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PART I
ITEM 1. Business
Purpose and Mission
Purpose: Powering Digital Freedom.
Mission: We create technology solutions for people to take full advantage of the digital world, safely, privately, and confidently so together, we can build a better tomorrow.
Our Values
Protecting people is what inspires us, and our people are at the core of what we do. We seek to attract talent that embraces the following values:
•Customer Driven. Community Minded. We are advocates for our customers and are dedicated to making their lives simpler and safer. We are driven by the positive impact we can have on all the communities in which we live and work.
•Think Big. Be Bold. We empower and inspire one another to think in new ways and to embrace change. We take calculated risks and learn fast to drive innovation across the business.
•Keep it real. Make it Happen. We are authentic, open, and treat one another with respect. We do what we say and say what we do with integrity.
•Play to win. Together. We act with passion, purpose, and energy to win with customers and in the marketplace. We leverage the strength of our global team, knowing we’re more powerful together.
Company Overview
On September 12, 2022, we completed the merger with Avast (the Merger). In connection with the Merger, effective November 7, 2022, we changed our company name from NortonLifeLock, Inc. to Gen Digital, Inc. (Gen). The Merger accelerated our transformation of consumer Cyber Safety, and increased our user reach and geographic footprint globally. The combined strengths of Gen created a broader and complementary product portfolio that spans beyond core security, into identity and privacy, and towards adjacent trust-based solutions.
Gen is a global company powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. We bring award-winning products and services in Cyber Safety, covering security, privacy and identity protection to approximately 500 million users in more than 150 countries so they can live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come.
Today’s world is increasingly digital, and this has changed the way we live our lives every day. The last decade has brought increasingly impressive technological advances that have unlocked new ways to play and transact online, control smart homes, and more. The possibilities in the digital world will continue to transform our lives. However, with each new digital interaction comes increased risk and exposure for consumers as cybercriminals use a mix of old and new tactics and technology, including phishing, vishing, smishing, based on machine learning and deep fake, to execute highly advanced threats. We are our customers’ trusted ally they can depend on to help secure and control their digital lives so they can be free to enjoy the promise of the digital world. We are committed more than ever to protecting and empowering people’s digital lives with human-centered safety.
We are well positioned for driving the awareness of Cyber Safety for individuals, families, and small businesses, fueled by an increasingly connected world. We maintain a global, omni-channel sales approach, including direct acquisition and a family of brands marketing program. This program is designed to grow our customer base by increasing brand awareness and understanding of our products and services and maximizing our global reach to prospective customers.
We help prevent, detect and restore potential damages caused by many cybercriminals. We also make it easy for consumers to find, buy and use our products and services. To this end, we offer both free and paid subscription-based Cyber Safety solutions primarily direct-to-consumer through our family of brands and indirectly through partner relationships. Most of our subscriptions are offered on annual terms, but we also provide monthly subscriptions.
As of March 31, 2023, we have approximately 500 million total users, which come from direct, indirect and freemium channels. Of these total users, we have approximately 65 million paid Cyber Safety customers including over 38 million direct customers with whom we have a direct billing relationship.
•Direct-to-consumer channel: We use advertising to elevate our family of brands, attract new customers and generate significant demand for our services. Our direct subscriptions are primarily sold through our e-commerce platform and mobile apps, and we have a direct billing relationship with the majority of these customers.
•Indirect partner distribution channels: We use strategic and affiliate partner distribution channels to refer prospective customers to us and expand our reach to our partners’ and affiliates’ customer bases. We developed and implemented a global partner sales organization that targets new, as well as existing, partners to enhance our partner distribution channels. These channels include retailers, telecom service providers, hardware OEMs, employee benefit providers, strategic partners, and small office, home offices and very small businesses. Physical retail and OEM partners represent a small portion of our distribution, which minimizes the impact of supply chain disruptions.
•Freemium channels: With the acquisition of Avast and Avira, we have expanded our go-to-market with multiple freemium channels. We use free versions of our products to reach the broadest set of consumers globally and bring Cyber Safety to a larger audience, especially in international markets. The free solution offers a baseline of protection and presents premium functionalities based on the risk profile and specific needs of the user. The user can choose to add specific premium solutions or upgrade to suites that provide security, identity, and privacy across multiple platforms and devices, thereby becoming a paid customer.
Seasonality
As is typical for many consumer technology companies, portions of our business are impacted by seasonality. However, we believe the net impact on our business is limited. Seasonal behavior in orders primarily reflects consumer spending patterns where our fiscal third and fourth quarters are higher due to the holidays in our third quarter, as well as follow-on holiday purchases and the U.S. tax filing season which typically is in our fourth quarter. Revenue generally reflects similar seasonal patterns but to a lesser extent than orders because of our subscription business model, as the majority of our in-period revenues are recognized ratably from our deferred revenue balance.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is focused on long-term profitable growth. To fuel our growth, our consumer-centric strategy is to provide comprehensive and easy-to-use integrated platforms, which we have built in-house or acquired. By combining and leveraging our family of trusted consumer brands, including offerings from Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, Reputation Defender and CCleaner, we deliver an industry-leading set of Cyber Safety solutions.
We are positioned for long-term growth and expansion. Our three primary growth levers are:
1.Extending Reach: Leveraging omni-channel strategy and building partnerships to broaden privacy and identity protection internationally.
2.Increasing Value: Cross-selling and up-selling, and expanding identity and privacy solutions to address consumers’ evolving needs.
3.Growing Loyalty: Increase customer loyalty and retention, as consumers move from point products protecting their devices towards all-in-one comprehensive Cyber Safety memberships.
The key elements of our strategy include the following:
•Extend our leadership position through new products and continued enhancement of our solutions and services: Cyber Safety is large and expanding, which we believe provides a significant growth opportunity. Our strategy is to grow our business through innovation and acquisitions to expand the solutions and services we offer into new cohorts, territories and sectors. We believe there are many additional areas where we can both offer new solutions, as well as use our core capabilities and our integrated platform to reach new customers and markets globally.
•Grow our customer base through multiple channels: We have multiple go-to-market channels to reach new customers globally, including direct-to-customer, indirect partnerships and freemium. We intend to leverage our expertise in digital marketing, as well as existing and new strategic partnerships, to grow our customer base. We believe that continued investments in these areas, as well as our product offerings and infrastructure, will allow us to further enhance our leading brands and superior products, increase awareness of our consumer services and enhance our ability to efficiently acquire new customers.
•Continue our focus on customer retention: We continue to optimize and expand the value we provide to customers which we believe can positively impact retention. We aim to continue to increase customer engagements through actionable alerts, education on timely topics and introducing new product capabilities. We plan to also continue investing in enhancing both desktop and mobile customer experiences throughout a customer’s journey with Gen, from purchase, to onboarding and beyond.
•Increase value to existing customers: We believe strong customer satisfaction will provide us with the opportunity to engage customers in new services offerings. We maintain the Norton 360 and Avast One platforms that have multiple tiers of membership, and we continue to engage customers with standalone products to offer membership options and show the value proposition of our premium solutions. Over time, we plan to drive further growth as we add additional offerings and services for our customers.
•Draw strength from our world-class customer service support: We have the largest consumer Cyber Safety customer service support organization in the world. Our global support team seeks to ensure the voice of the consumer is heard and that we put our customers first. We leverage frequent communication and feedback from our customers to continually improve our solutions and services. We embrace end-to-end customer experience and aim to continue to improve our Net Promoter Scores and overall customer satisfaction.
•Leverage our global brands to drive growth: We will work to keep building our family of trusted brands in markets globally as we strive to bring protection and empowerment to all consumers when it comes to their digital lives. According to our most recent research, Norton has 84% global brand awareness, and we are best positioned and number one top of mind in consumer Cyber Safety, according to the 2022 Gen Brand Impact study.
Our Cyber Safety Solutions and Services
Our broad portfolio of products and services is developed from consumer insights to help us bring to market real solutions to real problems and to engage and educate consumers about Cyber Safety. We continuously target to release new products and features at an accelerated pace and find synergies to integrate current and future technology acquisitions.
Our Cyber Safety portfolio provides protection across three key categories in multiple channels and geographies, including security and performance, identity protection, and online privacy. Our technology platforms bring together software and service capabilities within these three categories into comprehensive and easy-to-use products and solutions across our brands. We have also evolved beyond traditional Cyber Safety to offer adjacent trust-based solutions, including digital identity and access management, digital reputation, and restoration support services.
We protect and empower consumers by providing solutions and services in two main ways:
•Comprehensive membership plans: Providing a comprehensive and all-in-one Cyber Safety portfolio of solutions for a membership fee. Plans are offered through Norton 360 and Avast One subscriptions, both brands provide multiple levels of membership tiers that range from basic, mid-level, or premium tiers where identity theft and online privacy features are included.
•Point solutions: Providing individual, stand-alone products and services in security, identity and privacy, which offers flexibility for consumers to choose between free or paid solutions. For example, Norton AntiTrack helps keep personal information and browsing activity private by blocking trackers and disguising digital fingerprints online. Avast Driver Updater allows PC users to keep their computer’s drivers up-to-date, improving performance and keeping their device secure from vulnerabilities or bugs caused by outdated drivers.
We are well positioned across three key Cyber Safety categories:
•Security and Performance (Norton, Avast, Avira, AVG, and CCleaner offerings): Our offerings provide real-time protection for PCs, Macs and mobile devices against malware, viruses, adware, ransomware and other online threats. These offerings monitor and block unauthorized traffic from the internet to the device to help protect private and sensitive information when customers are online. We also provide performance and optimization software solutions that frees up space on devices, clears online tracking and helps machines run faster.
•Identity Protection (Norton and LifeLock Identity Theft Protection and Restoration, Dark Web Monitoring, Home Title Protect, Social Media Monitoring, Avast Secure Identity): Our Norton and LifeLock identity theft protection solution includes monitoring, alerts and restoration services to help safeguard our customers’ personal information. In the event of identity theft, we assign an Identity Restoration Specialist to work directly with customers to help restore their identities. Norton Dark Web Monitoring looks for personal information of our LifeLock, Norton 360 and Norton Identity Advisor Plus members on the Dark Web. Avast Secure Identity provides advanced identity protection including credit monitoring and alerts. LifeLock Home Title Protect detects fraud and notifies members if we find changes made to their Home Title. Norton Social Media Monitoring features help keep customers’ social media accounts safer by monitoring them for account takeovers, risky activity and inappropriate content.
•Online Privacy (VPN, Privacy Monitor Assistant, AntiTrack, Online Reputation Management, Secure Browser, BreachGuard, Online Security and Privacy Browser Extension): Our VPN solutions enhance security and online privacy by providing an encrypted data tunnel. This allows customers to securely transmit and access private information, such as passwords, bank details and credit card numbers, when using public Wi-Fi on PCs, Macs and mobile iOS and Android devices. Norton Privacy Monitor Assistant is an on-demand, white glove service where our agents help our members delete personal information from Data brokers online. Our AntiTrack product helps keep personal information and browsing activity private by blocking trackers and disguising digital fingerprints online. Our Online Reputation Management solutions help extend and strengthen Gen’s privacy capabilities and functionalities, such as the ability to manage online search results, personal branding and digital privacy. Our Secure Browser, BreachGuard and other browser extension products provide private, fast and secure browsing across different devices, as well as protect sensitive online information against malicious websites and phishing, data loss, data leaks, data breaches, and collection by third parties and provides assistance from experts when needed.
Innovation, Research & Development
Gen has a long history of innovation, and we plan to continue to invest in research and development to drive our long-term success.
As cyber threats evolve, we are focused on delivering a portfolio that protects each element of our customers’ digital lives. To do this, we engage and listen to our customers, and we embrace innovation by deploying a global research and development strategy across our Cyber Safety platform. Our engineering and product management teams are focused on delivering new versions of existing offerings, as well as developing entirely new offerings to drive the company’s global leadership in Cyber Safety.
We are committed to our innovation and research & development efforts. The Technology team at Gen is driving the company’s future technologies and innovations, and helping guide the consumer cybersecurity industry. Our global technology research organization is focused on applied research projects, with the goal of rapidly creating new products to address consumer trends and grow the business, including defending consumer digital privacy and identity. We also have a global threat
response and security technology organization that is comprised of our dedicated team of threat and security researchers, supported by advanced systems to innovate security technology and threat intelligence.
We have one of the world’s largest consumer Cyber Safety networks. Leveraging our capabilities, our global threat response team handles a wide variety of attacks, including social engineering attacks, file-based attacks, web and network-based attacks, privacy and data exfiltration attacks, identity theft attacks, algorithmic manipulation attacks, and more.
Norton’s most recent Consumer Cyber Safety Pulse Report found that the company blocked over 3.5 billion threats in 2022, including 90.9 million phishing attempts, 260.4 million file threats and 1.6 million mobile threats.
In 2022, Avast processed more than 582 million new unique samples, of which over 282 million were malicious. Avast has also set up honeypots in 88 countries worldwide and captured over 1.45 billion attacks on average per month by these honeypots alone.
Our differentiated approach is powered by our global scale and visibility, geographically distributed cloud data platform, and advanced AI-based automation.
Our technology-based solutions:
•Giga-Scale Endpoint Visibility: Visibility on threat and behavioral trajectories across approximately 500 million endpoints and networks.
•Autonomous Defense: Automation of the detection pipeline by leveraging modern, featureless, explainable AI.
•Next-Gen Insight: AI-based enrichment and best-in-class analytics of multi-factor, large-scale behavior data in real-time.
Industry Overview
Cyber Safety is a growing market, fueled by the increase in activities online over the years as well as the years ahead. The core markets that we participate in are security, identity and privacy. We believe the Cyber Safety market will continue to expand beyond these core markets and grow significantly, driven by the growing number of people globally connected to the internet and their expanding digital lives.
The cyber threat landscape is larger and more complicated than ever before, exposing consumers to an increased risk to their digital lives. The digitization of the world and the overlap between the physical and digital world is growing at a fast pace. New technologies, smart devices, digital identities and an increasingly more connected world means consumers will encounter a range of new Cyber Safety challenges. Consumer demands and behaviors are rapidly changing and driving more activities online, from shopping, socializing, working, banking, to other activities in healthcare, entertainment and so much more. Almost every aspect of a person’s life has a digital component. Unfortunately, many of those activities are left unprotected, and attackers are exploiting this larger opportunity and the inherent security and privacy vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals have not only expanded their reach, but the sophistication of digital threats and attacks are becoming increasingly more consumer-related.
Cybercrime, and the ways in which cybercriminals target consumers, continue to evolve along with behaviors and technology. Cybercrime encompasses any crime committed with devices over the internet and includes crimes where (i) malicious software or unauthorized access is detected on a device, network or online account (such as email, social media, online banking, crypto currency, online retail, gaming, online entertainment, etc.), and unauthorized access or connection to cloud service accounts; (ii) an individual is digitally victimized through a data breach, cyber theft, cyber extortion, or fraud (stolen personally identifiable information, identity theft, etc.); (iii) online stalking, bullying, or harassment is inflicted; or (iv) attacks related to privacy or disinformation (such as online tracking protection, identity impersonation, disinformation on social media, deepfakes, unsecured WiFi, EvilTwin attacks, etc.).
As cybercrime becomes an intensifying threat to our world, consumers are increasingly concerned. Our annual Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report examines the impact of cybercrime and consumers’ online behaviors and concerns related to their online security, privacy and identity. Our report can be found at Newsroom.GenDigital.com/2023-Norton-Cyber-Safety-Insights-Report-Special-Release-Online-Creeping. According to the 2023 report, based on research conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Gen, an estimated 463 million adults in 8 countries experienced cybercrime and about 47.5 million adults experienced identity theft in 2022. Among those who experienced cybercrime in 2022, over 3.5 billion hours were spent trying to resolve the issues created and over half of those cybercrime victims have experienced financial loss.
