lower royalty revenue from AMD, Nanya, NVIDIA, Renesas and STMicroelectronics, offset by higher royalty revenue from IBM and SK hynix.Renesas.
Segment operating income from the MID reportable segment decreased approximately $11.3$2.8 million to $171.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $174.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $185.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2015. The decrease was primarily due to decreasean increase in revenue as discussed above and increased expensescost of sales related to software design tools and increased prototyping costs.
Revenue from the CRD reportable segment increased approximately $1.2 million to $50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $49.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher revenue from security products, offset by lower royalty revenue from Qualcomm, STMicroelectronics and a smartphone and tablet manufacturer.

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Segment operating income from the CRD reportable segment remained relatively flat at $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $21.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Revenue from the Other segment increased approximately $2.9 million to $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to increased lighting technology development projects and sales of light guides.
Segment operating loss from the Other segment decreased approximately $4.9 million to $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to increase in revenue as discussed above and lower prototyping costs.
Revenue from the MID reportable segment decreased approximately $5.7 million to $226.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $232.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalty revenue from Samsung, NVIDIA and XDR DRAM associated with decreased shipments of the Sony PlayStation®3 product. The decreased revenue was partially offset by revenue from license agreements signed with SK hynix, Micron, Nanya and Qualcomm.
Segment operating income from the MID reportable segment decreased approximately $11.7 million to $185.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $197.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to decrease in revenue as discussed abovememory products and increased headcount related costs due to higher number of employees in 2014.2016 primarily due to the acquisition of the assets of the Snowbush IP group and Memory Interconnect Business.
Revenue from the CRDRSD reportable segment increased approximately $16.7$25.7 million to $49.3$76.2 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $32.6$50.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. The increase was primarily due to the license agreement signed with Qualcomm during 2014, the license agreement signed with Samsung during 2013 and newhigher revenue from security technology development contracts during 2014.projects, including revenue from the acquisition of SCS, and higher royalty revenue from Qualcomm, Xilinx and various other customers, offset by lower royalty revenue from Nagravision, Renesas and STMicroelectronics.
Segment operating income from the CRDRSD reportable segment increased approximately $9.4$2.9 million to $21.7$24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $12.3$21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. The increase was primarily due to increase in revenue as discussed above, partially offset by increased headcount related costs from additionaldue to higher number of employees in 2016 primarily due to support our cryptography development efforts.the SCS acquisition.
Revenue from the Other segment increaseddecreased approximately $14.1$3.2 million to $20.9$20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $6.8$23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. The increasedecrease was primarily due to increaseddecreased sales of light guides and decreased revenue from lighting technology development projects and sales of light guides.projects.
Segment operating loss from the Other segment decreasedincreased approximately $22.3$1.5 million to $13.2$9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $35.5$8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to increase indecreased revenue as discussed above and lack of gain from additional proceeds from sale of portfolio of patent assets covering lighting technologies during 2013 and decreased headcount related costs due to fewer average number of employeesintellectual property in 2014. The decrease was partially offset by increase in cost of sales associated with increased lighting product sales in 2014.2016.
Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
2015 2014 2013 Change Change2017 2016 2015 Change Change
(Dollars in millions)    (Dollars in millions)    
Total Revenue                  
Royalties$262.4
 $271.5
 $264.1
 (3.4)% 2.8%$289.6
 $264.6
 $262.4
 9.4% 0.8%
Product revenue36.5
 26.1
 17.3
 40.1% 50.4%
Contract and other revenue33.9
 25.1
 7.4
 35.3 % NM*
67.0
 45.9
 16.6
 45.9% 177.7%
Total revenue$296.3
 $296.6
 $271.5
 (0.1)% 9.2%$393.1
 $336.6
 $296.3
 16.8% 13.6%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful


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Royalty Revenue
Patent Licenses
Our patent royalties decreasedincreased approximately $12.0$20.4 million to $248.9$264.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $260.9$244.4 million for the same period in 2014.2016. The decreaseincrease was due to higher royalty revenue from NVIDIA, Marvell Technology Group, a renewed license agreement with STMicroelectronics, Western Digital, Winbond Electronics, and various other customers, offset by lower royalty revenue from AMD, Broadcom, Fujitsu, MediaTek, SK hynix, Xilinx, and various other customers.
Our patent royalties decreased approximately $4.5 million to $244.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $248.9 million for the same period in 20152015. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalty revenue recognized from AMD, NVIDIA,IBM, Renesas STMicroelectronics and a smartphone and tablet manufacturer,STMicroelectronics, offset by higher royalty revenue recognized from IBMQualcomm, SK hynix and SK hynix.Xilinx. Of the $248.9$244.4 million patent royalties for the year ended December 31, 2015, $86.02016, $21.2 million is related to past royalty revenue from settlement of past legal proceedings with SK hynix and Micron.
Our patent royalties increased approximately $11.8 million to $260.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $249.1 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to revenue recognized from new license agreements signed with SK hynix and Micron during 2013 and Nanya and Qualcomm during 2014, partially offset by lower royalty payments from Samsung and NVIDIA. Of the $260.9 million patent royalties for the year ended December 31, 2014, $86.0 million is related to royalty revenue from settlement of past legal proceedings with SK hynixHynix and Micron.
We are continuously in negotiations for licenses with prospective customers. We expect patent royalties will continue to vary from period to period based on our success in adding new customers, renewing or extending existing agreements, as well as the level of variation in our customers' reported shipment volumes, sales price and mix, offset in part by the proportion of customer payments that are fixed or hybrid in nature.
Technology Licenses
Royalties from technology licenses increased approximately $2.9$4.6 million to $13.5$24.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $10.6$20.2 million for the same period in 2014.2016. The increase was primarily due to higher royalties from securityGLOBALFOUNDRIES and lightingvarious other customers, offset by lower royalties from Eaton.
Royalties from technology licenses increased approximately $6.7 million to $20.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $13.5 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher royalties from Eaton and various security technology license revenue, offset by lower royalties from XDR DRAM associated with decreased shipments of the Sony PlayStation®3 product.
Royalties from technology licenses decreased approximately $4.4 million to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $15.0 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalties from XDR DRAM associated with decreased shipments of the Sony PlayStation®3 product.Nagravision.
In the future, we expect technology royalties will continue to vary from period to period based on our customers’ shipment volumes, sales prices, and product mix.

Royalty Revenue by Reportable Segment

Royalty revenue from the MID reportable segment, which includes patent and technology license royalties, decreasedincreased approximately $5.8$16.4 million to $217.7$229.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $223.5$212.7 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was due to higher royalty revenue from Marvell Technology Group, a renewed license agreement with STMicroelectronics, Western Digital, Winbond Electronics, and various other customers, offset by lower royalty revenue from AMD, Broadcom, MediaTek, SK hynix and Xilinx.
Royalty revenue from the RSD reportable segment, which includes patent and technology license royalties, increased approximately $11.6 million to $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017 from $46.9 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher royalty revenue from NVIDIA, Western Digital and various other customers, offset by lower royalty revenue from Xilinx.
Royalty revenue from the Other segment decreased $3.1 million to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $5.1 million for the same period in 2016. The decrease was due to lower royalties from technology licenses associated with lighting products.
Royalty revenue from the MID reportable segment decreased approximately $5.0 million to $212.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $217.7 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalty revenue from AMD, Nanya, NVIDIA,IBM and Renesas, and STMicroelectronics, offset by higher royalty revenue recognized from IBMSK hynix and SK hynix.Xilinx.
Royalty revenue from the CRDRSD reportable segment which includes patent and technology license royalties, decreased approximately $4.3increased $5.5 million to $41.4$46.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20152016 from $45.7$41.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.same period in 2015. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to higher royalty revenue from Qualcomm, Xilinx and various other customers, offset by lower royalty revenue from Qualcomm, STMicroelectronicsNagravision, Renesas and a smartphone and tablet manufacturer.STMicroelectronics.
Royalty revenue from the Other segment increased $1.0$1.8 million to $3.3$5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20152016 from $2.3$3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.same period in 2015. The increase was due to increased royalties from technology licenses associated with increased shipments of lighting products.
Royalty
Product Revenue
Product revenue consists of revenue from the MID reportable segment decreasedsale of memory, security and lighting products. Product revenue increased approximately $8.2$10.4 million to $223.5$36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20142017 from $231.7$26.1 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to sales of security products to Qualcomm and memory products from the Memory Interconnect Business.
Product revenue increased approximately $8.8 million to $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.2016 from $17.3 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to sales of memory products, including revenue from the Memory Interconnect Business.
We believe that product revenue will continue to increase in 2018. Our ability to continue to grow product revenue is dependent on, among other things, our ability to continue to obtain orders from customers and our ability to meet our customers' demands.
Product Revenue by Reportable Segments
Product revenue from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $7.4 million to $20.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $12.9 million for the same period in 2016, due to higher sales of memory products from the Memory Interconnect Business acquisition.
Product revenue from the MID reportable segment increased to $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from no revenue during the same period in 2015, due to sales of memory products from the Memory Interconnect Business acquisition in 2016.
Product revenue from the RSD reportable segment increased approximately $1.9 million to $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $3.7 million for the same period in 2016, primarily due to higher revenue from Qualcomm, offset by lower sales to various other customers.
Product revenue from the RSD reportable segment decreased approximately $1.1 million to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $4.8 million for the same period in 2015, primarily due to lower revenue from Qualcomm, offset by higher sales to various other customers, including revenue from the acquisition of SCS.
Product revenue from the Other segment increased approximately $1.1 million to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $9.5 million for the same period in 2016, due to higher sales of light guide products.
Product revenue from the Other segment decreased approximately $3.0 million to $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $12.5 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower royalty revenue from Samsung, NVIDIA and XDR DRAM associated with decreased shipmentssales of the Sony PlayStation®3 product. The decreased revenue was partially offset by revenue from license agreements signed with SK hynix, Micron, Nanya and Qualcomm.light guide products.
Royalty revenue from the CRD reportable segment increased approximately $14.5 million to $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to the new license agreements signed with Qualcomm during 2014 and Samsung during 2013.

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Royalty revenue from the Other segment increased $1.1 million to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was due to increased royalties from technology licenses associated with increased shipments of lighting products.
Contract and Other Revenue
Contract and other revenue consists of revenue from technology development sale of security and lighting products as well as sale of selected intellectual property developed by our MID business unit.projects. Contract and other revenue increased approximately $8.8$21.1 million to $33.8$67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $25.0$45.9 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased memory and security technology development projects, including revenue from the acquisitions during 2016, offset by decreased revenue from lighting technology development projects.
Contract and other revenue increased approximately $29.4 million to $45.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2016 from $16.5 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased revenue from security technology development projects, and products as well as lighting technology development projects andincluding revenue from the acquisition of SCS, offset by decreased sales of light guides, offset by lower revenue from the sale of selected intellectual property.
Contract and other revenue increased approximately $17.6 million to $25.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased lighting technology development projects, sales of light guides and sale of selected intellectual property.guides.
We believe that contract and other revenue will fluctuate over time based on our ongoing technology development contractual requirements, the amount of work performed, the timing of completing engineering deliverables, and the changes to work required, as well as new technology development contracts booked in the future.
Contract and Other Revenue by Reportable Segments
Contract and other revenue from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $1.4$17.0 million to $4.3$31.3 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $2.9$14.3 million for the same period in 2016, primarily due to higher revenue from GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Samsung and other memory technology projects, including revenue from the acquisitions in 2016.


Contract and other revenue from the RSD reportable segment increased approximately $6.9 million to $32.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to new technology development contracts in 2015. Contract and other revenue2017 from the CRD reportable segment increased approximately $5.5 million to $9.1$25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,same period in 2016, primarily due to higher revenue from Renesas and other security products. technology development projects, including revenue from the acquisitions in 2016.
Contract and other revenue from the Other segment increaseddecreased approximately $1.9$2.8 million to $20.5$3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 20152017 from $18.6$6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,same period in 2016, primarily due to increaseddecreased revenue from lighting technology development projects and sales of light guides.projects.
Contract and other revenue from the MID reportable segment increased approximately $2.6$10.0 million to $2.9$14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $0.3$4.3 million for the same period in 2015, primarily due to various new technology development projects.
Contract and other revenue from the RSD reportable segment increased approximately $21.3 million to $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013,2016 from $4.3 million for the same period in 2015, primarily due to sale of selected intellectual property. Contract and otherhigher revenue from security technology development projects, including revenue from the CRD reportable segment increased approximately $2.2 million to $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to new technology development contracts. acquisition of SCS.
Contract and other revenue from the Other segment increaseddecreased approximately $12.9$2.0 million to $18.6$6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 20142016 from $5.7$8.0 million for the same period in 2015, primarily due to decreased revenue from lighting technology development projects.
Cost of product revenue:
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Cost of product revenue$23.8
 $21.3
 $12.4
 11.5% 72.3%

Cost of product revenue are costs attributable to the sale of memory, security and lighting products.

For the year ended December 31, 2013,2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, cost of product revenue increased 11.5% primarily due to increased lighting technology development projects andcost of sales associated with higher sales of light guides.memory products related to the Memory Interconnect Business acquisition in the second half of 2016.
For the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, costs of product revenue increased 72.3% primarily due to sales of memory and security products (which included $2.3 million related to the purchase accounting adjustment for inventory fair value step-up from the acquisition of the Memory Interconnect Business) from the business acquisitions during 2016.
In the near term, we expect costs of product revenue to be higher as we expect higher sales of our various products in 2018 as compared to 2017.
Engineering costs:
Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
2015 2014 2013 Change Change2017 2016 2015 Change Change
(Dollars in millions)    (Dollars in millions)    
Engineering costs                  
Cost of revenue$22.7
 $19.1
 $7.3
 19.0 % NM*
Cost of contract and other revenue$20.3
 $16.1
 $10.3
 26.1% 55.7%
Amortization of intangible assets22.6
 22.9
 25.9
 (1.1)% (11.8)%35.1
 29.7
 22.6
 18.2% 31.2%
Total cost of revenue45.3
 42.0
 33.2
 8.1 % 26.3 %
Total cost of contract and other revenue55.4
 45.8
 32.9
 21.0% 38.8%
Research and development104.3
 102.8
 111.4
 1.5 % (7.7)%136.9
 120.6
 104.3
 13.5% 15.7%
Stock-based compensation6.8
 7.2
 6.6
 (6.3)% 9.4 %12.2
 9.2
 6.8
 33.0% 35.5%
Total research and development111.1
 110.0
 118.0
 1.0 % (6.7)%149.1
 129.8
 111.1
 14.9% 16.9%
Total engineering costs$156.4
 $152.0
 $151.2
 2.9 % 0.5 %$204.5
 $175.6
 $144.0
 16.5% 21.9%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
Engineering costs are allocated between cost of contract and other revenue and research and development expenses. Cost of contract and other revenue reflects the portion of the total engineering costs which are specifically devoted to individual customer development and support services costs of security and lighting products sold as well as amortization expense related to various acquired intellectual

33

Table of Contents

property for patent licensing. The balance of engineering costs, incurred for the development of applicable technologies, is charged to

research and development. In a given period, the allocation of engineering costs between these two components is a function of the timing of the development and implementation schedules of individual customer contracts.
For the year ended December 31, 20152017 as compared to the same period in 2014,2016, total engineering costs increased 2.9%16.5% primarily due to increased headcount related expenses of $8.1 million, increased expenses related to software design tools of $3.5$5.5 million, increased headcount related expensesamortization costs of $2.1$5.4 million, increased costs associated with engineering services of $4.2 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $3.0 million, increased prototyping costs of $2.4 million, increased travel costs of $0.9 million, increased bonus accrual expense of $1.5$0.8 million and increased costconsulting costs of sales associated with increased sales of light guides and security products and engineering services of $1.5$0.6 million, offset by decreased accruallower depreciation expense of retention bonuses$1.6 million. Most of $1.5 million, decreased amortization costs of $1.5 million and decreased equipment and software maintenance costs of $0.7 million.the increases were primarily due to the business acquisitions during 2016.
For the year ended December 31, 20142016 as compared to the same period in 2013,2015, total engineering costs increased 0.5%21.9% primarily due to increased cost of sales associated with sales of light guides of $6.5 million,the business acquisitions during 2016. This includes increased headcount related expenses of $12.9 million, increased amortization costs of $1.8$7.0 million, from higher number of employees in 2014, increased expenses related to software design tools of $1.9$3.7 million, increased prototypingstock-based compensation expense of $2.4 million, increased consulting costs of $1.7 million and legal patent costs of $0.7$2.5 million, offset by decreased accrual of retention bonuses related to acquisitions of $7.1 million as a result of the payouts, decreased amortizationprototyping costs of $2.2 million and decreased information technology costs of $1.1$0.5 million.
In the near term, we expect engineering costs to be higher as we continue to make investments in the infrastructure and technologies required to maintain our product innovation in semiconductor, lighting, security and other technologies, including costs related to the acquisition of Smart Card Software.technologies.
Sales, general and administrative costs:
Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
2015 2014 2013 Change Change2017 2016 2015 Change Change
(Dollars in millions)    (Dollars in millions)    
Sales, general and administrative costs                  
Sales, general and administrative costs$62.0
 $66.5
 $70.7
 (6.7)% (6.0)%$95.8
 $83.3
 $62.3
 14.9% 33.8%
Litigation expense0.3
 0.8
 (2.6) (67.3)% NM*
Stock-based compensation8.3
 7.5
 8.3
 10.7 % (10.7)%15.1
 11.8
 8.3
 28.4% 42.6%
Total sales, general and administrative costs$70.6
 $74.8
 $76.4
 (5.6)% (2.2)%$110.9
 $95.1
 $70.6
 16.6% 34.9%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
Sales, general and administrative expenses include expenses and costs associated with trade shows, public relations, advertising, litigation, general legal, insurance and other sales, marketing and administrative efforts. Litigation expenses have historically been a significant portion of our sales, general and administrative expenses and has declined over the past three years.expenses. Consistent with our business model, our licensing, sales and marketing activities aim to develop or strengthen relationships with potential new and current customers. In addition, we work with current customers through marketing, sales and technical efforts to drive adoption of their products that use our innovations and solutions, by system companies. Due to the long business development cycles we face and the semi-fixed nature of sales, general and administrative expenses in a given period, these expenses generally do not correlate to the level of revenue in that period or in recent or future periods.
For the year ended December 31, 20152017 as compared to 2014,2016, total sales, general and administrative costs decreased 5.6%increased 16.6% primarily due to decreased consulting costs of $3.1 million, decreased depreciation expense of $1.3 million, decreased software and equipment maintenance costs of $0.9 million and decreased litigation costs of $0.5 million, offset by increased headcount related expenses of $0.9$5.4 million, and increased stock-based compensation expense of $0.8$3.3 million, increased bonus accrual expense of $3.1 million, increased sales and marketing expenses of $2.6 million, increased consulting costs of $2.2 million and increased travel costs of $1.3 million, offset by decreased acquisition related costs of $3.1 million. Most of the increases were primarily due to the business acquisitions during 2016.
For the year ended December 31, 20142016 as compared to 2013,2015, total sales, general and administrative costs decreased 2.2%increased 34.9% primarily due to decreasedthe business acquisitions during 2016. This includes increased headcount related expenses of $6.1 million, increased amortization costs of $5.0 million, various acquisition related costs of $3.1 million, increased stock-based compensation expense of $3.5 million, increased consulting costs of $2.5$2.8 million, decreased depreciation expense of $1.7 million, decreased stock-based compensation expenses of $0.9 million, decreased accrual of retention bonuses related to acquisitions of $0.8 million and decreasedincreased facilities costs of $0.6$1.4 million partially offset by the one-time reversal of accrued SK hynix and Micron related litigationincreased travel costs of $9.0 million in the same period of 2013 and increased headcount related costs of $1.2 million from higher number of employees in 2014.$1.3 million.
In the future, sales, general and administrative costs will vary from period to period based on the trade shows, advertising, legal, acquisition and other sales, marketing and administrative activities undertaken, and the change in sales, marketing and administrative headcount in any given period. In the near term, we expect our sales, general and administrative costs to be higher due to the acquisition of Smart Card Software.remain relatively flat.

34


Restructuring charges:
 Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014
 2015 2014 2013 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Restructuring charges$3.6
 $0.0
 $5.5
 NM* (99.3)%
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Restructuring charges$
 $
 $3.6
 % (100.0)%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
During 2017 and 2016, we did not initiate any restructuring programs.
During 2015, we initiated a restructuring program to reduce overall corporate expenses which is expected to improve future profitability by reducing spending on sales, general and administrative programs and refining some of our research and development efforts. As a result of the restructuring program, we recorded a charge of $3.6 million during 2015 related primarily to the reduction in workforce.
During 2013, we initiated a restructuring program related primarily to our LDT group as a result of the change in our business strategy to reduce our focus on the lower margin bulb products. Additionally, we curtailed spending on our immersive media platform. As a result of these actions, we recorded an immaterial charge related to this plan during 2014 and a charge of $3.4 million related primarily to the reduction in workforce in 2013. The restructuring plan was completed in 2014. Additionally, we recorded a charge of $2.1 million during 2013 related primarily to the consolidation of certain facilities and the reduction in workforce which was part of our approved 2012 plan.
Refer to Note 15, “Restructuring Charges,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Impairment of goodwillin-process research and long-lived assets:development intangible asset:
 Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014
 2015 2014 2013 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets$
 $
 $17.8
 0.0% (100.0)%
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset$
 $18.3
 $
 (100.0)% 100.0%
During 20152017 and 2014,2015, we did not record a charge for the impairment of long-livedany intangible assets or goodwill.
During 2013,the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a charge forof $18.3 million related to the impairment of long-lived assetsthe in-process research and development intangible asset acquired in the acquisition of $9.7 million related primarily to our LDT group as a result of the change in our business strategy to reduce our focus on the lower margin bulb products. Additionally, we recorded a charge for theSnowbush IP. The impairment of goodwillthis intangible asset resulted from a delay in the market served by this initiative. This delay will not impact the short-term revenue expectations but may impact our revenue expectations several years into the future. This impairment was partially offset by a $6.8 million reduction of $8.1 millionacquisition purchased consideration related to our MTD group as we curtailed our immersive media platform spending. Under generally accepted accounting principles, when indicators of potential impairment are identified, companies are required to conduct a review of the carrying amounts of goodwill and other long-lived assets to determine if impairment exists. We conducted this impairment review as a result of the change in our strategy related to the groups.product line.
Refer to Note 5 “Intangible Assets and Goodwill,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Change in contingent consideration liability:
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Change in contingent consideration liability$
 $(6.8) $
 (100.0)% 100.0%
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a reduction in our contingent consideration liability of $6.8 million resulting in a gain in our Consolidated Statements of Operations of this Form 10-K. See the “Impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset” section discussed above for further details.
Gain from sale of intellectual property:
 Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014
 2015 2014 2013 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Gain from sale of intellectual property$3.7
 $3.5
 $1.4
 4.4% NM*
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Gain from sale of intellectual property$0.5
 $
 $3.7
 100.0% (100.0)%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we did not sell any of our patent assets.
During 2013, we sold portfolios of our patent assets covering lightingdisplay technologies. As part of these transactions, we received an initial upfront payment and expect to receive subsequent payments if and when the purchaser of the patents is successful in licensing that portfolio. During 20152017 and 2014,2015, we received $3.7$0.5 million and $3.4$3.7 million, respectively, from the purchaser of the patents related to this transaction which was recorded as gaintransaction. During 2016, we did not receive any payment from salethe purchaser of intellectual property.the patents related to this transaction.
During 2014, we sold portfolios of our patent assets covering wireless and other technologies.


35


Gain from settlement:
 Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014
 2015 2014 2013 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Gain from settlement$2.0
 $2.0
 $0.5
 0.0% NM*
 Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
 2017 2016 2015 Change Change
 (Dollars in millions)    
Gain from settlement$
 $0.6
 $2.0
 (100.0)% (71.6)%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
The settlements in 2013 with SK hynix and Micron are multiple element arrangements for accounting purposes. For a multiple element arrangement, we are required to determine the fair value of the elements. We considered several factors in determining the accounting fair value of the elements of the settlement with SK hynix and the settlement with Micron which included a third party valuation using an income approach (the “SK hynix Fair Value” and "Micron Fair Value", respectively). The total gain from settlement related to the settlements with SK hynix and Micron was $1.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively. As of the end of the second quarter of 2016, the total gain from settlement related to the settlements with SK hynix and Micron has been fully recognized. During the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, we recognized $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, as gain from settlement, in each year, which represents the portion of the SK hynix Fair Value and Micron Fair Value of the cash consideration allocated to the resolution of the antitrust litigation settlements. Refer to Note 18, “Agreements with SK hynix and Micron,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Interest and other income (expense), net:
Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
2015 2014 2013 Change Change2017 2016 2015 Change Change
(Dollars in millions)    (Dollars in millions)    
Interest income and other income (expense), net$1.2
 $(0.3) $(1.6) NM*
 (82.7)%$1.4
 $1.7
 $1.2
 (20.5)% 42.2 %
Loss on extinguishment of debt(1.1) 
 
 100.0 %  %
Interest expense(12.4) (24.8) (32.9) (50.0)% (24.5)%(13.7) (12.7) (12.4) 7.7 % 2.7 %
Interest and other income (expense), net$(11.2) $(25.1) $(34.5) (55.4)% (27.2)%$(13.4) $(11.0) $(11.2) 21.9 % (1.6)%

*NM — percentage is not meaningful

Interest income and other income (expense), net, consists primarily of interest income generated from investments in high quality fixed income securities. Additionally,securities and any gains or losses from the re-measurement of our monetary assets or liabilities denominated in 2013, during our reviewforeign currencies.
Loss on extinguishment of debt relates to the extinguishment of a portion of the fair value2018 Notes during 2017. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of our $2.0 million investment in a non-marketable equity securityNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements of a private company, based on the information provided by the private company, we determined that there was a decrease in the security's fair value. The fair value of the non-marketable equity security was determined based on an income approach, using level 3 fair value inputs, as it was deemed to be the most indicative of the security's fair value. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million related to our investment in the non-marketable equity security in 2013. In 2014, during our review of the remaining fair value of our $0.6 million investment in the non-marketable equity security of a private company, based on the information provided by the private company, we determined that there was a decrease in the security's fair value. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment chargethis Form 10-K for the entire remaining amount of $0.6 million related to our investment in the non-marketable equity security in 2014.additional details.
Interest expense consists of interest expense associated with our imputed facility lease obligations on the Sunnyvale and Ohio facilities and non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the debt discount and issuance costs on the 5%1.375% convertible senior notes due 20142023 (the “2014“2023 Notes”) and the 1.125% convertible senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), as well as the coupon interest related to these notes. Interest expense decreasedincreased in 20152017 as compared to the same period in 20142016 primarily due to the repaymentissuance of the 20142023 Notes in the secondfourth quarter of 2014.2017. Interest expense decreasedincreased in 20142016 as compared to the same period in 20132015 primarily due to the repaymentmaturing of the 2014 Notes in second quarter of 2014.2018 Notes. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, we recognized $4.5$4.4 million, $4.5$4.4 million and $4.4$4.5 million, respectively, of interest expense in connection with the imputed financing obligations in our statements of operations. We expect our non-cash interest expense to increase steadily as the notes reach maturity. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.

