Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Fair Value

v3.5.0.2
Fair Value
9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value [Text Block]
Note 4: Fair Value
Fair value is 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, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact, and we consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Our financial assets are measured and recorded at fair value, except for cost method investments, cost method loans receivable, equity method investments, grants receivable, and reverse repurchase agreements with original maturities greater than approximately three months. Substantially all of our liabilities are not measured and recorded at fair value.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions.
Level 3. Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data.
Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at the end of each period were as follows: 
 
 
October 1, 2016
 
December 26, 2015
 
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded at Reporting Date Using
 
 
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded at Reporting Date Using
 
 
(In Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt
 
$

 
$
113

 
$

 
$
113

 
$

 
$
1,829

 
$

 
$
1,829

Financial institution instruments
 
1,910

 
785

 

 
2,695

 
8,238

 
1,277

 

 
9,515

Government debt
 

 
50

 

 
50

 

 
130

 

 
130

Reverse repurchase agreements
 

 
768

 

 
768

 

 
2,368

 

 
2,368

Short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt
 
492

 
823

 
14

 
1,329

 
336

 
764

 
20

 
1,120

Financial institution instruments
 
195

 
1,405

 

 
1,600

 
145

 
927

 

 
1,072

Government debt
 
93

 
248

 

 
341

 
65

 
425

 

 
490

Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
 

 
153

 
7

 
160

 

 
275

 
94

 
369

Corporate debt
 
2,273

 
920

 

 
3,193

 
1,744

 
564

 

 
2,308

Financial institution instruments
 
904

 
675

 

 
1,579

 
930

 
701

 

 
1,631

Government debt
 
2,399

 
2,416

 

 
4,815

 
1,107

 
1,908

 

 
3,015

Other current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 

 
313

 

 
313

 
32

 
412

 
1

 
445

Loans receivable
 

 
292

 

 
292

 

 
137

 

 
137

Marketable equity securities
 
6,022

 

 

 
6,022

 
5,891

 
69

 

 
5,960

Other long-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
4

 
4

Corporate debt
 
1,063

 
842

 

 
1,905

 
407

 
801

 

 
1,208

Financial institution instruments
 
697

 
924

 

 
1,621

 
171

 
381

 

 
552

Government debt
 
468

 
195

 

 
663

 
79

 
48

 

 
127

Other long-term assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 

 
178

 
67

 
245

 

 
30

 
10

 
40

Loans receivable
 

 
311

 

 
311

 

 
342

 

 
342

Total assets measured and recorded at fair value
 
16,516

 
11,411

 
88

 
28,015

 
19,145

 
13,388

 
129

 
32,662

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 

 
368

 

 
368

 
2

 
210

 

 
212

Other long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 

 
21

 

 
21

 

 
33

 

 
33

Total liabilities measured and recorded at fair value
 
$

 
$
389

 
$

 
$
389

 
$
2

 
$
243

 
$

 
$
245


Government debt includes instruments such as non-U.S. government bonds and U.S. agency securities. Financial institution instruments include instruments issued or managed by financial institutions in various forms such as commercial paper, fixed and floating rate bonds, money market fund deposits, and time deposits.
During the first nine months of 2016, we transferred approximately $508 million of assets from Level 1 to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and approximately $401 million of assets from Level 2 to Level 1 ($821 million from Level 1 to Level 2 and $148 million from Level 2 to Level 1 during the first nine months of 2015). These transfers were based on changes in market activity for the underlying instruments. Our policy is to reflect transfers between the fair value hierarchy levels at the beginning of the period.
Investments in Debt Instruments
Debt instruments reflected in the preceding table include investments such as asset-backed securities, corporate debt, financial institution instruments, government debt, and reverse repurchase agreements classified as cash equivalents. We classify our debt instruments as Level 2 when we use observable market prices for identical instruments that are traded in less active markets. When observable market prices for identical instruments are not available, we price the debt instruments using our own models, such as a discounted cash flow model, or non-binding market consensus prices based on the proprietary valuation models of pricing providers or brokers. These valuation models incorporate a number of inputs, including non-binding and binding broker quotes; observable market prices for identical or similar instruments; and the internal assumptions of pricing providers or brokers that use observable market inputs and unobservable market inputs that we consider to be not significant. When we use non-binding market consensus prices, we corroborate them with quoted market prices for similar instruments or compare them to output from internally-developed pricing models such as a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model uses observable market inputs, such as LIBOR-based yield curves, currency spot and forward rates, and credit ratings. All significant inputs are derived from or corroborated with observable market data.
The fair values of debt instruments classified as Level 3 are generally derived from discounted cash flow models, performed either by us or our pricing providers, using inputs that we are unable to corroborate with observable market data. We monitor and review the inputs and results of these valuation models to help ensure the fair value measurements are reasonable and consistent with market experience in similar asset classes.
Fair Value Option for Loans Receivable
We elected the fair value option for loans receivable when the interest rate or currency exchange rate risk was hedged at inception with a related derivative instrument. As of October 1, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the fair value of our loans receivable for which we elected the fair value option did not significantly differ from the contractual principal balance based on the contractual currency. Loans receivable are classified within other current assets and other long-term assets. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model, with all significant inputs derived from or corroborated with observable market data. Gains and losses from changes in fair value on the loans receivable and related derivative instruments, as well as interest income, are recorded in interest and other, net. During all periods presented, changes in the fair value of our loans receivable were largely offset by gains or losses on the related derivative instruments, resulting in an insignificant net impact on our consolidated condensed statements of income. Gains and losses attributable to changes in credit risk are determined using observable credit default spreads for the issuer or comparable companies; these gains and losses were insignificant during all periods presented. We did not elect the fair value option for loans receivable when the interest rate or currency exchange rate risk was not hedged at inception with a related derivative instrument. Loans receivable not measured and recorded at fair value are included in the following "Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis" section.
Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Our non-marketable equity investments, marketable equity method investments, and non-financial assets, such as intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, are recorded at fair value only if an impairment is recognized.
Some of our non-marketable equity investments have been measured and recorded at fair value due to events or circumstances that significantly impacted the fair value of those investments, resulting in other-than-temporary impairments. We classified these investments as Level 3 because the valuations used unobservable inputs that were significant to the fair value measurements and required management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices. Impairments recognized on non-marketable equity investments held as of October 1, 2016 were $48 million during the third quarter of 2016 and $132 million during the first nine months of 2016 ($27 million during the third quarter of 2015 and $100 million during the first nine months of 2015 on non-marketable equity investments held as of September 26, 2015).
Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
On a quarterly basis, we measure the fair value of our grants receivable, cost method loans receivable, non-marketable cost method investments, reverse repurchase agreements with original maturities greater than approximately three months, and indebtedness carried at amortized cost net of applicable hedge adjustments; however, the assets are recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at the end of each period were as follows:
 