Competitive Landscape
We operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment. We face global competition from a broad range of companies, including software vendors focusing on Cyber Safety solutions, operating system providers such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, and ‘pure play’ companies that currently specialize in one or a few particular segments of the market and many of which are expanding their product portfolios into different segments. We believe the competitive factors in our market include innovation, access to a breadth of identity and consumer transaction data, broad and effective service offerings, brand recognition, technology, effective and cost-efficient customer acquisition, having a strong retention rate, customer satisfaction, price, convenience of purchase, ease of use, frequency of upgrades and updates and quality and reliable customer service. Our competitors may vary by offering, geography, business model and channel.
Our principal competitors are set forth below:
•Security: Our principal competitors in this segment include Apple, Bitdefender, Google, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, Trend Micro, Webroot, Malwarebytes and F-Secure.
•Identity Protection: Our principal competitors in this segment include credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, as well as certain credit monitoring and identity theft protection solutions from others such as Allstate, Generali (Iris), Aura and Intuit (Credit Karma).
•Online Privacy: Our principal competitors in this segment include Apple, Aura, Kape, Nord Security, IPVanish, Mozilla, Brave, and DuckDuckGo.
•Other Competitors: In addition to competition from independent software vendors such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, McAfee and Trend Micro, and from OS providers such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, we also face competition from other companies that currently focus on one or a few Cyber Safety or adjacent segments but are developing additional competing products and expanding their portfolios into new segments, such as ‘pure play’ companies such as Life360, Bark, Dashlane, LastPass, internet service providers, big tech platform providers, insurance companies and financial service organizations.
We believe we compete favorably with our competitors on the strength of our technology, people, product offerings and presence in all of the current key Cyber Safety categories. However, some of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution or other resources than we do, including in new Cyber Safety and digital life segments we may enter, which consequently affords them competitive advantages. As a result, they may be able to devote greater resources to develop, promote and sell their offerings; deliver competitive offerings at lower prices or for free; and introduce new solutions and respond to market developments and customer requirements and preferences more quickly or cost effectively than we can. In addition, for individual solutions or features, smaller, well-funded competitors may be able to innovate and adapt more nimbly to the dynamic nature of the market and shift consumer needs.
For more information on the risks associated with our competitors, please see “Risk Factors” – Risks Related to Our Business Strategy and Industry – “We operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we could experience a loss in market share and a reduction in revenue” and “We may need to change our pricing models to compete successfully,” in Item 1A included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Our commitment to ESG is a core component of our company Purpose and Mission. The Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors has oversight over the Company’s ESG strategy, and our full Board of Directors receives a quarterly ESG update. This quarterly update includes performance data and program information across environmental stewardship, ethics, community investment, and more; progress made toward our ESG targets; and information on emerging ESG priorities. Additionally, as part of our ESG reporting process, we hold regular meetings with functional leaders to review our ESG disclosures. Our Leadership Team is highly engaged in our ESG efforts. Our Head of Corporate Responsibility and Government Affairs reports to our Chief Marketing Officer and meets quarterly with our CEO and Leadership Team and cross-functional ESG Working Group to review our strategy, progress, and program updates.
Building a brand centered on trust is critically important, and our focus on ESG helps us earn trust from our customers, employees, investors and shareholders. As such, ESG topics are core to our business strategy:
•Environment: Protecting our planet is fundamental to ensuring a safe and sustainable future. We work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations through operational efficiencies, reduce the environmental footprint of our products across their lifecycle through innovative approaches to product development and packaging, promote high standards for environmental stewardship in our supply chain and engage with employees and environmental partners to amplify our work.
•Social: We are proud to support the communities where our team members live and work. Our community impact programs include employee volunteering and giving, product donations, signature programs that leverage our unique expertise in increasing digital safety literacy, and corporate philanthropic giving focused on digital safety education; environmental action; and disaster response. We also support diversity, equity, and inclusion and employee engagement, discussed in more detail in the Human Capital Management subsection.
•Governance: Governance covers many core operating principles overseen by the Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors. This committee has oversight of ESG issues and receives quarterly updates on topics such as diversity, ethics, environmental stewardship and community investment. Our global culture of responsibility, and the positive contributions we make to the customers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders that we serve drives value for our business.
Setting strategic, achievable, and business-aligned corporate responsibility objectives helps to guide our work and improves our company performance. We align our objectives with the company’s financial goals and focus on the unique positive social and environmental impacts that our business model can have on the world.
Our objectives include:
•Data Privacy and Protection: We safeguard our customer, partner and employee data and offer products that help consumers protect their personal data wherever it is found.
•Education and Training for Cyber Safety: We leverage our leading expertise and technology in Cyber Safety to protect communities. We also provide Cyber Safety training to help empower victims and survivors to reduce their vulnerability.
•Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Technology: We invest in high-impact non-profits to bring more women and under-represented groups into cybersecurity and technology.
•Environment: Our goal is to establish Gen as an environmentally responsible business. We focus our environmental strategy on climate and energy, sustainable products, our supply chain, engagement with employees and nonprofit partners with an emphasis on transparency about our progress and commitments.
•Employee Engagement: We launched a new platform for employees called the Giving Hub. It provides for easier participation for employees to give to their favorite nonprofits and for additional global opportunities for volunteering and service in their communities.
We cannot guarantee that we will achieve these objectives, and our ability to achieve them is subject to risks and uncertainties both known and unknown, including various risks noted in Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our annual ESG and Corporate Responsibility Report can be found at Investor.GenDigital.com/ESG.
Human Capital Management
At Gen, our mission is to build a comprehensive and easy-to-use integrated portfolio that prevents, detects and responds to cyber threats and cybercrimes in today’s digital world. Our success in helping achieve this mission depends, in large part, on the success of our employees.
•General Employee Demographics: As of March 31, 2023, we employed just under 3,700 employees in nearly 30 countries worldwide. With dual headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, and in Prague, Czech Republic, we have over 1,100 active employees located in the U.S. and nearly 900 active employees in the Czech Republic. None of our U.S. employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
As of March 31, 2023, inclusive of our integration of bringing together NortonLifeLock and Avast teams as a combined company, women represented 32% of Gen’s total workforce and held positions in 30% of our leadership. In addition, as of March 31, 2023, women represented 40% of our Board of Directors and half of our independent board membership.
•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): We strive to be a diverse, vibrant community with strong values and a shared commitment to our customers, to each other, the work we do and the world we all share. Our mission is to increase our global representation of underrepresented groups at all levels (diversity), where everyone has an opportunity for development and advancement (equity) and can bring their whole selves to work and feel valued every day (inclusion). This mission is built upon four foundational pillars: (1) measurement and accountability; (2) fostering an inclusive environment; (3) diversifying our workforce; and (4) employee development and retention, which are designed to support, attract, retain and nurture our talent.
Clear and actionable multi-year representation goals are set at the leadership level to support accountability and progress, against our goals. Diversity and inclusion are woven into our people processes and our culture. We ask new hires and employees to self-identify their demographics, and important characteristics to help us better measure the diversity of our applicant pool and of our team to derive insights and actionable people strategies. We partner with Work180, a women-focused recruitment site that only lists career opportunities from employers that support diversity, inclusion and flexibility. We post positions on several diverse recruiting sites and have dedicated budget to support increasing diverse candidate pipelines. In fiscal 2023, we publicly disclosed our most recent US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEO-1 Component 1 Data Collection Report on our investor relations website located at Investor.GenDigital.com/governance/governance-documents.
Inclusion is something we strive for and invest in every day. Raising awareness and appreciation of various diversity topics via our learning curriculum, global all employee conversations, published Blogs and Events. We measure belonging as a key metric in our quarterly Engage employee surveys and are proud to support our eight employee resource groups our Gen communities for people to come together as allies, to learn, support, mentor, and celebrate with one another and to provide an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, respected and valued.
•Employee Development and Training: Our people programs are designed to provide our team members with support, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, learn and thrive in their careers. We continued to focus on learning and development in fiscal 2023, investing further in digital learning via our Rise Learning (formally Nvest Learning) programs for all employees. Leveraging an extensive breadth of content and learning opportunities. This umbrella of offerings includes Rise Mentorship, Rise eLearning and University of Rise.
Rise eLearning, a collection of digital, on-demand modules categorized around leadership, health and wellness, business skills, and technical skills, experienced a steady increase in participation during the year with over 1,200 individual learners who have experienced 5000 modules total. We also provide group learning designed around TED Talks on topics including leadership, change management and to support our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Our Rise Mentorship program continues to grow and boasts an active community of mentors and mentees across the world. University of Rise (U Rise) leadership program that offers best-in-class content from Harvard ManageMentor to inspire and engage existing and aspiring people leaders provides over 40 course options and group learning opportunities. Over 200 participants have enrolled in this program to date.
As part of our ongoing focus on diverse employee development, we continue to extend our participation in McKinsey & Company’s Connected Leaders Academy for our Asian, Black and Hispanic-Latino leaders. Additionally, we had women globally attend the Women in Tech conference and several employees attended the Out & Equal Global Workplace Summit.
•Employee Engagement: We value our people and are committed to creating a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone. Feedback from our employees is critical, and we have developed an ongoing dialogue with our teams via our quarterly Engage pulse survey on a targeted topic that drives actions and improvements. More recently as we worked through our integration bringing together NortonLifeLock and Avast teams we pulse surveyed at a more frequent interval to hear directly on what was going well and where we could improve together as we evolve our culture as a combined team.
•Benefits; Health and Wellness: At Gen, we value our people and are committed to creating a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone through the programs and benefits we offer. Our employee value proposition, Life@Gen is centered on choice, flexibility and growth and encompasses the many elements of our employee experience. Our commitment to overall health and wellness are centered around having an integrated and equitable wellness program that supports body, mind and financial health.
•Human Capital Governance: We partner closely with our Board of Directors and the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee on executive compensation, our broader reward strategies and objectives related to talent management, talent acquisition, leadership development, retention and succession, DEI and employee engagement.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property is an important and vital asset that enables us to develop, market, and sell our software products and services and enhance our competitive position. We are a leader among consumer Cyber Safety solutions in pursuing patents and currently have a portfolio of over 1,000 U.S. and international patents issued with many pending. We protect our intellectual property rights and investments in a variety of ways to safeguard our technologies and our long-term success. We work actively in the U.S. and internationally to ensure the enforcement of copyright, trademark, trade secret and other protections that apply to our software products and services. The term of the patents we hold is, on average, seventeen years.
From time to time, we enter into cross-license agreements with other technology companies covering broad groups of patents; we have an additional portfolio of over 2,100 U.S. and international patents cross-licensed to us as part of our arrangement with Broadcom as a result of the asset sale of our former Enterprise Security business. We also use software from third parties in our business and generally must rely on those third parties to protect the licensed rights. This can include open source software, which is subject to limited proprietary rights. While it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of our products, services, and business methods, we believe, based upon past experience and industry practice, such licenses generally can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. The ability to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights is important to our success, but we believe our business is not materially dependent on any individual patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, license, or other intellectual property right.
However, circumstances outside our control could pose a threat to our intellectual property rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available, and the efforts we have taken to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business or our ability to compete. In addition, protecting our intellectual property rights is costly and time consuming. Any unauthorized disclosure or use of our intellectual property could make it more expensive to do business and harm our operating results.
In addition, a large number of patents, copyrights and trademarks are owned by other companies in the technology industry. Those companies may request license agreements, threaten litigation, or file suit against us based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights.
For more information on the risks associated with our intellectual property, please see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information Security and Risk Oversight
We maintain a comprehensive technology and cybersecurity program to ensure our systems are effective and prepared for information security risks, including regular oversight of our programs for security monitoring for internal and external threats to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of our information assets. We regularly perform evaluations of our security program and our information technology infrastructure and information security management systems are audited by external auditors each fiscal year. Our information security management system is based upon industry leading frameworks, including ISO 27001, PCI DSS requirements and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). Our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) leads our cybersecurity program, which includes the implementation of controls aligned with industry guidelines and applicable statutes and regulations to identify threats, detect attacks and protect these information assets. We have implemented security monitoring capabilities designed to alert us to suspicious activity and developed an incident response program that includes periodic testing and is designed to restore business operations as quickly and as orderly as possible in the event of a breach. In addition, employees participate in an ongoing program of mandatory annual training and receive communications regarding the cybersecurity environment to increase awareness throughout the company. We also implemented an enhanced annual training program for specific specialized employee populations, including secure coding training.
The Technology and Cybersecurity Committee of the Board has direct oversight to the Company’s (1) technology strategy, initiatives and investments and (2) key cybersecurity information technology risks against both internal and external threats. The Technology and Cybersecurity Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors, two of whom have significant work experience related to information security issues or oversight and meets and reports to the Board on a quarterly basis. The Audit Committee, which is also comprised entirely of independent directors, considers cybersecurity information technology risks in connection with overseeing our enterprise risk management system, and reports to the Board on enterprise risk management matters on a quarterly basis. Management will report security instances to the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee as they occur, if material, and will provide a summary multiple times per year to the Technology and Cybersecurity Committee. Additionally, our CISO attends each Technology and Cybersecurity Committee meeting and meets regularly with the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to brief them on technology and information security matters. We carry insurance that provides protection against the potential losses arising from a cybersecurity incident. In the last fiscal three years, we have not experienced any material information security breach incidences and the expenses we have incurred from information security breach incidences were immaterial. This includes penalties and settlements, of which there were none.
Governmental Regulation
We collect, use, store or disclose an increasingly high volume, and variety of personal information, including from employees and customers, in connection with the operation of our business, particularly, in relation to our identity and information protection offerings, which rely on large data repositories of personal information and consumer transactions. The personal information we process is subject to an increasing number of federal, state, local and foreign laws regarding privacy and data security.
For information on the risks associated with complying with privacy and data security laws, please see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Available Information
Our internet home page is located at GenDigital.com. We make available our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on our investor relations website located at Investor.GenDigital.com. The information contained, or referred to, on our website, including in any reports that are posted on our website, is not part of this annual report unless expressly noted. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding our filings at http://www.sec.gov.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY AND INDUSTRY
If we are unable to develop new and enhanced solutions, or if we are unable to continually improve the performance, features, and reliability of our existing solutions, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our future success depends on our ability to effectively respond to evolving threats to consumers, as well as competitive technological developments and industry changes, by developing or introducing new and enhanced solutions on a timely basis. In the past, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant research and development expenses as we focus on organic growth through internal innovation. We believe that we must dedicate significant resources to our research and development efforts to deliver innovative market competitive products and avoid being reliant on third party technology and products. If we do not achieve the benefits anticipated from these investments, or if the achievement of these benefits is delayed, our operating results may be adversely affected. We must continually address the challenges of dynamic and accelerating market trends and competitive developments. Customers may require features and capabilities that our current solutions do not have. Our failure to develop new solutions and improve our existing solutions to satisfy customer preferences and effectively compete with other market offerings in a timely and cost-effective manner may harm our ability to retain our customers and attract new customers.
The development and introduction of new solutions involve significant commitments of time and resources and are subject to risks and challenges including but not limited to:
•Lengthy development cycles;
•Evolving industry and regulatory standards and technological developments by our competitors and customers;
•Rapidly changing customer preferences;
•Evolving platforms, operating systems, and hardware products, such as mobile devices;
•Product and service interoperability challenges with customer’s technology and third-party vendors;
•The integration of products and solutions from acquired companies;
•Availability of engineering and technical talent;
•Entering new or unproven market segments; and
•Executing new product and service strategies.
In addition, third parties, including operating systems and internet browser companies, may limit the interoperability of our solutions with their own products and services, in some cases to promote their own offerings. This could delay the development of our solutions or our solutions may be unable to operate effectively. This could also result in decreased demand for our solutions, decreased revenue, harm to our reputation, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
If we are not successful in managing these risks and challenges, or if our new or improved solutions are not technologically competitive or do not achieve market acceptance, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we could experience a loss in market share and a reduction in revenue.
We operate in intensely competitive and dynamic markets that experience frequent and rapid technological developments, changes in industry and regulatory standards, evolving market trends, changes in customer requirements and preferences, and frequent new product introductions and improvements. If we are unable to anticipate or react to these continually evolving conditions, we could experience a loss of market share and a reduction in our revenues, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results. To compete successfully, we must maintain an innovative research and development effort to develop new solutions and enhance our existing solutions, effectively adapt to changes in the technology, privacy and data protection standards or trends.