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Table of Contents

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:
Years Ended December 31, 2014 to 2015 2013 to 2014Years Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 2015 to 2016
2015 2014 2013 Change Change2017 2016 2015 Change Change
(Dollars in millions)  (Dollars in millions) 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes$(151.2) $24.0
 $21.7
 NM* 10.7%$63.9
 $15.8
 $(151.2) NM* NM*
Effective tax rate(251.0)% 47.9% (180.8)%  155.8% 69.9% (251.0)% 

*NM — percentage is not meaningful
Our effective tax ratesrate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was different from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance on expiring 2010 foreign tax credits and certain federal research and development credits, and the re-measurement of deferred taxes from a 35% to 21% tax rate due to U.S. tax reform. Our effective tax rate for

the year ended December 31, 2016 was different from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to income tax expense recognized from exercises and expiration of out-of-the-money fully vested shares from our equity incentive plans. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was different from the U.S.U.S statutory tax primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance on our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets, offset by federal, state, and foreign taxes. Our effective tax rates

We recorded a provision for incomes taxes of $63.9 million for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were different from the U.S. statutory tax rate2017, which was primarily due to thecomprised of our valuation allowance on unused 2010 foreign tax credits and certain federal research and development credits, and our deferred taxes re-measurements following U.S. deferred tax assetsreform. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid withholding taxes of $20.5 million. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which was primarily compromised of withholding taxes, other foreign taxes and foreigncurrent state taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid withholding and income taxes.

taxes of $22.0 million. We recorded a benefit from income taxes of $151.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was primarily comprisedcompromised of tax benefit from the release of the valuation allowance on U.S. deferred taxes offset by federal state and foreign taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid withholding taxes of $20.4 million. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was primarily comprised of withholding taxes, other foreign taxes and current state taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we paid withholding taxes of $19.4 million. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $21.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was primarily comprised of withholding taxes, other foreign taxes and current state taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we paid withholding taxes of $19.3 million.
We periodically evaluate the realizability of our net deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. The realizability of our net deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income during periods prior to the expiration of tax attributes to fully utilize these assets. We evaluated the realizability of our net deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determiningand determined that it was appropriate to release theset up a partial valuation allowance foron our U.S. federal research and other state deferreddevelopment credits and foreign tax assetscredits of $174.5$21.5 million during the thirdfourth quarter of 20152017 in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30-16 to 25.
We emerged from a cumulative loss position over This partial valuation allowance is due to the previous three years during the first quarter of 2015. The cumulative three-year pre-tax income is considered positive evidence which is objective and verifiable, and thus, received significant weighting. The continued stability in our operations along with the increased visibility into the adoption of our security technology in the third quarter of 2015 provided additional evidence to our belieffact that we will generate sufficient taxable income in the future. Additional positive evidence considered by us in our assessment included a lack of unused operating loss carryforwards in our history as well as anticipated future benefits from our cost management. Negative evidence we considered included economic uncertainties such as volatility of the semiconductor industry and uncertainties associated with the development of new products that could impact our ability to generate a sustained level of future profits.
Upon considering the relative impact of all evidence during the third quarter of 2015, both negative and positive, and the weight accorded to each, we concluded that it wasthese credits are not more likely than not to be realized before they expire, as a result of our federal tax rate change from 35% to 21%. Changes in our underlying facts or circumstances, such as the impact of the acquisitions, will be continually assessed and we will re-evaluate our valuation allowance position accordingly.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted into law. The TCJA provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications including the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the requirement for companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and the creation of new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings.
ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment. However, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 which allows companies to record provisional amounts during a measurement period that is similar to the measurement period used when accounting for business combinations. As of December 31, 2017, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax assets would be realizable withbalances and the exceptionone-time transition tax. We recognized a provisional amount of primarily our California deferred tax assets that have not met the “more likely than not” realization threshold criteria. As a result, we released the related valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets$20.7 million, which iswas included as a component of the benefitincome tax expense from income taxescontinuing operations due to a reduction in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% which will become effective for 2018. We will continue to maintain aassess the impact of the recently enacted tax law (and expected further guidance from federal and state tax authorities as well as further guidance for the associated income tax accounting) on our business and consolidated financial statements.
We re-measured certain deferred tax asset valuation allowanceassets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%. However, we are still analyzing certain aspects of TCJA and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the re-measurement of our deferred tax balance was $20.7 millionmillion.
The one-time transition tax is based on our total post-1986 earnings and profits (E&P) of our foreign subsidiaries. We have not yet completed the calculation of total post-1986 E&P and related income tax pools for our foreign subsidiaries. We did not record a provisional amount for the one-time transition tax liability based on information currently available. We will continue to evaluate the impact of the tax law change as it relates to the accounting for the outside basis difference of December 31, 2015.our foreign entities.
Other significant items which are being evaluated by us but for which no estimate can currently be made and for which no provisional amounts were recorded in our financial statements, include the impact of the “Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income” (GILTI) provision and “Foreign-Derived Intangible Income” (FDII) of U.S. tax reform. The GILTI provision imposes taxes on foreign earnings in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets. We are evaluating whether deferred taxes should be recorded in relation to the GILTI, or if the tax should be recorded in the period in which it occurs. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. We may choose either method as an accounting policy election. We have not yet decided on the accounting policy related to GILTI and will only do so after completion of the analysis. The FDII imposes taxes on the excess returns earned directly by a U.S. company from foreign sales or services. The accounting for the deduction for FDII is similar to a special deduction and should be accounted for based on the guidance in ASC

37


740-10-25-37. The tax benefits for special deductions ordinarily are recognized no earlier than the year in which they are deductible on the tax return.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
December 31,
2015
 December 31, 2014
December 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$143.8
 $154.1
$225.9
 $135.3
Marketable securities143.9
 146.0
103.5
 36.9
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities$287.7
 $300.1
$329.4
 $172.2
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In millions)(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$76.4
 $76.5
 $51.0
$117.4
 $95.6
 $77.2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$1.1
 $(97.9) $(2.3)$(75.5) $(105.2) $1.1
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities$(87.8) $(163.0) $141.1
$46.5
 $2.7
 $(88.6)
Liquidity
We currently anticipate that existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances and cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet our cash needs for at least the next 12 months. Additionally, substantially allthe majority of our cash and cash equivalents are in the United States. Our cash needs for the year ended December 31, 20152017 were funded primarily from cash collected from our customers.customers as well as the issuance of our 2023 Notes.
We do not anticipate any liquidity constraints as a result of either the current credit environment, or investment fair value fluctuations.fluctuations or the repayment of the 2018 Notes in August 2018. Additionally, we have the intent and ability to hold our debt investments that have unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of the principal amounts invested. Additionally, we have no significant exposure to European sovereign debt. We continually monitor the credit risk in our portfolio and mitigate our credit risk exposures in accordance with our policies.

As a part of our overall business strategy, from time to time, we evaluate businesses and technologies for potential acquisition that are aligned with our core business and designed to supplement our growth. On January 25,growth, including the 2016 acquisitions of SCS, assets of the Company acquired Smart Card Software, a privately held company who is a leader in mobile paymentsSnowbush IP group and a leading supplier of smart ticketing systems, which includes Bell Identification Ltd. and Ecebs Ltd. through the purchase of all outstanding shares of Smart Card Software for approximately $93 million in cash.Memory Interconnect Business.

OnTo provide us with more flexibility in returning capital back to our shareholders, on January 21, 2015, our Board approvedauthorized a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 20.0 million shares. Share repurchases underDuring the plan may be made through the open market, established plans or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with all applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations. There is no expiration date applicable to the plan.

On October 26, 2015,second quarter of 2017, we initiatedentered into an accelerated share repurchase program with Citibank, N.A. The accelerated shareBarclays Bank PLC to repurchase program is partan aggregate of the broader share repurchase program previously authorized by our Board on January 21, 2015. Under the accelerated share repurchase program, we pre-paid to Citibank, N.A., the $100.0$50.0 million purchase price forof our common stock and in turn, we received an initial delivery of approximately 7.83.2 million shares, of our common stock from Citibank, N.A, which were retired and recorded as a $80.0$40.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $20.0$10.0 million of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed to our stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by us will bewas determined based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the terms of the transaction, minus an agreed upon discount between the parties. TheDuring the fourth quarter of 2017, the accelerated share repurchase program is expectedwas completed and we received an additional 0.8 million shares of our common stock as the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program. We may continue to be completed by June 2016.tactically execute the share repurchase program from time to time.

As of December 31, 2015,2017, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase approximately 12.27.4 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the current share repurchase program.

We record stock repurchases as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. We record a portion of the purchase price of the repurchased shares as an increase to accumulated deficit when the price of the shares repurchased exceeds the average original proceeds per share received from the issuance of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the cumulative price of $54.2 million was recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit. See “Share Repurchase Program” below.

38



Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities of $76.4$117.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to cash generated from customer licensing, software license and related implementation, support and maintenance fees, product sales and engineering services fees. Changes in operating assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily included increases in accounts receivable and accrued salaries and benefits and other liabilities as well as decreases in prepaids and other current assets.


Cash provided by operating activities of $95.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to the cash generated from customer licensing, software license and related implementation, support and maintenance fees, product sales and engineering services fees. Changes in operating assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily included a decrease in accrued salaries and benefits and other liabilities mainly due to the payout of the Corporate Incentive Plan and increases in deferred revenue and inventory.
Cash provided by operating activities of $77.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to the cash generated from customer licensing. Additionally, there was a non-cash deferred tax adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities due to the release of the valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets of approximately $174.5 million during the third quarter of 2015. Changes in operating assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily included an increase in accounts receivable arising from a renewal of a license agreement with a technology licensing customer in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase in prepaids and other current assets, and decrease in accrued salaries and benefits and other liabilities.

Investing Activities
Cash provided by operatingused in investing activities of $76.5$75.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was2017 primarily attributableconsisted of cash paid for purchases of available-for-sale marketable securities of $102.5 million and $9.4 million paid to the cash generated from customer licensing. Changes in operating assetsacquire property, plant and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily included a decrease in accrued salaries and benefits and other accrued liabilities primarily due to the payment of retention bonuses and an increase in accounts receivable,equipment, offset by increases in income taxes payableproceeds from the maturities and deferred revenue.sales of available-for-sale marketable securities of $32.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively.
Cash provided by operatingused in investing activities of $51.0$105.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 was2016 primarily attributable toconsisted of cash generated from customer licensing. Changes in operating assets and liabilitiespaid for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily included decreases in accrued litigation expenses primarily dueacquisition of SCS of $92.6 million, net of cash acquired of $12.1 million, cash paid for the acquisition of the Memory Interconnect Business of $90.0 million, cash paid for the acquisition of the assets of the Snowbush IP group assets of $32.0 million, cash paid for purchases of available-for-sale marketable securities of $54.9 million, $8.6 million paid to the one-time reversal of accrued SK hynixacquire property, plant and Micron related litigation costs and accrued salaries and benefits and other accrued liabilities primarily due to the payment of retention bonuses,equipment, offset by decreases in prepaid expensesproceeds from the maturities and other assets.
Investing Activitiessales of available-for-sale marketable securities of $110.1 million and $50.5 million, respectively.
Cash provided by investing activities of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily consisted of proceeds from the maturities and sales of available-for-sale marketable securities of $112.7 million and $48.4 million, respectively. This was partially offset by cash paid for purchases of available-for-sale marketable securities of $157.8 million and $6.1 million paid to acquire property, plant and equipment. In addition, we received $3.9 million from the sale of intellectual property and the sale of property, plant and equipment.

Financing Activities
Cash used in investingprovided by financing activities of $97.9was $46.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20142017 and was primarily consisteddue to $172.5 million from the issuance of cash paid for purchasesthe 2023 Notes, $23.2 million from the issuance of available-for-sale marketable securities of $240.3warrants and $15.8 million offset by proceeds from the maturitiesissuance of common stock under equity incentive plans, offset by $72.3 million paid for the repurchase of $56.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and sales$15.5 million paid primarily for the conversion feature of available-for-sale marketable securitiesthe repurchased 2018 Notes, an aggregate payment of $118.7 million and $25.0 million, respectively. In addition, we paid $7.2$50.0 million to acquire property, plantBarclays Bank PLC, as part of our accelerated share repurchase program, $33.5 million related to the purchase of the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions, $5.1 million in payments of taxes on restricted stock units and equipment. We also received $5.9$3.3 million fromin issuance costs related to the saleissuance of intellectual property.the 2023 Notes.
Cash used in investingprovided by financing activities of $2.3was $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily consisted2016. We received proceeds of purchases$15.4 million from the issuance of available-for-sale marketable securities of $125.6 million, partiallycommon stock under equity incentive plans, offset by maturitiesthe payment of available-for-sale marketable securitiesthe additional purchase consideration from the SCS acquisition of $119.6$10.2 million and proceeds$3.1 million in payments of taxes on restricted stock units, which were reclassified from operating activities to conform with the salecurrent period presentation due to the adoption of intellectual propertyASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” as of $2.3 million.
Financing ActivitiesJanuary 1, 2017. Refer to Note 3, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for further details regarding the adoption of this ASU.
Cash used in financing activities was $87.8$88.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and was primarily due to an aggregate payment of $100.0 million to Citibank, N.A., as part of our accelerated share repurchase program. We also paid $0.1 million in fees related to the accelerated share repurchase program. We received proceeds of $13.8 million from the issuance of common stock under equity incentive plans, paid $1.7 million due to payments under installment payment arrangements to acquire fixed assets, $0.8 million in payments of taxes on restricted stock units, which were reclassified from operating activities to conform with current period presentation due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, and paid $0.5 million related to the principal payments against the lease financing obligation.

Cash used in financing activities was $163.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. We repaid the principal of the 2014 convertible senior notes amounting to $172.5 million, which became due in June 2014. We also received proceeds of $11.1 million from the issuance of common stock under equity incentive plans, paid $1.8 million due to payments under installment payment arrangements to acquire fixed assets and paid $0.3 million related to the principal payments against the lease financing obligation.
Cash provided by financing activities was $141.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. We received net proceeds of $134.4 million from the issuance of the 2018 Notes. Additionally, we received proceeds of $8.4 million from the issuance of common stock under our plans.
Contractual Obligations
On December 15, 2009, we entered into a lease agreement for approximately 125,000 square feet of office space located at 1050 Enterprise Way in Sunnyvale, California commencing on July 1, 2010 and expiring on June 30, 2020. The office space is used for our corporate headquarters, as well as engineering, sales, marketing and administrative operations and activities. We have two options to extend the lease for a period of 60 months each and a one-time option to terminate the lease after 84

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months in exchange for an early termination fee. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, the landlord agreed to reimburse us approximately $9.1 million, which was received by the year ended December 31, 2011. We recognized the reimbursement as an additional imputed financing obligation as such payment from the landlord is deemed to be an imputed financing obligation. On November 4, 2011, to better plan for future expansion, we entered into an amended lease for our Sunnyvale facility for approximately an additional 31,000 square feet of space commencing on March 1, 2012 and expiring on June 30, 2020. Additionally, a tenant improvement allowance to be provided by the landlord was approximately $1.7 million. On September 29, 2012, we entered into a second amended Sunnyvale lease to reduce the tenant improvement allowance to approximately $1.5 million. On January 31, 2013, we entered into a third amendment to the Sunnyvale lease to surrender the 31,000 square-foot space from the first amendment back to the landlord and recorded a total charge of $2.0 million related to the surrender of the amended lease.
On March 8, 2010, we entered into a lease agreement for approximately 25,000 square feet of office and manufacturing areas, located in Brecksville, Ohio. The office space is used for LDT’sRLD’s engineering activities while the manufacturing space is used for the manufacturer of prototypes. This lease was amended on September 29, 2011 to expand the facility to approximately 51,000 total square feet and the amended lease will expire on July 31, 2019. We have an option to extend the lease for a period of 60 months. On January 30, 2018, we announced our plans to close our lighting division and manufacturing operations in Brecksville, Ohio, and began the process to exit the facilities and sell the related equipment. Refer to Note 19, “Subsequent Event,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.
We undertook a series of structural improvements to ready the Sunnyvale and Brecksville facilities for our use. Since certain improvements to be constructed by us were considered structural in nature and we were responsible for any cost overruns, for accounting purposes, we were treated in substance as the owner of the construction project during the construction period. At the completion of each construction, we concluded that we retained sufficient continuing involvement to preclude de-recognition of the building under the FASB authoritative guidance applicable to the sale leasebacks of real estate. As such, we continue to account for the building as owned real estate and to record an imputed financing obligation for our obligation to the legal owners.
Monthly lease payments on the facility are allocated between the land element of the lease (which is accounted for as an operating lease) and the imputed financing obligation. The imputed financing obligation is amortized using the effective interest method and the interest rate was determined in accordance with the requirements of sale leaseback accounting. For the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, we recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations $4.54.4 million, $4.54.4 million and $4.44.5 million, respectively, of interest expense in connection with the imputed financing obligation on these facilities. At December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, the imputed financing obligation balance in connection with these facilities was $39.3$38.3 million and $39.538.9 million, respectively, which was primarily classified under long-term imputed financing obligation.
In November 2011, we entered into a lease agreement for approximately 26,000 square feet of office space in San Francisco, California to be used for CRD’s office space and is treated as an operating lease. This lease has a commencement date of February 1, 2012 and a lease term of 75 months from the commencement date. The annual base rent includes certain rent abatement and increases annually over the lease term.
In connection with the June 3, 2011 acquisition of CRD, we were obligated to pay a retention bonus to certain CRD employees and contractors, subject to certain eligibility and acceleration provisions including the condition of employment, in three equal amounts of approximately $16.7 million. All three payments have been paid as of December 31, 2014 with the last portion paid in 2014.
On June 29, 2009, we entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by us of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes. On July 10, 2009, an additional $22.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 2014 Notes were issued as a result of the underwriters exercising their overallotment option. During the second quarter of 2014, we paid upon maturity the entire $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.
On August 16, 2013, we entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by us of $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes. The aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 was $81.2 million and $138.0 million, respectively, offset by unamortized debt discount and unamortized debt issuance costs of $17.1$2.5 million and $22.9$0.2 million, respectively, and $10.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unamortized discount related to the 2018 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining 328 months until maturity of the 2018 Notes on August 15, 2018. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.

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TableOn November 17, 2017, we entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by us of Contents$172.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The aggregate principal amount of the 2023 notes as of December 31, 2017 was $172.5 million, offset by unamortized debt discount and unamortized debt issuance costs of $34.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unamortized discount related to the 2023 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective method over the remaining 5.1 years until maturity of the 2023 Notes on February 1, 2023. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.


As of December 31, 20152017, our material contractual obligations are as follows (in thousands):
Total 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ThereafterTotal 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Contractual obligations (1)                          
Imputed financing obligation (2)$28,376
 $6,156
 $6,302
 $6,447
 $6,602
 $2,869
 $
$15,918
 $6,447
 $6,602
 $2,869
 $
 $
 $
Leases and other contractual obligations6,646
 4,321
 1,569
 546
 210
 
 
26,225
 6,757
 5,678
 4,705
 4,839
 3,381
 865
Software licenses (3)3,166
 2,427
 549
 190
 
 
 
13,982
 10,450
 3,532
 
 
 
 
Convertible notes138,000
 
 
 138,000
 
 
 
253,707
 81,207
 
 
 
 
 172,500
Interest payments related to convertible notes4,658
 1,553
 1,553
 1,552
 
 
 
13,443
 2,763
 2,372
 2,372
 2,372
 2,372
 1,192
Total$180,846
 $14,457
 $9,973
 $146,735
 $6,812
 $2,869
 $
$323,275
 $107,624
 $18,184
 $9,946
 $7,211
 $5,753
 $174,557

(1)
The above table does not reflect possible payments in connection with uncertain tax benefits of approximately $20.822.6 million including $18.620.4 million recorded as a reduction of long-term deferred tax assets and $2.2 million in long-term income taxes payable, as of December 31, 20152017. As noted in Note 16, “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K, although it is possible that some of the unrecognized tax benefits could be settled within the next 12 months, we cannot reasonably estimate the outcome at this time.
(2)With respect to the imputed financing obligation, the main components of the difference between the amount reflected in the contractual obligations table and the amount reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are the interest on the imputed financing obligation and the estimated common area expenses over the future periods. The amount includes the amended Ohio lease and the amended Sunnyvale lease.
(3)
We have commitments with various software vendors for non-cancellable agreements generally having terms longer than one year.
Share Repurchase Program
On January 21, 2015, our Board approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 20.0 million shares. Share repurchases under the plan may be made through the open market, established plans or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with all applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations. There is no expiration date applicable to the plan. 
On May 1, 2017, we initiated an accelerated share repurchase program with Barclays Bank PLC. The accelerated share repurchase program is part of the broader share repurchase program previously authorized by our Board on January 21, 2015. Under the accelerated share repurchase program, we pre-paid to Barclays Bank PLC, the $50.0 million purchase price for our common stock and, in turn, we received an initial delivery of approximately 3.2 million shares of our common stock from Barclays Bank PLC, in the second quarter of 2017, which were retired and recorded as a $40.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $10.0 million of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed to our stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by us was determined based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the terms of the transaction, minus an agreed upon discount between the parties. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the accelerated share repurchase program was completed and we received an additional 0.8 million shares of our common stock as the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program. There were no other repurchases of our common stock during 2017.

On October 26, 2015, we initiated an accelerated share repurchase program with Citibank, N.A. The accelerated share repurchase program is part of the broader share repurchase program previously authorized by our Board on January 21, 2015. Under the accelerated share repurchase program, we pre-paid to Citibank, N.A., the $100.0 million purchase price for our common stock and, in turn, we received an initial delivery of approximately 7.8 million shares of our common stock from Citibank, N.A, in the fourth quarter of 2015, which were retired and recorded as a $80.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $20.0 million of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed to our stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by us will bewas determined based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the terms of the transaction, minus an agreed upon discount between the parties. TheDuring the second quarter of 2016, the accelerated share repurchase program is expected to bewas completed by Juneand we received an additional 0.7 million shares of our common stock as the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program. There were no other repurchases of our common stock during 2016.



As of December 31, 2015,2017, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase approximately 12.27.4 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the current share repurchase program.

We record stock repurchases as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. We record a portion of the purchase price of the repurchased shares as an increase to accumulated deficit when the price of the shares repurchased exceeds the average original proceeds per share received from the issuance of common stock. During
Warrants

In connection with the year ended December 31, 2015,2023 Notes, we separately entered into privately negotiated warrant transactions, whereby we sold to the cumulativeCounterparties warrants (the “Warrants”) to acquire, collectively, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 9.1 million shares of our common stock at an initial strike price of $54.2approximately $23.30 per share, which represents a premium of 60% over the last reported sale price of our common stock of $14.56 on November 14, 2017. We received aggregate proceeds of approximately $23.2 million was recorded as an increasefrom the sale of the Warrants to accumulated deficit.the Counterparties. The Warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the 2023 Notes or Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. Holders of the 2023 Notes and Convertible Note Hedge Transactions will not have any rights with respect to the Warrants. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for additional details.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,

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liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, investments, income taxes, litigation and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Overview
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, we have delivered the product or performed the service, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. If any of these criteria are not met, we defer recognizing the revenue until such time as all criteria are met. Determination of whether or not these criteria have been met may require us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates based upon current information and historical experience.
Certain revenue contracts consistFor arrangements that involve the delivery of more than one element, each license, service fees associated with integrationor product is evaluated to determine whether it qualifies as a separate unit of our solutions into our customers’ products and fees associated with providing training, evaluation and test equipmentaccounting. This determination is based on whether the deliverable has “stand-alone value” to our customers. Under the accounting guidance, if the deliverables have standalone value upon delivery, we account forcustomer. The consideration that is fixed or determinable is then allocated to each deliverable separately. When multiple deliverables included in an arrangement are separated into different unitsseparate unit of accounting the arrangement consideration is allocated to the identified separate units based on athe relative selling price hierarchy.of each deliverable. We determine the relative selling price for a deliverable based on ourits best estimate of selling price (“BESP”). WeExcept for some revenue associated to the acquisition of Bell Identification Ltd., we have determined that vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price for each deliverable is not available as thereit lacks a consistent number of standalone sales and third-party evidence is not a practical alternative due to differences in ourits service offerings compared to other parties and the availability of relevant third-party pricing information. We determined BESP by considering our overall pricing objectives and market conditions. Significant pricing practices taken into consideration include our discounting practices, the size and volume of our transactions, the customer demographic, the geographic area where our services are sold, our price lists, our go-to-market strategy, historical standalone sales and contract prices. The determination of BESP is made through consultation with and approval by our management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy. As ourthe go-to-market strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in relative selling prices. In most cases, the relative values of the undelivered components are not significantmaterial to the overall arrangement and are typically delivered within twelve months after the core product has been delivered. In such agreements, selling price is determined for each component and any difference between the total of the separate BESP and total contract consideration (i.e. discount) is allocated pro-rata across each of the components in the arrangement.


During the first quarter of 2016, we acquired Smart Card Software Ltd., which included Bell Identification Ltd. and Ecebs Ltd., which transact mostly in software and hosted services (SaaS) arrangements, respectively. For software arrangements that include multiple elements, including software licenses, professional services and maintenance services, we allocate and defer revenue for the undelivered items (typically only the maintenance services) based on the fair value using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), and recognize the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred for the undelivered item(s) as revenue. VSOE of fair value of each maintenance element is based on the contractual stated renewal rate for that maintenance element. When VSOE of fair value does not exist for undelivered items, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the performance period. For hosted services arrangements, we recognize the arrangements over the service obligation period.
Our revenue consists of royalty revenue and contract and other revenue derived from MID, RSD and RLD operating segments. Royalty revenue consists of patent license and technology license royalties. Contract and other revenue consists of software license fees, engineering fees associated with integration of our technology solutions into our customers' related support and maintenance, as well as sale of products.
During 2013, we expanded our business strategy of monetizing our patent portfolio to include the sale of selected intellectual property. Our MID business continues to grow its patent portfolio and actively engageengages with various external parties to monetize the patent portfolio and explore new revenue opportunities. As the sales of such patents developed by our MID business unit under this expanded strategy represents a component of our ongoing major or central operations, we record the related proceeds as revenue. As patent sales executed under this expanded strategy represent a component of our ongoing major or central operations and activities, we will record the related proceeds as revenue. We will recognize the revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, delivery has occurred and collectibility is reasonably assured. These requirements are generally fulfilled upon closing of the patent sale transaction.
Our revenue consists of royalty revenue and contract and other revenue derived from MID, CRD and LDT operating segments. Royalty revenue consists of patent license and technology license royalties. Contract and other revenue consists of fixed license fees, fixed engineering fees and service fees associated with integration of our technology solutions into our customers’ products as well as sale of products.
Royalty Revenue
We generally recognize royalty revenue upon notification by our customers and when deemed collectible. The terms of the royalty agreements generally either require customers to give us notification and to pay the royalties within a specified period or are based on a fixed royalty that is due within a specified period. Many of our customers have the right to cancel their licenses. In such arrangements, revenue is only recognized to the extent that is consistent with the cancellation provisions. Cancellation provisions within such contracts generally provide for a prospective cancellation with no refund of fees already remitted by customers for products provided and payment for services rendered prior to the date of cancellation. We have two types of royalty revenue: (1) patent license royalties and (2) technology license royalties.

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Patent licenses - We license our broad portfolio of patented inventions to companies who use these inventions in the development and manufacture of their own products. Such licensing agreements may cover the license of part, or all, of our patent portfolio. The contractual terms of the agreements generally provide for payments over an extended period of time. For the licensing agreements with fixed royalty payments, we generally recognize revenue from these arrangements as amounts become due. For the licensing agreements with variable royalty payments which can be based on either a percentage of sales or number of units sold, we earn royalties at the time that the customers’ sales occur. Our customers, however, do not report and pay royalties owed for sales in any given quarter until after the conclusion of that quarter. As we are unable to estimate the customers’ sales in any given quarter to determine the royalties due to us, we recognize royalty revenues based on royalties reported by customers during the quarter and when other revenue recognition criteria are met.
In addition, we may enter into certain settlements of patent infringement disputes. The amount of consideration received upon any settlement (including but not limited to past royalty payments, future royalty payments and punitive damages) is allocated to each element of the settlement based on the fair value of each element. In addition, revenues related to past royalties are recognized upon execution of the agreement by both parties, provided that the amounts are fixed or determinable, there are no significant undelivered obligations and collectability is reasonably assured. We do not recognize any revenues prior to execution of the agreement since there is no reliable basis on which we can estimate the amounts for royalties related to previous periods or assess collectability. Elements that are related to royalty revenue in nature (including but not limited to past royalty payments and future royalty payments) will be recorded as royalty revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Elements that are not related to royalty revenue in nature (including but not limited to punitive damage and settlement) will be recorded as gain from settlement which is reflected as a separate line item within the operating expenses section in the consolidated statements of operations.
Technology licenses - We develop proprietary and industry-standard products that we provide to our customers under technology license agreements. These arrangements include royalties, which can be based on either a percentage of sales or number of units sold. We earn royalties on such licensed products sold worldwide by our customers at the time that the customers’ sales occur. Our customers, however, do not report and pay royalties owed for sales in any given quarter until after the conclusion of that quarter. As we are unable to estimate the customers’ sales in any given quarter to determine the royalties

due to us, we recognize royalty revenues based on royalties reported by customers during the quarter and when other revenue recognition criteria are met.
Contract and Other Revenue
We recognize revenue from the sale of products when riskupon shipment of loss and title have transferredthe product to our customers, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. We accruenet of accruals for estimated sales returns and warrantyallowances, which to date, have not been significant. However, some of our sales are made through distributors under arrangements that allow for price protection or rights of return on product unsold by the distributors. Product revenue on sales made through distributors with rights of return or price protection is deferred until the distributors sell the product to end customers. Sales to distributors are included in deferred revenue and we defer the related costs until sale to the end customers occurs. Price protection rights allow distributors the right to a credit in the event of declines in the price of our product that they hold prior to the sale to an end customer. In the event that we reduce the selling price of products held by distributors, deferred revenue related to distributors with price protection rights is reduced upon notification to the customer of the price change. Our sales to direct customers are made primarily pursuant to standard purchase orders for delivery of products. We generally allow customers to cancel or change purchase orders within limited notice periods prior to the scheduled shipment.
For software arrangements that include multiple elements, including software licenses, professional services and maintenance services, we allocate and defer revenue for the undelivered items (typically only the maintenance services) based on experience, nonethe fair value using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), and recognize the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred for the undelivered item(s) as revenue. VSOE of which are currently material.fair value of each maintenance element is based on the contractual stated renewal rate for that maintenance element. When VSOE of fair value does not exist for undelivered items, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the performance period.
For software arrangements, we use the percentage-of-completion method for contracts that involve the implementation of software solutions and that qualify for percentage-of-completion revenue accounting (e.g. software arrangements that contain a PCS element that has VSOE of fair value established and that have no refund rights that would allow a customer refunds of fees paid under the arrangement). Revenue is recognized based on man-days incurred during the reporting period as compared to the estimated total man-days necessary for each contract, not to exceed the billable project acceptances received, with deferral of corresponding contract costs, if applicable. Should a loss be anticipated on a contract, the full amount of the loss would be recorded when the loss is determinable. Maintenance and support revenue includes post-implementation customer support and the right to unspecified software updates and enhancements on a when and if available basis. We generally recognize revenue using percentage of completion or proportional performance forfrom maintenance arrangements ratably over the period in which the services are provided.