 
October 1, 2016
(In Millions)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value Measured Using
 
Fair Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Grants receivable
 
$
557

 
$

 
$
559

 
$

 
$
559

Loans receivable
 
$
265

 
$

 
$
265

 
$

 
$
265

Non-marketable cost method investments
 
$
3,157

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,014

 
$
4,014

Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
250

 
$

 
$
250

 
$

 
$
250

Short-term debt
 
$
3,557

 
$
2,003

 
$
2,195

 
$

 
$
4,198

Long-term debt
 
$
24,043

 
$
15,880

 
$
10,543

 
$

 
$
26,423

 
 
December 26, 2015
(In Millions)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value Measured Using
 
Fair Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Grants receivable
 
$
593

 
$

 
$
600

 
$

 
$
600

Loans receivable
 
$
315

 
$

 
$
315

 
$

 
$
315

Non-marketable cost method investments
 
$
2,933

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,904

 
$
3,904

Reverse repurchase agreements
 
$
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,000

Short-term debt
 
$
2,593

 
$
1,513

 
$
1,563

 
$

 
$
3,076

Long-term debt
 
$
20,036

 
$
14,058

 
$
6,835

 
$

 
$
20,893

NVIDIA Corporation cross-license agreement liability
 
$
199

 
$

 
$
200

 
$

 
$
200


The fair value of our grants receivable is determined using a discounted cash flow model, which discounts future cash flows using an appropriate yield curve. As of October 1, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the carrying amount of our grants receivable was classified within other current assets and other long-term assets, as applicable.
The carrying amount and fair value of loans receivable exclude loans measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of our loans receivable and reverse repurchase agreements, including those held at fair value, is determined using a discounted cash flow model. All significant inputs in the models are derived from or corroborated with observable market data, such as LIBOR-based yield curves, currency spot and forward rates, and credit ratings. The credit quality of these assets remains high, with credit ratings of A/A2 or better for substantially all of our loans receivable and reverse repurchase agreements as of October 1, 2016.
As of October 1, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the unrealized loss position of our non-marketable cost method investments was insignificant. Our non-marketable cost method investments are valued using a qualitative and quantitative analysis of events or circumstances that impact the fair value of the investment. Qualitative analysis of our investments involves understanding our investee’s revenue and earnings trends relative to pre-defined milestones and overall business prospects; the technological feasibility of our investee’s products and technologies; the general market conditions in the investee’s industry or geographic area, including adverse regulatory or economic changes; and the management and governance structure of the investee. Quantitative assessments of the fair value of our investments are developed using the market and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of financial metrics and ratios of comparable companies, such as revenue, earnings, comparable performance multiples, recent financing rounds, the terms of the investees’ issued interests, and the level of marketability of the investments. The selection of comparable companies requires management judgment and is based on a number of factors, including comparable companies’ sizes, growth rates, industries, and development stages. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates regarding investees’ revenue, costs, and discount rates based on the risk profile of comparable companies. Estimates of revenue and costs are developed using available market, historical, and forecast data. We measure the fair value of our non-marketable cost method investments as close to the end of the period as feasible.
The carrying amount and fair value of short-term debt exclude drafts payable. Our short-term debt recognized at amortized cost includes our 2009 junior subordinated convertible debentures due 2039 (2009 debentures), our 2011 senior notes due 2016, our acquired Altera senior notes due 2017, and any commercial paper outstanding. During the third quarter of 2016, the 2009 debentures were classified as short-term debt on the consolidated condensed balance sheets and convertible at the option of the holder during the fourth quarter of 2016. For further information, see "Note 14: Borrowings" and the "Borrowings" note in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2015. Our long-term debt is composed of our senior notes and our convertible debentures. The fair value of our senior notes is classified as Level 1 when we use quoted prices in active markets and Level 2 when the quoted prices are from less active markets or when other observable inputs are used to determine fair value. The fair value of our 2009 and 2005 convertible debentures is determined using discounted cash flow models with observable market inputs, and takes into consideration variables such as interest rate changes, comparable instruments, subordination discount, and credit-rating changes; it is, therefore, classified as Level 2.