We face competition from a broad range of companies, including software vendors focusing on Cyber Safety solutions such as Bitdefender, Kapersky, McAfee and Trend Micro, operating system providers such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, and companies such as Nord, Life360, Last Pass and others that currently specialize in one or a few particular segments of the market and many of which are expanding their product portfolios into different segments. Many of these competitors offer solutions or are currently developing solutions that directly compete with some or all of our offerings. We also face growing competition from other technology companies, as well as from companies in the identity threat protection space such as credit bureaus. Further, many of our competitors are increasingly developing and incorporating into their products data protection software and other competing Cyber Safety products such as antivirus protection or VPN, often free of charge, that compete with our offerings. Our competitive position could be adversely affected by the functionality incorporated into these products rendering our existing solutions obsolete and therefore causing us to fail to meet customer expectations. In addition, the introduction of new products or services by competitors, and/or market acceptance of products or services based on emerging or alternative technologies, could make it easier for other products or services to compete with our solutions.
We anticipate additional competition as new participants enter the Cyber Safety market and as our current competitors seek to increase their market share and expand their existing offerings. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing, or other resources than we do, including in new Cyber Safety and digital life segments. Consequently, those competitors may influence customers to purchase their products instead of ours through investing more in internal innovation than we can and through their unique access to customer engagement points. Further consolidation among our competitors and within our industry or, in addition to other changes in the competitive environment, such as greater vertical integration from key computing and operating system suppliers could result in larger competitors that compete more frequently with us.
In addition to competing with these vendors directly for sales to end-users of our solutions, we compete with them for the opportunity to have our solutions bundled with the offerings of our strategic partners, such as computer hardware original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), internet service providers (ISPs), operating systems and telecom service providers. Our competitors could gain market share from us if any of these strategic partners replace our solutions with those of our competitors or with their own solutions. Similarly, they could gain market share from us if these partners promote our competitors’ solutions or their own solutions more than our solutions. In addition, software vendors who have bundled our solutions with theirs may choose to bundle their solutions with their own or other vendors’ solutions or may limit our access to standard interfaces and inhibit our ability to develop solutions for their platform. Further product development by these vendors could cause our solutions to become redundant, which could significantly impact our sales and operating results.
We cannot be sure that we will accurately predict how the markets in which we compete or intend to compete will evolve. Failure on our part to anticipate changes in our markets and to develop solutions and enhancements that meet the demands of those markets or to effectively compete against our competitors will significantly impair our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our acquisitions and divestitures create special risks and challenges that could adversely affect our financial results.
As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or divest businesses or assets. For example, in 2019, we completed the sale of certain of our enterprise security assets to Broadcom Inc. (the Broadcom sale), in January 2021, we completed the acquisition of Avira, and in September 2022, we completed the Merger with Avast. These activities have and may continue to involve a number of risks and challenges, including:
•Complexity, time and costs associated with managing these transactions, including the integration of acquired and the winding down of divested business operations, workforce, products, IT systems and technologies;
•Challenges in retaining customers of acquired businesses, or providing the same level of service to existing customers with reduced resources;
•Diversion of management time and attention;
•Loss or termination of employees, including costs associated with the termination or replacement of those employees;
•Assumption of liabilities of the acquired and divested business or assets, including pending or future litigation, investigations or claims related to the acquired business or assets;
•Addition of acquisition-related debt;
•Difficulty in entering into or expanding in new markets or geographies;
•Increased or unexpected costs and working capital requirements;
•Dilution of stock ownership of existing stockholders;
•Ongoing contractual obligations and unanticipated delays or failure to meet contractual obligations;
•Substantial accounting charges for acquisition-related costs, asset impairments, amortization of intangible assets and higher levels of stock-based compensation expense; and
•Difficulty in realizing potential benefits, including cost savings and operational efficiencies, synergies and growth prospects from integrating acquired businesses.
Macroeconomic factors, such as rising inflation and interest rates, and capital market volatility could negatively influence our future acquisition opportunities. Moreover, to be successful, large complex acquisitions depend on large-scale product, technology, and sales force integrations that are difficult to complete on a timely basis or at all and may be more susceptible to the special risks and challenges described above. Any of the foregoing, and other factors, could harm our ability to achieve anticipated levels of profitability or other financial benefits from our acquired or divested businesses, product lines or assets or to realize other anticipated benefits of divestitures or acquisitions.
Our revenue and operating results depend significantly on our ability to retain our existing customers and expand sales to them, convert existing non-paying customers to paying customers and add new customers.
We generally sell our solutions to our customers on a monthly or annual subscription basis. It is important to our business that we retain existing customers and that our customers expand their use of our solutions over time. Customers may choose not to renew their membership with us at any time. Renewing customers may require additional incentives to renew, may not renew for the same contract period, or may change their subscriptions. We therefore may be unable to retain our existing customers on the same or more profitable terms, if at all. In addition, we may not be able to accurately predict or anticipate future trends in customer retention or effectively respond to such trends.
Our customer retention rates may decline or fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including the following:
•Our customers’ levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our solutions and the value they place on our solutions;
•The quality, breadth, and prices of our solutions;
•Our general reputation and events impacting that reputation;
•The services and related pricing offered by our competitors; including increasing availability and efficacy of free solutions;
•Disruption by new services or changes in law or regulations that impact the need for efficacy of our products and services;
•Changes in auto-renewal and other consumer protection regulations;
•Our customers’ dissatisfaction with our efforts to market additional products and services;
•Our customer service and responsiveness to the needs of our customers;
•Changes in our target customers’ spending levels as a result of general economic conditions, inflationary pressures or other factors; and
•The quality and efficacy of our third-party partners who assist us in renewing customers’ subscriptions.
Declining customer retention rates could cause our revenue to grow more slowly than expected or decline, and our operating results, gross margins and business will be harmed. In addition, our ability to generate revenue and maintain or improve our results of operations partly depends on our ability to cross-sell our solutions to our existing customers and to convert existing non-paying customers to paying customers. We may not be successful in cross-selling our solutions because our customers may find our additional solutions unnecessary or unattractive. Our failure to sell additional solutions to our existing customers could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
An important part of our growth strategy involves continued investment in direct marketing efforts, indirect partner distribution channels, freemium channels, our sales force, and infrastructure to add new customers. The number and rate at which new customers purchase our products and services depends on a number of factors, including those outside of our control, such as customers’ perceived need for our solutions, competition, general economic conditions, market transitions, product obsolescence, technological change, public awareness of security threats to IT systems, macroeconomic conditions, and other factors. These new customers, if any, may renew their subscriptions at lower rates than we have experienced in the past, which could affect our financial results.
Additionally, there are inherent challenges in measuring the usage of our products and solutions across our brands, platforms, regions, and internal systems, and therefore, calculation methodologies for direct customer counts may differ, which may impact our ability to measure the addition of new customers. The methodologies used to measure these metrics require
judgment and are also susceptible to algorithms or other technical errors. We continually seek to improve our estimates of our user base, and these estimates are subject to change due to improvements or revisions to our methodology. From time to time, we review our metrics and may discover inaccuracies or make adjustments to improve their accuracy, which can result in adjustments to our historical metrics. Our ability to recalculate our historical metrics may be impacted by data limitations or other factors that require us to apply different methodologies for such adjustments.
We may need to change our pricing models to compete successfully.
The intense competition we face, in addition to general and economic business conditions (including economic volatility, recent bank failures, and increased inflation and interest rates, among other things), may put pressure on us to change our pricing practices. If our competitors offer deep discounts on certain solutions or provide offerings, or offer free introductory products that compete with ours, we may need to lower prices or offer similar free introductory products to compete successfully. Similarly, if external factors, such as economic conditions, market trends, or business combinations require us to raise our prices, our ability to acquire new customers and retain existing customers may be diminished. Any such changes may reduce revenue and margins and could adversely affect our financial results.
Additionally, our business may be affected by changes in the macroeconomic environment. Our solutions are discretionary purchases, and customers may reduce or eliminate their discretionary spending on our solutions during a difficult macroeconomic environment. We may experience a material increase in cancellations by customers or a material reduction in our retention rate in the future, especially in the event of a prolonged recession or a worsening of current conditions as a result of inflation, changes in interest rates, or other macroeconomic events. We may have to lower our prices or make other changes to our pricing model to address these dynamics, any of which could adversely affect our business and financial results. Additionally, our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to inflation, changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to U.S. dollars, our reporting currency, and changes in interest rates. Growth in our international operations will incrementally increase our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations as well as volatile market conditions, including the weakening of foreign currencies relative to USD, which has and may in the future negatively affect our revenue expressed in USD. Volatile market conditions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and retaliatory sanctions against the Russian Federation and Belarus, and other global or macroeconomic events have, at times, and may in the future negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Finally, in January 2021, we acquired Germany-based Avira and in September 2022, we completed the Merger with Avast. Many of Avira’s and Avast’s users are freemium subscribers, meaning they do not pay for its basic services. Much of our anticipated growth in connection with the Avira acquisition and the Merger with Avast is attributable to attracting and converting Avira’s and Avast’s freemium users to a paid subscription option. Numerous factors, however, may impede our ability to attract free users, convert these users into paying customers and retain them.
If we fail to manage our sales and distribution channels effectively, or if our partners choose not to market and sell our solutions to their customers, our operating results could be adversely affected.
A portion of our revenues is derived from sales through indirect channels, including, but not limited to, distributors that sell our products to end-users and other resellers, and partners that incorporate our products into, or bundle our products with, their products. These channels involve risks, including:
•Our resellers, distributors and telecom service providers are generally not subject to minimum sales requirements or any obligation to market our solutions to their customers;
•Our reseller and distributor agreements are generally nonexclusive and may be terminated at any time without cause and our partners may terminate or renegotiate their arrangements with us and new terms may be less favorable due to competitive conditions in our markets and other factors;
•Our resellers, distributors and OEMs may encounter issues or have violations of applicable law or regulatory requirements or otherwise cause damage to our reputation through their actions;
•Our resellers and distributors frequently market and distribute competing solutions and may, from time to time, place greater emphasis on the sale of competing solutions due to pricing, promotions, and other terms offered by our competitors;
•Any consolidation of electronics retailers can increase their negotiating power with respect to software providers such as us and any decline in the number of physical retailers could decrease the channels of distribution for us;
•The consolidation of online sales through a small number of larger channels has been increasing, which could reduce the channels available for online distribution of our solutions; and
•Sales through our partners are subject to changes in general economic conditions, strategic direction, competitive risks, and other issues that could result in fewer sales, or cause our partners to suffer financial difficulty which could delay payments to us, affecting our operating results.
If we fail to manage our sales and distribution channels successfully, these channels may conflict with one another or otherwise fail to perform as we anticipate, which could reduce our sales and increase our expenses as well as weaken our competitive position.
Changes in industry structure and market conditions could lead to charges related to discontinuance of certain of our products or businesses and asset impairments.
In response to changes in industry structure and market conditions, we may be required to strategically reallocate our resources and consider restructuring, disposing of, or otherwise exiting certain businesses. Any decision to limit investment in or dispose of or otherwise exit businesses may result in the recording of special charges, such as technology-related write-offs, workforce reduction costs, charges relating to consolidation of excess facilities, or claims from third parties who were resellers or users of discontinued products. Our estimates with respect to the useful life or ultimate recoverability of our carrying basis of assets, including purchased intangible assets, could change as a result of such assessments and decisions. Our loss contingencies may include liabilities for contracts that we cannot cancel, reschedule or adjust with suppliers.
Further, our estimates relating to the liabilities for excess facilities are affected by changes in real estate market conditions. Additionally, we are required to evaluate goodwill impairment on an annual basis and between annual evaluations in certain circumstances, and future goodwill impairment evaluations may result in a charge to earnings.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR OPERATIONS
Our international operations involve risks that could increase our expenses, adversely affect our operating results and require increased time and attention of our management.
Following the Merger with Avast, we derive a significant portion of our revenues from customers located outside of the U.S., and we have substantial operations outside of the U.S., including engineering, finance, sales and customer support. Our international operations are subject to risks in addition to those faced by our domestic operations, including:
•Difficulties staffing, managing, and coordinating the activities of our geographically dispersed and culturally diverse operations;
•Potential loss of proprietary information due to misappropriation or laws that may be less protective of our intellectual property rights than U.S. laws or that may not be adequately enforced;
•Requirements of foreign laws and other governmental controls, including tariffs, trade barriers and labor restrictions, and related laws that reduce the flexibility of our business operations;
•Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, economic instability, and inflationary conditions could make our solutions more expensive or could increase our costs of doing business in certain countries;
•Potential changes in trade relations arising from policy initiatives or other political factors;
•Regulations or restrictions on the use, import, or export of encryption technologies that could delay or prevent the acceptance and use of encryption products and public networks for secure communications;
•Local business and cultural factors that differ from our normal standards and practices, including business practices that we are prohibited from engaging in by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws and regulations;
•Central bank and other restrictions on our ability to repatriate cash from our international subsidiaries or to exchange cash in international subsidiaries into cash available for use in the United States;
•Limitations on future growth or inability to maintain current levels of revenues from international sales if we do not invest sufficiently in our international operations;
•Difficulties in staffing, managing, and operating our international operations;
•Costs and delays associated with developing software and providing support in multiple languages;
•Political, social or economic unrest, war, or terrorism, regional natural disasters, or export controls and trade restrictions, particularly in areas in which we have facilities; and
•Multiple and possibly overlapping tax regimes.
The expansion of our existing international operations and entry into additional international markets has required and will continue to require significant management attention and financial resources. These increased costs may increase our cost of acquiring international customers, which may delay our ability to achieve profitability or reduce our profitability in the future. We may also face pressure to lower our prices in order to compete in emerging markets, which could adversely affect revenue derived from our international operations.
Our business has not been materially impacted to date by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and retaliatory sanctions against the Russian Federation and Belarus; however, it is not possible to predict the broader consequences of this conflict or other conflicts that may arise in the future, which could include geopolitical instability and uncertainty; adverse impacts on global and regional economic conditions and financial markets, including significant volatility in credit, capital, and currency markets; reduced economic activity; changes in laws and regulations affecting our business, including further sanctions or counter-sanctions which may be enacted; and increased cybersecurity threats and concerns. The ultimate extent to which Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or other future conflicts may negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to predict and subject to change.
Our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain personnel in a competitive marketplace.
Our future success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain key management, technical (including cyber security experts), sales, marketing, e-commerce, finance, and other personnel. As a result of the Merger with Avast, we have expanded our leadership team. Our officers and other key personnel are “at will” employees and we generally do not have employment or non-compete agreements with our employees. Competition is significant for people with the specific skills that we require. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned to a remote working environment for the substantial majority of our employees. Over time such remote operations may decrease the cohesiveness of our employees and our ability to maintain our culture, both of which are integral to our success. Additionally, a remote working environment may impede our ability to undertake new business projects, to foster a creative environment, to hire new employees and to retain existing employees.
In order to attract and retain personnel in a competitive marketplace, we must provide competitive pay packages, including cash and equity-based compensation. Additionally, changes in immigration laws could impair our ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees. If we fail to attract, retain and motivate new or existing personnel, our business, results of operations and future growth prospects could suffer. Volatility in our stock price may from time to time adversely affect our ability to recruit or retain employees. In addition, we may not have an adequate number of shares reserved under our equity compensation plans, forcing us to reduce awards of equity-based compensation, which could impair our efforts to attract, retain and motivate necessary personnel. If we are unable to hire and retain qualified employees, or conversely, if we fail to manage employee performance or reduce staffing levels when required by market conditions, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution. From time to time, key personnel leave our company and the frequency and number of such departures have widely varied and have, in the past, resulted in significant changes to our executive leadership team. The loss of any key employee could result in significant disruptions to our operations, including adversely affecting the timeliness of product releases, the successful implementation and completion of company initiatives, our internal control over financial reporting, and our results of operations. In addition, hiring, training, and successfully integrating replacement personnel can be time consuming and expensive, may cause additional disruptions to our operations, and may be unsuccessful, which could negatively impact future financial results.