For development contracts related to licenses of our solutions that involve significant engineering and integration services. For all license and service agreements accounted for usingservices, we use the percentage-of-completion method, we determineproportional performance method. The measurement of progress to completion using input measuresis based upon contracton actual man-months incurred during the reporting period, not to exceed the billable project acceptances received. Contract costs are recognized as incurred. We have evaluated useMaintenance and support revenue includes minimal hours of output measures versus input measures and have determinedpost-implementation customer support that our output is not sufficiently uniform with respect to cost, time and effort per unit of output to use output measures as a measure of progress to completion.recognized ratably over the support period.


Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment, applying a fair-value based test. We perform our impairment analysis of goodwill on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of the year unless conditions arise that warrant a more frequent evaluation.
Goodwill is allocated to the various reporting units which are generally operating segments. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using an income or discounted cash flows approach.
Under the income approach, we measure fair value of the reporting unit based on a projected cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management which is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. Our discounted cash flow projections are based on our annual financial forecasts developed internally by management for use in managing our business. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we must perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit's fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that

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calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired by a market

participant in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
As of December 31, 2015,2017, the fair value of the MID reporting unit, with $19.9$66.6 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 226%270% and the fair value of the CRDRSD reporting unit, with $97.0$143.0 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 45%155%. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the MID and CRDRSD reporting units at December 31, 2015,2017, were the revenue growth rates for the forecast period and terminal year, terminal growth rates and discount rates. Certain estimates used in the income approach involve information for new product lines with limited financial history and developing revenue models which increase the risk of differences between the projected and actual performance. The discount rate of 13%12% for MID and 20%16.5% for CRDRSD is based on the reporting units’ overall risk profile relative to other guideline companies, market adoption of our technology, the reporting units’ respective industry as well as the visibility of future expected cash flows. The terminal growth rate applied to determine fair value for both reporting units was 3%, which was based on historical experience as well as anticipated economic conditions, industry data and long term outlook for the business. These assumptions are inherently uncertain.
Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on our business, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 20152017 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding forecasted revenues or operating margin rates are not achieved, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with the next annual impairment testing or prior to that if any change constitutes a triggering event outside of the period when the annual goodwill impairment test is performed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material. We believe that the assumptions and rates used in our impairment test are reasonable. However, they are judgmental, and variations in any of the assumptions or rates could result in materially different calculations of impairment amounts.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of existing technology, customer contracts and contractual relationships, and other definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are estimated by management based on the fair value of assets received. Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 10 years.
We amortize long-liveddefinite-lived assets over their estimated useful lives. We evaluate long-liveddefinite-lived and indefinite-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Our estimates of future cash flows attributable to our long-lived assets require significant judgment based on our historical and anticipated results and are subject to many factors. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include significant negative industry or economic trends, significant loss of clients, and significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business.
When we determine that the carrying value of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure the potential impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Different assumptions and judgments could materially affect the calculation of the fair value of our long-lived assets.
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets related to our in-process research and development ("IPR&D") are capitalized and subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each project, we make a separate determination of useful life of the acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets and the related amortization is recorded as an expense over the estimated useful life of the specific projects. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment, applying a fair-value based test. Under the income approach, we measure fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets based on a projected cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management which is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. Our discounted cash flow projections are based on our annual financial forecasts developed internally by our management for use in managing our business. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds its carrying value, the indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired and no further testing is required. If the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

Income Taxes
As part of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to calculate the income tax expense or benefit which relates to the pretax income or loss for the period. In addition, we are required to assess the realization of the deferred tax asset or liability to be included on the consolidated balance sheetsheets as of the reporting dates.
As of December 31, 2015,2017, our consolidated balance sheet included net deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, of approximately $183.2$200.2 million, which consists of net operating loss carryovers, tax credit carryovers, amortization, employee stock-based compensation expenses and certain liabilities, partially reduced by deferred tax liabilities associated with the convertible debt instruments. As of December 31, 2015,2017, we have a valuation allowance of $20.7$50.9 million resulting in net deferred tax assets of $162.5$149.3 million.
We periodically evaluate the realizability of our net deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. The realizability of our net deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income

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during periods prior to the expiration of tax attributes to fully utilize these assets. We evaluated the realizability of our net deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determiningand determined that it was appropriate to release theset up a partial valuation allowance foron our U.S. federal research and other state deferreddevelopment credits and foreign tax assetscredits of $174.5$21.5 million during the thirdfourth quarter of 20152017 in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30-16 to 25.
We emerged from a cumulative loss position over This partial valuation allowance is due to the previous three years during the first quarter of 2015. The cumulative three-year pre-tax income is considered positive evidence which is objective and verifiable, and thus, received significant weighting. The continued stability in our operations along with the increased visibility into the adoption of our security technology in the third quarter of 2015 provided additional evidence to our belieffact that we will generate sufficient taxable income in the future. Additional positive evidence considered by us in our assessment included a lack of unused operating loss carryforwards in our history as well as anticipated future benefits from our cost management. Negative evidence we considered included economic uncertainties such as volatility of the semiconductor industry and uncertainties associated with the development of new products that could impact our ability to generate a sustained level of future profits.
Upon considering the relative impact of all evidence during the third quarter of 2015, both negative and positive, and the weight accorded to each, we concluded that it wasthese credits are not more likely than not that our deferred tax assets wouldto be realizable with the exception of primarily our California deferred tax assets that have not met the “more likely than not” realization threshold criteria. Asrealized before they expire, as a result of our federal tax rate change from 35% to 21%. Changes in our underlying facts or circumstances, such as the impact of the acquisitions, will be continually assessed and we released the relatedwill re-evaluate our valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets which is included as a component of the benefit from income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. We continue to maintain a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2015.position accordingly.
We maintain liabilities for uncertain tax positions within our long-term income taxes payable accounts and as a reduction to existing deferred tax assets to the extent tax attributes are available to offset such liabilities. These liabilities involve judgment and estimation and are monitored by us based on the best information available including changes in tax regulations, the outcome of relevant court cases and other information.
Tax attributes related to stock option windfall deductions are not to be recognized until they result in a reduction of cash taxes payable. The benefit of these excess tax benefits will be recorded to equity when they reduce cash taxes payable. We will only recognize a tax benefit from stock-based awards in additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax benefit is realized after all other tax attributes currently available have been utilized. In addition, we have elected to account for the indirect effects of stock-based awards on other tax attributes, such as the research tax credits, through the consolidated statement of operations as part of the tax effect of stock-based compensation.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax lawlaws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Although ASC 740 Income Taxes, provides further clarification on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, significant judgment is required by us. If the ultimate resolution of tax uncertainties is different from what is currently estimated, it could materially affect income tax expense.
Stock-Based Compensation
We maintained stock plans covering a broad range of potential equity grants including stock options, nonvested equity stock and equity stock units and performance based instruments. In addition, we sponsor an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), whereby eligible employees are entitled to purchase Common Stock semi-annually, by means of limited payroll deductions, at a 15% discount from the fair market value of the Common Stock as of specific dates.
The accounting guidance for share-based payments requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense in our statement of operations for all share-based payment awards made to our employees, directors and consultants including employee stock options, nonvested equity stock and equity stock units, and employee stock purchase grants. Stock-based compensation expense is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, reduced by an estimate of the annualized rate of expected forfeitures, and is recognized as expense over the employees’ expected requisite service period, generally using the straight-line method. In addition, the accounting guidance for share-based payments requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as prescribed under previous accounting rules. Our forfeiture rate represents the historical rate at which our stock-based awards were surrendered prior to vesting. The accounting guidance for share-based payments requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised on a cumulative basis, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. See Note 12, “Equity Incentive Plans and Stock-Based Compensation,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for more information regarding the valuation of stock-based compensation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption.

45




Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to financial market risks, primarily arising from the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our investment portfolio. Interest rate fluctuation may arise from changes in the market’s view of the quality of the security issuer, the overall economic outlook, and the time to maturity of our portfolio. We mitigate this risk by investing only in high quality, highly liquid instruments. Securities with original maturities of one year or less must be rated by two of the three industry standard rating agencies as follows: A1 by Standard & Poor’s, P1 by Moody’s and/or F-1 by Fitch. Securities with original maturities of greater than one year must be rated by two of the following industry standard rating agencies as follows: AA- by Standard & Poor’s, Aa3 by Moody’s and/or AA- by Fitch. By corporate investment policy, we limit the amount of exposure to $15.0 million or 10% of the portfolio, whichever is lower, for any single non-U.S. Government issuer. A single U.S. Agency can represent up to 25% of the portfolio. No more than 20% of the total portfolio may be invested in the securities of an industry sector, with money market fund investments evaluated separately. Our policy requires that at least 10% of the portfolio be in securities with a maturity of 90 days or less. We may make investments in U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Agencies, corporate bonds and municipal bonds and notes with maturities up to 36 months. However, the bias of our investment portfolio is shorter maturities. All investments must be U.S. dollar denominated. Additionally, we have no significant exposure to European sovereign debt.
We invest our cash equivalents and marketable securities in a variety of U.S. dollar financial instruments such as U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government Agencies, commercial paper and corporate notes. Our policy specifically prohibits trading securities for the sole purposes of realizing trading profits. However, we may liquidate a portion of our portfolio if we experience unforeseen liquidity requirements. In such a case, if the environment has been one of rising interest rates we may experience a realized loss, similarly, if the environment has been one of declining interest rates we may experience a realized gain. As of December 31, 2015,2017, we had an investment portfolio of fixed income marketable securities of $252.7$261.2 million including cash equivalents. If market interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 1.0% from the levels as of December 31, 2015,2017, the fair value of the portfolio would decline by approximately $0.6$0.5 million. Actual results may differ materially from this sensitivity analysis.
The fair value of our convertible notes is subject to interest rate risk, market risk and other factors due to the convertible feature. The fair value of the convertible notes will generally increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. In addition, the fair value of the convertible notes will generally increase as our common stock price increases and will generally decrease as our common stock price declines in value. The interest and market value changes affect the fair value of our convertible notes but do not impact our financial position, cash flows or results of operations due to the fixed nature of the debt obligation.
We invoice the majority of our customers in U.S. dollars. Although the fluctuation of currency exchange rates may impact our customers, and thus indirectly impact us, we do not attempt to hedge this indirect and speculative risk. Our overseas operations consist primarily of international business operations in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, design centers in Canada, India Finland and FranceFinland and small business development offices in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. We monitor our foreign currency exposure; however, as of December 31, 2015,2017, we believe our foreign currency exposure is not material enough to warrant foreign currency hedging.
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Item 15 “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” of this Form 10-K for required financial statements and supplementary data.
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission,

and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2015,2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
(i)pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of 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 the authorization 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 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.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2017. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on the results of this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2015,2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.Other Information
None.

47


PART III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 20162018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information under the heading “Our Executive Officers” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is also incorporated herein by reference.
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our directors, officers and employees. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at http://investor.rambus.com/corporate-governance-document.cfm?DocumentID=8379.default.aspx?SectionId=7d08773c-336a-43c5-b0ff-5b190f1901eb&LanguageId=1. To date, there have been no waivers under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. We will post any amendments or waivers, if and when granted, of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website.
Item 11.Executive Compensation
The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 20162018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 20162018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 20162018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 20162018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


48


PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)    (1) Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included herewith:
(a)    (2) Financial Statement Schedule
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.


49


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Rambus Inc.:

In our opinion,Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positionbalance sheets of Rambus Inc. and its subsidiaries at(the “Company”) as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, and the resultsrelated consolidated statements of their operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20152017, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the CommitteeCOSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for certain elements of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). its employee share-based payments in 2017.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reportingunder Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 3, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it has classified deferred taxes on its consolidated balance sheet asDefinition and Limitations of December 31, 2015, on a prospective basis.Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and

expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
San Jose, California 
February 19, 201623, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991. 


50


RAMBUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,December 31,
2015 20142017 2016
(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts)(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$143,764
 $154,126
$225,844
 $135,294
Marketable securities143,942
 145,983
103,532
 36,888
Accounts receivable16,408
 6,001
25,892
 21,099
Prepaids and other current assets11,476
 8,541
11,317
 17,867
Deferred taxes
 187
Inventories5,159
 5,633
Total current assets315,590
 314,838
371,744
 216,781
Intangible assets, net64,266
 89,371
91,722
 132,388
Goodwill116,899
 116,899
209,661
 204,794
Property, plant and equipment, net56,616
 64,023
54,303
 58,442
Deferred taxes, long term162,485
 536
Deferred tax assets159,099
 168,342
Other assets3,648
 2,612
4,543
 2,749
Total assets$719,504
 $588,279
$891,072
 $783,496
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$4,096
 $6,962
$9,614
 $9,793
Accrued salaries and benefits12,278
 14,840
17,091
 14,177
Convertible notes, short-term78,451
 
Deferred revenue5,780
 4,133
18,272
 16,932
Other current liabilities6,212
 8,723
9,414
 10,399
Total current liabilities28,366
 34,658
132,842
 51,301
Convertible notes, long-term120,901
 115,089
135,447
 126,167
Long-term imputed financing obligation38,625
 39,063
37,262
 38,029
Long-term income taxes payable2,903
 2,769
Deferred tax liabilities9,830
 11,600
Other long-term liabilities2,176
 5,078
4,107
 3,617
Total liabilities192,971
 196,657
319,488
 230,714
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11 and 17)
 

 
Stockholders’ equity:      
Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value:      
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: no shares at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: no shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 
Common Stock, $.001 par value:      
Authorized: 500,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 109,287,591 shares at December 31, 2015 and 115,161,675 shares at December 31, 2014109
 115
Authorized: 500,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 109,763,967 shares at December 31, 2017 and 111,053,734 shares at December 31, 2016110
 111
Additional paid in capital1,130,368
 1,153,435
1,212,798
 1,181,230
Accumulated deficit(604,317) (761,526)(636,227) (615,051)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)373
 (402)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5,097) (13,508)
Total stockholders’ equity526,533
 391,622
571,584
 552,782
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$719,504
 $588,279
$891,072
 $783,496
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

51


RAMBUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue:          
Royalties$262,415
 $271,521
 $264,111
$289,594
 $264,614
 $262,415
Product revenue36,509
 26,052
 17,321
Contract and other revenue33,863
 25,037
 7,390
66,993
 45,931
 16,542
Total revenue296,278
 296,558
 271,501
393,096
 336,597
 296,278
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of revenue*45,344
 41,947
 33,215
Cost of product revenue*23,783
 21,329
 12,377
Cost of contract and other revenue55,364
 45,761
 32,967
Research and development*111,110
 110,025
 117,981
149,135
 129,844
 111,110
Sales, general and administrative*70,554
 74,770
 76,467
110,940
 95,145
 70,554
Restructuring charges3,576
 39
 5,546

 
 3,576
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets
 
 17,751
Impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset
 18,300
 
Change in contingent consideration liability
 (6,845) 
Gain from sale of intellectual property(3,686) (3,529) (1,388)(533) 
 (3,686)
Gain from settlement(2,040) (2,040) (535)
 (579) (2,040)
Total operating costs and expenses224,858
 221,212
 249,037
338,689
 302,955
 224,858
Operating income71,420
 75,346
 22,464
54,407
 33,642
 71,420
Interest income and other income (expense), net1,224
 (276) (1,596)1,384
 1,740
 1,224
Loss on extinguishment of debt(1,082) 
 
Interest expense(12,413) (24,820) (32,885)(13,720) (12,745) (12,413)
Interest and other income (expense), net(11,189) (25,096) (34,481)(13,418) (11,005) (11,189)
Income before income taxes60,231
 50,250
 (12,017)40,989
 22,637
 60,231
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes(151,157) 24,049
 21,731
63,851
 15,817
 (151,157)
Net income (loss)$211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748)$(22,862) $6,820
 $211,388
Net income per share:     
Net income (loss) per share:     
Basic$1.84
 $0.23
 $(0.30)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.84
Diluted$1.80
 $0.22
 $(0.30)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.80
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:          
Basic114,814
 114,318
 112,415
110,198
 110,162
 114,814
Diluted117,484
 117,624
 112,415
110,198
 113,140
 117,484

* Includes stock-based compensation:          
Cost of revenue$63
 $44
 $19
Cost of product revenue$78
 $56
 $63
Research and development$6,762
 $7,216
 $6,597
$12,185
 $9,165
 $6,762
Sales, general and administrative$8,271
 $7,470
 $8,365
$15,140
 $11,792
 $8,271
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


52


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net income (loss)$211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748)$(22,862) $6,820
 $211,388
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 

 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment7,798
 (13,485) 9
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax775
 (97) (5)613
 (396) 766
Total comprehensive income (loss)$212,163
 $26,104
 $(33,753)$(14,451) $(7,061) $212,163
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

53


RAMBUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)  Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)  
Shares Amount TotalShares Amount Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2012111,525 $112
 $1,075,761
 $(753,979) $(300) $321,594
Net loss
 
 
 (33,748) 
 (33,748)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 (5) (5)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options, equity stock and employee stock purchase plan1,934 1 7,864 
 
 7,865
Stock-based compensation
 
 14,981 
 
 14,981
Equity component of 1.125% convertible senior notes due 2018
 
 29,542
 
 
 29,542
Balances at December 31, 2013113,459
113
1,128,148
(787,727)
(305) 340,229
Net income
 
 
 26,201
 
 26,201
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 (97) (97)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options, equity stock and employee stock purchase plan1,703 2 10,557 
 
 10,559
Stock-based compensation
 
 14,730 
 
 14,730
Balances at December 31, 2014115,162 115
 1,153,435
 (761,526) (402) 391,622
115,162 $115
 $1,153,435
 $(761,526) $(402) $391,622
Net income
 
 
 211,388
 
 211,388

 
 
 211,388 
 211,388
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 9
 9
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 775 775
 
 
 
 766 766
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options, equity stock and employee stock purchase plan1,938 2 13,075 
 
 13,0771,938 2 13,075 
 
 13,077
Repurchase and retirement of common stock under repurchase plan, including prepayment under accelerated share repurchase program
(7,812) (8) (45,926) (54,179) 
 (100,113)(7,812) (8) (45,926) (54,179) 
 (100,113)
Stock-based compensation
 
 15,096 
 
 15,096
 
 15,096 
 
 15,096
Tax shortfall from stock option forfeitures
 
 (5,312) 
 
 (5,312)
 
 (5,312) 
 
 (5,312)
Balances at December 31, 2015109,288 $109
 $1,130,368
 $(604,317) $373
 $526,533
109,288
109
1,130,368
(604,317)
373
 526,533
Net income
 
 
 6,820
 
 6,820
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 (13,485) (13,485)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 (396) (396)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options, equity stock and employee stock purchase plan2,502 3 12,294 
 
 12,297
Repurchase and retirement of common stock under repurchase plan(736) (1) 17,555 (17,554) 
 
Stock-based compensation
 
 21,013 
 
 21,013
Balances at December 31, 2016111,054 111 1,181,230 (615,051) (13,508) 552,782
Net loss
 
 
 (22,862) 
 (22,862)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 7,798 7,798
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 613
 613
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options, equity stock and employee stock purchase plan2,727 3 10,730 
 
 10,733
Repurchase and retirement of common stock under repurchase plan(4,017) (4) (13,477) (36,557) 
 (50,038)
Stock-based compensation
 
 27,403 
 
 27,403
Equity component of 1.375% convertible notes, net
 
 33,913
 
 
 33,913
Purchase of convertible note hedges
 
 (33,523) 
 
 (33,523)
Issuance of warrants
 
 23,173
 
 
 23,173
Repurchase of 1.125% convertible notes
 
 (16,651) 
 
 (16,651)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09
 
 
 38,243
 
 38,243
Balances at December 31, 2017109,764 $110
 $1,212,798
 $(636,227) $(5,097) $571,584
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

54


RAMBUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income (loss)$211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748)$(22,862) $6,820
 $211,388
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Stock-based compensation15,096
 14,730
 14,981
27,403
 21,013
 15,096
Depreciation12,379
 13,625
 15,451
13,275
 12,965
 12,379
Amortization of intangible assets25,074
 26,618
 28,909
41,962
 37,138
 25,074
Non-cash interest expense and amortization of convertible debt issuance costs6,372
 14,763
 19,296
7,578
 6,749
 6,372
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets
 
 17,751
Impairment of investment in non-marketable equity security
 600
 1,400
Loss on extinguishment of debt

1,082
 
 
Impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset
 18,300
 
Change in contingent consideration liability
 (6,845) 
Deferred tax (benefit) provision(173,453) 1,829
 1,619
39,535
 (7,116) (172,706)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 (1,196) (747)
Non-cash restructuring583
 
 653

 
 583
Gain from sale of intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, net(3,670) (3,529) (1,024)
(Gain) loss from sale of intellectual property and property, plant and equipment227
 
 (3,670)
Effect of exchange rate on assumed cash liability from acquisition
 (1,558) 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
 
 
     
Accounts receivable(10,407) (3,750) (1,722)(1,110) 5,797
 (10,407)
Prepaids and other assets(4,454) (2,431) 6,174
4,354
 (6,205) (1,042)
Inventories473
 1,748
 (3,412)
Accounts payable(2,621) 2,006
 (1,544)(651) 2,373
 (2,621)
Accrued salaries and benefits and other accrued liabilities(4,030) (20,125) (8,791)5,564
 (1,694) (2,150)
Income taxes payable1,078
 2,263
 (716)
Deferred revenue3,107
 3,667
 (7,647)607
 7,313
 3,107
Net cash provided by operating activities76,442
 76,467
 51,042
117,437
 95,602
 77,244
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(6,132) (7,204) (6,938)(9,385) (8,556) (6,132)
Acquisition of intangible assets
 
 (2,656)(120) 
 
Purchases of marketable securities(157,811) (240,281) (125,554)(102,497) (54,869) (157,811)
Maturities of marketable securities112,721
 118,735
 119,600
32,048
 110,081
 112,721
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities48,380
 24,986
 11,020
4,450
 50,546
 48,380
Proceeds from sale of intellectual property and property, plant and equipment, net3,933
 5,859
 2,255
Proceeds from sale of intellectual property and property, plant and equipment33
 113
 3,933
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 (202,523) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities1,091
 (97,905) (2,273)(75,471) (105,208) 1,091
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes
 
 138,000
Issuance costs related to issuance of convertible senior notes
 
 (3,603)
Proceeds from issuance of 1.375% convertible notes172,500
 
 
Issuance costs related to issuance of 1.375% convertible notes(3,277) 
 
Payments for convertible note hedges

(33,523) 
 
Proceeds from issuance of warrants23,173
 
 
Repayment of 1.125% convertible notes(72,257) 
 
Proceeds received from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans13,783
 11,079
 8,391
15,826
 15,436
 13,783
Payments under installment payment arrangement(1,717) (1,773) (1,829)
 
 (1,717)
Principal payments against financing lease obligation(478) (322) (178)(860) (661) (478)
Payment of additional purchase consideration from acquisition
 (10,206) 
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, including prepayment under accelerated share repurchase program(100,113) 
 
(50,038) 
 (100,113)
Incremental tax benefits from stock-based compensation747
 481
 300
Repayment of senior convertible notes
 (172,500) 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 1,196
 747
Payments of taxes on restricted stock units(5,099) (3,064) (802)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(87,778) (163,035) 141,081
46,445
 2,701
 (88,580)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(117) (97) (138)2,139
 (1,565) (117)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(10,362) (184,570) 189,712
90,550
 (8,470) (10,362)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year154,126
 338,696
 148,984
135,294
 143,764
 154,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$143,764
 $154,126
 $338,696
$225,844
 $135,294
 $143,764
          
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest$1,553
 $5,861
 $8,625
$1,553
 $1,553
 $1,553
Income taxes, net of refunds$21,679
 $20,691
 $18,720
$22,733
 $26,787
 $21,679
Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Property, plant and equipment received and accrued in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities$240
 $548
 $5,909
$1,092
 $576
 $240
Re-measurement of investment upon initial public offering$1,264
 $
 $
$
 $
 $1,264
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

55


RAMBUS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Formation and Business of the Company
Rambus Inc. (the “Company” or “Rambus”) was incorporated in California in March 1990 and reincorporated in Delaware in March 1997. In addition to licensing, the Company is creating new business opportunities through offering products and services where its goal is to perpetuate strong company operating performance and long-term stockholder value. The Company generates revenue by licensing its inventions and solutions, selling its semiconductor products and providing services to market-leading companies.
WhileBuilding upon the Company has historically focused its efforts on the developmentfoundation of technologies for electronics memory, SerDes and other chip interfaces, the Company has expanded its portfolio of inventions and solutions to address additional markets in lighting, chip and system security, as well as new areas within the semiconductor industry, such as computational sensingmobile payments and imaging.smart ticketing. The Company intends to continue its growth into new technology fields, consistent with its mission to create great value through the Company'sits innovations and to make those technologies available through both itsthe shipment of products, the delivery of services, and the Company's licensing and non-licensing business models. Key to the Company'sits efforts will be hiringis continuing to hire and retainingretain world-class inventors, scientists and engineers to lead the development and deployment of inventions and technology solutions for its fields of focus, and the management and business support personnel necessary to execute its plans and strategies.focus.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Financial Statement Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rambus and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Investments in entities with less than 20% ownership by Rambus and in which Rambus does not have the ability to significantly influence the operations of the investee are accounted for using the cost method and are included in other assets.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year balances were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. None of these reclassifications had an impact on reported net income (loss) or cash flows for any of the periods presented.
Revenue Recognition
Overview
Rambus recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, Rambus has delivered the product or performed the service, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. If any of these criteria are not met, Rambus defers recognizing the revenue until such time as all criteria are met. Determination of whether or not these criteria have been met may require the Company to make judgments, assumptions and estimates based upon current information and historical experience.
Certain revenue contracts consistFor arrangements that involve the delivery of more than one element, each license, service fees associated with integrationor product is evaluated to determine whether it qualifies as a separate unit of Rambus' solutions into its customers’ products and fees associated with providing training, evaluation and test equipmentaccounting. This determination is based on whether the deliverable has “stand-alone value” to its customers. Under the accounting guidance, if the deliverables have standalone value upon delivery, Rambus accounts forcustomer. The consideration that is fixed or determinable is then allocated to each deliverable separately. When multiple deliverables included in an arrangement are separated into different unitsseparate unit of accounting the arrangement consideration is allocated to the identified separate units based on athe relative selling price hierarchy.of each deliverable. Rambus determines the relative selling price for a deliverable based on its best estimate of selling price (“BESP”). Except for some revenue associated to the acquisition of Bell Identification Ltd., Rambus has determined that vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price for each deliverable is not available as thereit lacks a consistent number of standalone sales and third-party evidence is not a practical alternative due to differences in its service offerings compared to other parties and the availability of relevant third-party pricing information. Rambus determined BESP by considering its overall pricing objectives and market conditions. Significant pricing practices taken into consideration include discounting practices, the size

56

RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

and volume of transactions, the customer demographic, the geographic area where services are sold, price lists, go-to-market strategy, historical standalone sales and contract prices. The determination of BESP is made through consultation with and approval by management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy. As the go-to-market strategies evolve, Rambus may modify its pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in relative selling prices. In most cases, the relative values of the undelivered components are not material to