Our solutions, systems, websites and the data on these sources have been and may continue to be subject to cybersecurity events that could materially harm our reputation and future sales.
Despite our precautions and significant ongoing investments to protect against security risks, data protection breaches, cyber-attacks, and other intentional disruptions of our solutions, we expect to continue to be a target of attacks specifically designed to impede the performance and availability of our offerings and harm our reputation as a leading cyber security company. In addition, we face the risk of cyberattacks by nation-states and state-sponsored actors. These attacks may target us, our partners, suppliers, vendors or customers. Similarly, experienced computer programmers or other sophisticated individuals or entities, including malicious hackers, state-sponsored organizations, and insider threats including actions by employees and third-party service providers, could or have attempted to penetrate, and in some cases have penetrated, our network security or the security of our vendors or suppliers. Such attempts are increasing in number and in technical sophistication, and could expose us and the affected parties, to risk of loss or misuse of proprietary, personal or confidential information or disruptions of our business operations.
When a data breach occurs, our information technology systems and infrastructure can be subject to damage, compromise, disruption, and shutdown due to attacks or breaches by hackers or other circumstances, such as error or malfeasance by employees or third-party service providers or technology malfunction. There is no guarantee that these issues will not ultimately result in significant legal, financial, and reputational harm, including government inquiries, enforcement actions, litigation, and negative publicity. There is also no guarantee that a series of issues may not be determined to be material at a later date in the aggregate, even if they may not be material individually at the time of their occurrence. The occurrence of any of these events, as well as a failure to promptly remedy them when they occur, could compromise our systems and the information stored in our systems. Any such circumstance could adversely affect our ability to attract and maintain customers as well as strategic partners, cause us to suffer negative publicity or damage to our brand, and subject us to legal claims and liabilities or regulatory penalties. In addition, unauthorized parties might alter information in our databases, which would adversely affect both the reliability of that information and our ability to market and perform our services as well as undermine our ability to remain compliant with relevant laws and regulations. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently, are constantly evolving and generally are difficult to recognize and react to effectively. We are not always able to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate or timely preventive or reactive measures. Several recent, highly publicized data security breaches, including large-scale attacks by foreign nation state actors and a significant uptick in ransomware/extortion attacks at other companies, have heightened consumer awareness of this issue and may embolden individuals or groups to target our systems or those of our strategic partners or enterprise customers. As an example, a threat actor could exploit a new vulnerability before we complete our remediation work or identify a vulnerability that we did not effectively remediate. If that happens, there could be unauthorized access to, or acquisition of, data we maintain, and damage to our systems. We could also face legal action from individuals, business partners, and regulators in connection with data breaches, which would result in increased costs and fees incurred in our defense against those proceedings, and/or payment of any regulatory penalties.
We collect, use, disclose, store or otherwise process personal information, which subjects us to privacy and data security laws and contractual commitments.
We collect, use, process, store, transmit or disclose (collectively, process) an increasingly large amount of confidential information, including personal information (which includes credit card information and other critical data from employees and customers), in connection with the operation of our business, particularly in relation to our identity and information protection service offerings.
The confidential and personal information we process is subject to an increasing number of federal, state, local, and foreign laws regarding privacy and data security, as well as contractual commitments. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with such obligations may result in governmental enforcement actions, fines, litigation, or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business.
Additionally, changes to applicable privacy or data security laws could impact how we process personal information and therefore limit the effectiveness of our solutions or our ability to develop new solutions. For example, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation imposes more stringent data protection requirements and provides for greater penalties for noncompliance of up to the greater of €20 million or four percent of our worldwide annual revenues.
Data protection legislation is also increasing in the U.S. at both the federal and state level. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the CCPA) requires, among other things, covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers regarding the use of personal information, gives California residents expanded rights to access their personal information that has been collected and allows such consumers new abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. Further, the new California Privacy Rights Act (the CPRA) significantly modifies the CCPA and there are new similar and overlapping state privacy laws in Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, and Iowa. These new laws may result in additional uncertainty and require us to incur additional costs and expenses in our effort to comply. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the online collection, use, dissemination, and security of data. The burdens imposed by the new state privacy laws and other similar laws that may be enacted at the federal and state level may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies, adapt our goods and services and incur substantial expenditures in order to comply.
Global privacy and data protection legislation and enforcement are rapidly expanding and evolving, and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. We may be or become subject to data localization laws mandating that data collected in a foreign country be processed and stored only or primarily within that country. If any country in which we have customers were to adopt a data localization law, we could be required to expand our data storage facilities there or build new ones in order to comply. The expenditure this would require, as well as costs of compliance generally, could harm our financial condition.
Additionally, third parties with whom we work, such as vendors or developers, may violate applicable laws or our policies and such violations can place the personal information of our customers at risk. In addition, our customers may also accidentally disclose their passwords or store them on a device that is lost or stolen, creating the perception that our systems are not secure against third-party access. This could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business. In addition, such third parties could expose us to compromised data or technology, or be the target of cyberattack and other data breaches which could impact our systems or our customers’ records and personal information. Further, we could be the target of a cyberattack or other action that impacts our systems and results in a data breach of our customers’ records and personal information. This could have an adverse effect on our reputation and business and potentially result in litigation and/or regulatory penalties.
Our inability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity event could impair our ability to deliver our products and services and harm our business.
We are heavily reliant on our technology and infrastructure to provide our products and services to our customers. For example, we host many of our products using third-party data center facilities and we do not control the operation of these facilities. These facilities are vulnerable to damage, interference, interruption, or performance problems from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, pandemics and similar events. They are also subject to break-ins, computer viruses, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, and other misconduct. The occurrence of a natural disaster, an act of terrorism state-sponsored attacks, a pandemic, geopolitical tensions or armed conflicts, and similar events could result in a decision to close the facilities without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems, which in turn, could result in lengthy interruptions in the delivery of our products and services, which could negatively impact our sales and operating results.
Furthermore, our business administration, human resources, compliance efforts, and finance services depend on the proper functioning of our computer, telecommunication, and other related systems and operations. A disruption or failure of these systems or operations because of a disaster, cyberattack or other business continuity event, such as a pandemic, could cause data to be lost or otherwise delay our ability to complete sales and provide the highest level of service to our customers. In addition, we could have difficulty producing accurate financial statements on a timely basis, and deficiencies may arise in our internal control over financial reporting, which may impact our ability to certify our financial results, all of which could adversely affect the trading value of our stock. There are no assurances that data recovery in the event of a disaster would be effective or occur in an efficient manner. If these systems or their functionality do not operate as we expect them to, we may be required to expend significant resources to make corrections or find alternative sources for performing these functions.
We are dependent upon Broadcom for certain engineering and threat response services, which are critical to many of our products and business.
Our Norton branded endpoint security solution has historically relied upon certain threat analytics software engines and other software (the Engine-Related Services) that have been developed and provided by engineering teams that have transferred to Broadcom as part of the Broadcom sale. The technology, including source code, at issue is shared, and pursuant to the terms of the Broadcom sale, we retain rights to use, modify, enhance and create derivative works from such technology. Broadcom has committed to provide these Engine-Related Services substantially to the same extent and in substantially the same manner, as has been historically provided under a license agreement with a limited term.
As a result, we are dependent on Broadcom for services and technology that are critical to our business, and if Broadcom fails to deliver these Engine-Related Services it would result in significant business disruption, and our business and operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, if our current sources become unavailable, and if we are unable to develop or obtain alternatives to integrate or deploy them in time, our ability to compete effectively could be impacted and have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, in connection with the Broadcom sale, we lost other capabilities, including certain threat intelligence data which were historically provided by our former Enterprise Security business, the lack of which could have a negative impact on our business and products.
If we fail to offer high-quality customer support, our customer satisfaction may suffer and have a negative impact on our business and reputation.
Many of our customers rely on our customer support services to resolve issues, including technical support, billing and subscription issues, that may arise. If demand increases, or our resources decrease, we may be unable to offer the level of support our customers expect. Any failure by us to maintain the expected level of support could reduce customer satisfaction and negatively impact our customer retention and our business.
Our solutions are complex and operate in a wide variety of environments, systems and configurations, which could result in failures of our solutions to function as designed.
Because we offer very complex solutions, errors, defects, disruptions, or other performance problems with our solutions may and have occurred. For example, we may experience disruptions, outages, and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, fraud, security attacks, or capacity constraints due to an overwhelming number of users accessing our websites simultaneously. In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these performance problems within an acceptable period of time. Interruptions in our solutions, could impact our revenues or cause customers to cease doing business with us. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our technology infrastructure against damage from business continuity events that could have a significant disruptive effect on our operations. We could potentially lose customer data or personal information, or experience material adverse interruptions to our operations or delivery of solutions to our clients in a disaster recovery scenario.
Negative publicity regarding our brand, solutions and business could harm our competitive position.
Our brand recognition and reputation as a trusted service provider are critical aspects of our business and key to retaining existing customers and attracting new customers. Our business could be harmed due to errors, defects, disruptions or other performance problems with our solutions causing our customers and potential customers to believe our solutions are unreliable. Furthermore, negative publicity, whether or not justified, including intentional brand misappropriation, relating to events or activities attributed to us, our employees, our strategic partners, our affiliates, or others associated with any of these parties, may tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brands. In addition, the rapid rise and use of social media has the potential to harm our brand and reputation. We may be unable to timely respond to and resolve negative and inaccurate social media posts regarding our company, solutions and business in an appropriate manner. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity may reduce demand for our solutions and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, any attempts to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brands may be costly and time consuming, and such efforts may not ultimately be successful.
Our reputation and/or business could be negatively impacted by ESG matters and/or our reporting of such matters.
The focus from regulators, customers, certain investors, employees, and other stakeholders concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters and related disclosures, both in the United States and internationally, have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting ESG-related requirements and expectations. For example, developing and acting on ESG-related initiatives and collecting, measuring and reporting ESG-related information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming and is subject to evolving reporting standards, including the SEC’s proposed climate-related reporting requirements. We communicate certain ESG-related initiatives, goals, and/or commitments regarding environmental matters, diversity, responsible sourcing and social investments, and other matters, on our website, in our filings with the SEC, and elsewhere. These initiatives, goals, or commitments could be difficult to achieve and costly to implement, the technologies needed to implement them may not be cost effective and may not advance at a sufficient pace, and we could be criticized for the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the disclosure. Further, statements about our ESG-related initiatives, goals or commitments and progress with respect to such initiatives, goals or commitments may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. In addition, we could be criticized for the timing, scope or nature of these initiatives, goals or commitments, or for any revisions to them. If we fail to achieve progress with respect to our ESG-related initiatives, goals or commitments on a timely basis, or at all,
or if our ESG-related data, processes and reporting are incomplete or inaccurate, our reputation, business, financial performance and growth could be adversely affected.
We are affected by seasonality, which may impact our revenue and results of operations.
Portions of our business are impacted by seasonality. Seasonal behavior in orders has historically occurred in the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, which include the important selling periods during the holidays in our third quarter, as well as follow-on holiday purchases and the U.S. tax filing season, which is typically in our fourth quarter. Revenue generally reflects similar seasonal patterns, but to a lesser extent than orders. This is due to our subscription business model, as a large portion of our in-period revenue is recognized ratably from our deferred revenue balance. An unexpected decrease in sales over those traditionally high-volume selling periods may impact our revenue and could have a disproportionate effect on our results of operations for the entire fiscal year.
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE RISKS
Our solutions are highly regulated, which could impede our ability to market and provide our solutions or adversely affect our business, financial position, and results of operations.
Our solutions are subject to a high degree of regulation, including a wide variety of international and U.S. federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act (the FTC Act), and comparable state laws that are patterned after the FTC Act. We have previously entered into consent decrees and similar arrangements with the FTC and the attorney generals of 35 states as well as a settlement with the FTC relating to allegations that certain of LifeLock’s advertising, marketing and security practices constituted deceptive acts or practices in violation of the FTC Act, which impose additional restrictions on our business, including prohibitions against making any misrepresentation of “the means, methods, procedures, effects, effectiveness, coverage, or scope of” our solutions. We signed an Undertaking, effective June 14, 2021, with the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requiring our NortonLifeLock Ireland Limited and NortonLifeLock UK entities to make certain changes to their policies and practices related to automatically renewing subscriptions in the United Kingdom as part of the CMA’s investigation into auto-renewal practices in the antivirus sector launched in December 2018. Any of the laws and regulations that apply to our business are subject to revision or new or changed interpretations, and we cannot predict the impact of such changes on our business.
Additionally, the nature of our identity and information protection products subjects us to the broad regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement powers of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which may exercise authority with respect to our services, or the marketing and servicing of those services, through the oversight of our financial institution or credit reporting agency customers and suppliers, or by otherwise exercising its supervisory, regulatory, or enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services.
If we do not protect our proprietary information and prevent third parties from making unauthorized use of our products and technology, our financial results could be harmed.
Much of our software and underlying technology is proprietary. We seek to protect our proprietary rights through a combination of confidentiality agreements and procedures and through copyright, patent, trademark, and trade secret laws. However, these measures afford only limited protection and may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by third parties. Third parties may copy all or portions of our products or otherwise obtain, use, distribute, and sell our proprietary information without authorization.
Patents may also not be issued from our pending patent applications and claims allowed on any future issued patents may not be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. Also, these protections may not preclude competitors from independently developing products with functionality or features similar to our products.
Third parties may also develop similar or superior technology independently by designing around our patents. Our consumer agreements do not require a signature and therefore may be unenforceable under the laws of some jurisdictions. Furthermore, the laws of some foreign countries do not offer the same level of protection of our proprietary rights as the laws of the U.S., and we may be subject to the unauthorized use of our products in those countries. The unauthorized copying or use of our products or proprietary information could result in reduced sales of our products. Any legal action to protect proprietary information that we may bring or be engaged in with a strategic partner or vendor could adversely affect our ability to access software, operating system, and hardware platforms of such partner or vendor, or cause such partner or vendor to choose not to offer our products to their customers. In addition, any legal action to protect proprietary information that we may bring or be engaged in, could be costly, may distract management from day-to-day operations, and may lead to additional claims against us, which could adversely affect our operating results.
From time to time we are a party to lawsuits and investigations, which typically require significant management time and attention and result in significant legal expenses.
We are frequently involved in litigation and other proceedings, including, but not limited to, patent litigation, class actions, and governmental claims or investigations, some of which may be material initially or become material over time. The expense of initiating and defending, and in some cases settling, such matters may be costly and divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, such matters may through the course of litigation or other proceedings change unfavorably which could alter the profile of the matter and create potential material risk to the company. Any unfavorable outcome in a matter could result in significant fines, settlements, monetary damages, or injunctive relief that could negatively and materially impact our ability to conduct our business, results of operations, and cash flows. Additionally, in the event we did not previously accrue for such
litigation or proceeding in our financial statements, we may be required to record retrospective accruals that adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Third parties have claimed and, from time to time, additional third parties may claim that we infringe their proprietary rights, which has previously and could in the future cause us to incur significant legal expenses and prevent us from selling our products.
Third parties have claimed and, from time to time, additional third parties may claim that we have infringed their intellectual property rights, including claims regarding patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
Because of constant technological change in the segments in which we compete, the extensive patent coverage of existing technologies, and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, it is possible that the number of these claims may grow. In addition, former employers of our former, current, or future employees may assert claims that such employees have improperly disclosed to us confidential or proprietary information of these former employers. Any such claim, with or without merit, could result in costly litigation and distract management from day-to-day operations. If we are not successful in defending such claims, we could be required to stop selling, delay shipments of, or redesign our solutions, pay monetary amounts as damages, enter into royalty or licensing arrangements, or satisfy indemnification obligations that we have with some of our partners. We cannot assure you that any royalty or licensing arrangements that we may seek in such circumstances will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. We have made and expect to continue making significant expenditures to investigate, defend, and settle claims related to the use of technology and intellectual property rights as part of our strategy to manage this risk.
In addition, we license and use software from third parties in our business and generally must rely on those third parties to protect the licensed rights. These third-party software licenses may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms or at all and may expose us to additional liability. This liability, or our inability to use any of this third-party software, could result in delivery delays or other disruptions in our business that could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
Some of our products contain “open source” software, and any failure to comply with the terms of one or more of these open source licenses could negatively affect our business.
Certain of our products are distributed with software licensed by its authors or other third parties under so-called “open source” licenses. Some of these licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon the open source software and that we license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of a particular open source license or other license granting third parties certain rights of further use. By the terms of certain open source licenses, we could be required to release the source code of our proprietary software if we combine our proprietary software with open source software in a certain manner. Some open source software may include generative artificial intelligence (AI) software or other software that incorporates or relies on generative AI. The use of such software may expose us to risks as the intellectual property ownership and license rights, including copyright, of generative AI software and tools, has not been fully interpreted by U.S. courts or been fully addressed by federal, state, or international regulations. In addition to risks related to license requirements, using open source software, including open source software that incorporates or relies on generative AI, can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on origin of the software. We have established processes to help alleviate these risks, including a review process for screening requests from our development organizations for the use of open source. However, we cannot be sure that all open source, including open source that incorporates or relies on generative AI, is submitted for approval prior to use in our products. In addition, many of the risks associated with usage of open source, including open source that incorporates or relies on generative AI, may not or cannot be eliminated and could, if not properly addressed, negatively affect our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR LIQUIDITY AND INDEBTEDNESS
There are risks associated with our outstanding and future indebtedness that could adversely affect our financial condition.
As of March 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of $9,899 million of outstanding indebtedness that will mature in calendar years 2025 through 2030, and $1,500 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our outstanding debt. Our ability to meet expenses, comply with the covenants under our debt instruments, pay interest and repay principal for our substantial level of indebtedness depends on, among other things, our operating performance, competitive developments, and financial market conditions, all of which are significantly affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We are not able to control many of these factors. Accordingly, our cash flow may not be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt, including our 5.0% Senior Notes due 2025, 6.75% Senior Notes due 2027 and 7.125% Senior Notes due 2030 (collectively, the Senior Notes), and meet our other obligations. Our level of indebtedness could have other important consequences, including the following:
•We must use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest and principal on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, our existing Senior Notes, and other indebtedness, which reduces funds available to us for other purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, other general corporate purposes, and potential acquisitions;
•We may be unable to refinance our indebtedness or to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or general corporate purposes;
•We have significant exposure to fluctuations in interest rates because borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities bear interest at variable rates;
•Our leverage may be greater than that of some of our competitors, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage and reduce our flexibility in responding to current and changing industry and financial market conditions;
•We may be more vulnerable to an economic downturn or recession and adverse developments in our business;
•We may be unable to comply with financial and other covenants in our debt agreements, which could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, may result in acceleration of certain of our debt and would have an adverse effect on our business and prospects and could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation; and
•Changes by any rating agency to our outlook or credit rating could negatively affect the value of our debt and/or our common stock, adversely affect our access to debt markets, and increase the interest we pay on outstanding or future debt.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage any of these risks successfully. In addition, we conduct a significant portion of our operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness will be dependent in part on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries and their respective abilities to make such cash available to us by dividend, debt repayment, or otherwise, which may not always be possible. If we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make the required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness.
Our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement imposes operating and financial restrictions on us.
Our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:
•Incur additional debt;
•Create liens on certain assets to secure debt;
•Enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions;
•Pay dividends on or make other distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments; and
•Consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.
These covenants may adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, meet or otherwise address our capital needs, pursue business opportunities, react to market conditions, or may otherwise restrict activities or business plans. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default. If a default occurs, the relevant lenders could declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and, to the extent such indebtedness is secured, proceed against any collateral securing that indebtedness.
The failure of financial institutions or transactional counterparties could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and our financial condition and result of operations.
We regularly maintain cash balances with other financial institutions in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. A failure of a depository institution to return deposits could result in a loss or impact access to our invested cash or cash equivalents and could adversely impact our operating liquidity and financial performance.
Additionally, future adverse developments with respect to specific financial institutions or the broader financial services industry may lead to market-wide liquidity shortages, impair the ability of companies to access near-term working capital needs, and create additional market and economic uncertainty. Our general business strategy, including our ability to access existing debt under the terms of our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, liquidity shortages, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. If the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, or if adverse developments are experienced by financial institutions, it may cause short-term liquidity risk and also make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly, more onerous with respect to financial and operating covenants and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our operations, growth strategy, financial performance and stock price and could require us to alter our operating plans.
Hedging or other mitigation actions to mitigate against interest rate exposure may adversely affect our earnings, limit our gains or result in losses, which could adversely affect cash available for distributions.
We have previously and may in the future enter into interest rate swap agreements or pursue other interest rate hedging strategies. In March 2023, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate risks associated with the variable interest rate of our Term A Facility. These pay-fixed, receive-floating rate interest rate swaps have the economic effect of hedging the variability of forecasted interest payments until their maturity on March 31, 2026. Pursuant to the agreements, we will effectively convert $1 billion of our variable rate borrowings under Term A Facility to fixed rates, with $500 million at a fixed rate of 3.762% and $500 million at a fixed rate of 3.550%. The objective of our interest rate swaps, all of which are designated as cash flow hedges, is to manage the variability of future cash interest expense.
Our future hedging activity will vary in scope based on the level of interest rates, the type and expected duration of portfolio investments held, and other changing market conditions. Our current and future interest rate hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
•Interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;
•Available interest rate hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;
•The duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability or asset;
•The credit quality of the party owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction;
•The party owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay; and
•We may purchase a hedge that turns out not to be necessary (i.e., a hedge that is out of the money).
Any hedging activity we engage in may adversely affect our earnings, which could adversely affect cash available for distributions. Unanticipated changes in interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.
GENERAL RISKS
Government efforts to combat inflation, along with other interest rate pressures arising from an inflationary economic environment, have led to and may continue to lead to higher financing costs.
We operate globally and as a result our business and revenues are impacted by global macroeconomic conditions. Inflation has risen on a global basis, including in the United States, and government entities have taken various actions to combat inflation, such as raising interest rate benchmarks. Government entities may continue their efforts, or implement additional efforts, to combat inflation, which may include continuing to raise interest rate benchmarks or maintaining interest rate benchmarks at elevated levels. Such government efforts, along with other interest rate pressures arising from an inflationary economic environment, have led to higher financing costs and have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Fluctuations in our quarterly financial results have affected the trading price of our stock in the past and could affect the trading price of our stock in the future.
Our quarterly financial results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to vary in the future due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. If our quarterly financial results or our predictions of future financial results fail to meet our expectations or the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the trading price of our outstanding securities could be negatively affected. Volatility in our quarterly financial results may make it more difficult for us to raise capital in the future or pursue acquisitions.
Factors associated with our industry, the operation of our business, and the markets for our solutions may cause our quarterly financial results to fluctuate, including but not limited to:
•Fluctuations in demand for our solutions;
•Disruptions in our business operations or target markets caused by, among other things, terrorism or other intentional acts, outbreaks of disease, or earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters;
•Entry of new competition into our markets;
•Technological changes in our markets;
•Our ability to achieve targeted operating income and margins and revenues;
•Competitive pricing pressure or free offerings that compete with one or more of our solutions;
•Our ability to timely complete the release of new or enhanced versions of our solutions;
•The amount and timing of commencement and termination of major marketing campaigns;
•The number, severity, and timing of threat outbreaks and cyber security incidents;
•Loss of customers or strategic partners or the inability to acquire new customers or cross-sell our solutions;
•Changes in the mix or type of solutions and subscriptions sold and changes in consumer retention rates;
•The rate of adoption of new technologies and new releases of operating systems, and new business processes;
•Consumer confidence and spending changes;
•The outcome or impact of litigation, claims, disputes, regulatory inquiries, or investigations;
•The impact of acquisitions (and our ability to achieve expected synergies or attendant cost savings), divestitures, restructurings, share repurchase, financings, debt repayments and investment activities;
•Changes in U.S. and worldwide economic conditions, such as economic recessions, the impact of inflation, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates, conflicts including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and other global macroeconomic factors on our operations and financial performance;
•The publication of unfavorable or inaccurate research reports about our business by cybersecurity industry analysts;
•The success of our ESG initiatives;
•Changes in tax laws, rules, and regulations;
•Changes in tax rates, benefits, and expenses; and
•Changes in consumer protection laws and regulations.
Any of the foregoing factors could cause the trading price of our outstanding securities to fluctuate significantly.
Changes to our effective tax rate, including through the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional income tax liabilities, could increase our income tax expense and reduce (increase) our net income (loss), cash flows and working capital. In addition, audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods.
We are a multinational company dual headquartered in the U.S. and Czech Republic, with our principal executive offices in Tempe, Arizona. As such, we are subject to tax in multiple U.S. and international tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by several factors, many of which are outside of our control, including:
•Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws, including the potential for federal tax law changes put forward by Congress and the current administration including potentially increased corporate tax rates, new minimum taxes and other changes to the way that our US tax liability has been calculated following the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Certain of these proposals could have significant retroactive adjustments adding cash tax payments/liabilities if adopted;
•Changes to other tax laws, regulations, and interpretations in multiple jurisdictions in which we operate, including actions resulting from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) base erosion and profit shifting project including recent proposals for a global minimum tax rate, proposed actions by international bodies such as digital services taxation, as well as the requirements of certain tax rulings. In October 2021, the OECD/G20 inclusive framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the Inclusive Framework) published a statement updating and finalizing the key components of a two-pillar plan on global tax reform which has now been agreed upon by the majority of OECD members. Pillar One allows countries to reallocate a portion of residual profits earned by multinational enterprises (MNE), with an annual global turnover exceeding €20 billion and a profit margin over 10%, to other market jurisdictions. Pillar Two requires MNEs with an annual global turnover exceeding €750 million to pay a global minimum tax of 15%. On December 12, 2022, the European Union reached an agreement to implement the Pillar Two Directive of the OECD’s reform of international taxation at the European Union level. The agreement affirms that all Member States must transpose the Directive by December 31, 2023. The rules will therefore first be applicable for fiscal years starting on or after December 31, 2023. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the Inclusive Framework agreement by the countries in which we operate. We will continue to monitor and determine how these and other legislative changes will be enacted into law and how they will potentially impact our corporate tax liabilities, our income tax provision, and cash tax liability. It is possible that they could have a material effect on our corporate tax liability and our global effective tax rate;
•Changes in the relative proportions of revenues and income before taxes in the various jurisdictions in which we operate that have differing statutory tax rates;
•Changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax return preparation process;
•The tax effects of significant infrequently occurring events that may cause fluctuations between reporting periods;
•Tax assessments, or any related tax interest or penalties, that could significantly affect our income tax expense for the period in which the settlements take place; and
•Taxes arising in connection to changes in our workforce, corporate entity structure or operations as they relate to tax incentives and tax rates.
From time to time, we receive notices that a tax authority in a particular jurisdiction believes that we owe a greater amount of tax than we have reported to such authority and we are consequently subject to tax audits. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve and can be highly judgmental. Additionally, our ability to recognize the financial statement benefit of tax refund claims is subject to change based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in facts and circumstances, changes in tax laws, correspondence with both IRS and State tax authorities, and the results of tax audits and related proceedings, which may take several years or more to resolve. If tax authorities disagree with certain tax reporting positions taken by us, as a result, they assess additional taxes against us. We are regularly engaged in discussions and sometimes disputes with these tax authorities. We ultimately sometimes have to engage in litigation to achieve the results reflected in our tax estimates, and such litigation can be time consuming and expensive. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of any audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. If the ultimate determination of our taxes owed in any of these jurisdictions is for an amount in excess of the tax provision we have recorded or reserved for, our operating results, cash flows, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Any changes or interpretations to existing accounting pronouncements or taxation rules or practices may cause fluctuations in our reported results of operations or affect how we conduct our business.
A change in accounting pronouncements or taxation rules or practices could have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. New accounting pronouncements, taxation rules and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements or taxation rules have occurred in the past and may occur in the
future. We could be required to modify a current tax or accounting position as a result of any such change, and this could adversely affect our reported financial results and could change the way we conduct our business.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
There are no unresolved issues with respect to any Commission staff’s written comments that were received at least 180 days before the end of our fiscal year to which this report relates and that relate to our periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act.
Item 2. Properties
Not applicable.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Information with respect to this Item may be found under the heading “Litigation contingencies” in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which information is incorporated into this Item 3 by reference.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
Business
On August 10, 2021, we announced a transaction under which we intended to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Avast plc, a public company incorporated in England and Wales and a global leader of digital security and privacy headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic (Avast and such transaction, the Merger). On September 12, 2022, we completed the Merger with Avast, and its results of operations have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning September 12, 2022. See Note 4 for further information about this business combination.
In connection with the Merger, effective November 7, 2022, we changed our corporate name from NortonLifeLock Inc. to Gen Digital Inc. (Gen).
Gen is a global company powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. Our Cyber Safety portfolio provides protection across multiple channels and geographies, including security and performance, identity protection, and online privacy. Our technology platforms bring together software and service capabilities into comprehensive and easy-to-use products and solutions across our brands. We have also evolved beyond traditional Cyber Safety to offer adjacent trust-based solutions, including digital identity and access management, digital reputation, and restoration support services.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Gen Digital Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal calendar
We have a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to March 31. Fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 in this report refers to fiscal years ended March 31, 2023, April 1, 2022, and April 2, 2021, respectively, each of which was a 52-week year.
Use of estimates
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, valuation of business combinations including acquired intangible assets and goodwill, loss contingencies, the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes, including the measurement of uncertain tax positions, and valuation of assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management determines these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Third-party valuation specialists are also utilized for certain estimates. Actual results could differ from such estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties, including uncertainty in the current economic environment as a result of macroeconomic factors such as inflation, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollars, our reporting currency, changes in interest rates, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Significant Accounting Policies
With the exception of those discussed in Note 2, there were no material changes in accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) that were applicable or adopted by us during fiscal 2023.
Revenue recognition
We sell products and services directly to end-users and packaged software products through a multi-tiered distribution channel. We recognize revenue when control of the promised products or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for such products or services. Performance periods are generally one year or less, and payments are generally collected up front. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for partner incentives and rebates, and any taxes collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Revenue from e-commerce partners is recognized on a gross basis before the deduction of partner incentive and fees. Taxes will be collected by our e-commerce partners and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
We offer various channel rebates for our products. Our estimated reserves for channel volume incentive rebates are based on distributors’ and resellers’ performance compared to the terms and conditions of volume incentive rebate programs, which are typically entered into quarterly. Our reserves for rebates are estimated based on the terms and conditions of the promotional program, actual sales during the promotion, the amount of redemptions received, historical redemption trends by product and by type of promotional program and the value of the rebate. We record estimated reserves for rebates as an offset to revenue or contract liabilities. Reserves for rebates, recorded in Other current liabilities, were $4 million and $5 million as of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, respectively. For products that include content updates and services, rebates are recognized as a ratable offset to revenue or contract liabilities over the term of the subscription.
Performance obligations
At contract inception, we assess the products and services promised in the contract to identify each performance obligation and evaluate whether the performance obligations are capable of being distinct and are distinct within the context of the contract. Performance obligations that are not both capable of being distinct and are distinct within the context of the contract are combined and treated as a single performance obligation in determining the allocation and recognition of revenue. Our software solutions typically consist of a term-based subscription as well as when-and-if available software updates and upgrades. We have determined that our promises to transfer the software license subscription and the related support and maintenance are not separately identifiable because:
•the licensed software and the software updates and upgrades are highly interdependent and highly interrelated, working together to deliver continuously updated protection to customers;
•by identifying and addressing new threats, the software updates and upgrades significantly modify the licensed software and are integral to maintaining its utility; and
•given the rapid pace with which new threats are identified, the value of the licensed software diminishes rapidly without the software updates and upgrades.