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the overall arrangement and are typically delivered within twelve months after the core product has been delivered. In such agreements, selling price is determined for each component and any difference between the total of the separate BESP and total contract consideration (i.e. discount) is allocated pro-rata across each of the components in the arrangement.
During 2013,the first quarter of 2016, the Company expanded its business strategyacquired Smart Card Software Ltd., which included Bell Identification Ltd. and Ecebs Ltd. which transact mostly in software and hosted services (SaaS) arrangements, respectively. For software arrangements that include multiple elements, including software licenses, professional services and maintenance services, Rambus allocates and defers revenue for the undelivered items (typically only the maintenance services) based on the fair value using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), and recognizes the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred for the undelivered item(s) as revenue. VSOE of monetizing its patent portfolio to includefair value of each maintenance element is based on the salecontractual stated renewal rate for that maintenance element. When VSOE of selected intellectual property. The Company'sfair value does not exist for undelivered items, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the performance period. For hosted services arrangements, Rambus recognizes the revenue from the arrangements over the service obligation period.
Rambus’ revenue consists of royalty revenue and contract and other revenue derived from Memory and Interface Division ("MID"), RSD and RLD operating segments. Royalty revenue consists of patent license and technology license royalties. Contract and other revenue consists of software license fees, engineering fees associated with integration of Rambus’ technology solutions into its customers’ related support and maintenance, as well as sale of products.
The Company's MID business continues to grow its patent portfolio and actively engageengages with various external parties to monetize the patent portfolio and explore new revenue opportunities. As the sales of such patents developed by the MID business unit under this expanded strategy represents a component of the Company's ongoing major or central operations, the Company records the related proceeds as revenue. The Company will recognize the revenue when there is persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement, fees are fixed or determinable, delivery has occurred and collectibility is reasonably assured. These requirements are generally fulfilled upon closing of the patent sale transaction.
Rambus’ revenue consists of royalty revenue and contract and other revenue derived from MID, Cryptography Research Division ("CRD") and Lighting and Display Technologies ("LDT") operating segments. Royalty revenue consists of patent license and technology license royalties. Contract and other revenue consists of fixed license fees, fixed engineering fees and service fees associated with integration of Rambus’ technology solutions into its customers’ products as well as sale of products.
Royalty Revenue
Rambus generally recognizes royalty revenue upon notification by its customers and when deemed collectible. The terms of the royalty agreements generally either require customers to give Rambus notification and to pay the royalties within a specified period or are based on a fixed royalty that is due within a specified period. Many of Rambus’ customers have the right to cancel their licenses. In such arrangements, revenue is only recognized to the extent that is consistent with the cancellation provisions. Cancellation provisions within such contracts generally provide for a prospective cancellation with no refund of fees already remitted by customers for products provided and payment for services rendered prior to the date of cancellation. Rambus has two types of royalty revenue: (1) patent license royalties and (2) technology license royalties.
Patent licenses - Rambus licenses its broad portfolio of patented inventions to companies who use these inventions in the development and manufacture of their own products. Such licensing agreements may cover the license of part, or all, of Rambus' patent portfolio. The contractual terms of the agreements generally provide for payments over an extended period of time. For the licensing agreements with fixed royalty payments, Rambus generally recognizes revenue from these arrangements as amounts become due. For the licensing agreements with variable royalty payments which can be based on either a percentage of sales or number of units sold, Rambus earns royalties at the time that the customers’ sales occur. Rambus’ customers, however, do not report and pay royalties owed for sales in any given quarter until after the conclusion of that quarter. As Rambus is unable to estimate the customers’ sales in any given quarter to determine the royalties due to Rambus, it recognizes royalty revenues based on royalties reported by customers during the quarter and when other revenue recognition criteria are met.
In addition, Rambus may enter into certain settlements of patent infringement disputes. The amount of consideration received upon any settlement (including but not limited to past royalty payments, future royalty payments and punitive damages) is allocated to each element of the settlement based on the fair value of each element. In addition, revenues related to past royalties are recognized upon execution of the agreement by both parties, provided that the amounts are fixed or determinable, there are no significant undelivered obligations and collectability is reasonably assured. Rambus does not recognize any revenues prior to execution of the agreement since there is no reliable basis on which it can estimate the amounts for royalties related to previous periods or assess collectability. Elements that are related to royalty revenue in nature (including but not limited to past royalty payments and future royalty payments) will be recorded as royalty revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Elements that are not related to royalty revenue in nature (including but not limited to punitive damage and settlement) will be recorded as gain from settlement which is reflected as a separate line item within the operating expenses section in the consolidated statements of operations.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Technology licenses - Rambus develops proprietary and industry-standard products that it provides to its customers under technology license agreements. These arrangements include royalties, which can be based on either a percentage of sales or

57

RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

number of units sold. Rambus earns royalties on such licensed products sold worldwide by its customers at the time that the customers’ sales occur. Rambus’ customers, however, do not report and pay royalties owed for sales in any given quarter until after the conclusion of that quarter. As Rambus is unable to estimate the customers’ sales in any given quarter to determine the royalties due to Rambus, it recognizes royalty revenues based on royalties reported by customers during the quarter and when other revenue recognition criteria are met.
Contract and Other Revenue
Product revenue is recognized upon shipment of product to customers, net of accruals for estimated sales returns and allowances, which to date, have not been significant. However, some of the Company’s sales are made through distributors under arrangements that allow for price protection or rights of return on product unsold by the distributors. Product revenue on sales made through distributors with rights of return or price protection is deferred until the distributors sell the product to end customers. Sales to distributors are included in deferred revenue and the Company defers the related costs until sale to the end customers occurs. Price protection rights allow distributors the right to a credit in the event of declines in the price of the Company’s product that they hold prior to the sale to an end customer. In the event that the Company reduces the selling price of products held by distributors, deferred revenue related to distributors with price protection rights is reduced upon notification to the customer of the price change. The Company’s sales to direct customers are made primarily pursuant to standard purchase orders for delivery of products. The Company generally allows customers to cancel or change purchase orders within limited notice periods prior to the scheduled shipment.
For software arrangements that include multiple elements, including software licenses, professional services and maintenance services, Rambus allocates and defers revenue for the undelivered items (typically only the maintenance services) based on the VSOE, and recognizes the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred for the undelivered item(s) as revenue. VSOE of fair value of each maintenance element is based on the contractual stated renewal rate for that maintenance element. When VSOE of fair value does not exist for undelivered items, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the performance period.
For software arrangements, the Company uses the percentage-of-completion method for contracts that involve the implementation of software solutions and that qualify for percentage-of-completion revenue accounting (e.g. software arrangements that contain a PCS element that has VSOE of fair value established and that have no refund rights that would allow a customer refunds of fees paid under the arrangement). Revenue is recognized based on man-days incurred during the reporting period as compared to the estimated total man-days necessary for each contract, not to exceed the billable project acceptances received, with deferral of corresponding contract costs, if applicable. Should a loss be anticipated on a contract, the full amount of the loss would be recorded when the loss is determinable. Maintenance and support revenue includes post-implementation customer support and the right to unspecified software updates and enhancements on a when and if available basis. The Company recognizes revenue from maintenance arrangements ratably over the sale of products when risk of loss and title have transferred to customers, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. The Company accrues for sales returns and warranty based on experience, none ofperiod in which the services are currently material.provided.
Rambus generally recognizes revenue using percentage of completion or proportional performance for
For development contracts related to licenses of its solutions that involve significant engineering and integration services. For agreements accounted for usingservices, the percentage-of-completion method, Rambus determinesCompany uses the proportional performance method. The measurement of progress to completion using input measuresis based upon contracton actual man-months incurred during the reporting period, not to exceed the billable project acceptances received. Contract costs are recognized as incurred. Rambus has evaluated useMaintenance and support revenue includes minimal hours of output measures versus input measurespost-implementation customer support that is recognized ratably over the support period.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue includes cost of professional services, materials, including cost of wafers processed by third-party foundries, cost associated with packaging and has determined that its output is not sufficiently uniformassembly, test and shipping, cost of personnel, including stock-based compensation, and equipment associated with respect tomanufacturing support, logistics and quality assurance, warranty cost, timeamortization of developed technology, amortization of step-up values of inventory from acquisitions, write down of inventories, amortization of production mask costs, overhead and effort per unitan allocated portion of output to use output measures as a measure of progress to completion.occupancy costs.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is subject to at least an annual assessment

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

for impairment, applying a fair-value based test. The Company performs its impairment analysis of goodwill on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of the year unless conditions arise that warrant a more frequent evaluation.
Goodwill is allocated to the various reporting units which are generally operating segments. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using an income or discounted cash flows approach.
Under the income approach, the Company measures fair value of the reporting unit based on a projected cash flow method using a discount rate determined by its management which is commensurate with the risk inherent in its current business model. The Company’s discounted cash flow projections are based on its annual financial forecasts developed internally by management for use in managing its business. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit's fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired by a market participant in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, 20152017 and determined that the fair value of the reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying values.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of existing technology, customer contracts and contractual relationships, and other definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are estimated by management based on the fair value of assets received. Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the Company's in-process research and development ("IPR&D") are capitalized and subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each project, the Company makes a separate determination of the useful life of the acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets and the related amortization is recorded as an expense over the estimated useful life of the specific projects. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment, applying a fair-value based test. Under the income approach, the Company measures fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets based on a projected cash flow method using a discount rate determined by its management which is commensurate with the risk inherent in its current business model. The Company’s discounted cash flow projections are based on its annual financial forecasts developed internally by management for use in managing its business. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds its carrying value, the indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired and no further testing is required. If the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventories are reduced for write downs based on periodic reviews for evidence of slow-moving or obsolete parts. The write-down is based on comparison between inventory on hand and estimated future sales for each specific product. Once written down, inventory write downs are not reversed until the inventory is sold or scrapped. Inventory write downs are also established when conditions indicate that the net realizable value is less than cost due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price level or other causes.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment include computer equipment, computer software, machinery, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures and buildings. Computer equipment, computer software, machinery, and furniture and fixtures are stated at cost and generally depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 3, 3 to 5, 2 or 7, and 3 years, respectively. TheIn past years, the Company undertook a series of structural improvements to ready the Sunnyvale and Brecksville facilities for its use. The Company concluded that its requirement to fund construction costs and responsibility for cost overruns resulted in the Company being considered the owner of the buildings during the construction period for accounting purposes. Upon

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completion of construction, the Company concluded that it retained sufficient continuing involvement to preclude de-recognitionde-

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

recognition of the buildings under the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")FASB's authoritative guidance applicable to sale leaseback for real estate. As such, the Company continues to account for the buildings as owned real estate and to record an imputed financing obligation for its obligation to the legal owners. The buildings will beare being depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 39 years. See Note 9, “Balance Sheet Details,” and Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional details. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the initial terms of the leases. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the related gain or loss is included in the results from operations.
Long-livedDefinite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Asset Impairment
The Company evaluates long-liveddefinite-lived and indefinite-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposition. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows attributable to its long-lived asset groups require significant judgment based on its historical and anticipated results and are subject to many factors. Factors that the Company considers important which could trigger an impairment review include significant negative industry or economic trends, significant loss of clients, and significant changes in the manner of its use of the acquired assets or the strategy for its overall business.
When the Company determines that the carrying value of the long-lived asset groups may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, the Company measures the potential impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by the Company to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the Company’s current business model. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The impairment charge is recorded to reduce the pre-impairment carrying amount of the long-lived assets based on the relative carrying amount of those assets, though not to reduce the carrying amount of an asset below its fair value. Different assumptions and judgments could materially affect the calculation of the fair value of the long-lived assets. During 20152017 and 2014,, the Company did not recognize any impairment of its long-liveddefinite-lived and indefinite-lived assets. During 2013,2016, the Company recognized an impairment of its long-lived assets related to its LDTIPR&D intangible asset group and CRD favorable contract asset group.of $18.3 million. See Note 5, "Intangible Assets and Goodwill" for further details.details
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax events that have been recognized differently in Rambus' consolidated financial statements and tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of the enacted tax law and the effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized based on available evidence.

In addition, the calculation of the Company's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. As a result, the Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax return. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.
Stock-Based Compensation and Equity Incentive Plans
The Company maintained stock plans covering a broad range of equity grants including stock options, nonvested equity stock and equity stock units and performance based instruments. In addition, the Company sponsors an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), whereby eligible employees are entitled to purchase Common Stock semi-annually, by means of limited payroll deductions, at a 15% discount from the fair market value of the Common Stock as of specific dates.
The Company determines compensation expense associated with restricted stock units based on the fair value of its common stock on the date of grant. The Company determines compensation expense associated with stock options based on the estimated grant date fair value method using the Black-Scholes Merton valuation model. The Company generally recognizes compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method over the respective vesting period for awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-basedStock-based compensation expense for 2015, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers voluntary termination behaviors as well as trends of actual option forfeitures. The Company will only recognize a tax benefit from stock-based awards in additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax benefit is realized after all other tax attributes currently available have been utilized. In addition, the

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Company has elected to account for the indirect effects of stock-based awards on other tax attributes, such as the research tax credits, through the consolidated statement of operations as part of the tax effect of stock-based compensation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company maintains its cash balances with high quality financial institutions. Cash equivalents are invested in highly-rated and highly-liquid money market securities and certain U.S. government sponsored obligations.

Marketable Securities
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices, with the unrealized gains or losses reported, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, both of which are included in interest and other income, net. Realized gains and losses are recorded on the specific identification method and are included in interest and other income, net. The Company reviews its investments in marketable securities for possible other than temporary impairments on a regular basis. If any loss on investment is believed to be a credit loss, a charge will be recognized in operations. In evaluating whether a credit loss on a debt security has occurred, the Company considers the following factors: 1) the Company’s intent to sell the security, 2) if the Company intends to hold the security, whether or not it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis and 3) even if the Company intends to hold the security, whether or not the Company expects the security to recover the entire amortized cost basis. Due to the high credit quality and short term nature of the Company’s investments, there have been no material credit losses recorded to date. The classification of funds between short-term and long-term is based on whether the securities are available for use in operations or other purposes.
Non-Marketable Securities
The Company had an investment in a non-marketable security of a private company which was carried at cost until it was fully impaired during 2014. The Company monitored the investment for other-than-temporary impairment and recorded appropriate reductions in carrying value when necessary. See Note 8, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for further details.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016. Marketable securities are comprised of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax. Fair value of the marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices. The fair market value of the Company's convertible notes fluctuates with interest rates and with the market price of the common stock, but does not affect the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet.
Research and Development
Costs incurred in research and development, which include engineering expenses, such as salaries and related benefits, stock-based compensation, depreciation, professional services and overhead expenses related to the general development of Rambus’ products, are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are capitalized beginning when a product’s technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. Rambus has not capitalized any software development costs since the period between establishing technological feasibility and general customer release is relatively short and as such, these costs have not been material.
Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, employee stock purchases, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible notes. The dilutive effect of outstanding shares is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. This method includes consideration of the amounts to be paid by the employees, the amount of excess tax benefits that would be recognized in equity if the instrument was exercised and the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation related to future services.

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No potential dilutive common shares are included in the computation of any diluted per share amount when a net loss is reported.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities. Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Credit Concentration
As of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were invested with various financial institutions in the form of corporate notes, bonds and commercial paper, money market funds, U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government Agencies, and municipal bonds and notes. The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its investment portfolio. The Company places its investments with high credit issuers and, by investment policy, attempts to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. As stated in the Company’s investment policy, it will ensure the safety and preservation of the Company’s invested funds by limiting default risk and market risk. The Company has no investments denominated in foreign country currencies and therefore is not subject to foreign exchange risk from these assets.
The Company mitigates default risk by investing in high credit quality securities and by positioning its portfolio to respond appropriately to a significant reduction in a credit rating of any investment issuer or guarantor. The portfolio includes only marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to enable portfolio liquidity.
The Company’s note hedge transactions, entered into in connection with the 1.375% convertible senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), expose the Company to credit risk to the extent that its counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the transactions. The Company mitigates this risk by limiting its counterparties to major financial institutions. See Note 10, "Convertible Notes" for further details.
The Company's accounts receivable are derived from revenue earned from customers located in the U.S. and internationally. See Note 6, "Segments and Major Customers" for further details.
Foreign Currency RemeasurementTranslation and Re-measurement
The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenue and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Gains and losses from these translations are recognized in foreign currency translation included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries currentlythat use the U.S. dollar as thetheir functional currency. Remeasurement adjustments for non-functional currency re-measure monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange raterates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue, expenses, gains or losses are translated at the average exchange rate for theend of each period, and inventories, property and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates. The remeasurementAdditionally, foreign currency transaction gains and losses of these foreign subsidiaries as well as gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in interest income and other (income) expense, net, in the consolidated statements of operations and arewere not material for anyin the periods presented.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for acquisitions of business using the purchase method of accounting, which requires the Company to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations.
Accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including the Company’s estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed and pre-acquisition contingencies where applicable. Although, the Company believes the assumptions and estimates made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets the Company acquired include future expected cash flows from product sales, customer contracts and acquired technologies, expected costs to develop IPR&D into commercially viable products and estimated cash flows from the projects when completed and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
Litigation
Rambus may be involved in certain legal proceedings. Based upon consultation with outside counsel handling its defense in these matters and an analysis of potential results, if Rambus believes that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, Rambus records the estimated liability in its consolidated financial statements. If only a range of

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

estimated losses can be determined, Rambus records an amount within the range that, in its judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, Rambus records the low end of the range. Any such accrual would be charged to expense in the appropriate period. Rambus recognizes litigation expenses in the period in which the litigation services were provided.
3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015,July 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes2017-11,"Earnings Per Share (Topic 740)260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)." to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in Part I of this update require that deferred tax liabilities and assetsASU change the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments (or embedded features) with down round features. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as non-currentliabilities or equity instruments, a down round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. As a result, a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded conversion option) no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of the existence of a down round feature. For freestanding equity classified financial instruments, the amendments require entities that present earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Topic 260 to recognize the effect of the down round feature when it is triggered. That effect is treated as a classified statementdividend and as a reduction of financial position.income available to common shareholders in basic EPS. Convertible instruments with embedded conversion options that have down round features are now subject to the specialized guidance for contingent beneficial conversion features (in Subtopic 470-20, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options), including related EPS guidance (in Topic 260). The amendments in Part II of this ASU recharacterize the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the FASB codification, to a scope exception. Those amendments do not have an accounting effect. This ASU is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal yearsinterim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years.2018. Early adoption is permitted.permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company has early adoptedis currently evaluating the impact that this ASU as of December 31, 2015guidance will have on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company'sits consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015,May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation2017-09, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Debt Issuance Costs,Modification Accounting," which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented inamends the balance sheet as a direct deduction fromscope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the carrying amountfair value, vesting conditions, and classification of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. This ASU requires retrospective adoptionis effective for interim and is effective

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for financial statements issued for fiscal yearsannual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014,March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Compensation2017-08, "Receivables - Stock CompensationNonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Topic 718),310): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities," which makes amendmentsamends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. This ASU will shorten the amortization period for the premium to be amortized to the codification topic 718, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments," when the terms of an award provide thatearliest call date. This ASU does not apply to securities held at a performance target coulddiscount, which will continue to be achieved after the requisite service period. The new accounting standards update becomesamortized to maturity. This ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016.interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, resultsstatements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment," which removes Step 2 of operationsthe goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business." The amendment seeks to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill and consolidation. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The amendments should be applied prospectively on or after the effective dates. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 which amends the guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows.This ASU provides guidance in a number of situations including, among others, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and distributions received from equity method investees. The ASU also provides guidance for


classifying cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is applied retrospectively. The Company has early adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014,June 2016, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board issued their converged accounting standards update on revenue recognition.ASU No. 2016-13. The core principlepurpose of the new guidancethis ASU is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration (that is, payment) to which the company expectsrequire a financial asset measured at amortized cost basis to be entitled in exchangepresented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for those goods or services. The new guidance also will result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, service revenue and contract modifications) and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this accounting standards update by one year. The new accounting standards update becomescredit losses. This ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial condition and results of operations.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification in the statement of cash flows. The updated standard no longer requires cash flows related to excess tax benefits to be presented as a financing activity separate from other income tax cash flows. The update also allows entities to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, clarifies that all cash payments to taxing authorities made on an employee's behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows, and provides for an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. The impact of the adoption is as follows:
This ASU requires excess tax benefits to be recognized regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable. The adoption of this guidance on a modified retrospective basis resulted in the recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment of $38.2 million that reduced the Company's accumulated deficit and increased its deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2017. The previously unrecognized California excess tax effects were recorded as a deferred tax asset net of a valuation allowance.
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation are now classified in operating activities in the statement of cash flows instead of being separately stated in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 (adopted prospectively).
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company included approximately $5.1 million in payments of taxes on restricted stock units within financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Prior to the adoption of this ASU, the Company included these payments within the operating activities section of the cash flow. Consequently, the Company reclassified $3.1 million and $0.8 million in payments of taxes on restricted stock units from operating activities to financing activities during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to conform with the current period presentation.
The Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of stock-based compensation cost to be recognized in each period. As such, the guidance relating to forfeitures did not have an impact on its accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2017.
Additionally, the Company anticipates the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective tax rates as a result of the continued application of ASU No. 2016-09.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases." This ASU requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities for operating leases, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, on the balance sheet. In addition, it requires lessees to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-01, which clarifies the related transition and accounting for existing and new or modified land easements. The ASUs will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, and requires adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330)," which applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. Under the updated guidance, an entity should measure inventory that is within scope at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory that is measured using last-in, last-out (“LIFO”). This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“the New Revenue Standard”). The New Revenue Standard sets forth a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability. The New Revenue Standard requires revenue recognition to depict the transfer of 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. In March 2016, the FASB amended the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in the New Revenue Standard. In April 2016, the FASB amended the guidance on identifying performance obligations and the implementation guidance on licensing in the New Revenue Standard. In May 2016, the FASB amended the guidance on collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax, and transition to the New Revenue Standard. In November 2017, the FASB amended the codification to incorporate SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 116 that brings existing SEC staff guidance into conformity with the FASB's adoption of and amendments to the New Revenue Standard. The New Revenue Standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018. The New Revenue Standard can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (i.e., full retrospective adoption) or with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of the initial application (i.e., modified retrospective adoption) along with additional disclosures.
The Company will adopt the New Revenue Standard effective January 1, 2018 and will utilize the full retrospective method to restate each prior period presented. A cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2016 will be determined on the basis of the impact of the New Revenue Standard on the accounting for contracts that were not completed as of that date.
Aspart of the Company’s assessment and implementation plan, the Company is evaluating and implementing internal control changes and key systems functionality to enable the preparation and reporting of the financial information required by the New Revenue Standard, and has reached conclusions on key accounting considerations related to the New Revenue Standard. The Company expects the New Revenue Standard to have a material impact on royalty revenue due to the elimination of mandatory revenue deferral for extended payment terms. Based on the results of the Company’s impact assessment analysis, the New Revenue Standard will materially impact the timing of revenue recognition for the Company’s fixed-fee intellectual property (IP) and minimum guarantee licensing arrangements as such revenue will be accelerated and recognized upon commencement of a license term, as opposed to over time as is the case under current U.S. GAAP, and the Company will be required to compute and recognize interest income over time under such arrangements, as control over the IP transfers significantly in advance of cash being received from licensees. The Company expects such changes to its current revenue recognition practices to significantly increase volatility in its quarterly revenue trends. In addition, and in accordance with existing U.S. GAAP, the Company currently recognizes revenue from per-unit royalty-based IP licenses in the period the licensee reports its sales, generally in the quarter after the underlying sales by the licensee occurred. On adoption of the New Revenue Standard, such royalties will be recognized as revenue during the period in which the licensee's sales are estimated to have occurred, which will result in an adjustment to revenue when actual amounts are subsequently reported by the Company's licensees. The Company is still assessing the impact that the adoption of the New Revenue Standard will have on its other revenue streams.
The Company will finalize its accounting assessment and quantification of the effects the New Revenue Standard will have on its consolidated financial statements during the first quarter of 2018.
4. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
For the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Net income (loss) per share:          
Numerator:          
Net income (loss)$211,388
 $26,201
 $(33,748)$(22,862) $6,820
 $211,388
Denominator:          
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic114,814
 114,318
 112,415
110,198
 110,162
 114,814
Effect of potential dilutive common shares2,670
 3,306
 

 2,978
 2,670
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted117,484
 117,624
 112,415
110,198
 113,140
 117,484
Basic net income (loss) per share$1.84
 $0.23
 $(0.30)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.84
Diluted net income (loss) per share$1.80
 $0.22
 $(0.30)$(0.21) $0.06
 $1.80

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, options to purchase approximately 1.5 million, 2.5 million, 5.62.2 million and 7.32.5 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation because they were anti-dilutive after considering proceeds from exercise, taxes and related unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2013,2017, an additional 3.33.7 million potentially dilutive shares have been excluded from the weighted average dilutive shares because there was a net loss for the period. These shares do not include the Company’s 5% convertible senior notes due 2014 (the "2014 Notes")2023 Notes and the 1.125% convertible senior notes due 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). The par amount of convertible notes is payable in cash equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest and then the “in-the-money” conversion benefit feature at the conversion price above $19.31$18.93 and $12.07, respectively, per share is payable in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of both. The Company has the option to pay cash, issue shares of common stock or any combination thereof for the aggregate amount due upon conversion of the notes. The Company’s intent is to settle the principal amount of the notes in cash upon conversion. As a result, upon conversion of the notes, only the amounts payable in excess of the principal amounts of the notes are considered in diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method. Refer to Note 10, "Convertible Notes” for more details.
5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
In the fourth quarter of 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis for the MID and CRDRSD reporting units, which are the only reporting units with goodwill. The Company estimated the fair value of the reporting units using the income approach which was determined using Level 3 fair value inputs. The utilization of the income approach to determine fair value requires estimates of future operating results and cash flows discounted using an estimated discount rate. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

As of December 31, 2015,2017, the fair value of the MID reporting unit, with $19.9$66.6 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 226%270% and the fair value of the CRDRSD reporting unit, with $97.0$143.0 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 45%155%. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the MID and CRDRSD reporting units at December 31, 2015,2017, were the revenue growth rates for the forecast period and terminal year, terminal growth rates and discount rates. Certain estimates used in the income approach involve information for new product lines with limited financial history and developing revenue models which increase the risk of differences between the projected and actual performance. The discount rate of 13%12% for MID and 20%16.5% for CRDRSD is based on the reporting units’ overall risk profile relative to other guideline companies, market adoption of the Company's technology, the reporting units’ respective industry as well as the visibility of future expected cash flows. The terminal growth rate applied to determine fair value for both reporting units was 3%, which was based on historical experience as well as anticipated economic conditions, industry data and long term outlook for the business. These assumptions are inherently uncertain.
As of December 31, 2014,2016, the fair value of the MID reporting unit, with $19.9$66.6 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 511%299% and the fair value of the CRDRSD reporting unit, with $97.0$138.2 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 53%89%. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the MID and CRDRSD reporting units at December 31, 2014,2016, were the revenue growth rates for the forecast period and terminal year, terminal growth rates and discount rates. Certain estimates used in the income approach involve information for new product lines with limited financial history and developing revenue models which increase the risk of differences between the projected and actual performance. The discount rate of 15%12% for MID and 22%16.5% for CRDRSD is based on the reporting units’ overall risk profile relative to other guideline companies, market adoption of the Company's technology, the reporting units’ respective industry as well as the visibility of future expected cash flows. The terminal growth rate applied to determine fair value for both reporting units was 3%, which was based on historical experience as well as anticipated economic conditions, industry data and long term outlook for the business. These assumptions are inherently uncertain.
It is reasonably possible that the businesses could perform significantly below the Company's expectations or a deterioration of market and economic conditions could occur. This would adversely impact the Company's ability to meet its projected results, which could cause the goodwill in any of its reporting units or long-livedintangible assets in any of its asset groups to become impaired. Significant differences between these estimates and actual cash flows could materially affect the Company's future financial results. If the reporting units are not successful in commercializing new business arrangements, if the businesses are unsuccessful in signing new license agreements or renewing its existing license agreements, or if the Company is unsuccessful in managing its costs, the revenue and income for these reporting units could adversely and materially deviate from their historical trends and could cause goodwill or long-livedintangible assets to become impaired. If the Company determines that its goodwill or long-livedintangible assets are impaired, it would be required to record a non-cash charge that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations and financial position.
2013 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
During the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of the change in business strategy for the LDT reporting unit to reduce its focus on the lower margin bulb products, the Company revised its projected cash flows for LDT, triggering an impairment analysis for long-lived assets.
As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company concluded that its LDT asset group was not able to recover the carrying amount of its assets. Determining the fair value of an asset group unit is judgmental in nature and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, considered to be Level 3 fair value inputs, including current replacement costs, revenue growth rates and operating margins, and discount rates, among others. Accordingly, the Company was required to make various estimates in determining the fair values of the LDT asset group. Due to the highly customized nature of the LDT manufacturing equipment, the Company primarily utilized the cost approach to estimate the fair value of its property, plant and equipment. To determine the estimated fair value of its property, plant and equipment, adjustment factors, including cost trend factors, were applied to each individual asset's original cost in order to estimate current replacement cost. The current replacement cost was then adjusted for estimated deductions to recognize the effects of deterioration and obsolescence from all causes, as well as indirect costs such as installation. Where appropriate, the Company utilized a market approach to estimate the fair value of its property, plant and equipment. This approach included the identification of market prices in actual transactions for similar assets based on asking prices for assets currently available for sale, as well as obtaining and reviewing certain direct market values based quoted prices with manufacturers and secondary market participants for similar equipment. Upon completion of this analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million for building and related improvements, machinery and equipment, and software in its LDT asset group, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The estimated fair value of the LDT acquired existing technology intangible assets was determined based on the income approach, using Level 3 fair value inputs, as it was deemed to be the most indicative of the fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants.
Under the income approach the Company determined fair value based on the estimated future cash flows resulting from the licensing of the technology underlying the intangible assets. The estimated cash flows in the income approach were discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Upon completion of this analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 related to the acquired intangible assets.
Also, during the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of changes in one customer's business, the Company recorded a $1.5 million impairment charge related to its CRD favorable contracts (refer to "Intangible Assets" table below for further discussion on favorable contracts) due to a decline in the projected cash flows from the customer.
The long-lived asset impairment charges for LDT and CRD aggregating to $9.7 million were included in "Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $12.9 million and $99.4 million of long-lived assets remaining in its LDT and CRD asset groups, respectively.
2013 Impairment of Goodwill
During the third quarter of 2013, the Company curtailed its immersive media platform spending. The Company conducted an impairment review as a result of the change of its strategy related to the immersive media platform. As a result of this impairment review, the Company recorded a charge of $8.1 million to fully impair the goodwill related to the MTD reporting unit which was part of the Other segment. The goodwill impairment charge was reflected in "Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company estimated the fair value of the MTD reporting unit using the income approach which was determined using Level 3 fair value inputs. The discount rate used of 36% is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the business and the projected cash flows.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis for the MID and CRD reporting units, which were the only reporting units with goodwill.
As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the MID reporting unit, with $19.9 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 480%; the fair value of the CRD reporting unit, with $97.0 million of goodwill, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets by approximately 44%. To arrive at the cash flow projections utilized in the income approach, the Company used the reporting unit’s forecast of estimated operating results based on assumptions such as long-term revenue growth rates, costs and estimates of future anticipated changes in operating margins based on economic and market information. Key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the MID and CRD reporting units at December 31, 2013, were the revenue growth rates for the forecast period and terminal year, terminal growth rates and discount rates. Certain estimates used in the income approach involve information for new product lines with limited financial history and developing revenue models which increase the risk of differences between the projected and actual performance. The discount rate of 14% for MID and 21% for CRD is based on the reporting units’ overall risk profile relative to other guideline companies, the reporting units’ respective industry as well as the visibility of future expected cash flows. The terminal growth rate applied to determine fair value for both reporting units was 3%, which was based on historical experience as well as anticipated economic conditions, industry data and long term outlook for the business. These assumptions are inherently uncertain.
Goodwill
The following tables present goodwill information for each of the reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014:2016:
Reportable Segment:December 31,
2014
 Addition to Goodwill Impairment Charge of Goodwill December 31,
2015
December 31,
2016
 Addition to Goodwill (1) Impairment Charge of Goodwill Effect of Exchange Rates (2) December 31,
2017
(In thousands)(In thousands)
MID$19,905
 $
 $
 $19,905
$66,643
 $
 $
 $
 $66,643
CRD96,994
 
 
 96,994
RSD138,151
 803
 
 4,064
 143,018
Total$116,899
 $
 $
 $116,899
$204,794
 $803
 $
 $4,064
 $209,661
(1) During the first quarter of 2017, the Company corrected an immaterial error related to an overstatement in prepaids and other current assets that originated in 2016.