We therefore consider the software license and related support obligations a single, combined performance obligation with revenue recognized over time as our solutions are delivered.
Fair value measurements
For assets and liabilities measured at 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.
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are:
•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. All significant inputs used in our valuations, such as discounted cash flows, 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 3: Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. 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.
Assets measured and recorded at fair value:
Cash equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to the short period of time to maturity.
Short-term investments. Short-term investments consist primarily of corporate bonds. They are classified as available-for-sale and recognized at fair value using Level 1 and Level 2 inputs, which are quoted using market prices, independent pricing vendors or other sources, to determine the fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI). We regularly review our investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of impairment. Available-for-sale debt securities with an amortized cost basis in excess of estimated fair value are assessed to determine what amount of that difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Factors considered in determining if a credit loss exists include: the extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost basis, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and any adverse financial conditions specifically related to the security. Expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and any remaining unrealized losses, net of taxes, are included in AOCI in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).
Non-marketable investments
Our non-marketable investments consist of equity investments in privately-held companies without a readily determinable fair value. We primarily measure these investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. We may elect to measure certain investments at fair value, for which we utilize third-party valuation specialists at least annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a change in the fair value of the investment. Gains and losses on these investments, whether realized or unrealized, are recognized in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We assess the recoverability of our non-marketable investments by reviewing various indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, a fair value measurement is made by performing a discounted cash flow analysis of the investment. We immediately recognize the impairment to our non-marketable equity investments if the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are not interest bearing. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts or expected credit losses to reserve for expected uncollectible receivables. We review our accounts receivables by aging category to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In addition, we maintain an allowance for all other receivables not included in the specific reserve by applying specific percentages of projected uncollectible receivables to the various aging categories. In determining these percentages, we use judgment based on our historical collection experience and current economic trends as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions.
Assets held for sale
Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, appraised values or management’s estimates, depending upon the nature of the assets and external data available.
Property and equipment
Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows: buildings, 20 to 30 years; building improvements, 7 to 20 years; leasehold improvements, the lesser of the life of the improvement or the initial lease term, and computer hardware and software and office furniture and equipment, 3 to 5 years.
Software development costs
The costs for the development of new software products and substantial enhancements to existing software products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time any additional costs would be capitalized in accordance with the accounting guidance for software. Because our current process for developing software is essentially completed concurrently with the establishment of technological feasibility, which occurs upon the completion of a working model, no costs have been capitalized for any of the periods presented.
Internal-use software development costs
We capitalize qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage related to software developed for internal-use and amortize them over the estimated useful life of 3 years. We expense costs incurred related to the planning and post-implementation phases of development as incurred. As of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, capitalized costs, net of amortization, were $6 million and $6 million, respectively.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. We have elected to not recognize a lease liability or right-of-use (ROU) asset for short-term leases (leases with a term of twelve months or less that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset). Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The interest rate we use to determine the present value of future payments is our incremental borrowing rate because the rate implicit in our leases is not readily determinable. Our incremental borrowing rate is a hypothetical rate for collateralized borrowings in economic environments where the leased asset is located based on credit rating factors. Our operating lease assets also include adjustments for prepaid lease payments, lease incentives and initial direct costs.
Certain lease contracts include obligations to pay for other services, such as operations and maintenance. We elected the practical expedient whereby we record all lease components and the related minimum non-lease components as a single lease component. Cash payments made for variable lease costs are not included in the measurement of our operating lease assets and liabilities. Many of our lease terms include one or more options to renew. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease costs for minimum lease payments for operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.
Business combinations
We use the acquisition method of accounting under the authoritative guidance on business combinations. We allocate the purchase price of our acquisitions to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. Each acquired company’s operating results are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements starting on the date of acquisition.
Goodwill
Goodwill is recorded when consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired.
We perform an impairment assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level at least annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The accounting guidance gives us the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances that might indicate that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than
its carrying amount. If it is determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is performed.
In fiscal 2023, based on our qualitative assessments, we concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair values are more than their carrying values. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment of goodwill, and further quantitative testing was not required.
Long-lived assets
In connection with our acquisitions, we generally recognize assets for customer relationships, developed technology, finite-lived trade names, patents and indefinite-lived trade names. Finite-lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Such amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally from 1 to 9 years. Amortization for developed technology is recognized in cost of revenue. Amortization for customer relationships and certain trade names is recognized in operating expenses. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but instead tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets and property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated from the assets are less than their carrying amount. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value.
In fiscal 2023, based on our qualitative and quantitative assessments, we concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair values are more than their carrying values. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment of long-lived assets, and further quantitative testing was not required.
Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue and customer deposit liabilities and represent cash payments received or due in advance of fulfilling our performance obligations. Deferred revenue represents billings under non-cancelable contracts before the related product or service is transferred to the customer. Certain arrangements include terms that allow the customer to terminate the contract and receive a pro-rata refund for a period of time. In these arrangements, we have concluded there are no enforceable rights and obligations during the period in which the option to cancel is exercisable by the customer, and therefore the consideration received or due from the customer is recorded as a customer deposit liability.
Debt
Our debt includes senior unsecured notes, senior term loans and a senior secured revolving credit facility. Our senior unsecured notes are recorded at par value at issuance less a discount representing the amount by which the face value exceeds the fair value at the date of issuance and an amount which represents issuance costs. Our senior term loans are recorded at par value less debt issuance costs, which are recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the debt. The discount and issuance costs associated with the various notes are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt as a non-cash charge to interest expense. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility, if any, are recognized at principal balance plus accrued interest based upon stated interest rates. Debt maturities are classified as current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets if we are contractually obligated to repay them in the next twelve months or, prior to the balance sheet date, we have the authorization and intent to repay them prior to their contractual maturities and within the next twelve months.
Treasury stock
We account for treasury stock under the cost method. Shares repurchased under our share repurchase program are retired. Upon retirement, we allocate the value of treasury stock between Additional paid-in capital and Retained earnings.
Restructuring
Restructuring actions generally include significant actions involving employee-related severance charges, contract termination costs and asset write-offs and impairments. Employee-related severance charges are largely based upon substantive severance plans, while some charges result from mandated requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions. These charges are reflected in the period when both the actions are probable and the amounts are estimable. Contract termination costs reflect costs that will continue to be incurred under a contract for its remaining term without future economic benefit. These charges are reflected in the period when a contract is terminated. Asset write-offs and impairments, including those related to ROU lease assets, are recognized in the period that an asset is decommissioned or a facility ceases to be used.
Income taxes
We compute the provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards in each jurisdiction in which we operate. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled.
We also assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized from future taxable income and based on weighting positive and negative evidence, we will assess and determine the need for a valuation allowance, if required. The determination of our valuation allowance involves assumptions, judgments and estimates, including forecasted earnings, future taxable income
and the relative proportions of revenue and income before taxes in the various domestic and international jurisdictions in which we operate. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change the valuation allowance in a period, we reflect the change with a corresponding increase or decrease to our tax expense.
We record accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that it is not more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. We adjust these accruals when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of adjustments for uncertain tax positions as well as any related interest and penalties.
Stock-based compensation
We measure and recognize stock-based compensation for all stock-based awards, including restricted stock units (RSU), performance-based restricted stock units (PRU), stock options and rights to purchase shares under our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), based on their estimated fair value on the grant date. We recognize the costs in our Consolidated Financial Statements on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period except for PRUs with graded vesting, for which we recognize the costs on a graded basis. For awards with performance conditions, the amount of compensation cost we recognize over the requisite service period is based on the actual or estimated achievement of the performance condition. We estimate the number of stock-based awards that will be forfeited due to employee turnover.
The fair value of each RSU and PRU that does not contain a market condition is equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each PRU that contains a market condition is estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair values of RSUs and PRUs are not discounted by the dividend yield because our RSUs and PRUs include dividend-equivalent rights, except for the $4 million unvested RSUs assumed as part of the Merger with Avast. We use the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of stock options and the fair value of rights to acquire shares of common stock under our ESPP. The Black-Scholes valuation model incorporates a number of variables, including our expected stock price volatility over the expected life of the awards, actual and projected employee exercise and forfeiture behaviors, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. If the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected life, we estimate the expected life of the stock option awards granted based on its expected term using the simplified method available under U.S. GAAP.
Foreign currency
For foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from translation of these foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in AOCI. Remeasurement adjustments are recorded in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Concentrations of risk
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from international sales. Fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in local regulatory or economic conditions, or piracy could adversely affect our operating results.
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. Our investment policy limits the amount of credit risk exposure to any one issuer and to any one country. A majority of our trade receivables are derived from sales to distributors and retailers. The credit risk in our trade accounts receivable is substantially mitigated by our credit evaluation process, reasonably short collection terms and the geographical dispersion of sales transactions. Distributors that accounted for over 10% of our total billed and unbilled accounts receivable, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Distributor A | 13 | % | | 23 | % |
| Distributor B | 14 | % | | N/A |
Advertising and other promotional costs
Advertising and other promotional costs are charged to operations as incurred and included in sales and marketing expenses. These costs totaled $405 million, $423 million, and $353 million for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Contingencies
We evaluate contingent liabilities including threatened or pending litigation in accordance with the authoritative guidance on contingencies. We assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes from potential claims or proceedings, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, when the outcomes of the claims or proceedings are probable and reasonably estimable. A determination of the amount of an accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after the analysis of each separate matter. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, we base our estimates on the information available at the time of our assessment. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates.
Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards
Recently adopted authoritative guidance
Debt with Conversion and Other Options. In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-06 (ASU 2020-06) which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments. The new guidance removes from GAAP the separation models for convertible debt with embedded conversion features. As a result, entities will no longer separately present embedded conversion features in equity. A convertible debt instrument will be accounted for wholly as debt unless (1) a convertible instrument contains features that require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or (2) a convertible debt instrument was issued at a substantial premium. In addition, the debt discount, which is equal to the carry value of the embedded conversion feature upon issuance, will no longer be amortized as interest expense over the life of the instrument. The new guidance also requires the use of the if-converted method to calculate the impact of convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share and include the effect of share settlement for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares. See Note 16 for further information related to the diluted earnings per share calculation.
We adopted this standard as of April 2, 2022, the first day of fiscal 2023, using a modified retrospective method of transition, under which, financial results and earnings per share amounts reported in prior periods were not adjusted or restated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. As such, the new guidance was applied to the convertible debt instruments outstanding as of the beginning of this fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized through an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We increased the carrying amount of the New 2.0% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 10) by approximately $1 million and reduced additional paid-in capital by approximately $7 million, net of tax. The net effect of these adjustments was recorded as an increase to retained earnings as of April 2, 2022.
Reference Rate Reform. In March 2020, the FASB issued new guidance providing temporary optional expedients and exceptions to ease the financial reporting burden of the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The standard was effective upon issuance and may generally be applied through December 31, 2024, to any new or amended contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR. During fiscal 2023, we fully transitioned to SOFR and no longer use LIBOR on any debt or material contractual arrangements that are outstanding. Any future contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions will be SOFR denominated.
Although there are several other new accounting pronouncements issued or proposed by the FASB that we have adopted or will adopt, as applicable, we do not believe any of these accounting pronouncements has had, or will have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.
Note 3. Divestitures, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
Divestitures
Enterprise Security assets
On November 4, 2019, we completed the sale of certain of our Enterprise Security assets and certain liabilities to Broadcom Inc. (Broadcom sale) for a purchase price of $10.7 billion. As a result of the sale, the majority of the results of our Enterprise Security business and certain related costs were classified as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and thus excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. During fiscal 2021, in connection with the Broadcom sale, we recognized costs for severance and termination benefits as part of our November 2019 restructuring plan, which was included in Income (loss) from discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. These activities were completed during fiscal 2021. See Note 12 for information associated with our restructuring activities.
On October 1, 2020, we entered into multiple agreements with Broadcom for an aggregate amount of $200 million. We licensed Broadcom’s enterprise software, multiple security engines and related telemetry for 5.6 years, which will be amortized to continuing operations over the term of the license. In addition, we resolved all outstanding payments and certain claims related to the asset purchase and transition services agreements, which were included in discontinued operations.
In connection with the Broadcom sale, we entered into a transition services agreement under which we provided assistance to Broadcom including, but not limited to, business support services and information technology services. During fiscal 2021, the transition services were completed. Dedicated direct costs, net of charges to Broadcom, for these transition services were $9 million during fiscal 2021. These direct costs were presented as part of Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Discontinued Operations
The following table presents information regarding certain components of income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes during the year ended April 2, 2021. There was no discontinued operations activity during the years ended March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Year Ended |
(In millions) | | | | | April 2, 2021 |
| Net revenues | | | | | $ | 1 | |
| Gross profit | | | | | $ | 1 | |
| Operating income (loss) | | | | | $ | (177) | |
| | | | | |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | | | | | $ | (176) | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | | | | | $ | (34) | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes | | | | | $ | (142) | |
Assets Held for Sale
During fiscal 2020, we reclassified certain land and buildings previously reported as property and equipment to assets held for sale when the properties were approved for immediate sale in their present condition and the sale was expected to be completed within one year. However, the commercial real estate market was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the expected timing of such sales.
On July 27, 2020, we completed the sale of our Culver City, California property, which was previously classified as held for sale during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, for cash consideration of $118 million, net of selling costs, and recognized a gain on sale of $35 million.
On April 1, 2021, we completed the sale of certain land and buildings in Mountain View, California, which was previously classified as held for sale as of April 3, 2020, for cash consideration of $100 million, net of selling costs, and recognized a gain on sale of $63 million.
On July 14, 2021, we completed the sale of certain land and buildings in Mountain View, California for cash consideration of $355 million, net of selling costs, and recognized a gain of $175 million on the sale.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we determined certain land and buildings in Mountain View, California, which were previously reported as assets held for sale as of April 1, 2022, no longer qualified as held for sale classification. As a result, we reclassified the aggregate $26 million carrying value from assets held for sale to property and equipment, net, in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded an immaterial catch-up depreciation adjustment, which is included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we determined certain land and buildings in Dublin, Ireland, which were previously reported as property and equipment, net as of April 1, 2022, now qualifies as held for sale classification. As a result, we reclassified the aggregate $23 million carrying value from property and equipment, net to assets held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We continue to actively market the remaining properties held for sale. We have taken into consideration the current real estate values and demand and continue to execute plans to sell these properties. As a result, we recognized an impairment of $23 million representing the difference between the estimated net sales price and the carrying value of one of our properties. As of March 31, 2023, this property remains classified as assets held for sale. During fiscal 2023, there were no other impairments because the fair value of the other properties less costs to sell either equals or exceeds their carrying value.
Note 4. Business Combinations
Merger with Avast
On August 10, 2021, we announced a transaction under which we intended to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Avast plc, a public company incorporated in England and Wales (Avast and such transaction, the Merger). The Merger was implemented by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the UK Companies Act 2006 (the Scheme). Under the terms of the Merger, Avast shareholders were entitled to elect to receive, for each ordinary share of Avast held, in respect of their entire holding of Avast shares, either: (i) $7.61 in cash and 0.0302 of a new share of our common stock (such option, the Majority Cash Option); or (ii) $2.37 in cash and 0.1937 of a new share of our common stock (such option, the Majority Stock Option). Each Avast Director who held Avast shares elected for the Majority Stock Option in respect to their entire beneficial holdings of Avast shares.
The Merger was approved by our Board of Directors and by our shareholders, the Board of Directors and shareholders of Avast, and regulators including the Federal Trade Commission under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the HSR Act) and in Europe, the German Federal Cartel Office, the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission and the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority.