(2) Effect of exchange rates relates to foreign currency translation adjustments for the period.
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 As of December 31, 2017
Reportable Segment:Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Carrying Amount
 (In thousands)
MID$66,643
 $
 $66,643
RSD143,018
 
 143,018
Other21,770
 (21,770) 
   Total$231,431
 $(21,770) $209,661

Table
Reportable Segment:December 31,
2015
 Addition to Goodwill (1) Impairment Charge of Goodwill Effect of Exchange Rates (2) December 31,
2016
  
MID$19,905
 $46,738
 $
 $
 $66,643
RSD96,994
 46,903
 
 (5,746) 138,151
   Total$116,899
 $93,641
 $
 $(5,746) $204,794
(1) The additions to goodwill are a result of Contentsthe acquisitions of Smart Card Software Limited (“SCS”) during the first quarter of 2016, and Inphi's Memory Interconnect Business and the assets of the Snowbush IP group during the third quarter of 2016. See Note 18, “Acquisitions” for further details.
RAMBUS
(2) Effect of exchange rates relates to foreign currency translation adjustments for the period.

 As of December 31, 2016
Reportable Segment:Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Carrying Amount
  
MID$66,643
 $
 $66,643
RSD138,151
 
 138,151
Other21,770
 (21,770) 
   Total$226,564
 $(21,770) $204,794
Intangible Assets

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 As of December 31, 2015
Reportable Segment:Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Carrying Amount
 (In thousands)
MID$19,905
 $
 $19,905
CRD96,994
 
 96,994
Other21,770
 (21,770) 
   Total$138,669
 $(21,770) $116,899
Reportable Segment:December 31,
2013
 Addition to Goodwill Impairment Charge of Goodwill December 31,
2014
  
MID$19,905
 $
 $
 $19,905
CRD96,994
 
 
 96,994
   Total$116,899
 $
 $
 $116,899
 As of December 31, 2014
Reportable Segment:Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment Losses Net Carrying Amount
  
MID$19,905
 $
 $19,905
CRD96,994
 
 96,994
Other21,770
 (21,770) 
   Total$138,669
 $(21,770) $116,899
Intangible Assets
The components of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 20142016 were as follows:
 As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2017
Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying AmountUseful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Existing technology3 to 10 years $185,321
 $(127,028) $58,293
3 to 10 years $258,008
 $(191,554) $66,454
Customer contracts and contractual relationships1 to 10 years 31,093
 (25,120) 5,973
1 to 10 years 68,794
 (48,626) 20,168
Non-compete agreements3 years 300
 (300) 
Non-compete agreements and trademarks3 years 300
 (300) 
In-process research and developmentNot applicable 5,100
 
 $5,100
Total intangible assets $216,714
 $(152,448) $64,266
 $332,202
 $(240,480) $91,722

 As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2016
Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying AmountUseful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Existing technology(1)3 to 10 years $185,321
 $(104,426) $80,895
3 to 10 years $256,656
 $(156,577) $100,079
Customer contracts and contractual relationships(1)1 to 10 years 31,093
 (22,617) 8,476
1 to 10 years 65,109
 (37,900) 27,209
Non-compete agreements3 years 300
 (300) 
Non-compete agreements and trademarks3 years 300
 (300) 
In-process research and development (2)Not applicable 5,100
 
 $5,100
Total intangible assets $216,714
 $(127,343) $89,371
 $327,165
 $(194,777) $132,388
(1) Includes intangible assets from the acquisitions of SCS, Inphi's Memory Interconnect Business, and the assets of the Snowbush IP group. See Note 18, “Acquisitions” for further details.
(2) Includes intangible assets from the acquisitions of Inphi's Memory Interconnect Business and the assets of the Snowbush IP group. See Note 18, “Acquisitions” for further details. The in-process research and development assets are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until the underlying projects are completed or abandoned.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a charge of $18.3 million related to the impairment of some of the in-process research and development intangible asset of the original $21.8 million acquired in the acquisition of the assets of the Snowbush IP group. The impairment of this intangible asset resulted from a delay in the market served by this initiative. This delay will not impact the short-term revenue expectations but may impact the Company's revenue expectations several years into the future.
The favorable contracts (includedIncluded in customer contracts and contractual relationships)relationships are favorable contracts which are acquired patent licensingsoftware and service agreements where the Company has no performance obligations. Cash received from these acquired favorable contracts reduce the favorable contract intangible asset. During 20152017 and 20142016, the Company received $0.1$3.6 million and $0.95.9 million related to

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the favorable contracts, respectively. As of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, the net balance of the favorable contract intangible assets was zero$1.7 million and $0.1$3.6 million, respectively. The estimated useful life is based on expected payment dates related to the favorable contracts. The group of acquired intangible assets had an original estimated weighted average useful life of approximately 7 years from the date of acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company acquired patents related to its memory technology for an immaterial amount. The Company did not purchase any intangible assets in 2016, except for those intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions during 2016. See Note 18, “Acquisitions” for further details.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not sell any intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold portfolios of its intellectual property covering wireless and other technologies for $4.4 million and the related gain was recorded as gain from sale of intellectual property and revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company did not purchase any intangible assets in 2015 and 2014.The Company acquired other patents in 2013 aggregating $2.5 million.
Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016, and 20132015 was $25.1$42.0 million, $26.637.1 million, and $28.925.1 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets as of December 31, 20152017 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Years Ending December 31:AmountAmount
2016$24,311
201723,709
201810,827
$30,382
20191,789
19,942
20201,743
19,220
202112,683
20221,331
Thereafter1,887
3,064
$64,266
Total amortizable purchased intangible assets86,622
In-process research and development5,100
Total intangible assets$91,722
6. Segments and Major Customers
Operating segments are based upon Rambus' internal organization structure, the manner in which its operations are managed, the criteria used by its Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") to evaluate segment performance and availability of separate financial information regularly reviewed for resource allocation and performance assessment.
The Company determined its CODM to be the Chief Executive Officer and determined its operating segments to be: (1) Memory and Interface Division ("MID"),MID, which focuses on the design, development, manufacturing through partnerships and licensing of technology and solutions that is related to memory and interfaces; (2) CRD,RSD, which focuses on the design, development, deployment and licensing of technologies for chip, system and in-field application security, anti-counterfeiting, smart ticketing and mobile payments; (3) ESD, which includes the Rambus Labs team, the computational sensing and imaging group as well as the development efforts in the area of emerging technologies; and (4) RLD, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technologies for chip and system security and anti-counterfeiting; (3) ESD, which includes the computational sensing and imaging group along with the development efforts in the area of emerging technologies; and (4) LDT, which focuses on the design, development and licensing of technologies for lighting.advanced LED-based lighting solutions.
For the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, MID and CRDRSD were considered reportable segments as they met the quantitative thresholds for disclosure as reportable segments. The results of the remaining operating segments are shown under “Other”.
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on segment operating income (loss), which is defined as revenue minus segment operating expenses. Segment operating expenses are comprised of direct operating expenses.
Segment operating expenses do not include sales, general and administrative expenses and the allocation of certain expenses managed at the corporate level, such as stock-based compensation, amortization, and certain bonus and acquisition costs. The “Reconciling Items” category includes these unallocated sales, general and administrative expenses as well as corporate level expenses.
The tables below present reported segment operating income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015:

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 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 MID RSD Other Total
 (In thousands)
Revenues$280,704
 $96,663
 $15,729
 $393,096
Segment operating expenses86,044
 50,010
 33,860
 169,914
Segment operating income (loss)$194,660
 $46,653
 $(18,131) $223,182
Reconciling items 
    
 (168,775)
Operating income 
    
 $54,407
Interest and other income (expense), net 
    
 (13,418)
Income before income taxes 
    
 $40,989
RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 MID CRD Other Total
 (In thousands)
Revenues$221,968
 $50,497
 $23,813
 $296,278
Segment operating expenses47,780
 29,056
 32,147
 108,983
Segment operating income (loss)$174,188
 $21,441
 $(8,334) $187,295
Reconciling items 
    
 (115,875)
Operating income 
    
 $71,420
Interest and other income (expense), net 
    
 (11,189)
Income before income taxes 
    
 $60,231
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
MID CRD Other TotalMID RSD Other Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Revenues$226,303
 $49,330
 $20,925
 $296,558
$239,843
 $76,175
 $20,579
 $336,597
Segment operating expense40,816
 27,608
 34,106
 102,530
68,460
 51,855
 30,397
 150,712
Segment operating income (loss)$185,487
 $21,722
 $(13,181) $194,028
$171,383
 $24,320
 $(9,818) $185,885
Reconciling items      (118,682)      (152,243)
Operating income    

 $75,346
    

 $33,642
Interest and other income (expense), net
   

 (25,096)
   

 (11,005)
Income before income taxes 
    
 $50,250
 
    
 $22,637
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
MID CRD Other TotalMID RSD Other Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Revenues$232,040
 $32,625
 $6,836
 $271,501
$221,968
 $50,497
 $23,813
 $296,278
Segment operating expenses34,823
 20,322
 42,306
 97,451
47,780
 29,056
 32,147
 108,983
Segment operating income (loss)$197,217
 $12,303
 $(35,470) $174,050
$174,188
 $21,441
 $(8,334) $187,295
Reconciling items

   

 (151,586)

   

 (115,875)
Operating income
   

 $22,464

   

 $71,420
Interest and other income (expense), net 
    
 (34,481) 
    
 (11,189)
Loss before income taxes      $(12,017)
Income before income taxes      $60,231
The Company’s CODM does not review information regarding assets on an operating segment basis. Additionally, the Company does not record intersegment revenue or expense.
Accounts receivable from the Company's major customers representing 10% or more of total accounts receivable at December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively, was as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,As of December 31,
Customer  2015 20142017 2016
Customer 1 (MID reportable segment) 16% 33%*
 13%
Customer 2 (Other segment) 27% 50%12% 12%
Customer 3 (MID reportable segment) 28% *
Customer 4 (CRD reportable segment) 21% *
Customer 3 (MID and RSD reportable segment)13% *
Customer 4 (RSD reportable segment)*
 17%
Customer 5 (RSD reportable segment)11% *

*    Customer accounted for less than 10% of total accounts receivable in the period

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Revenue from the Company’s major customers representing 10% or more of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Customer A (MID and CRD reportable segments)20% 20% 33%
Customer A (MID and RSD reportable segments)17% 19% 20%
Customer B (MID reportable segment)19% 16% *
13% 20% 19%
Customer C (MID reportable segment)13% 13% *
13% 13% 13%

* Customer accounted for less than 10% of total revenue in the period
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Revenue from customers in the geographic regions based on the location of contracting parties is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands)(In thousands)
USA$165,263
 $121,209
 $118,278
South Korea$115,486
 $107,441
 $112,806
115,811
 129,542
 115,486
USA118,278
 109,060
 80,652
Japan29,687
 30,454
 51,156
23,378
 30,215
 29,687
Europe9,616
 21,349
 15,985
22,597
 16,031
 9,616
Canada214
 7,119
 7,896
4,373
 3,478
 214
Singapore16,312
 12,980
 
22,554
 17,908
 16,312
Asia-Other6,685
 8,155
 3,006
39,120
 18,214
 6,685
Total$296,278
 $296,558
 $271,501
$393,096
 $336,597
 $296,278
At December 31, 20152017, of the $56.6$54.3 million of total property, plant and equipment, approximately $47.2 million were located in the United States, $3.4 million were located in India and $3.7 million were located in other foreign locations. At December 31, 2016, of the $58.4 million of total property, plant and equipment, approximately $55.2 million were located in the United States, $1.3 million were located in India and $0.1 million were located in other foreign locations. At December 31, 2014, of the $64.0 million of total property, plant and equipment, approximately $63.055.0 million were located in the United States, $0.91.3 million were located in India and $0.12.1 million were located in other foreign locations.
7. Marketable Securities
Rambus invests its excess cash and cash equivalents primarily in U.S. government sponsoredgovernment-sponsored obligations, commercial paper, corporate notes and bonds, money market funds and municipal notes and bonds that mature within three years years.. As of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, all of the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities have a remaining maturity of less than one year year..
All cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are summarized as follows:
As of December 31, 2015As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Weighted Rate of ReturnFair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Weighted Rate of Return
Money market funds$77,804
 $77,804
 $
 $
 0.12%$10,915
 $10,915
 $
 $
 1.16%
U.S. Government bonds and notes14,110
 14,142
 
 (32)
 0.48%55,220
 55,221
 
 (1) 1.12%
Corporate notes, bonds, commercial paper and other160,823
 160,979
 
 (156)
 0.45%195,073
 195,204
 
 (131) 1.39%
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities252,737
 252,925
 
 (188)
  261,208
 261,340
 
 (132)  
Cash34,969
 34,969
 
 
  68,168
 68,168
 
 
  
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities$287,706
 $287,894
 $
 $(188)  $329,376
 $329,508
 $
 $(132)  

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 As of December 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Weighted Rate of Return
Money market funds$10,681
 $10,681
 $
 $
 0.41%
U.S. Government bonds and notes48,292
 48,291
 1
 
 0.39%
Corporate notes, bonds, commercial paper and other62,178
 62,199
 
 (21) 0.66%
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities121,151
 121,171
 1
 (21)  
Cash51,031
 51,031
 
 
  
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities$172,182
 $172,202
 $1
 $(21)  
RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 As of December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Weighted Rate of Return
Money market funds$124,938
 $124,938
 $
 $
 0.01%
Corporate notes, bonds and commercial paper145,983
 146,096
 1
 (114) 0.25%
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities270,921
 271,034
 1
 (114)  
Cash29,188
 29,188
 
 
  
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities$300,109
 $300,222
 $1
 $(114)  
Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value on the balance sheets and classified as follows:
As ofAs of
December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Cash equivalents$108,795
 $124,938
$157,676
 $84,263
Short term marketable securities143,942
 145,983
103,532
 36,888
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities252,737
 270,921
261,208
 121,151
Cash34,969
 29,188
68,168
 51,031
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities$287,706
 $300,109
$329,376
 $172,182
The Company continues to invest in highly rated quality, highly liquid debt securities. As of December 31, 20152017, these securities have a remaining maturity of less than one year. The Company holds all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale, marks them to market, and regularly reviews its portfolio to ensure adherence to its investment policy and to monitor individual investments for risk analysis, proper valuation, and unrealized losses that may be other than temporary.
The estimated fair value of cash equivalents and marketable securities classified by the length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are as follows:
Fair Value Gross Unrealized LossFair Value Gross Unrealized Loss
December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Less than one year              
U.S. Government bonds and notes$42,581
 $18,395
 $(1) $
Corporate notes, bonds and commercial paper$159,673
 $139,989
 $(188) $(114)194,015
 54,377
 (131) (21)
Total Corporate notes, bonds, and commercial paper and U.S. Government bonds and notes$236,596
 $72,772
 $(132) $(21)
The gross unrealized loss at December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 was not material in relation to the Company’s total available-for-sale portfolio. The gross unrealized loss can be primarily attributed to a combination of market conditions as well as the demand for and duration of the U.S. government-sponsored obligations and corporate notes and bonds. The Company has no intent to sell, there is no requirement to sell and the Company believes that it can recover the amortized cost of these investments. The Company has found no evidence of impairment due to credit losses in its portfolio. Therefore, these unrealized losses were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). However, the Company cannot provide any assurance that its portfolio of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets, which may require the Company in the future to record an impairment charge for credit losses which could adversely impact its financial results.
See Note 8, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for discussion regarding the fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities.
8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value measurement statement defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and the Company considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

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RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company’s financial instruments are measured and recorded at fair value, except for cost method investments andthe convertible notes. The Company’s non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value Hierarchy
The fair value measurement statement requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The statement requires fair value measurement be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
The Company uses unadjusted quotes to determine fair value. The financial assets in Level 1 include money market funds.
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
The Company uses observable pricing inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, and broker/dealer quotes. The financial assets in Level 2 include U.S. government bonds and notes, corporate notes, commercial paper and municipal bonds and notes.
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
The financial assets in Level 3 includepreviously included a cost investment whose value is determined using inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the fair value measurements.measurements, as discussed below.
The Company reviews the pricing inputs by obtaining prices from a different source for the same security on a sample of its portfolio. The Company has not adjusted the pricing inputs it has obtained. The following table presents the financial instruments that are carried at fair value and summarizes the valuation of its cash equivalents and marketable securities by the above pricing levels as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016:
As of December 31, 2015As of December 31, 2017
Total Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Total Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Money market funds$77,804
 $77,804
 $
 $
$10,915
 $10,915
 $
 $
U.S. Government bonds and notes14,110
 
 14,110
 
55,220
 
 55,220
 
Corporate notes, bonds, commercial paper and other160,823
 1,264
 159,559
 
195,073
 1,058
 194,015
 
Total available-for-sale securities$252,737
 $79,068
 $173,669
 $
$261,208
 $11,973
 $249,235
 $
As of December 31, 2014As of December 31, 2016
Total Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Total Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Money market funds$124,938
 $124,938
 $
 $
$10,681
 $10,681
 $
 $
Corporate notes, bonds and commercial paper145,983
 
 145,983
 
U.S. Government bonds and notes48,292
 
 48,292
 
Corporate notes, bonds, commercial paper and other62,178
 303
 61,875
 
Total available-for-sale securities$270,921
 $124,938
 $145,983
 $
$121,151
 $10,984
 $110,167
 $

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RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company monitors its investments for other-than-temporary impairment and records appropriate reductions in carrying value when necessary. The Company monitors its investments for other-than-temporary losses by considering current factors, including the economic environment, market conditions, operational performance and other specific factors relating to the business underlying the investment, reductions in carrying values when necessary and the Company’s ability and intent to hold

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in the market. Any other-than-temporary loss is reported under “Interest and other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statement of operations. ForDuring the yearyears ended December 31, 2014,2017 and 2016, the Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairment charges related toon its non-marketable equity security of a private company as described below.investments.
The Company made an investment of $2.0 million in a non-marketable equity security of a private company during 2009. Prior to the second quarter of 2013, the Company had not recorded any impairment charges related to this investment as there had been no events that caused a decrease in its fair value below the carrying cost. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2014, as part of its periodic evaluation of the fair value of the investment in the non-marketable equity security, and based on the information provided by the private company at that time, the Company determined that there was a decrease in the security's fair value. The fair value of the non-marketable equity security was determined based on an income approach, using level 3 fair value inputs, as it was deemed to be the most indicative of the security's fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.6 million within interest income and other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of operations during 2014.
In October 2015, the previously written down private company's stock became publicly traded and as a result, the investment in this equity security was classified as an available-for-sale security and was re-measured to fair value, resulting in a $1.3 million increase in marketable securities and accumulated other comprehensive income.
The following table presents the financial instruments that are measured and carried at cost on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014:
 As of December 31, 2014 

(in thousands)
Carrying
Value
 
Quoted
market
prices in
active
markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 Impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2014
Investment in non-marketable security$
 $
 $
 $
 $600
In 20152017 and 20142016, there were no transfers of financial instruments between different categories of fair value.
The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016:
As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016

(in thousands)
Face
Value
 Carrying Value 
Fair
Value
 
Face
Value
 Carrying Value 
Fair
Value
Face
Value
 Carrying Value 
Fair
Value
 
Face
Value
 Carrying Value 
Fair
Value
1.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023$172,500
 $135,447
 $173,450
 $
 $
 $
1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018138,000
 120,901
 156,292
 138,000
 115,089
 159,293
$81,207
 $78,451
 $100,802
 $138,000
 $126,167
 $173,961
The fair value of the convertible notes at each balance sheet date is determined based on recent quoted market prices for these notes which is a level 2 measurement. As discussed in Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” as of December 31, 20152017, the convertible notes are carried at their face valuevalues of $138.0$172.5 million and $81.2 million, respectively, less any unamortized debt discount.discount and unamortized debt issuance costs. The carrying value of other financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and other payables,liabilities, approximates fair value due to their short maturities.
Information regarding the Company's goodwill and long-lived assets balances are disclosed in Note 5, "Intangible Assets and Goodwill".

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RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9. Balance Sheet Details
Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
 (In thousands)
Raw materials$2,976
 $3,773
Work in process1,109
 616
Finished goods1,074
 1,244
 $5,159
 $5,633
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net is comprised of the following:
 As of December 31,
 2015 2014
 (In thousands)
Building$40,320
 $40,320
Computer software20,012
 21,412
Computer equipment31,224
 27,744
Furniture and fixtures13,943
 13,464
Leasehold improvements7,098
 7,052
Machinery11,037
 11,699
Construction in progress637
 425
 124,271
 122,116
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(67,655) (58,093)
 $56,616
 $64,023
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, for the Sunnyvale and Brecksville facilities, the Company had capitalized $40.3 million in building based on the estimated fair value of the portion of the unfinished spaces, capitalized interest on the unfinished spaces and construction costs related to the build-out of the facilities. See Note 11, "Commitments and Contingencies" for additional details.
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
 (In thousands)
Building$40,320
 $40,320
Computer software18,424
 20,922
Computer equipment36,607
 36,608
Furniture and fixtures16,881
 15,140
Leasehold improvements10,110
 7,176
Machinery16,936
 17,406
Construction in progress1,831
 1,075
 141,109
 138,647
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(86,806) (80,205)
 $54,303
 $58,442
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 was $13.3 million, $12.4 million, $13.613.0 million and $15.512.4 million, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) is comprised of the following:
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2015 20142017 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments$95
 $86
$(5,593) $(13,392)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax278
 (488)496
 (116)
Total$373
 $(402)$(5,097) $(13,508)

10. Convertible Notes

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company’s convertible notes are shown in the following table.
(Dollars in thousands)As of December 31, 2015 As of December 31, 2014As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
1.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023$172,500
 $
1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018$138,000
 $138,000
81,207
 138,000
Total principal amount of convertible notes253,707
 138,000
Unamortized discount - 2023 Notes(34,506) 
Unamortized discount - 2018 Notes(17,099) (22,911)(2,547) (10,913)
Unamortized debt issuance costs - 2023 Notes(2,547) 
Unamortized debt issuance costs - 2018 Notes(209) (920)
Total convertible notes$120,901
 $115,089
$213,898
 $126,167
Less current portion
 
78,451
 
Total long-term convertible notes$120,901
 $115,089
$135,447
 $126,167
1.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023.On November 17, 2017, the Company issued $172.5 million aggregate principal amount of 1.375% convertible senior notes pursuant to an indenture (the “2023 Indenture”), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). In accounting for the 2023 Notes at issuance, the Company separated the 2023 Notes into liability and equity components pursuant to the accounting standards for convertible debt instruments that may be fully or partially settled in cash upon conversion. As of the date of issuance, the Company determined that the liability component of the 2023 Notes was $137.3 million and the equity component of the 2023 Notes was $35.2 million. The fair value of the liability component was estimated using an interest rate for a similar instrument without a conversion feature. The unamortized discount related to the 2023 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over approximately five years.

The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.375% per year, payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on August 1, 2018. The 2023 Notes will mature on February 1, 2023, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted pursuant to their terms.

The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $3.3 million related to the issuance of 2023 Notes. In accounting for these costs, the Company allocated the costs to the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Notes to such components. Transaction costs allocated to the liability component of $2.6 million are netted against the carrying amount of the liability in the consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the 2023 Notes. The transaction costs allocated to the equity component of $0.7 million were recorded as additional paid-in capital.
The initial conversion rate of the 2023 Notes is 52.8318 shares of the Company's common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $18.93 per share). The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the 2023 Indenture), the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares for a holder that elects to convert its 2023 Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding November 1, 2022, the 2023 Notes will be convertible only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after March 31, 2018, and only during such calendar quarter, if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which, for each trading day of that period, the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Notes for such trading day was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of specified distributions to holders of our common stock; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions. On or after November 1, 2022, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders of the 2023 Notes may convert all or a portion of their 2023 Notes regardless of the foregoing conditions. Upon conversion, the Company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company’s election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of its conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes being converted.

The Company may not redeem the 2023 Notes prior to the maturity date and no sinking fund is provided for the 2023 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the 2023 Indenture) prior to the maturity date, holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2023 Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The 2023 Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and will rank senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes; equal in right of payment with the Company’s existing and future liabilities that are not so subordinated, including its outstanding “2018 Notes”; effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to any existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables, but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities) and any preferred stock of subsidiaries of the Company.

The following events are considered “events of default” with respect to the 2023 Notes, which may result in the acceleration of the maturity of the 2023 Notes:

(1) the Company defaults in the payment when due of any principal of any of the 2023 Notes at maturity or upon exercise of a repurchase right or otherwise;

(2) the Company defaults in the payment of any interest, including additional interest, if any, on any of the 2023 Notes, when the interest becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

(3) failure by the Company to comply with its obligation to convert the 2023 Notes in accordance with the 2023 Indenture upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right;

(4) failure by the Company to give a fundamental change notice or notice of a specified corporate transaction when due with respect to the Notes;

(5) failure by the Company to comply with any of its other agreements contained in the 2023 Notes or the 2023 Indenture for a period of 60 days after written notice from the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding has been received;

(6) failure by the Company to pay when due the principal of, or acceleration of, any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the 2023 Indenture) in excess of $40.0 million principal amount, if such indebtedness is not discharged, or such acceleration is not annulled, for a period of 30 days after written notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes then outstanding in accordance with the 2023 Indenture; and
(7) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture).

If such an event of default, other than an event of default described in clause (7) above with respect to the Company, occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by written notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may, and the Trustee at the request of such holders shall, declare 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Notes then outstanding to be due and payable. If an event of default described in clause (7) above occurs, 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes then outstanding will automatically become due and payable.

Note Hedges and Warrants. On November 14, 2017 and November 16, 2017, in connection with the 2023 Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions (the “Convertible Note Hedge Transactions”) with respect to the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), with certain bank counterparties (the “Counterparties”). The Company paid an aggregate amount of approximately $33.5 million to the Counterparties for the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions cover, subject to anti-

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

dilution adjustments substantially similar to those in the 2023 Notes, approximately 9.1 million shares of Common Stock, the same number of shares underlying the 2023 Notes, at a strike price that corresponds to the initial conversion price of the 2023 Notes, and are exercisable upon conversion of the 2023 Notes. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions will expire upon the maturity of the 2023 Notes. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are intended to reduce the potential economic dilution upon conversion of the 2023 Notes. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the 2023 Notes. Holders of the 2023 Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions.

In addition, concurrently with entering into the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions, the Company separately entered into privately negotiated warrant transactions, whereby the Company sold to the Counterparties warrants (the “Warrants”) to acquire, collectively, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 9.1 million shares of the Common Stock at an initial strike price of approximately $23.30 per share, which represents a premium of 60% over the last reported sale price of the Common Stock of $14.56 on November 14, 2017. The Company received aggregate proceeds of approximately $23.2 million from the sale of the Warrants to the Counterparties. The Warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the 2023 Notes or Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. Holders of the 2023 Notes and Convertible Note Hedge Transactions will not have any rights with respect to the Warrants.

The amounts paid and received for the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions and Warrants have been recorded in additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions and Warrants are not re-measured through earnings each reporting period. The amounts paid for the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are tax deductible expenses, while the proceeds received from the Warrants are not taxable.

Impact to Earnings per Share. The 2023 Notes will have no impact to diluted earnings per share until the average price of our Common Stock exceeds the conversion price of $18.93 per share because the principal amount of the 2023 Notes is required to be settled in cash upon conversion. Under the treasury stock method, in periods the Company reports net income, the Company is required to include the effect of additional shares that may be issued under the 2023 Notes when the price of the Company’s Common Stock exceeds the conversion price. Under this method, the cumulative dilutive effect of the 2023 Notes would be approximately 9.1 million shares if the average price of the Company’s Common Stock is $18.93. However, upon conversion, there will be no economic dilution from the 2023 Notes, as exercise of the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions eliminates any dilution from the 2023 Notes that would have otherwise occurred when the price of the Company’s Common Stock exceeds the conversion price. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are required to be excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as they would be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

The warrants will have a dilutive effect when the average share price exceeds the warrant’s strike price of $23.30 per share. However, upon conversion, the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions would neutralize the dilution from the 2023 Notes so that there would only be dilution from the warrants.

1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018. On August 16, 2013, the Company issued $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.125% convertible senior notes pursuant to an indenture (the "Indenture""2018 Indenture") by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association as the trustee. The 2018 Notes will mature on August 15, 2018 (the "Maturity Date"), subject to earlier repurchase or conversion. In accounting for the 2018 Notes at issuance, the Company separated the 2018 Notes into liability and equity components pursuant to the accounting standards for convertible debt instruments that may be fully or

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RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

partially settled in cash upon conversion. As of the date of issuance, the Company determined that the liability component of the 2018 Notes was $107.7 million and the equity component of the 2018 Notes was $30.3 million. The fair value of the liability component was estimated using an interest rate for a similar instrument without a conversion feature. The unamortized discount related to the 2018 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over five years through August 2018.

The Company will pay cash interest at an annual rate of 1.125% of the principal amount at issuance, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on February 15, 2014. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $3.6 million related to the issuance of 2018 Notes. In accounting for these costs, the Company allocated the costs to the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds from the issuance of the 2018 Notes to such components. Transaction costs allocated to the liability component of $2.8 million were recorded as deferred offering costs in other assets and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over five years (the expected term of the debt). The transaction costs allocated to the equity component of $0.8 million were recorded as additional paid-in capital. The 2018 Notes are the Company's general unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment to all of Rambus’ existing

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the 20142023 Notes, and senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2018 Notes.

The 2018 Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion rate of 82.8329 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2018 Notes, subject to adjustment in certain events. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $12.07 per share of common stock. Holders may surrender their 2018 Notes for conversion prior to the close of business day immediately preceding May 15, 2018 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2013 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the closing sale price of the common stock for 20 days or more trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 days consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price per share of common stock on the last trading day of the preceding calendar quarter; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the ‘‘measurement period’’) in which the trading price (as defined below) per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the closing sale price of the Company's common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of specified distributions to holders of the Company's common stock; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after May 15, 2018 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. If a holder elects to convert its 2018 Notes in connection with certain fundamental changes, as that term is defined in the 2018 Indenture, that occur prior to the Maturity Date, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for 2018 Notes converted in connection with such fundamental changes by a specified number of shares of common stock.

Upon conversion of the 2018 Notes, the Company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, at the Company's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of the Company's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted, as specified in the Indenture.

The Company may not redeem the 2018 Notes at its option prior to the Maturity Date, and no sinking fund is provided for the 2018 Notes.

Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The following events are considered events of default under the Indenture which may result in the acceleration of the maturity of the 2018 Notes:

(1) default in the payment when due of any principal of any of the notes at maturity, upon redemption or upon exercise of a repurchase right or otherwise;

(2) default in the payment of any interest, including additional interest, if any, on any of the notes, when the interest becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

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(3) the Company's failure to deliver cash or cash and shares of the Company's common stock (including any additional shares deliverable as a result of a conversion in connection with a make-whole fundamental change, as defined in the Indenture) when required by the Indenture;

(4) default in the Company's obligation to provide notice of the occurrence of a fundamental change, make-whole fundamental change or distribution to holders of the Company's common stock when required by the Indenture;

(5) the Company's failure to comply with any of the Company's other agreements in the notes or the 2018 Indenture (other than those referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above) for 60 days after the Company's receipt of written notice to the Company of such default from the trustee or to the Company and the trustee of such default from holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes then outstanding;

(6) the Company's failure to pay when due the principal of, or acceleration of, any indebtedness for money borrowed by the

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Company or any of the Company's material subsidiaries in excess of $40 million principal amount, if such indebtedness is not discharged, or such acceleration is not annulled, for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof is delivered to the Company by the trustee or to the Company and the trustee by the holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding without such failure to pay having been cured or waived, such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled (if applicable) and such indebtedness not having been paid or discharged; and

(7) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company or any of the Company's material subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture).

If an event of default, other than an event of default described in clause (7) above with respect to the Company, occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding may declare the principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on the notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. If an event of default described in clause (7) above occurs with respect to the Company, the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on the notes will automatically become immediately due and payable.

5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014. On June 29, 2009,During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company issued $150.0repurchased $56.8 million aggregate principal amount of 5% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2014. Asthe 2018 Notes for a price of $72.3 million which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.1 million and $16.6 million being recorded in stockholders' equity. To determine the impact of the date of issuance,repurchase on stockholders' equity, the Company first determined thatthe fair value of the liability component of the 2014repurchased 2018 Notes was approximately $92.4 millionimmediately prior to the repurchase. The Company then reduced the amount paid for the repurchased 2018 Notes by the fair value of the liability component and allocated the remaining amount paid to the equity component, was approximately $57.6 million. On July 10, 2009, an additional $22.5 million of the 2014 Notes were issued aswhich resulted in a result of the underwriters exercising their overallotment option.reduction to stockholders' equity. As of the date of issuance of the $22.5December 31, 2017, $81.2 million 2014 Notes, the Company determined that the liability component was approximately $14.3 million, and the equity component was approximately $8.2 million. The unamortized discount related to the 2014 Notes was being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over five years through June 2014.
The Company paid cash interest at an annual rate of 5% of the principal amount at issuance, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2009. During 2014, the Company paid approximately $4.3 million of interest related to the 2014 Notes. During 2013, the Company paid approximately $8.6 million of interest related to the 2014 Notes. Issuance costs were approximately $5.1 million of which $3.2 million is related to the liability portion, which is being amortized to interest expense over five years (the expected term of the debt), and $1.9 million is related to the equity portion. The 2014 Notes were the Company’s general unsecured obligation, ranking equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness and were senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that was expressly subordinated to the 2014 Notes.
The 2014 Notes were convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an initial conversion rate of 51.8 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2014 Notes. This was equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $19.31 per share of common stock. Holders could have surrendered their 2014 Notes for conversion prior to March 15, 2014 only under the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter beginning after the calendar quarter ending September 30, 2009, and only during such calendar quarter, if the closing sale price of the Common Stock for 20 days or more trading days in the period of 30 days consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeded 130% of the conversion price in effect on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, (ii) during the five business day period after any 10 days consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 2014 Notes for each trading day of such 10 days consecutive trading day period was less than 98% of the

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product of the closing sale price of the Common Stock for such trading day and the applicable conversion rate, (iii) upon the occurrence of specified distributions to holders of the Common Stock, (iv) upon a fundamental change of the Company as specified in the Indenture governing the 2014 Notes, or (v) if the Company calls any or all of the 2014 Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the redemption date. On and after March 15, 2014, holders may convert their 2014 Notes at any time until the close of business on the third business day prior to the maturity date, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
Upon conversion of the 2014 Notes, the Company would have paid (i) cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount and the conversion value of the 2014 Notes and (ii) shares of the Company’s Common Stock for the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation, in each case based on a daily conversion value calculated on a proportionate basis for each trading day in the 20 days trading day conversion reference period as further specified in the Indenture.
The Company was not able to redeem the 2014 Notes at its option prior to June 15, 2012. At any time on or after June 15, 2012, the Company had the right, at its option, to redeem the 2014 Notes in whole or in part for cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2014 Notes to be redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if the closing sale price of the Common Stock for at least 20 days of the 30 days consecutive trading days immediately prior to any date the Company gives a notice of redemption was greater than 130% of the conversion price on the date of such notice.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders could have required the Company to repurchase some or all of their 2014 Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2014 Notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes, as that term is defined in the Indenture, the Company would have, in certain circumstances, increased the conversion rate for the 2014 Notes converted in connection with such fundamental changes by a specified number of shares of Common Stock, not to exceed 15.5401 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2014 Notes.
The following events were considered “Events of Default” under the Indenture which would have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of the 2014 Notes:
(1)default in the payment when due of any principal of any of the 2014 Notes at maturity, upon redemption or upon exercise of a repurchase right or otherwise;
(2)default in the payment of any interest, including additional interest, if any, on any of the 2014 Notes, when the interest becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
(3)the Company’s failure to deliver cash or cash and shares of Common Stock (including any additional shares deliverable as a result of a conversion in connection with a make-whole fundamental change) when required to be delivered upon the conversion of any 2014 Note;
(4)default in the Company’s obligation to provide notice of the occurrence of a fundamental change when required by the Indenture;
(5)
the Company’s failure to comply with any of its other agreements in the 2014 Notes or the Indenture (other than those referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above) for 60 days after the Company’s receipt of written notice to the Company of such default from the trustee or to the Company and the trustee of such default from holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes then outstanding;
(6)
the Company’s failure to pay when due the principal of, or acceleration of, any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in excess of $30 million principal amount, if such indebtedness is not discharged, or such acceleration is not annulled, by the end of a period of ten days after written notice to the Company by the trustee or to the Company and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes then outstanding; and
(7)certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company or any of its material subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture).
If an event of default, other than an event of default in clause (7) above with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 20142018 Notes then outstanding may declare the principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on the 2014 Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. If an event of default described in clause (7) above occurs with respect to

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the Company the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on the 2014 Notes will automatically become immediately due and payable.
During the second quarter of 2014, the Company paid upon maturity the entire $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes.
Additional paid-in capital at December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 20142016 includes $111.3 million and $93.4 million, respectively, for each year related to the equity component of the notes.
As of December 31, 20152017, none of the conversion conditions were met related to the 2018 Notes.notes. Therefore, the classification of the entire equity component for the 2018 Notesnotes in permanent equity is appropriate as of December 31, 20152017.
Interest expense related to the notes for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 was as follows:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(in thousands)(in thousands)
2023 Notes coupon interest at a rate of 1.375%$290
 $
 $
2023 Notes amortization of discount and debt issuance cost at an additional effective interest rate of 4.9%768
 
 
2018 Notes coupon interest at a rate of 1.125%$1,567
 $1,567
 $582
1,488
 1,553
 1,567
2018 Notes amortization of discount and debt issuance cost at an additional effective interest rate of 5.5%6,372
 6,019
 2,171
6,810
 6,749
 6,372
2014 Notes coupon interest at a rate of 5%
 3,929
 8,625
2014 Notes amortization of discount at an additional effective interest rate of 11.7%
 8,744
 17,126
Total interest expense on convertible notes$7,939
 $20,259
 $28,504
$9,356
 $8,302
 $7,939


11. Commitments and Contingencies
On December 15, 2009, the Company entered into a lease agreement for approximately 125,000 square feet of office space located at 1050 Enterprise Way in Sunnyvale, California commencing on July 1, 2010 and expiring on June 30, 2020. The office space is used for the Company’s corporate headquarters, as well as engineering, sales, marketing and administrative operations and activities. The annual base rent for these leases includes certain rent abatement and increases annually over the lease term. The Company has two options to extend the lease for a period of 60 months each and a one-time option to terminate the lease after 84 months in exchange for an early termination fee. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, the landlord agreed to reimburse the Company approximately $9.1 million, which was received by the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

recognized the reimbursement as an additional imputed financing obligation as such payment from the landlord is deemed to be an imputed financing obligation. On November 4, 2011, to better plan for future expansion, the Company entered into an amended lease for its Sunnyvale facility for approximately an additional 31,000-square-foot space commencing on March 1, 2012 and expiring on June 30, 2020. Additionally, a tenant improvement allowance to be provided by the landlord was approximately $1.7 million. On September 29, 2012, the Company entered into a second amended Sunnyvale lease to reduce the tenant improvement allowance to approximately $1.5 million. On January 31, 2013, the Company entered into a third amendment to the Sunnyvale lease to surrender the 31,000 square-foot space from the first amendment back to the landlord and recorded a total charge of $2.0 million related to the surrender of the amended lease.

On March 8, 2010, the Company entered into a lease agreement for approximately 25,000 square feet of office and manufacturing areas, located in Brecksville, Ohio. The office area is used for the LDTRLD group’s engineering activities while the manufacturing area is used for the manufacture of prototypes. This lease was amended on September 29, 2011 to expand the facility to approximately 51,000 total square feet and the amended lease will expire on July 31, 2019. The Company has an option to extend the lease for a period of 60 months. On January 30, 2018, the Company announced its plans to close its lighting division and manufacturing operations in Brecksville, Ohio, and began the process to exit the facilities and sell the related equipment. Refer to Note 19, “Subsequent Event,” for additional details.
The Company undertook a series of structural improvements to ready the Sunnyvale and Brecksville facilities for its use. Since these improvements were considered structural in nature and the Company was responsible for any cost overruns, for accounting purposes, the Company was treated in substance as the owner of each construction project during the construction period. At the completion of each construction, the Company concluded that it retained sufficient continuing involvement to preclude de-recognition of the building under the FASB authoritative guidance applicable to the sale leasebacks of real estate. As such, the Company continues to account for the buildings as owned real estate and to record an imputed financing obligation for its obligations to the legal owners.

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Monthly lease payments on these facilities are allocated between the land element of the lease (which is accounted for as an operating lease) and the imputed financing obligation. The imputed financing obligation is amortized using the effective interest method and the interest rate was determined in accordance with the requirements of sale leaseback accounting. For the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, the Company recognized in its Consolidated Statements of Operations $4.4 million, $4.5 million, $4.54.4 million, and $4.44.5 million, respectively, of interest expense in connection with the imputed financing obligation on these facilities. At December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, the imputed financing obligation balance in connection with these facilities was $39.3$38.3 million and $39.538.9 million, respectively, which was primarily classified under long-term imputed financing obligation.
As of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, the Company had capitalized $40.3$40.3 million in property, plant and equipment based on the estimated fair value of the portion of the pre-construction shell, construction costs related to the build-out of the facilities and capitalized interest during construction period. At the end of the initial lease term, should the Company decide not to renew the lease, the Company would reverse the equal amounts of the net book value of the building and the corresponding imputed financing obligation.
In November 2011, the Company entered into a lease agreement for approximately 26,000 square feet of office space in San Francisco, California to be used for CRD's office space and is treated as an operating lease. This lease has a commencement date of February 1, 2012 and a lease term of 75 months from the commencement date. The annual base rent includes certain rent abatement and increases annually over the lease term.
In connection with the June 3, 2011 acquisition of CRD, the Company was obligated to pay a retention bonus to certain CRD employees and contractors, subject to certain eligibility and acceleration provisions including the condition of employment, in three equal amounts of approximately $16.7 million. All three payments have been paid as of December 31, 2014 with the last portion paid in 2014.
On June 29, 2009, the Company entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by the Company of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes. On July 10, 2009, an additional $22.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 2014 Notes were issued as a result of the underwriters exercising their overallotment option. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company paid upon maturity the entire $172.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes.
On August 16, 2013, the Company entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by the Company of $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company repurchased $56.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes. The aggregate principal amount of the 2018 notes as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 was $81.2 million and $138.0 million, respectively, offset by unamortized debt discount and unamortized debt issuance costs of $17.1$2.5 million and $22.9$0.2 million, respectively, and $10.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unamortized discount related to the 2018 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining 328 months until maturity of the 2018 Notes on August 15, 2018.

On November 17, 2017, the Company entered into an Indenture with U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the issuance by the Company of $172.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The aggregate principal amount of the 2023 notes as of December 31, 2017 was $172.5 million, offset by unamortized debt discount and unamortized debt issuance costs of $34.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unamortized discount related to the 2023 Notes is being amortized to interest expense using the effective method over the remaining 5.1 years until maturity of the 2023 Notes on February 1, 2023. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” for additional details.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

As of December 31, 2015,2017, the Company’s material contractual obligations are as follows (in thousands):
Total 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ThereafterTotal 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Contractual obligations (1)                          
Imputed financing obligation (2)$28,376
 $6,156
 $6,302
 $6,447
 $6,602
 $2,869
 $
$15,918
 $6,447
 $6,602
 $2,869
 $
 $
 $
Leases and other contractual obligations6,646
 4,321
 1,569
 546
 210
 
 
26,225
 6,757
 5,678
 4,705
 4,839
 3,381
 865
Software licenses (3)3,166
 2,427
 549
 190
 
 
 
13,982
 10,450
 3,532
 
 
 
 
Convertible notes138,000
 
 
 138,000
 
 
 
253,707
 81,207
 
 
 
 
 172,500
Interest payments related to convertible notes4,658
 1,553
 1,553
 1,552
 
 
 
13,443
 2,763
 2,372
 2,372
 2,372
 2,372
 1,192
Total$180,846
 $14,457
 $9,973
 $146,735
 $6,812
 $2,869
 $
$323,275
 $107,624
 $18,184
 $9,946
 $7,211
 $5,753
 $174,557

(1)
The above table does not reflect possible payments in connection with uncertain tax benefits of approximately $20.8$22.6 million including $18.6$20.4 million recorded as a reduction of long-term deferred tax assets and $2.2 million in long-term income taxes payable, as of December 31, 20152017. As noted below in Note 16, “Income Taxes,” although it is possible that some of the unrecognized tax benefits could be settled within the next 12 months, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the outcome at this time.

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some of the unrecognized tax benefits could be settled within the next 12 months, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the outcome at this time.
(2)With respect to the imputed financing obligation, the main components of the difference between the amount reflected in the contractual obligations table and the amount reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are the interest on the imputed financing obligation and the estimated common area expenses over the future periods. The amount includes the amended Ohio lease and the amended Sunnyvale lease.
(3)
The Company has commitments with various software vendors for non-cancellable agreements generally having terms longer than one year.
Rent expense was approximately $4.4 million, $2.7 million, $2.63.8 million and $3.12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, respectively.
Indemnifications
From time to time, the Company indemnifies certain customers as a necessary means of doing business. Indemnification covers customers for losses suffered or incurred by them as a result of any patent, copyright, or other intellectual property infringement or any other claim by any third party arising as result of the applicable agreement with the Company. The Company generally attempts to limit the maximum amount of indemnification that the Company could be required to make under these agreements to the amount of fees received by the Company, however, this is not always possible.  The fair value of the liability as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 is not material.
12. Equity Incentive Plans and Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Option Plans
The Company has threetwo stock option plans under which grants are currently outstanding: the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). On April 23, 2015, the Company's stockholders approved the 2015 Plan, which authorizes 4,000,000 shares for future issuance plus the number of shares that remained available for grant under the 2006 Plan as of the effective date of the 2015 Plan. The 2015 Plan became effective and replaced the 2006 Plan on April 23, 2015. The 2015 Plan was the Company’s only plan for providing stock-based incentive awards to eligible employees, executive officers, non-employee directors and consultants as of December 31, 2015.2017. Grants under all plans typically have a requisite service period of 60 months or 48 months, have straight-line or graded vesting schedules (the 1997 only) and expire not more than 10 years from date of grant. No further awards will be made under the 2006 Plan, but the 2006 Plan will continue to govern awards previously granted under it. In addition, any shares subject to stock options or other awards granted under the 2006 Plan that on or after the effective date of the 2015 Plan are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or terminate under the 2006 Plan will become available for grant under the 2015 Plan. The Board will periodically review actual share consumption under the 2015 Plan and may make a request for additional shares as needed. Additionally, the 1997 Plan continues to govern awards previously granted under that plan.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The 2006 Plan was approved by the stockholders in May 2006. The 2006 Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of the following types of incentive awards: (i) stock options; (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) restricted stock; (iv) restricted stock units; (v) performance shares and performance units; and (vi) other stock or cash awards. This plan provides for the granting of awards at less than fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, but such grants would be counted against the numerical limits of available shares at a ratio of 1.5 to 1.0. The Board of Directors reserved 8,400,000 shares in March 2006 for issuance under this plan, subject to stockholder approval. Upon stockholder approval of this Plan on May 10, 2006, the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan") was replaced and the 1999 Non-statutory Stock Option Plan (which had(the "1999 Plan") was terminated. There are no grants outstanding options from the 1997 Plan or 1999 Plan as of December 31, 2015) was terminated.2017. On April 30, 2009 and April 26, 2012, stockholders approved an additional 6,500,000 shares on each date for issuance under the 2006 Plan. Additionally, on April 24, 2014, stockholders approved an additional 10,000,000 shares for issuance under the 2006 Plan. Those who were eligible for awards under the 2006 Plan included employees, directors and consultants who provide services to the Company and its affiliates. These options typically have a requisite service period of 60 months or 48 months, have straight-line vesting schedules, and expire ten years from date of grant.
As of December 31, 20152017, 11,173,5455,051,147 shares of the 35,400,000 shares approved under the plans remain available for grant. The 2015 Plan is now the Company’s only plan for providing stock-based incentive compensation to eligible employees, directors and consultants.

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A summary of shares available for grant under the Company’s plans is as follows:
 Shares Available for Grant
Shares available as of December 31, 20122,729,159
Stock options granted(2,084,276)
Stock options forfeited3,318,022
Stock options expired under former plans(1,157,419)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units granted (1)(709,611)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units forfeited (1)431,553
Total shares available for grant as of December 31, 20132,527,428
Increase in shares approved for issuance10,000,000
Stock options granted(2,370,313)
Stock options forfeited1,400,349
Stock options expired under former plans(373,043)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units granted (1)(585,753)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units forfeited (1)125,560
Total shares available for grant as of December 31, 201410,724,228
Increase in shares approved for issuance4,000,000
Stock options granted(362,335)
Stock options forfeited1,624,823
Stock options expired under former plans(657,878)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units granted (1) (2)(4,537,797)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units forfeited (1)382,504
Total shares available for grant as of December 31, 201511,173,545
Stock options granted(500,000)
Stock options forfeited1,081,107
Stock options expired under former plans(412,467)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units granted (1) (3)(5,316,675)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units forfeited (1)1,279,858
Total shares available for grant as of December 31, 20167,305,368
Stock options granted(558,426)
Stock options forfeited1,978,042
Nonvested equity stock and stock units granted (1) (4)(5,007,947)
Nonvested equity stock and stock units forfeited (1)1,334,110
Total shares available for grant as of December 31, 20175,051,147

(1)
For purposes of determining the number of shares available for grant under the 2015 Plan against the maximum number of shares authorized, each restricted stock granted reduces the number of shares available for grant by 1.5 shares and each restricted stock forfeited increases shares available for grant by 1.5 shares.
(2)Amount includes 238,980 shares that had been reserved for potential future issuance related to certain performance unit awards discussed under the section titled "Nonvested Equity Stock and Stock Units" below.
(3)
Amount includes 300,003 shares that had been reserved for potential future issuance related to certain performance unit awards discussed under the section titled "Nonvested Equity Stock and Stock Units" below.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(4)Amount includes 394,853 shares that have been reserved for potential future issuance related to certain performance unit awards discussed under the section titled "Nonvested Equity Stock and Stock Units" below.


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General Stock Option Information
The following table summarizes stock option activity under the stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 and information regarding stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 20152017.
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term  Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term  
Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Aggregate Intrinsic ValueNumber of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Outstanding as of December 31, 201213,094,815 $12.79
  
Options granted2,084,276 $6.09
  
Options exercised(483,923) $6.72
  
Options forfeited(3,318,022) $14.51
  
Outstanding as of December 31, 201311,377,146 $11.32
  
Options granted2,370,313 $9.63
  
Options exercised(905,464) $6.93
  
Options forfeited(1,400,349) $16.13
  
Outstanding as of December 31, 201411,441,646 $10.73
  11,441,646 $10.73
  
Options granted362,335 $11.27
  362,335 $11.27
  
Options exercised(1,184,141) $7.42
  (1,184,141) $7.42
  
Options forfeited(1,624,823) $17.22
  (1,624,823) $17.22
  
Outstanding as of December 31, 20158,995,017 $10.01
 5.4 $32,865
8,995,017 $10.01
  
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20158,598,752 $10.14
 5.3 $31,138
Options exercisable at December 31, 20155,638,184 $11.58
 4.4 $18,386
Options granted500,000 $12.29
  
Options exercised(1,405,077) $7.27
  
Options forfeited(1,081,107) $18.98
  
Outstanding as of December 31, 20167,008,833 $9.34
  
Options granted558,426 $12.95
  
Options exercised(1,278,856) $7.34
  
Options forfeited(1,978,042) $10.68
  
Outstanding as of December 31, 20174,310,361 $9.78
 5.51 $20,967
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 20174,250,520 $9.74
 5.46 $20,876
Options exercisable at December 31, 20173,428,595 $9.11
 4.75 $19,331
During the years ended December 31, 20152017, 2016 and 2014,2015, no stock options that contain a market condition were granted. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 1,795,000 stock options that contain a market condition were granted. These options vest in three years if specified stock prices are achieved. As of both December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, there were 1,315,000zero and 1,135,000, respectively, stock options outstanding that require the Company to achieve minimum market conditions in order for the options to become exercisable. The fair values of the options granted with a market condition were calculated using a binomial valuation model, which estimates the potential outcome of reaching the market condition based on simulated future stock prices.
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value for in-the-money options at December 31, 20152017, based on the $11.5914.22 closing stock price of Rambus’ Common Stock on December 31, 201529, 2017 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The total number of in-the-money options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 20152017 was 6,981,5993,833,131 and 3,877,5293,020,652, respectively.
The following table summarizes the information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 20152017:

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Options Outstanding Options ExercisableOptions Outstanding Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise PricesNumber Outstanding 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Life (in years)
 Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise PriceNumber Outstanding 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Life (in years)
 Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price
$4.13 – $5.39901,728 6.0 $4.35
 125,244 $4.81
75,665 4.7 $4.60
 75,665 $4.60
$5.46 – $5.46957,421 6.6 $5.46
 638,284
 $5.46
447,780 5.1 $5.46
 447,780
 $5.46
$5.49 – $5.63885,485 3.1 $5.63
 876,781 $5.63
237,068 2.4 $5.63
 237,068 $5.63
$5.76 – $5.761,210,505 6.5 $5.76
 522,321 $5.76
596,669 4.5 $5.76
 596,669 $5.76
$6.39 – $8.551,007,877 4.8 $7.73
 940,226 $7.75
$8.73 – $8.7351,308 7.8 $8.73
 16,781 $8.73
$6.83 – $8.73407,628 3.3 $7.77
 407,628 $7.77
$8.76 – $8.761,291,345 7.7 $8.76
 536,793 $8.76
674,798 6.1 $8.76
 635,447 $8.76
$9.18 – $12.30941,079 8.0 $11.25
 308,564 $11.15
$12.33 – $19.86981,013 2.3 $18.01
 911,222 $18.29
$20.93 – $40.80767,256 1.7 $27.55
 761,968 $27.60
$4.13 – $40.808,995,017 5.4 $10.01
 5,638,184 $11.58
$9.18 – $11.92433,979 6.4 $11.21
 323,859 $11.17
$11.93 – $12.31498,356 8.1 $12.26
 201,321 $12.28
$12.33 – $12.331,478 0.1 $12.33
 1,478 $12.33
$12.80 – $23.60936,940 5.9 $15.50
 501,680 $17.60
$4.13 – $23.604,310,361 5.5 $9.78
 3,428,595 $9.11
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
During the yearyears ended December 31, 20152017, and 2016, the Company had one employee stock purchase plan, the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2015 ESPP”). During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had two employee stock purchase plans, the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2015 ESPP”)ESPP and the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2006 ESPP”). During the two year period ended December 31, 2014, the Company had one employee stock purchase plan, the 2006 ESPP.
On April 23, 2015, the Company's stockholders approved the 2015 ESPP which reserves 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for purchase. The 2006 ESPP remained in effect until the Company’s November 2, 2015 offering period, at which time the 2015 ESPP became effective.
In March 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 ESPP, as amended, and reserved 1,600,000 shares, subject to stockholder approval which was received on May 10, 2006. On April 26, 2012, an additional 1,500,000 shares were approved by stockholders. On September 27, 2013, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8, registering 1,500,000 additional shares under the ESPP in connection with the commencement of the next subscription period under the ESPP. On April 24, 2014, the Company held its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders where an amendment to the ESPP to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP by 1,500,000 shares was approved.
Employees generally will be eligible to participate in the plan if they are employed by Rambus for more than 20 hours per week and more than five months in a fiscal year. Both the 2015 ESPP and 2006 ESPP (when it was in effect) provide for six month offering periods, with a new offering period commencing on the first trading day on or after May 1 and November 1 of each year. Under the plans, employees may purchase stock at the lower of 85% of the beginning of the offering period (the enrollment date), or the end of each offering period (the purchase date). Employees generally may not purchase more than the number of shares having a value greater than $25,000 in any calendar year, as measured at the purchase date.
The Company issued 544,391615,370 shares at a weighted average price of $9.36$10.47 per share during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company issued 548,357 shares at a weighted average price of $9.34 per share during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company issued 544,391 shares at a weighted average price of $9.36 per share during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company issued 596,188 shares at a weighted average price of $8.25 per share during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company issued 1,063,283 shares at a weighted average price of $4.87 per share during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 20152017, 2,000,000836,273 shares under the ESPP remain available for issuance.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Options
During the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, Rambus granted 362,335,558,426, 2,370,313500,000 and 2,084,276362,335 stock options, respectively, with an estimated total grant-date fair value of $1.7$2.3 million, $10.12.3 million and $5.41.7 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, Rambus recorded stock-based compensation related to stock options of $7.2$2.8 million, $9.34.1 million and $10.47.2 million, respectively.

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As of December 31, 20152017, there was $6.3$3.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the stock option plans. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.82.5 years. The total fair value of options vested for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 was $41.4$17.3 million, $55.328.4 million and $64.341.4 million, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $6.8$7.5 million, $4.48.0 million and $1.36.8 million for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, respectively. Intrinsic value is the total value of exercised shares based on the price of the Company’s Common Stock at the time of exercise less the proceeds received from the employees to exercise the options.
During the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, proceeds from employee stock option exercises totaled approximately $8.8$9.4 million, $6.310.2 million and $3.38.8 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
During the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, Rambus recorded stock-based compensation related to the ESPP of $1.6$1.7 million, $2.61.6 million and $1.51.6 million, respectively. The compensation expense related to the ESPP for the year ended December 31, 2014 included compensation expense related to the increase in shares available for the ESPP which was approved by shareholders during the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As of December 31, 20152017, there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the ESPP. That cost is expected to be recognized over four months.
Tax benefits realized as a result of employee stock option exercises, stock purchase plan purchases, and vesting of equity stock and stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 calculated in accordance with accounting for share-based payments were $1.3 million. There were no tax benefits realized as a result of employee stock option exercises, stock purchase plan purchases, and vesting of equity stock and stock units for the years ended December 31, 2015, 20142016 and 20132015.
Valuation Assumptions
Rambus estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton model (“BSM”). The BSM model determines the fair value of stock-based compensation and is affected by Rambus’ stock price on the date of the grant as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include expected volatility, expected life of the award, expected dividend rate, and expected risk-free rate of return. The assumptions for expected volatility and expected life are the two assumptions that significantly affect the grant date fair value. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and Rambus’ results of operations could be materially impacted.
The fair value of stock awards is estimated as of the grant date using the BSM option-pricing model assuming a dividend yield of 0% and the additional weighted-average assumptions as listed in the following tables:
The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted that contain only service conditions in the periods presented.
Stock Option Plans for Years Ended December 31,Stock Option Plans for Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Stock Option Plans  
Expected stock price volatility41% 40%-44% 45%-47%24%-32% 34%-36% 41%
Risk free interest rate1.2% 2.1%-2.2% 0.8%-1.5%1.8%-2.0% 1.3%-1.7% 1.2%
Expected term (in years)6.0 6.0-6.1 5.4-5.55.3-5.4 5.4-6.1 6.0
Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted$4.59 $4.26 $2.60$4.09 $4.59 $4.59
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company granted 1,795,000 stock options that contain a market condition. The fair values of the options granted with a market condition were calculated using a binomial valuation model, which estimates the potential outcome of reaching the market condition based on simulated future stock prices. The weighted average fair value associated with these market condition options was immaterial.

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Employee Stock Purchase Plan for Years Ended December 31,Employee Stock Purchase Plan for Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
Expected stock price volatility34%-42% 39%-44% 44%-48%25%-27% 31%-33% 34%-42%
Risk free interest rate0.1%-0.3% 0.0%-0.1% 0.1%0.98%-1.3% 0.41%-0.5% 0.1%-0.3%
Expected term (in years)0.5 0.02-0.5 0.50.5 0.5 0.5
Weighted-average fair value of purchase rights granted under the purchase plan$3.06 $3.57 $1.96$3.07 $2.88 $3.06
Expected Stock Price Volatility:  Given the volume of market activity in its market traded options, Rambus determined that it would use the implied volatility of its nearest-to-the-money traded options. The Company believes that the use of implied volatility is more reflective of market conditions and a better indicator of expected volatility than historical volatility. If there is not sufficient volume in its market traded options, the Company will use an equally weighted blend of historical and implied volatility.
Risk-free Interest Rate:  Rambus bases the risk-free interest rate used in the BSM valuation method on implied yield currently available on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent term. Where the expected terms of Rambus’ stock-based awards do not correspond with the terms for which interest rates are quoted, Rambus uses an approximation based on rates on the closest term currently available.
Expected Term:  The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected term was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The expected term of ESPP grants is based upon the length of each respective purchase period.
Nonvested Equity Stock and Stock Units
The Company grants nonvested equity stock units to officers, directors and employees. For the yearyears ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, the Company granted nonvested equity stock units totaling 2,865,878, 390,5023,075,396, 3,344,448 and 473,0742,865,878 shares, respectively, under the 2015 Plan and the 2006 Plan. These awards have a service condition, generally a service period of four years, except in the case of grants to directors, for which the service period is one year. The fair value of nonvested equity stock units were valued at the date of grant giving them a fair value ofwas approximately $33.3$40.0 million, $4.1$42.9 million and $3.3$33.3 million, respectively. During the first quarterquarters of 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company granted performance unit awards to certain Company executive officers with vesting subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions. The ultimate number of performance units that can be earned can range from 0% to 150% of target depending on performance relative to target over the applicable period. The shares earned will vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The Company's shares available for grant has been reduced to reflect the shares that could be earned at 150% of target. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $4.4 million, $2.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to these performance unit awards.
During the third quarter of 2017, the Company granted performance unit awards to a Company executive officer with vesting subject to the achievement of certain performance and market conditions. The ultimate number of performance units that can be earned can range from 0% to 150% of target depending on performance relative to target over the applicable period. The shares that will become eligible to vest will be measured over a three-year period ending on December 31, 2019, unless the performance period is shortened because of a change of control of the Company or a termination of the executive officer’s employment without cause. The Company's shares available for grant have been reduced to reflect the shares that could be earned at 150% of target. The fair value of the market condition of these performance units was calculated, on its respective grant date, using a binomial valuation model, which estimates the potential outcome of reaching the market condition based on simulated future stock prices. The stock-based compensation expense related to these awards will be recorded over the respective requisite service period of approximately 2.4 years. During the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, the achievement of the performance condition for these performance units was considered probable, and as a result, the Company recorded $1.1recognized $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to these performance unit awards.
In prior years, the Company granted nonvested equity stock units to its employees with vesting subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any stock-based compensation expense related to these performance stock units as they have been forfeited. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the achievement of certain performance conditions was considered probable, and as a result, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of stock-based compensation expense related to these performance stock units.
For the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $6.3$22.9 million, $2.815.3 million and $3.16.3 million, respectively, related to all outstanding equity stock grants. Unrecognized stock-based compensation related to all nonvested equity stock grants, net of an estimate of forfeitures, was

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

approximately $23.7$44.5 million at December 31, 20152017. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.12.3 years.
The following table reflects the activity related to nonvested equity stock and stock units for the three years ended December 31, 20152017:

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Nonvested Equity Stock and Stock UnitsShares 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Shares 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2012922,491 $10.24
Granted473,074 $6.92
Vested(478,214) $9.81
Forfeited(287,702) $9.18
Nonvested at December 31, 2013629,649 $8.56
Granted390,502 $10.40
Vested(262,580) $9.85
Forfeited(83,707) $7.69
Nonvested at December 31, 2014673,864 $9.23
673,864 $9.23
Granted2,865,878 $11.62
2,865,878 $11.62
Vested(276,622) $9.94
(276,622) $9.94
Forfeited(255,002) $10.64
(255,002) $10.64
Nonvested at December 31, 20153,008,118 $11.32
3,008,118 $11.32
Granted3,344,448 $12.84
Vested(789,864) $10.98
Forfeited(699,646) $11.94
Nonvested at December 31, 20164,863,056 $12.33
Granted3,075,396 $13.02
Vested(1,216,476) $12.15
Forfeited(860,627) $12.61
Nonvested at December 31, 20175,861,349 $12.68
13. Stockholders’ Equity
Share Repurchase Program
In October 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a share repurchase program of its common stock, principally to reduce the dilutive effect of employee stock options. Under this program, the Board approved the authorization to repurchase up to 19.0 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock over an undefined period of time. On February 25, 2010, the Board approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to an additional 12.5 million shares. 
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under its share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had repurchased a cumulative total of approximately 26.3 million shares of its common stock with an aggregate price of approximately $428.9 million since the commencement of the program in 2001. As of December 31, 2014, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase approximately 5.2 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
On January 21, 2015, the Company's Board approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 20.0 million shares. Share repurchases under the plan may be made through the open market, established plans or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with all applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations. There is no expiration date applicable to the plan. This new stock repurchase program replaced the previous program approved by the Board in February 2010 and canceled the remaining shares outstanding as part of the previous authorization.

On May 1, 2017, the Company initiated an accelerated share repurchase program with Barclays Bank PLC. The accelerated share repurchase program is part of the broader share repurchase program previously authorized by the Company's Board on January 21, 2015. Under the accelerated share repurchase program, the Company pre-paid to Barclays Bank PLC, the $50.0 million purchase price for its common stock and, in turn, the Company received an initial delivery of approximately 3.2 million shares of its common stock from Barclays Bank PLC, in the second quarter of 2017, which were retired and recorded as a $40.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $10.0 million of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed to the Company's stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by the Company was determined based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the terms of the transaction, minus an agreed upon discount between the parties. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the accelerated share repurchase program was completed and the Company received an additional 0.8 million shares of its common stock as the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program. There were no other repurchases of the Company's common stock during 2017.

On October 26, 2015, the Company initiated an accelerated share repurchase program with Citibank, N.A. The accelerated share repurchase program is part of the broader share repurchase program previously authorized by the Company's Board on January 21, 2015. Under the accelerated share repurchase program, the Company pre-paid to Citibank, N.A., the $100.0 million purchase price for its common stock and, in turn, the Company received an initial delivery of approximately 7.8 million shares of its common stock from Citibank, N.A, which were retired and recorded as a $80.0 million reduction to stockholders' equity. The remaining $20.0 million of the initial payment was recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity as an unsettled forward contract indexed to the Company's stock. The number of shares to be ultimately purchased by the Company will bewas determined

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

based on the volume weighted average price of the common stock during the terms of the transaction, minus an agreed upon discount between the parties. TheDuring the second quarter of 2016, the accelerated share repurchase program is expected to bewas completed by Juneand the Company received an additional 0.7 million shares of its common stock as the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program. There were no other repurchases of the Company's common stock during 2016.

As of December 31, 2015,2017, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase approximately 12.27.4 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock under the current share repurchase program.


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The Company records stock repurchases as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. The Company records a portion of the purchase price of the repurchased shares as an increase to accumulated deficit when the price of the shares repurchased exceeds the average original proceeds per share received from the issuance of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2015,2017, the cumulative price of $54.2$36.6 million was recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit.

Convertible Note Hedge Transactions
On November 14, 2017 and November 16, 2017, in connection with the 2023 Notes, the Company entered into the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions with respect to the Common Stock, with the Counterparties. The Company paid an aggregate amount of approximately $33.5 million to the Counterparties for the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those in the 2023 Notes, approximately 9.1 million shares of Common Stock, the same number of shares underlying the 2023 Notes, at a strike price that corresponds to the initial conversion price of the 2023 Notes, and are exercisable upon conversion of the 2023 Notes. The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions will expire upon the maturity of the 2023 Notes.

The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Common Stock upon conversion of the 2023 Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the converted 2023 Notes, as the case may be, in the event that the market price per share of the Common Stock, as measured under the terms of the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions, is greater than the strike price of the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions.

The Convertible Note Hedge Transactions are separate transactions, entered into by the Company with the Counterparties, and are not part of the terms of the 2023 Notes. Holders of the 2023 Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” for additional details.

Warrant Transactions
On November 14, 2017 and November 16, 2017, in connection with the 2023 Notes, the Company sold the Warrants to the Counterparties to acquire, collectively, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 9.1 million shares of the Common Stock at an initial strike price of approximately $23.30 per share, which represents a premium of 60% over the last reported sale price of the Common Stock of $14.56 on November 14, 2017. The Company received aggregate proceeds of approximately $23.2 million from the sale of the Warrants to the Counterparties. The Warrants were sold in private placements to the Counterparties pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

If the market price per share of the Common Stock, as measured under the terms of the Warrants, exceeds the strike price of the Warrants, the Warrants could have a dilutive effect, unless the Company elects, subject to certain conditions, to settle the Warrants in cash.

The Warrants are separate transactions, entered into by the Company with the Counterparties, and are not part of the terms of the 2023 Notes. Holders of the 2023 Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Warrants. See Note 10, “Convertible Notes,” for additional details.

14. Benefit Plans
Rambus has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each eligible employee may elect to contribute up to 60% of the employee’s annual compensation to the 401(k) Plan, up to the Internal Revenue Service limit. Rambus, at the discretion of its Board of Directors, may match employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan. The Company matches 50% of eligible employee’s contribution, up to the first 6% of an


eligible employee’s qualified earnings. For the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015, Rambus made matching contributions totaling approximately $2.12.3 million, $1.92.0 million and $1.82.1 million, respectively.
15. Restructuring Charges
The 2012 Plan
During 2012,2017 and 2016, the Company initiated adid not initiate any restructuring program to reduce overall corporate expenses which is expected to improve future profitability by reducing spending on marketing, general and administrative programs and refining some of the Company's research and development efforts (the “2012 Plan”). In connection with this restructuring program, the Company estimated that it would incur aggregate costs of approximately $10.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company incurred restructuring charges of $2.1 million related primarily to the consolidation of certain facilities and the reduction in workforce, of which a majority was related to corporate support functions. The 2012 Plan was completed in 2014.
The following table summarizes the 2012 Plan restructuring activities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
  
Employee
Severance
and Related Benefits
 Facilities Total
  (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012 $906
 $
 $906
Charges 136
 1,960
 2,096
Payments (958) (1,307) (2,265)
Non-cash settlements 
 (653)*(653)
Balance at December 31, 2013 $84
 $
 $84
Payments (84) 
 (84)
Balance at December 31, 2014 $
 $
 $

*The non-cash charge of $653 thousand is related to the termination of the Company's financing obligation associated with abandoning a construction asset at one of its facilities.
The 2013 Plan
During 2013, the Company initiated a restructuring program related primarily to its LDT group as a result of the change in its business strategy to reduce its focus on the lower margin bulb products. Additionally, the Company curtailed spending on its immersive media platform (the “2013 Plan”). In connection with this restructuring program, the Company estimated that it would incur aggregate costs of approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred an immaterial amount of restructuring charges related primarily to the reduction in workforce, which was related to the previously reportable ESD segment, which is part of the Other segment as of December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $3.5 million related primarily to the reduction in workforce, of which $2.5 million was related to the previously reportable ESD segment, $0.1 million was related to the MID reportable segment and $0.9 million was related to the Other segment. The 2013 Plan was completed in 2014.
The following table summarizes the 2013 Plan restructuring activities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

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Employee
Severance
and Related Benefits
 Facilities Total
  (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012 $
 $
 $
Charges 3,255
 195
 3,450
Payments (1,523) (62) (1,585)
Balance at December 31, 2013 $1,732
 $133
 $1,865
Charges 39
 
 39
Payments (1,771) (133) (1,904)
Balance at December 31, 2014 $
 $
 $

programs.
The 2015 Plan
During 2015, the Company initiated a restructuring program to reduce overall corporate expenses which is expected to improve future profitability by reducing spending on sales, general and administrative programs and refining some of its research and development efforts ("the 2015 Plan"). In connection with this restructuring program, the Company initiated a plan of termination resulting in a reduction of 8% of the Company's headcount. The Company estimated that it would incur a cash payout related to the reduction in force of approximately $3.0 million, which is related to severance and termination benefits. The estimated non-cash expense was expected to be approximately $1.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $3.6 million related primarily to the reduction in workforce, of which $1.4 million was related to the MID reportable segment, $0.1 million was related to the CRDRSD reportable segment, $1.2 million was related to the Other segment and $0.9 million was related to corporate support functions. The 2015 Plan is expected to bewas completed by the first quarter ofin 2016.
The following table summarizes the 2015 Plan restructuring activities during the yearyears ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
Employee
Severance
and Related Benefits
 Facilities Total 
Employee
Severance
and Related Benefits
 Facilities Total
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Charges 2,993
 583
 3,576
 2,993
 583
 3,576
Payments (1,765) 
 (1,765) (1,765) 
 (1,765)
Non-cash settlements 
 (583)*(583) 
 (583)*(583)
Balance at December 31, 2015 $1,228
 $
 $1,228
 $1,228
 $
 $1,228
Payments (1,228) 
 (1,228)
Balance at December 31, 2016 $
 $
 $

*The non-cash charge of $583 thousand iswas related to the write down of fixed assets related to the Other segment.

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16. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before taxes consisted of the following:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Domestic$58,498
 $49,173
 $(12,535)$46,031
 $38,211
 $58,498
Foreign1,733
 1,077
 518
(5,042) (15,574) 1,733
$60,231
 $50,250
 $(12,017)$40,989
 $22,637
 $60,231
The provision for (benefit from) income taxes is comprised of:
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Federal:          
Current$20,497
 $19,386
 $19,319
$20,661
 $22,115
 $20,497
Deferred(170,798) 2,337
 2,200
43,678
 (2,198) (170,798)
State:          
Current609
 713
 47
495
 884
 609
Deferred(1,933) 
 (501)(43) (271) (1,933)
Foreign:          
Current443
 1,640
 446
1,101
 1,275
 443
Deferred25
 (27) 220
(2,041) (5,988) 25
$(151,157) $24,049
 $21,731
$63,851
 $15,817
 $(151,157)
The differences between Rambus’ effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory regular tax rate are as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % (35.0)%
Expense (benefit) at state statutory rate(1.5) 1.0
 (3.3)
Withholding tax34.1
 38.6
 160.4
Foreign rate differential0.4
 2.5
 4.1
Research and development (“R&D”) credit(2.3) (6.1) (36.7)
Executive compensation0.5
 0.2
 0.8
Stock-based compensation5.3
 1.4
 2.5
Foreign tax credit(34.1) (38.7) (163.3)
Other(0.6) 0.6
 (1.0)
Valuation allowance(287.8) 13.4
 252.3
 (251.0)% 47.9 % 180.8 %

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 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Expense at U.S. federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Expense (benefit) at state statutory rate0.7
 1.8
 (1.5)
Withholding tax50.1
 97.0
 34.1
Foreign rate differential2.8
 4.1
 0.4
Research and development (“R&D”) credit(3.9) (8.3) (2.3)
Executive compensation1.8
 1.5
 0.5
Stock-based compensation14.9
 34.8
 5.3
Foreign tax credit(50.1) (97.0) (34.1)
Impact of corporate rate change on deferred taxes50.6
 
 
Other1.4
 1.0
 (0.6)
Valuation allowance52.5
 
 (287.8)
 155.8 % 69.9 % (251.0)%
RAMBUS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The components of the net deferred tax assets are as follows:
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2015 20142017 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:      
Depreciation and amortization$30,019
 $29,099
$10,840
 $22,348
Other liabilities and reserves7,227 9,916
Other timing differences, accruals and reserves8,766 12,268
Deferred equity compensation23,176 29,5117,979 17,426
Net operating loss carryovers11,746 12,30716,335 11,439
Tax credits117,078 116,658157,051 120,660
Total gross deferred tax assets189,246
 197,491
200,971
 184,141
Convertible debt(6,044) (8,092)(791) (3,870)
Total net deferred tax assets183,202
 189,399
200,180
 180,271
Valuation allowance(20,717) (193,874)(50,911) (23,529)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$162,485
 $(4,475)
Net deferred tax assets$149,269
 $156,742
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2015 20142017 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Reported as:      
Current deferred tax assets$
 $187
Current deferred tax liabilities
 (1,131)
Non-current deferred tax assets162,485
 536
$159,099
 $168,342
Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 (4,067)(9,830) (11,600)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$162,485
 $(4,475)
Net deferred tax assets$149,269
 $156,742
In November 2015,On December 22, 2017, the FASBTax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted into law. The TCJA provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications including the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the requirement for companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and the creation of new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings.
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment. However, the SEC staff issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Balance Sheet ClassificationStaff Accounting Bulletin 118 which allows companies to record provisional amounts during a measurement period that is similar to the measurement period used when accounting for business combinations. As of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)," to simplifyDecember 31, 2017, the presentationCompany has made a reasonable estimate of deferred income taxes. The amendments in this update require thatthe effects on its existing deferred tax liabilitiesbalances and assets be classifiedthe one-time transition tax. The Company recognized a provisional amount of $20.7 million, which was included as non-currenta component of income tax expense from continuing operations due to a reduction in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU isthe corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% which will become effective for 2018. The Company will continue to assess the impact of the recently enacted tax law (and expected further guidance from federal and state tax authorities as well as further guidance for the associated income tax accounting) on its business and consolidated financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016statements.
The Company re-measured certain deferred tax assets and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoptionliabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is permitted.generally 21%. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of TCJA and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the re-measurement of the Company's net deferred tax assets was $20.7 million.
The one-time transition tax is based on the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (E&P) of its foreign subsidiaries. The Company has early adopted this ASUnot yet completed the calculation of total post-1986 E&P and related income tax pools for its foreign subsidiaries. The Company did not record a provisional amount for the one-time transition tax liability based on information currently available. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of the tax law change as it relates to the accounting for the outside basis difference of December 31, 2015its foreign entities.
Other significant items which are being evaluated by the Company but for which no estimate can currently be made and for which no provisional amounts were recorded in the Company’s financial statements, include the impact of the “Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income” (GILTI) provision and “Foreign-Derived Intangible Income” (FDII) of U.S. tax reform. The

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

GILTI provision imposes taxes on foreign earnings in excess of a prospective basis.deemed return on tangible assets. The Company is evaluating whether deferred taxes should be recorded in relation to the GILTI, or if the tax should be recorded in the period in which it occurs. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company may choose either method as an accounting policy election. The Company has not yet decided on the accounting policy related to GILTI and will only do so after completion of the analysis. The FDII imposes taxes on the excess returns earned directly by a U.S. company from foreign sales or services. The accounting for the deduction for FDII is similar to a special deduction and should be accounted for based on the guidance in ASC 740-10-25-37. The tax benefits for special deductions ordinarily are recognized no earlier than the year in which they are deductible on the tax return.
Management periodically evaluates the realizability of our netits deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative. The realizability of the Company’s net deferred tax assets is dependent on its ability to generate sufficient future taxable income during periods prior to the expiration of tax attributes to fully utilize these assets. Management evaluated the realizability of its net deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determiningand determined that it was appropriate to release theestablish a partial valuation allowance foron the Company’s U.S. federal research and other state deferreddevelopment (“R&D”) credits and foreign tax assetscredits (“FTC”) of $174.5$21.5 million during the thirdfourth quarter of 20152017 in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30-16 to 25. This partial valuation allowance is due to the fact that these credits are not more likely than not to be realized before they expire, as a result of the Company's federal tax rate change from 35% to 21%. Changes in the Company's underlying facts or circumstances, such as the impact of the acquisitions, will be continually assessed and the Company will re-evaluate its valuation allowance position accordingly.
The Company emerged from a cumulative loss position over the previous three years during the first quarter of 2015. The cumulative three-year pre-tax income iswas considered positive evidence which iswas objective and verifiable, and thus, received significant weighting. The continued stability in the Company’s operations along with the increased visibility into the adoption of its security technology in the third quarter of 2015 provided additional evidence to the Company’s belief that it willwould generate sufficient taxable income in the future. Additional positive evidence considered by management in its assessment included a lack of unused operating loss carryforwards in the Company’s history as well as anticipated future benefits from its cost management. Negative evidence management considered included economic uncertainties such as volatility of the semiconductor industry and uncertainties associated with the development of new products that could impact the Company’s ability to generate a sustained level of future profits.
Upon considering the relative impact of all evidence during the thirdfourth quarter of 2015,2017, both negative and positive, and the weight accorded to each, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would be realizable with the exception of primarilycertain FTC, U.S. federal R&D credits and its California deferred tax assets that have not met the “more likely than not” realization threshold criteria. As a result, the Company released the related valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets which is

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included as a component of the benefit from income taxes in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company continues to maintain a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $20.7$50.9 million as of December 31, 2015.

2017.
The following table presents the tax valuation allowance information for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 2013:2015:
Balance at Beginning of Period Charged (Credited) to Operations Charged to Other Account* Valuation Allowance Release Balance at End of PeriodBalance at Beginning of Period Charged (Credited) to Operations Charged to Other Account* Valuation Allowance Release Valuation Allowance Set up Balance at End of Period
Tax Valuation Allowance                    
Year ended December 31, 2013$184,817
 
 8,006
 
 $192,823
Year ended December 31, 2014$192,823
 
 1,051
 
 $193,874
Year ended December 31, 2015$193,874
 
 1,299
 (174,456) $20,717
$193,874
 
 1,299
 (174,456) 
 $20,717
Year ended December 31, 2016$20,717
 
 2,812
 
 
 $23,529
Year ended December 31, 2017$23,529
 
 5,855
 
 21,527
 $50,911

*Amounts not charged to operations are charged to other comprehensive income or deferred tax assets (liabilities).
As of December 31, 20152017, Rambus had California and other state net operating loss carryforwards of $285.0$195.4 million and $75.9$125.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 20152017, Rambus had federal research and development tax credit carryforwards of $34.238.0 million, alternative minimum tax credits of $2.5 million, and foreign tax credits of $118.6$116.5 million. As of December 31, 2015,2017, Rambus had California research and development tax credit carryforwards of $22.327.0 million. These carryforward amounts included $37.9 million of federal tax credits and $97.7 million of California net operating losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized because they relate to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation tax deductions. The excess tax benefits will be recorded to additional paid-in capital when they reduce cash taxes payable. The federal foreign tax credits and research and development credits begin to expire in 20162020 and 2018, respectively. Approximately $55$54.9 million of federal foreign tax credits expire in 2020. The California net operating losses beginbegan to expire in 2017, and $67.1 million

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

expired during the year. Additionally, $21.5 million of California net operating loss is expected to expire in 2018. The federal alternative minimum tax credits and the California research and development credits carry forward indefinitely.
In the event of a change in ownership, as defined under federal and state tax laws, Rambus' net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards could be subject to annual limitations. The annual limitations could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards prior to utilization.
As of December 31, 20152017, the Company had $20.8$22.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits including $18.6$20.4 million recorded as a reduction of long-term deferred tax assets and $2.2 million recorded in long term income taxes payable. If recognized, $2.2 million would be recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 20142016, the Company had $19.921.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits including $17.819.7 million recorded as a reduction of long-term deferred tax assets and $2.12.2 million recorded in long term income taxes payable. If recognized, $2.1$2.2 million would be recorded as an income tax benefit in the consolidated statements of operations. It is reasonably possible that a reduction of up to $1.0$0.2 million of existing unrecognized tax benefits could occur in the next 12 months.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 20152017, 20142016 and 20132015 is as follows (amounts in thousands):

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Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132017 2016 2015
Balance at January 1$19,903
 $18,794
 $16,773
$21,925
 $20,836
 $19,903
Tax positions related to current year:          
Additions1,186
 1,134
 1,156
1,083
 1,225
 1,186
Tax positions related to prior years:          
Additions
 531
 956
16
 256
 
Reductions(35) (556) (91)(372) (171) (35)
Settlements(218) 
 

 (221) (218)
Balance at December 31$20,836
 $19,903
 $18,794
$22,652
 $21,925
 $20,836
Rambus recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the income tax provision (benefit). At December 31, 20152017 and 20142016, an immaterial amount of interest and penalties are included in long-term income taxes payable.
Rambus files income tax returns for the U.S., California, India, the U.K., the Netherlands and various other state and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. federal returns are subject to examination from 20132014 and forward. The California returns are subject to examination from 2010 and forward. In addition, any R&D credit carryforward or net operating loss carryforward generated in prior years and utilized in these or future years may also be subject to examination. The India returns are subject to examination from fiscal year ending March 20092012 and forward. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the 2015 tax year, California for the 2010 and 2011 tax years, and New York for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 tax years. The Company’s India subsidiary is under examination by the Indian tax administration from 2009 and forward.for tax years beginning with 2011, except for 2014, which was assessed in the Company's favor. These examinations may result in proposed adjustments to the income taxes as filed during these periods. Management regularly assesses the likelihood of outcomes resulting from income tax examinations to determine the adequacy of their provision for income taxes and believes their provision for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate.
At December 31, 2015,2017, no deferredforeign withholding taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of approximately $3.9$11.5 million from the Company’s international subsidiaries since these earnings have been, and under current plans will continue to be, indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized tax liability at this time.






NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

17. Litigation and Asserted Claims
Rambus is not currently a party to any material pending legal proceeding; however, from time to time, Rambus may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company currently believes that the final outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial position or cash flows. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

The Company records a contingent liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable in accordance with accounting for contingencies.
18. Agreements with SK hynix and Micron
SK hynix
On June 11, 2013, Rambus, SK hynix and certain related entities of SK hynix entered into a settlement agreement, pursuant to which the parties have agreed to release all claims against each other with respect to all outstanding litigation between them. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Rambus and SK hynix entered into a semiconductor patent license agreement on June 11, 2013, under which SK hynix licenses from Rambus non-exclusive rights to certain Rambus patents and has agreed to pay Rambus cash amounts over the next five years. Under the license agreement, Rambus has granted to SK hynix (i) a paid-up perpetual patent license for certain identified SK hynix DRAM products and (ii) a five-year term patent license to all other DRAM and other semiconductor products.

In June
18. Acquisitions
During 2017 and 2015, the Company signed an amendment that extends its current agreement with SK hynix for an additional six years for use of Rambus memory-related patented innovations in SK hynix semiconductor products. The Company signed the original agreement with SK hynix for a five-year term in June 2013. Under the amendment, SK hynix has agreed to continue to pay the Company an average quarterly cash payment of $12.0 million which equates to $432.0 million from the signing of the

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amendment through the term of the agreement ending July 1, 2024, provided that (a) for each of the six full calendar quarters immediately following July 1, 2015, SK hynix will pay the Company a quarterly cash payment of $16.0 million, and (b) in addition, after December 1, 2017, SK hynix willdid not have the option to make six quarterly cash payments of $8.0 million upon six months written notice. In addition, SK hynix has the option to renew the agreement for an additional three-year extension under the existing rate structure.

any acquisitions.
The agreements with SK hynix are considered a multiple element arrangement for accounting purposes. For a multiple element arrangement under the applicable accounting rules, the Company is required to identify specific elements of the arrangement and then determine when those elements should be recognized. The Company identified three elements in the arrangement: antitrust litigation settlement, settlement of past infringement, and license agreement. The Company considered several factors in determining the accounting fair value of the elements of the SK hynix agreements which included a third party valuation using an income approach (collectively the “SK hynix Fair Value”). The inputs and assumptions used in this accounting valuation were from a market participant perspective and included projected customer revenue, royalty rates, estimated discount rates, useful lives and income tax rates, among others. The development of a number of these inputs and assumptions in the model requires a significant amount of management judgment and discretion, and is based upon a number of factors, including the selection of industry comparables, market growth rates and other relevant factors. Changes in any number of these assumptions may have a substantial impact on the SK hynix Fair Value as assigned to each element. These inputs and assumptions represent management’s best estimates at the time of the transaction. The following estimates do not reflect any agreement (expressed or implied) reached between the parties on the values attributed to any aspect of this transaction. The estimated SK hynix Fair Value is determined as follows:2016 Acquisitions
(in millions)Estimated SK hynix Fair Value
Antitrust litigation settlement$4.0
Settlement of past infringement280.0
License agreement250.0
Total SK hynix Fair Value$534.0

The total original consideration of $240.0 million (as per the terms of the agreements with SK hynix) takes into account the court ruling in May 2013 that $250.0 million should be applied as a credit against the court’s March 2009 award to Rambus in the SK hynix litigation. Using the accounting guidance from multiple element revenue arrangements, the Company allocated the consideration to each element using the estimated SK hynix Fair Value of the elements which include antitrust litigation settlement, settlement of past infringement, and license agreement as shown in the table above. The following allocations do not reflect any agreement (expressed or implied) reached between the parties on the values attributed to any aspect of this transaction, but instead, reflect only what is required as disclosure under the applicable accounting rules. Based on the estimated SK hynix Fair Value, the total consideration of $240.0 million was allocated to the following elements:
(in millions)Allocated Consideration
Antitrust litigation settlement$1.9
Settlement of past infringement125.8
License agreement112.3
Total original consideration$240.0

The consideration of $528.0 million (including the impact of the June 2015 amendment to the agreement and assuming no adjustments to the payments under the terms of the agreements) will be recognized in the Company’s financial statements until 2024 as follows:

·$526.1 million as "royalty revenue" which represents the allocated consideration related to the settlement of past infringement ($125.8 million) from the resolution of the infringement litigation and the patent license agreement ($400.3 million); and
·$1.9 million as "gain from settlement" which represents the allocated consideration related to the resolution of the antitrust litigation.


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During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received cash consideration of $56.0 million and $48.0 million, respectively, from SK hynix. The amounts were allocated between royalty revenue ($55.3 million in 2015 and $47.3 million in 2014) and gain from settlement ($0.7 million in 2015 and $0.7 million in 2014) based on the elements’ SK hynix Fair Value.


The cash receipts and remaining future cash receipts from the agreements with SK hynix are expected to be recognized as follows assuming no adjustments to the payments under the terms of the agreements:
 
Received
 in
 Estimated to Be Received in 
Total Estimated
Cash Receipts
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and thereafter 
(in millions)                 
Royalty revenue$23.6
 $47.3
 55.3
 63.9
 $48.0
 $40.0
 $32.0
 $216.0
 $526.1
Gain from settlement0.4
 0.7
 0.7
 0.1
 
 
 
 
 1.9
Total$24.0
 $48.0
 $56.0
 $64.0
 $48.0
 $40.0
 $32.0
 $216.0
 $528.0

Micron
On December 9, 2013, Rambus, Micron and certain related entities of Micron entered into a settlement agreement, pursuant to which the parties have agreed that they will release all claims against each other with respect to all outstanding litigation between them and certain other potential claims. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Rambus and Micron entered into a semiconductor patent license agreement on December 9, 2013. Under the license agreement, Rambus has granted to Micron and its subsidiaries and certain affiliated entities (i) a paid-up perpetual patent license for certain identified Micron DRAM products and (ii) a seven-year term patent license to other memory and semiconductor products.

The agreements with Micron are considered a multiple element arrangement for accounting purposes. For a multiple element arrangement under the applicable accounting rules, the Company is required to identify specific elements of the arrangement and then determine when those elements should be recognized. The Company identified three elements in the arrangement: antitrust litigation settlement, settlement of past infringement, and license agreement. The Company considered several factors in determining the accounting fair value of the elements of the Micron agreements which included a third party valuation using an income approach (collectively the “Micron Fair Value”). The inputs and assumptions used in this accounting valuation were from a market participant perspective and included projected customer revenue, royalty rates, estimated discount rates, useful lives and income tax rates, among others. The development of a number of these inputs and assumptions in the model requires a significant amount of management judgment and discretion, and is based upon a number of factors, including the selection of industry comparables, market growth rates and other relevant factors. Changes in any number of these assumptions may have a substantial impact on the Micron Fair Value as assigned to each element. These inputs and assumptions represent management’s best estimates at the time of the transaction. The following estimates do not reflect any agreement (expressed or implied) reached between the parties on the values attributed to any aspect of this transaction. The estimated Micron Fair Value is determined as follows:
(in millions)Estimated Micron Fair Value
Antitrust litigation settlement$8.0
Settlement of past infringement235.0
License agreement440.0
Total Micron Fair Value$683.0

The total consideration of $280.0 million (as per the terms of the agreements with Micron) takes into account the court ruling in January 2013 that Rambus' patents-in-suit are unenforceable against Micron in the Micron litigation, but which was pending appeal at the time of settlement. Using the accounting guidance from multiple element revenue arrangements, the Company allocated the consideration to each element using the estimated Micron Fair Value of the elements which include antitrust litigation settlement, settlement of past infringement, and license agreement as shown in the table above. The following allocations do not reflect any agreement (expressed or implied) reached between the parties on the values attributed to any aspect of this transaction, but instead, reflect only what is required as disclosure under the applicable accounting rules. Based on the

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estimated Micron Fair Value, the total consideration of $280.0 million was allocated to the following elements:
(in millions)Allocated Consideration
Antitrust litigation settlement$3.3
Settlement of past infringement96.3
License agreement180.4
Total consideration$280.0

The consideration of $280.0 million (assuming no adjustments to the payments under the terms of the agreements) will be recognized in the Company’s financial statements until 2020 as follows:

·$276.7 million as "royalty revenue" which represents the allocated consideration related to the settlement of past infringement ($96.3 million) from the resolution of the infringement litigation and the patent license agreement ($180.4 million); and
·$3.3 million as "gain from settlement" which represents the allocated consideration related to the resolution of the antitrust litigation.

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received cash consideration of $40.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively, from Micron. The amounts were allocated between royalty revenue ($38.7 million in 2015 and $38.7 million in 2014) and gain from settlement ($1.3 million in 2015 and $1.3 million in 2014) based on the elements’ Micron Fair Value.

The remaining $194.5 million is expected to be paid in successive quarterly payments of $10.0 million, concluding in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The cash receipts and remaining future cash receipts from the agreements with Micron are expected to be recognized as follows assuming no adjustments to the payments under the terms of the agreements:
 
Received
 in
 Estimated to Be Received in 
Total Estimated
Cash Receipts
 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 
(in millions)                 
Royalty revenue$5.3
 $38.7
 $38.7
 $39.5
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $34.5
 $276.7
Gain from settlement0.2
 1.3
 1.3
 0.5
 
 
 
 
 3.3
Total$5.5
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $40.0
 $34.5
 $280.0

19. Subsequent EventSmart Card Software Ltd.
On January 25, 2016, the Company acquiredcompleted its acquisition of Smart Card Software Ltd. (“SCS”), a privately heldprivately-held company whoincorporated in the United Kingdom, by acquiring all issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of SCS. Pursuant to the merger agreement on January 25, 2016, SCS was merged into Rambus, Inc. The transaction was denominated in British pounds. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the total consideration in U.S. dollar equivalent was $104.7 million which included the purchase price of $92.6 million paid on January 25, 2016 and additional purchase consideration to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2016 originally totaling $12.1 million and comprised of $11.6 million in cash, $4.0 million in working capital, offset by $3.5 million in liabilities assumed from SCS. Subsequently, the additional purchase consideration, ultimately amounting to $10.2 million was paid in the fourth quarter of 2016. Of the purchase price, approximately $17.1 million of the consideration was deposited into an escrow account to fund indemnification obligations and other contractual provisions, with releases of portions of the escrow at various intervals through 18 months. SCS is a leader in mobile payments and a leading supplier of smart ticketing systems, which includes Bell Identification Ltd. and Ecebs Ltd., through SCS is part of the purchase of all outstanding shares of Smart Card Software Ltd., forRSD reporting unit. This acquisition will complement the Company's RSD reporting unit by allowing the Company to leverage its foundational security technology to offer differentiated, value-added security solutions to its customers. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred approximately $93$2.0 million in cash. Givenexternal acquisition costs in connection with the timingacquisition which were expensed as incurred.
The fair value of the assets acquired has been determined primarily by using valuation methods that discount the expected future cash flows to present value using estimates and assumptions determined by management. The Company performed a valuation of the net assets acquired as of the January 25, 2016 closing date. The total consideration from the business combination was allocated as follows:
 Total
 (in thousands)
Cash$12,056
Accounts receivable6,563
Property and equipment524
Other tangible assets1,462
Identified intangible assets59,700
Goodwill46,903
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(5,996)
Deferred income taxes(15,556)
Deferred revenue(1,313)
Total$104,343

The goodwill arising from the acquisition is primarily attributed to synergies related to the combination of new and complementary technologies of the Company and the assembled workforce of SCS. This goodwill is currently evaluatingnot deductible for tax purposes.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The identified intangible assets assumed in the purchase price allocation for this transaction. As a result, the Company is unable to provide the amountacquisition of SCS were recognized as follows based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition datedate:
 Total Estimated Weighted Average Useful Life
 (in thousands) (in years)
Existing technology$24,600
 6
Customer contracts and contractual relationships (1)35,100
 6
Total$59,700
  
(1) Includes favorable contracts of $8.3 million with an estimated useful life of 5 years. The favorable contracts are acquired software and service agreements where the Company has no performance obligations. Cash received from these acquired favorable contracts reduces the favorable contract intangible asset.

Inphi Memory Interconnect Business
On August 4, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of all the assets of Inphi's Memory Interconnect Business (“Memory Interconnect Business”) from Inphi Corporation for $90 million in cash. The acquisition includes all assets of the Memory Interconnect Business including product inventory, customer contracts, supply chain agreements and intellectual property. Of the purchase price, approximately $11.3 million of the consideration was deposited into an escrow account to fund indemnification obligations and other contractual provisions, that was released 12 months after the closing date. This acquisition complements the MID reporting unit by allowing the Company to strengthen its market position for memory buffer chip products and execute on programs that meet the needs of the server, networking and data center market. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred approximately $0.7 million in external acquisition costs in connection with the acquisition which were expensed as incurred.
The fair value of the assets acquired has been determined primarily by using valuation methods that discount the expected future cash flows to present value using estimates and assumptions determined by management. The Company performed a valuation of the net assets acquired as of the August 4, 2016 closing date. The total consideration from the business combination was allocated as follows:
 Total
 (in thousands)
Inventory$6,300
Property and equipment4,543
Other tangible assets206
Identified intangible assets50,222
Goodwill32,723
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(3,527)
Deferred revenue(467)
Total$90,000
The goodwill arising from the acquisition is primarily attributed to synergies related to the combination of new and complementary technologies of the Company and the assembled workforce of the acquired business. This goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The identified intangible assets assumed in the acquisition of the acquired business were recognized as follows based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date:
 Total Estimated Weighted Average Useful Life
 (in thousands) (in years)
Existing technology$44,900
 5
Customer contracts and contractual relationships3,722
 6
In-process research and development1,600
 Not applicable
Total$50,222
  
In-process research and development ("IPR&D") consists of one project, primarily relating to the development of process technologies to manufacture the next generation buffer chip product. As of December 31, 2017, the project is expected to be completed over the next 3 years. The acquired IPR&D will not be amortized until completion of the related product which is determined by when the underlying projects reach technological feasibility and commence commercial production. Upon completion, the IPR&D project will be amortized over its useful life which is expected to range between 5 years and 7 years.

Snowbush IP Assets
On August 5, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of Semtech Corporation's Snowbush IP group for $32.0 million in cash. Snowbush IP, formerly part of Semtech's Systems Innovation Group, is a provider of silicon-proven, high-performance serial link solutions. The Snowbush IP assets have been integrated into the MID reporting unit to bolster its SerDes and IP offerings, addressing critical needs of the server, networking and data center market. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred approximately $0.7 million in external acquisition costs in connection with the acquisition which were expensed as incurred.
The fair value of the assets acquired has been determined primarily by using valuation methods that discount the expected future cash flows to present value using estimates and assumptions determined by management. The Company performed a valuation of the net assets acquired as of the August 5, 2016 closing date. The total consideration from the business combination was allocated as follows:
 Total
 (in thousands)
Property and equipment$911
Identified intangible assets25,189
Goodwill14,015
Deferred revenue(1,270)
Total$38,845
The goodwill arising from the acquisition is primarily attributed to synergies related to the combination of new and complementary technologies of the Company and the assembled workforce of the Snowbush IP assets. This goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The identified intangible assets assumed in the acquisition of the Snowbush IP assets were recognized as follows based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date:
 Total Estimated Weighted Average Useful Life
 (in thousands) (in years)
Existing technology$2,600
 5
Customer contracts and contractual relationships789
 2
In-process research and development21,800
 Not applicable
Total$25,189
  
IPR&D consists of four projects, primarily relating to the development of SerDes and IP process technologies. As of December 31, 2017, the projects are expected to be completed in 2018. The acquired IPR&D will not be amortized until completion of the related products which is determined by when the underlying projects reach technological feasibility and commence commercial production. Upon completion, each IPR&D project will be amortized over its useful life, each of which is expected to range between 4 years and 6 years. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company impaired $18.3 million of in-process research and development intangible asset. See Note 5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill” for further details.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations for the major classesCompany and SCS, the Memory Interconnect Business and the Snowbush IP assets as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2015. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of assets acquiredthe actual operating results that would have been recorded had the acquisitions actually taken place on January 1, 2015, and liabilities assumed.should not be taken as indicative of future consolidated operating results. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma financial results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits from the acquisitions (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts):

93

 Years Ended
 December 31,
 2016 2015
Revenue$364,443
 $374,036
Net income$5,727
 $188,852
Net income per share - diluted$0.05
 $1.61
Pro forma earnings for 2016 were adjusted to exclude $3.4 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2016. Consequently, pro forma earnings for 2015 were adjusted to include these costs.




19. Subsequent Event
Table
On January 30, 2018, the Company announced its plans to close its lighting division and manufacturing operations in Brecksville, Ohio. The Company believes that such business is not core to its strategy and growth objectives. In connection therewith, the Company has terminated approximately fifty employees, and began the process to exit the facilities in Ohio and sell the related equipment. In connection with this action, the Company evaluated and concluded that there was no impairment associated with the equipment at December 31, 2017. The Company expects to record restructuring charges of Contentsapproximately $2 million to $5 million related to employee terminations and severance costs, and facility related costs. In addition, at the time of exiting the facility in Ohio, the Company expects to record a gain of approximately $5 million which represents the imputed

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

financing obligation for its obligations to the legal owners. The Company expects to recognize most of the restructuring charges and related gain in the first quarter of 2018.


Supplementary Financial Data
RAMBUS INC.
CONSOLIDATED SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA
Quarterly Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Dec. 31, 2015 Sept. 30, 2015 June 30, 2015 March 31, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014 Sept. 30, 2014 June 30, 2014 March 31, 2014Dec. 31, 2017 Sept. 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
Total revenue$76,773
 $73,779
 $72,812
 $72,914
 $72,040
 $69,712
 $76,518
 $78,288
$101,891
 $99,134
 $94,720
 $97,351
 $97,559
 $89,855
 $76,501
 $72,682
Total operating costs and expenses (1)$56,439
 $56,139
 $57,258
 $55,022
 $54,455
 $55,244
 $56,414
 $55,099
$86,172
 $82,124
 $86,476
 $83,917
 $97,035
 $78,039
 $64,493
 $63,388
Operating income$20,334
 $17,640
 $15,554
 $17,892
 $17,585
 $14,468
 $20,104
 $23,189
$15,719
 $17,010
 $8,244
 $13,434
 $524
 $11,816
 $12,008
 $9,294
Net income (2)$12,992
 $182,033
 $6,861
 $9,502
 $7,841
 $5,513
 $5,043
 $7,804
Net income per share — basic$0.12
 $1.56
 $0.06
 $0.08
 $0.07
 $0.05
 0.04
 $0.07
Net income per share — diluted$0.11
 $1.52
 $0.06
 $0.08
 $0.07
 $0.05
 0.04
 $0.07
Net income (loss) (2)$(36,168) $7,695
 $2,605
 $3,006
 $(3,445) $4,511
 $3,876
 $1,878
Net income (loss) per share — basic$(0.33) $0.07
 $0.02
 $0.03
 $(0.03) $0.04
 0.04
 $0.02
Net income (loss) per share — diluted$(0.33) $0.07
 $0.02
 $0.03
 $(0.03) $0.04
 0.03
 $0.02
Shares used in per share calculations — basic (3)111,476
 116,444
 116,027
 115,336
 115,024
 114,523
 114,116
 113,590
109,737
 109,555
 110,060
 111,464
 110,788
 110,214
 109,904
 109,733
Shares used in per share calculations — diluted (3)113,388
 119,542
 120,939
 117,442
 117,620
 118,206
 117,398
 116,629
109,737
 113,119
 112,565
 115,325
 110,788
 113,723
 112,061
 112,252

(1)The quarterly financial information includes $18.3 million of impairment of in-process research and development intangible asset and a reduction of operating expenses due to the following amount related to restructuring charges as follows: $3.6change in the contingent consideration liability of $6.8 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2015.2016. Refer to Note 15, "Restructuring Charges"5, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.
(2)The quarterly financial information includesnet loss for the following amount related to benefit from income taxes related to thequarter ended December 31, 2017 included a $21.5 million deferred tax asset valuation allowance reversaland $20.7 million related to re-measurement of deferred tax assets as follows: $174.5 million ina result of the quarter ended September 30, 2015.tax law changes. Refer to Note 16, "Income Taxes" of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.
(3)The quarterly financial information includes the impact of the accelerated share repurchase program as follows: 7.80.8 million shares in the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and 3.2 million shares repurchased in the quarter ended December 31, 2015.June 30, 2017 and 0.7 million shares in the quarter ended June 30, 2016. Refer to Note 13, "Stockholders' Equity" of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.




INDEX TO EXHIBITS
94

Exhibit NumberDescription of Document
2.1(1)
3.1(2)
3.2(3)
3.3(4)
4.1(5)
4.2(6)
4.3(7)
10.1(8)
10.2(9)*
10.3(10)*
10.4(11)*
10.5(11)*
10.6(11)*
10.7(12)*
10.8(13)*
10.9(13)*
10.10(12)*
10.11(14)
10.12(15)**
10.13(15)**
10.14(16)
10.15(17)
10.16(18)**
10.17(19)**
10.18(20)**

10.19(20)**

10.20(20)**

10.21(21)**

10.22(22)
10.23(23)

10.24(24)
10.25(7)
10.26(7)

12.1(25)
21.1
23.1
24
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INS±XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


*Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
**Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
±XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
(1)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on April 22, 2016.
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on December 15, 1997.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2001.
(4)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2013.
(5)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-1/A (file no. 333-22885) filed on April 24, 1997.
(6)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2013.
(7)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2017.
(8)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-1 (file no. 333-22885) filed on March 6, 1997.
(9)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on March 9, 2015.
(10)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on September 14, 2007.
(11)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2014.
(12)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2015.
(13)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 23, 2015.
(14)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010.
(15)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2010.
(16)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012.
(17)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2017.
(18)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q/A filed on January 13, 2014.
(19)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 29, 2013.
(20)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2014.
(21)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 23, 2015.
(22)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2016.
(23)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 22, 2016.
(24)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2016.
(25)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-3 filed on June 22, 2009.




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.
RAMBUS INC.
  
By:/s/ SATISH RISHIRAHUL MATHUR
 Satish RishiRahul Mathur
 Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 19, 201623, 2018

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronald Black and Satish RishiRahul Mathur as his true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign, and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign, and file such certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and (iii) take any and all actions that may be necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact or any of his substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

95


SignatureTitleDate
   
/s/ RONALD BLACKChief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)February 19, 201623, 2018
Ronald Black  
   
/s/ SATISH RISHIRAHUL MATHURSenior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)February 19, 201623, 2018
Satish RishiRahul Mathur  
   
/s/ ERIC STANGChairman of the Board of DirectorsFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
Eric Stang  
   
/s/ J. THOMAS BENTLEYDirectorFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
J. Thomas Bentley  
   
/s/ ELLIS THOMAS FISHERDirectorFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
Ellis Thomas Fisher  
   
/s/ PENELOPE HERSCHERDirectorFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
Penelope Herscher
/s/ EMIKO HIGASHIDirectorFebruary 23, 2018
Emiko Higashi  
   
/s/ CHARLES KISSNERDirectorFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
Charles Kissner  
   
/s/ DAVID SHRIGLEYDirectorFebruary 19, 201623, 2018
David Shrigley  
   


96


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
110
Exhibit NumberDescription of Document
3.1(1)Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant filed May 29, 1997.
3.2(2)Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant filed June 14, 2000.
3.3(3)Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant dated April 25, 2013.
4.1(4)Form of Registrant’s Common Stock Certificate.
4.2(5)Indenture between Rambus Inc. and U.S. Bank, National Association, dated as of August 16, 2013 (including the form of 1.125% Convertible Senior Note due 2018 therein).
10.1(6)Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by Registrant with each of its directors and executive officers.
10.2(7)*Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement, Agreement entered into by Registrant with each of its named executive officers other than its chief executive officer.
10.3(8)*1997 Stock Plan (as amended and restated as of April 4, 2007) and related forms of agreements.
10.4(9)*2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
10.5(9)*Forms of agreements under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
10.6(9)*2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as amended.
10.7(10)*2015 Equity Incentive Plan.
10.8(11)*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2015 Equity Incentive Plan).
10.9(11)*Form of Stock Option Agreement (2015 Equity Incentive Plan).
10.10(10)*2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.11(12)Triple Net Space Lease, dated as of December 15, 2009, by and between Registrant and MT SPE, LLC.
10.12(13)**Settlement Agreement, dated January 19, 2010, among Registrant, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. and Samsung Austin Semiconductor, L.P.
10.13(13)**Semiconductor Patent License Agreement, dated January 19, 2010, between Registrant and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
10.14(13)**Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 19, 2010, between Registrant and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
10.15(14)

First Amendment of Lease, dated November 4, 2011, by and between Registrant and MT SPE, LLC.
10.16(15)

Employment Agreement between the Company and Ronald Black, dated as of June 22, 2012.
10.17(16)**

Settlement Agreement, dated June 11, 2013, among Registrant, SK hynix and certain SK hynix affiliates.
10.18(17)**

Semiconductor Patent License Agreement, dated June 11, 2013, between Registrant and SK hynix.
10.19(18)**

Settlement Agreement, dated December 9, 2013, between Rambus Inc., Micron Technology, Inc., and certain Micron affiliates.
10.20(18)**

Semiconductor Patent License Agreement, dated December 9, 2013, between Rambus, Inc. and Micron Technology, Inc.
10.21(18)**

Amendment to Semiconductor Patent License Agreement, dated December 30, 2013, by and between Rambus Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
10.22(19)**

Amendment 1 to Semiconductor Patent License Agreement, dated June 17, 2015, by and between Rambus Inc. and SK hynix Inc.
10.23

Master Agreement, dated October 26, 2015, by and between Rambus Inc. and Citibank, N.A.
10.24

Separation Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and between Rambus Inc. and Kevin Donnelly.
12.1(20)Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

97


21.1Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23.1Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
31.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS±XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF±XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


98


*Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
**Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
±XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
(1)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on December 15, 1997.
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2001.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2013.
(4)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-1/A (file no. 333-22885) filed on April 24, 1997.
(5)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2013.
(6)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-1 (file no. 333-22885) filed on March 6, 1997.
(7)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on March 9, 2015.
(8)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on September 14, 2007.
(9)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2014.
(10)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2015.
(11)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 23, 2015.
(12)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2010.
(13)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2010.
(14)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012.
(15)Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on June 25, 2012.
(16)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q/A filed on January 13, 2014.
(17)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 29, 2013.
(18)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2014.
(19)Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed on July 23, 2015.
(20)Incorporated by reference to the Form S-3 filed on June 22, 2009.


99