Closing of Merger with Avast
On September 12, 2022 (Closing Date), we completed the Merger with Avast, and as a result, we have changed our corporate name to Gen Digital Inc. and have become dual headquartered in Tempe, Arizona and Prague, Czech Republic, although our principal executive offices remain in Tempe, Arizona. Prior to the Merger, Avast was a global leader in consumer cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive range of digital security and privacy products and services that protected and enhanced users’ online experiences. With this Merger, we are positioned to provide a broad and complementary consumer product portfolio with greater geographic diversification and access to a larger user base.
Upon completion of the Merger, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Avast. Based on the election of the Avast shareholders, we paid cash consideration of approximately $6,910 million and issued 94,201,223 shares of our common stock to Avast shareholders. As a result, immediately following the closing of the Merger, Avast shareholders owned approximately 14% of our outstanding common stock. The fair value of our common stock provided on September 12, 2022 in exchange for all outstanding ordinary shares of Avast was approximately $2,141 million.
Consideration transferred
The total consideration for the Merger with Avast was approximately $8,688 million, net of cash acquired, and consisted of the following:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | September 12, 2022 |
Cash and equity consideration for outstanding Avast common shares (1) | $ | 8,109 | |
Repayment of outstanding Avast debt (2) | 942 | |
| Total consideration | 9,051 | |
| Cash acquired | 363 | |
| Net consideration transferred | $ | 8,688 | |
(1) Represents the total value of cash paid and our common stock issued to Avast shareholders pursuant to the Majority Cash/Stock Option in the Scheme.
(2) Represents the cash consideration paid concurrent with the close of the Merger to retire certain Avast debt, including repayment of the associated principal, accrued interest, premiums and other costs.
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
We accounted for the Merger as a business combination. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Avast were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date and consolidated with those of our company. The allocation of purchase price requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in determining the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, especially with respect to intangible assets. Third-party valuation specialists were also utilized for certain estimates.
Our preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price, based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date, inclusive of measurement period adjustments, is as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | September 12, 2022 |
| Assets: | |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 63 | |
| Other current assets | 17 | |
| Property and equipment | 33 | |
| Operating lease assets | 18 | |
| Intangible assets | 2,383 | |
| Goodwill | 7,349 | |
| Other long-term assets | 11 | |
| Total assets acquired | 9,874 | |
| Liabilities: | |
| Current liabilities | 180 | |
| Contract liabilities | 509 | |
| Operating lease liabilities | 18 | |
| Long-term deferred tax liabilities | 433 | |
| Other long-term obligations | 46 | |
| Total liabilities assumed | 1,186 | |
| Total purchase price | $ | 8,688 | |
The allocation of the purchase price is based upon a preliminary valuation, and as additional information becomes available, our estimates and assumptions may be subject to refinement within the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. Adjustments to the purchase price may require adjustments to goodwill prospectively. The primary areas of preliminary purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized include certain tax and litigation matters. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we recorded measurement period adjustments resulting in a net increase to goodwill of $84 million, primarily related to updated information regarding long-term deferred tax liabilities, which resulted in an increase of $88 million of long-term deferred tax liabilities, offset by other immaterial adjustments.
The preliminary goodwill of $7,349 million represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. It is attributable to the expected synergies of the Merger, including future cost savings from planned integration of infrastructure, facilities, personnel and systems, and other benefits that are anticipated to be generated by combining both companies. Goodwill is allocated to our single reportable segment. Substantially all of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for U.S. tax purposes. See Note 6 for further information on goodwill.
Preliminary identified intangible assets and their respective useful lives, as of September 12, 2022, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions, except for useful lives) | Fair Value | | Weighted-Average Estimated Useful Life
(Years) |
Customer relationships (1) | $ | 1,055 | | | 7 years |
Developed technology (2) | 1,244 | | | 6 years |
Finite-lived trade names (2) | 84 | | | 10 years |
| Total identified intangible assets | $ | 2,383 | | | |
(1) Customer relationships were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method, which is a form of the income approach that primarily considers customer retention rate.
(2) Developed technology and finite-lived trade names were valued using the relief-from-royalty method, which is a form of the income approach that primarily considers technology migration and probability of use, respectively.
Financing
In connection with the Merger, on September 12, 2022, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with certain financial institutions, in which they agreed to provide us with (i) a $1,500 million revolving credit facility (Revolving Facility), a $3,910 million term loan A facility (Term A Facility), (iii) a $3,690 million term loan B facility (Term B Facility) and (iv) a $750 million tranche A bridge loan (Bridge Loan) (collectively, the senior credit facilities). The Bridge Loan was undrawn and immediately terminated upon the Merger’s close. The proceeds were or will be used (i) to finance the cash consideration payable for the Merger, (ii) to repay in full and terminate all commitments under Avast’s credit facility, (iii) to pay expenses relating to the Merger, (iv) to add cash to the balance sheet and (v) for general corporate purposes and on-going business activities. See Note 10 for further information about these debt instruments and the related debt covenants.
In connection with the financing provided by the Term B Facility, we incurred customary ticking fees with respect to the undrawn commitments that began accruing on the 61st day post-syndication. The ticking fees were payable at the per annum rate of (i) 50% of the interest rate margin for adjusted SOFR (or applicable replacement rate) loans for 61-90 days from January 28, 2022, the syndication date, and (ii) 100% of the interest rate margin for adjusted SOFR (or applicable replacement rate) loans on and after 91 days from the syndication date. Ticking fees were payable on the Closing Date of the Merger and capitalized as a portion of debt issuance cost for the Term B Facility. During the year ended March 31, 2023, we paid $31 million in ticking fees.
Impact on operating results
The operating results of Avast have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning September 12, 2022. Our results of operations for fiscal 2023 include $518 million of net revenues of Avast. This total post-acquisition revenue is not comparable to pre-acquisition results due to our product integration strategy, cross-selling activities and the reallocation of performance marketing spend deployed to maximize total Gen revenue and not revenue by brand. It is impracticable to provide income before income taxes attributable to Avast subsequent to the Merger due to the integration of our operations. The Company does not consider it to be a separate operating unit or separate reporting segment, but rather an integrated brand, selling and marketing strategy, and is in the advanced stages of completing the full integration of Avast with our ongoing operations.
We recognized transaction and integration costs of $77 million and $35 million for the years ended March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, respectively. These costs were primarily associated with legal and professional services and other regulatory closing fees, which were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On the Closing Date of the Merger, we incurred $145 million of debt issuance costs associated with the senior credit facilities, of which $132 million was capitalized and recorded as a reduction of outstanding debt balances and $10 million was capitalized and included in Other long-term assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining $3 million was capitalized but immediately extinguished in conjunction with the termination of the Bridge Loan.
Unaudited pro forma information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information represents the combined historical results for the year ended March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, as if the Merger had been completed on April 3, 2021, the first day of fiscal 2022. The results presented below include adjustments to conform Avast financial information, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), to U.S. GAAP as well as the impacts of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments, including amortization of acquired intangible assets, interest on debt issued to finance the Merger, and acquisition-related transaction costs, and the income tax effect of the other pro forma adjustments. The unaudited pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the Merger. The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma financial information:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Net revenues | $ | 3,804 | | | $ | 3,737 | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 1,133 | | | $ | 242 | |
The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for informational purposes only and are not indicative of future operations or results that would have been achieved had the Merger been completed as of the beginning of fiscal 2022.
Fiscal 2022 acquisition
On September 15, 2021, we completed an acquisition of an online reputation management and digital privacy solutions company for total aggregate consideration of $39 million, net of $1 million cash acquired. The purchase price was primarily allocated to intangible assets and goodwill. Our estimates and assumptions were subject to refinement within the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date. Adjustments to the purchase price during the measurement period required adjustments to be made to goodwill. The measurement period ended on September 14, 2022.
Fiscal 2021 acquisition
On January 8, 2021, we completed our acquisition of Avira. Avira provided a consumer-focused portfolio of cybersecurity and privacy solutions primarily in Europe and key emerging markets. The total aggregate consideration for the acquisition was $344 million, net of $32 million cash acquired.
Our final allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the acquisition as of January 8, 2021, was as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | January 8, 2021 |
| Assets: | |
| Current assets | $ | 12 | |
| Intangible assets | 162 | |
| Goodwill | 261 | |
| Other long-term asset | 21 | |
| Total assets acquired | 456 | |
| Liabilities: | |
| Current liabilities | 29 | |
| Contract liabilities | 54 | |
| Other long-term obligations | 29 | |
| Total liabilities assumed | 112 | |
| Total purchase price | $ | 344 | |
Our estimates and assumptions were subject to refinement within the measurement period, which was up to one year from the acquisition date. Adjustments to the purchase price during the measurement period required adjustments to be made to goodwill. The measurement period ended on January 7, 2022.
Note 5. Revenues
Contract liabilities
During fiscal 2023 and 2022, we recognized $1,213 million and $1,187 million of revenue, respectively, from the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the respective fiscal years.
Remaining performance obligations
Remaining performance obligations represent contracted revenue that has not been recognized, which include contract liabilities and amounts that will be billed and recognized as revenue in future periods. As of March 31, 2023, we had $1,233 million of remaining performance obligations, excluding customer deposit liabilities of $555 million, of which we expect to recognize approximately 94% as revenue over the next 12 months.
See Note 1 for a description of our revenue recognition policy and Note 17 for tabular disclosures of disaggregated revenue by solution and geographic region.
Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | |
| Balance as of April 2, 2021 | $ | 2,867 | |
| Acquisitions | 25 | |
| Purchase accounting adjustments | (7) | |
| Translation adjustments | (12) | |
| Balance as of April 1, 2022 | 2,873 | |
| Merger with Avast | 7,265 | |
| Purchase accounting adjustments | 84 | |
| Translation adjustments | (5) | |
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 10,217 | |
Intangible assets, net
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| (In millions) | Gross
Carrying
Amount | | Accumulated
Amortization | | Net
Carrying
Amount | | Gross
Carrying
Amount | | Accumulated
Amortization | | Net
Carrying
Amount |
| Customer relationships | $ | 1,641 | | | $ | (549) | | | $ | 1,092 | | | $ | 583 | | | $ | (382) | | | $ | 201 | |
| Developed technology | 1,462 | | | (279) | | | 1,183 | | | 217 | | | (143) | | | 74 | |
| Other | 91 | | | (8) | | | 83 | | | 8 | | | (3) | | | 5 | |
| Total finite-lived intangible assets | 3,194 | | | (836) | | | 2,358 | | | 808 | | | (528) | | | 280 | |
| Indefinite-lived trade names | 739 | | | — | | | 739 | | | 743 | | | — | | | 743 | |
| Total intangible assets | $ | 3,933 | | | $ | (836) | | | $ | 3,097 | | | $ | 1,551 | | | $ | (528) | | | $ | 1,023 | |
As a result of the Merger with Avast, we recorded $2,383 million of acquired intangible assets during the second quarter of fiscal 2023. See Note 4 for further information about this business combination.
Amortization expense for purchased intangible assets is summarized below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended | | Consolidated Statements of Operations Classification |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 | |
| Customer relationships and other | $ | 172 | | | $ | 85 | | | $ | 74 | | | Operating expenses |
| Developed technology | 136 | | | 39 | | | 31 | | | Cost of revenues |
| Total | $ | 308 | | | $ | 124 | | | $ | 105 | | | |
As of March 31, 2023, future amortization expense related to intangible assets that have finite lives is as follows by fiscal year:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 |
| 2024 | $ | 462 | |
| 2025 | 401 | |
| 2026 | 395 | |
| 2027 | 381 | |
| 2028 | 378 | |
| Thereafter | 341 | |
| Total | $ | 2,358 | |
Note 7. Supplementary Information
Cash and cash equivalents:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Cash | $ | 576 | | | $ | 609 | |
| Cash equivalents | 174 | | | 1,278 | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | $ | 750 | | | $ | 1,887 | |
Accounts receivable, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 169 | | | $ | 121 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (1) | | | (1) | |
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 168 | | | $ | 120 | |
Other current assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 122 | | | $ | 107 | |
| Income tax receivable and prepaid income taxes | 123 | | | 35 | |
| Other tax receivable | 16 | | | 27 | |
| Other | 23 | | | 24 | |
| Total other current assets | $ | 284 | | | $ | 193 | |
Property and equipment, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Land | $ | 13 | | | $ | 2 | |
| Computer hardware and software | 498 | | | 462 | |
| Office furniture and equipment | 17 | | | 27 | |
| Buildings | 28 | | | 27 | |
| Leasehold improvements | 28 | | | 56 | |
| Construction in progress | 1 | | | 1 | |
| Total property and equipment, gross | 585 | | | 575 | |
| Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (509) | | | (515) | |
| Total property and equipment, net | $ | 76 | | | $ | 60 | |
During the second quarter of fiscal 2023, we reclassified $26 million of buildings and leasehold improvements, which were previously reported as held for sale as of April 1, 2022, to property and equipment, net. Adjustments associated with catch-up depreciation were immaterial.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we determined certain land and buildings in Dublin, Ireland, which were previously reported as property and equipment, net as of April 1, 2022, now qualifies as held for sale classification. As a result, we reclassified the aggregate $23 million carrying value from property and equipment, net to assets held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 3 for further information about our assets held for sale.
Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment was $21 million, $16 million, and $45 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Other long-term assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Non-marketable equity investments | $ | 176 | | | $ | 178 | |
| Long-term income tax receivable and prepaid income taxes | 669 | | | 25 | |
| Deferred income tax assets | 353 | | | 351 | |
| Long-term prepaid royalty | 36 | | | 53 | |
| Other | 47 | | | 46 | |
| Total other long-term assets | $ | 1,281 | | | $ | 653 | |
Short-term contract liabilities:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Deferred revenue | $ | 1,153 | | | $ | 743 | |
| Customer deposit liabilities | 555 | | | 521 | |
| Total short-term contract liabilities | $ | 1,708 | | | $ | 1,264 | |
Other current liabilities:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Income taxes payable | $ | 172 | | | $ | 109 | |
| Other taxes payable | 76 | | | 87 | |
| Accrued legal fees | 284 | | | 273 | |
| Accrued royalties | 48 | | | 49 | |
| Accrued interest | 27 | | | 32 | |
| Other accrued liabilities | 96 | | | 89 | |
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 703 | | | $ | 639 | |
Long-term income taxes payable:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Deemed repatriation tax payable | $ | 310 | | | $ | 437 | |
| Other long-term income taxes | 1 | | | 3 | |
| Uncertain tax positions (including interest and penalties) | 509 | | | 556 | |
| Total long-term income taxes payable | $ | 820 | | | $ | 996 | |
Other income (expense), net:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Interest income | $ | 15 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | |
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (8) | | | (2) | | | 1 | |
| (Loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt | (9) | | | (3) | | | 20 | |
| Gain on sale of properties | — | | | 175 | | | 98 | |
| Transition service expense, net | — | | | — | | | (9) | |
| Other | (20) | | | (7) | | | 6 | |
| Total other income (expense), net | $ | (22) | | | $ | 163 | | | $ | 120 | |
Supplemental cash flow information:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Income taxes paid, net of refunds | $ | 456 | | | $ | 356 | | | $ | 341 | |
| Interest expense paid | $ | 390 | | | $ | 120 | | | $ | 139 | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $ | 26 | | | $ | 27 | | | $ | 34 | |
| Non-cash operating activities: | | | | | |
| Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $ | 23 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 34 | |
| Reduction of operating lease assets as a result of lease terminations and modifications | $ | 31 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 26 | |
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | |
| Purchases of property and equipment in current liabilities | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | |
| Extinguishment of debt with borrowings from same creditors | $ | — | | | $ | 494 | | | $ | — | |
| Non-cash consideration for the Merger with Avast | $ | 2,141 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Note 8. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| (In millions) | Fair Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Fair Value | | Level 1 | | Level 2 |
| Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Money market funds | $ | 174 | | | $ | 174 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,278 | | | $ | 1,278 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Corporate bonds | — | | | — | | | — | | | 4 | | | — | | | 4 | |
Interest rate swaps (1) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Total | $ | 174 | | | $ | 174 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,282 | | | $ | 1,278 | | | $ | 4 | |
(1) The fair value of our interest rate swaps is less than $1 million as of March 31, 2023. We did not have any interest rate swaps as of April 1, 2022.
Financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include our non-marketable equity investments and our long-term debt.
Non-marketable equity investments
As of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, the carrying value of our non-marketable equity investments was $176 million and $178 million, respectively.
Current and long-term debt
As of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, the total fair value of our current and long-term fixed rate debt was $2,593 million and $2,021 million, respectively. The fair value of our variable rate debt approximated their carrying value. The fair values of all our debt obligations were based on Level 2 inputs.
Note 9. Leases
We lease certain of our facilities, equipment, and data center co-locations under operating leases that expire on various dates through fiscal 2028. Our leases generally have terms that range from 1 year to 8 years for our facilities, 1 year to 3 years for equipment and 1 year to 5 years for data center co-locations. Some of our leases contain renewal options, escalation clauses, rent concessions and leasehold improvement incentives.
The following summarizes our lease costs for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Operating lease costs | $ | 16 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 17 | |
| Short-term lease costs | 2 | | | 2 | | | 4 | |
| Variable lease costs | 8 | | | 6 | | | 6 | |
| Total lease costs | $ | 26 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 27 | |
Other information related to our operating leases for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term | 2.8 years | | 4.7 years | | 4.4 years |
| Weighted-average discount rate | 4.38 | % | | 4.04 | % | | 4.07 | % |
See Note 7 for cash flow information related to our operating leases.
As of March 31, 2023, the maturities of our lease liabilities by fiscal year are as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | |
| 2024 | $ | 28 | |
| 2025 | 17 | |
| 2026 | 9 | |
| 2027 | 6 | |
| 2028 | 1 | |
| |
| Total lease payments | 61 | |
| Less: Imputed interest | (4) | |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 57 | |
Note 10. Debt
The following table summarizes components of our debt:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| (In millions, except percentages) | Amount | | Effective
Interest Rate | | Amount | | Effective
Interest Rate |
3.95% Senior Notes due June 15, 2022 | — | | | N/A | | 400 | | | 4.05 | % |
New 2.00% Convertible Unsecured Notes due August 15, 2022 | — | | | N/A | | 525 | | | 2.62 | % |
5.0% Senior Notes due April 15, 2025 | 1,100 | | | 5.00 | % | | 1,100 | | | 5.00 | % |
| Initial Term Loan due May 7, 2026 | — | | | N/A | | 1,010 | | | LIBOR plus (2) |
| Delayed Term Loan due May 7, 2026 | — | | | N/A | | 703 | | | LIBOR plus (2) |
| Term A Facility due September 12, 2027 | 3,861 | | | SOFR + % (3) | | — | | | N/A |
6.75% Senior Notes due September 30, 2027 | 900 | | | 6.75 | % | | — | | | N/A |
| Term B Facility due September 12, 2029 | 3,431 | | | SOFR + % (4) | | — | | | N/A |
1.29% Avira Mortgage due December 30, 2029 (1) | 4 | | | 1.29 | % | | 5 | | | 1.29 | % |
7.125% Senior Notes due September 30, 2030 | 600 | | | 7.13 | % | | — | | | N/A |
0.95% Avira Mortgage due December 30, 2030 (1) | 3 | | | 0.95 | % | | 4 | | | 0.95 | % |
| Total principal amount | 9,899 | | | | | 3,747 | | | |
| Less: unamortized discount and issuance costs | (137) | | | | | (11) | | | |
| Total debt | 9,762 | | | | | 3,736 | | | |
| Less: current portion | (233) | | | | | (1,000) | | | |
| Total long-term portion | $ | 9,529 | | | | | $ | 2,736 | | | |
(1) The Avira Mortgages are denominated in a foreign currency so the balances of these mortgages may fluctuate based on changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
(2) The term loans bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin based either on the current debt rating of our non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt or consolidated adjusted leverage as defined in the underlying loan agreement.
(3) Term A Facility due 2027 bears interest at a rate equal to Term SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment (CSA) plus a margin based either on the current debt rating of our non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt or consolidated adjusted leverage as defined in the underlying loan agreement.
(4) Term B Facility due 2029 bears interest at a rate equal to Term SOFR plus CSA plus 2.00%.
The interest rates for the outstanding term loans are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Term A Facility due September 12, 2027 | 6.66 | % | | N/A |
| Term B Facility due September 12, 2029 | 6.91 | % | | N/A |
| Initial Term Loan due May 7, 2026 | N/A | | 1.75 | % |
| Delayed Term Loan due May 7, 2026 | N/A | | 1.75 | % |
As of March 31, 2023, the future contractual maturities of debt by fiscal year are as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | |
| 2024 | $ | 233 | |
| 2025 | 234 | |
| 2026 | 1,333 | |
| 2027 | 233 | |
| 2028 | 4,017 | |
| Thereafter | 3,849 | |
| Total future maturities of debt | $ | 9,899 | |
Credit Facility
We had a credit agreement with financial institutions, which provided a revolving line of credit of $1 billion, a 5-year term loan of $500 million (the Initial Term Loan), and a delayed draw 5-year term loan commitment of $750 million (the Delayed Draw Term Loan). An amendment to the credit agreement (the First Amendment) also provided for an incremental increase under the Initial Term Loan of $525 million. All term loans and revolver credit facilities were to mature in May 2026, and the credit facilities remained senior secured.
The principal amount of the Initial Term Loan and the additional borrowings under the First Amendment were to be repaid in quarterly installments on the last business day of each calendar quarter in an amount equal to 1.25% of the aggregate principal amount as of the date of the First Amendment. The principal amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan were to be repaid in quarterly installments on the last business day of each calendar quarter in an amount equal to 1.25% of aggregate principal amount as of the borrowing date of the Delayed Draw Term Loan.
Interest on borrowings under the credit agreement were based on a base rate or the LIBOR at our election. Based on our debt ratings and our consolidated leverage ratios as determined in accordance with the credit agreement, loans borrowed bore interest, in the case of base rate loans, at a per annum rate equal to the applicable base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.125% to 0.75%, and in the case of LIBOR loans, LIBOR, as adjusted for statutory reserves, plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.75%. The unused revolving line of credit was subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.30% per annum.
On September 12, 2022, we fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Initial Term Loan and Delay Draw Term Loan, which had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $1,703 million. In addition, we paid $3 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date. The repayments resulted in a loss on extinguishment of $2 million. We also terminated our undrawn revolving line of credit of $1,000 million, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of $4 million.
Senior credit facilities
Upon the close of the Merger, on September 12, 2022, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with certain financial institutions, in which they agreed to provide us with (i) a $1,500 million revolving credit facility (Revolving Facility), (ii) a $3,910 million term loan A facility (Term A Facility), (iii) a $3,690 million term loan B facility (Term B Facility) and (iv) a $750 million tranche A bridge loan (Bridge Loan) (collectively, the senior credit facilities). The Bridge Loan was undrawn and immediately terminated upon the Merger’s close, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of $3 million. The Credit Agreement provides that we have the right at any time, subject to customary conditions, to request incremental revolving commitments and incremental term loans up to an unlimited amount, subject to certain customary conditions precedent and other provisions. The lenders under these facilities will not be under any obligation to provide any such incremental loans or commitments. We drew down the aggregate principal amounts of the Term A Facility and Term B Facility to finance the cash consideration payable for the transaction and to fully repay the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the existing credit facilities. The Credit Agreement replaced the existing credit facilities upon the close of the transaction. The Revolving Facility and Term A Facility will mature in September 2027, and the Term Facility B will mature in September 2029; the senior credit facilities remain senior secured.
The principal amounts of Term A Facility must be repaid in quarterly installments on the last business day of each calendar quarter equal to 1.25% of the aggregate principal amount as of the date of the Credit Agreement. The principal amounts of Term Facility B must be repaid in quarterly installments on the last business day of each calendar quarter equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount as of the date of the Credit Agreement. Quarterly installment payments commence on March 31, 2023. We may voluntarily repay outstanding principal balances under the Revolving Facility and both Term Loan facilities without penalty. As of March 31, 2023, there were no borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Facility; however, from time to time we utilize letters of credits as part of our ordinary course of business. Letters of credit reduce our Revolving Facility commitment amounts.
Interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement can be based on a base rate or the SOFR at our election. Based on our debt ratings and our consolidated leverage ratios as determined in accordance with the Credit Agreement, loans borrowed bear interest, in the case of base rate loans, at a per annum rate equal to the applicable base rate plus CSA plus a margin ranging from 0.125% to 0.75%, and in the case of the SOFR loans, SOFR, as adjusted for statutory reserves, plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.75%.
On January 19, 2023 and April 28, 2023, we made a voluntary prepayment of $250 million and $150 million, respectively, pursuant to Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement dated September 12, 2022. The prepayment amount was applied exclusively to the Term B Facility.
Debt covenant compliance
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants. Each of the Revolving Facility and Term A Facility will be subject to a covenant that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to (i) 6.0 to 1.0 from the Closing Date through the last day of the fourth full fiscal quarter following the Closing Date, (ii) 5.75 to 1.0 following the last day of the fourth fiscal quarter after the Closing Date through the last day of the eighth full fiscal quarter following the Closing Date and (iii) 5.25 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter thereafter; provided that such maximum consolidated leverage ratio will increase to 5.75 to 1.0 for the four fiscal quarters ending immediately should we acquire property, business or assets in an aggregate amount greater than $250 million.
In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary events of default under which our payment obligations may be accelerated, including, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or other amounts when due, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, violation of certain covenants, payment and acceleration cross defaults with certain other indebtedness, certain undischarged judgments, bankruptcy, insolvency or inability to pay debts, change of control, the occurrence of certain events related to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Company experiencing a change of control. As of March 31, 2023 we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
Senior Notes
On February 9, 2017, we issued $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5.0% Senior Notes due April 15, 2025 (the 5.0% Senior Notes). The 5.0% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2017.
On or after April 15, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the 5.0% Senior Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the supplemental indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In addition, we had two series of senior notes, the 4.2% Senior Notes and 3.95% Senior Notes, that are senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior, unsecured, unsubordinated obligations and may be redeemed at any time, subject to the make-whole provisions contained in the applicable indenture relating to such series of notes. Interest on each series of these notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, on September 15 and March 15 for the 4.2% Senior Notes, and June 15 and December 15 for the 3.95% Senior Notes.
On September 15, 2020, we fully repaid the principal and accrued interest under the 4.2% Senior Notes due September 2020, which had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $750 million.
On June 1, 2022, we fully repaid the principal and accrued interest under the 3.95% Senior Notes due June 2022, which had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $400 million. In addition, we paid $7 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date.
On September 19, 2022, we issued two series of senior notes, consisting of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2027 and 7.125% Senior Notes due 2030, for an aggregate principal of $1,500 million. They are senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior, unsecured, unsubordinated obligations and may be redeemed at any time, subject to the make-whole provisions contained in the applicable indenture relating to such series of notes. Interest on these series of notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 31 and September 30 for both the 6.75% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes, commencing on March 31, 2023. We may redeem some or all of the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2027 and 7.125% Senior Notes due 2030 at any time, subject to a prepayment penalty that expires one year prior to the maturity of each respective note. The First Call Dates of the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2027 and 7.125% Senior Notes due 2030 are September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2025, respectively.
Convertible Senior Notes
On March 4, 2016, we issued $500 million of convertible notes which would mature on April 1, 2021 and bear interest at an annual rate of 2.5% (2.5% Convertible Notes). On August 1, 2016, we issued an additional $1.25 billion of convertible notes which would mature on August 15, 2021 and bear interest at an annual rate of 2.0% (2.0% Convertible Notes and collectively, Convertible Senior Notes). As of March 29, 2019, the principal amount and associated unamortized discount and issuance costs of the 2.5% Convertible Notes were classified as current because upon the four year anniversary of the issuance of the notes, holders of thereof had the option to require us to repurchase the notes, in cash, equal to the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest of the 2.5% Convertible Notes (the Repurchase Right).
On November 11, 2019, we amended the Convertible Senior Notes agreements to provide that, if and when we pay a special dividend of $12 to our stockholders, we would exchange $250 million of the principal amount underlying the 2.5% Convertible Notes for new notes to be issued pursuant to a new indenture (the New 2.5% Convertible Notes) and would also pay cash consideration of $12 for each share underlying the New 2.5% Convertible Notes, and exchange $625 million of the principal amount underlying the 2.0% Convertible Notes for new notes to be issued pursuant to a new indenture (the New 2.0% Convertible Notes) and would also pay cash consideration of $12 for each share underlying the New 2.0% Convertible Notes, in each case in lieu of conversion price adjustments (the Cash Note Payments). The remaining principal of the Convertible Senior Notes would receive a conversion price adjustment with respect to such special dividend.
The special dividend was payable to stockholders on January 31, 2020. On February 4, 2020, we issued the New 2.5% Convertible Notes, maturing on April 1, 2022, and the New 2.0% Convertible Notes, which mature on August 15, 2022, pursuant to two new indentures, and made the Cash Note Payments. The new Notes are convertible into cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and common stock, at the Company’s option, at an initial conversion rate for the New 2.50% Convertible Notes of 59.6341 per $1,000 principal amount of the New 2.50% Convertible Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $16.77 per share) and an initial conversion rate for the New 2.00% Convertible Notes of 48.9860 per $1,000 principal amount of the New 2.00% Convertible Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $20.41 per share), in each case subject to certain limitations and certain adjustments. The Cash Note Payments consisted of $179 million with respect to holders of the New 2.5% Convertible Notes and $367 million with respect to holders of the New 2.0% Convertible Notes. The exchange of the convertible notes was accounted for as extinguishment of debt and the consideration comprising the Cash Note Payments were recorded as charges to paid in capital. We recognized a gain of $2 million related to the exchange.
After giving effect to the conversion rate adjustment that was made in connection with the payment of the special dividend on January 31, 2020, the conversion rate for the remaining $250 million of the 2.5% Convertible Notes was 118.9814 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, which represents an adjusted conversion price of approximately $8.40 per share and the conversion rate for the remaining $625 million of the 2.0% Convertible Notes was 97.7364 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, which represented an adjusted conversion price of approximately $10.23 per share.
In addition, in connection with the amendments, the maturity dates of the 2.5% Convertible Notes and the 2.0% Convertible Notes were extended to April 1, 2022 and August 15, 2022, respectively. Holders of the Convertible Senior Notes would only be able to convert the notes in a period of six months prior to the extended maturity dates; and the Redemption Right and Repurchase Right were removed.
On March 5, 2020, we entered into an agreement to repay the full $250 million of principal and conversion rights of the 2.5% Convertible Notes for an aggregate amount of $566 million in cash. The payment was based on $19 per underlying share into which the 2.5% Convertible Notes were convertible. In addition, we paid $2 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the date of settlement, and $1 million in lieu of a proration of the cash dividend declared on February 6, 2020. The extinguishment was settled on March 10, 2020 and resulted in an adjustment to stockholders’ equity of $316 million and a loss on extinguishment of $1 million.
On May 26, 2020, we settled the $625 million principal and conversion rights of the 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes in cash. The aggregate settlement amount of $1,176 million was based on $19.25 per underlying share into which the 2.0% Convertible Notes were convertible. In addition, we paid $3 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the date of settlement. The extinguishment resulted in an adjustment to stockholders’ equity of $578 million and a gain on extinguishment of $20 million.
On May 20, 2021, we settled the $250 million principal and conversion rights of the New 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes in cash. The aggregate settlement amount of $364 million was based on $24.40 per underlying share into which the 2.5% Convertible Notes were convertible. In addition, we paid $1 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the date of settlement and $1 million of cash dividends that we declared on May 10, 2021. The extinguishment resulted in an adjustment to stockholders’ equity of $112 million and a loss on extinguishment of $2 million.
On March 18, 2022, we settled $100 million of principal and conversion rights of the New 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes in cash. The aggregate settlement amount of $139 million was based on $28.32 per underlying share into which the New 2.0% Convertible Notes were convertible. The extinguishment resulted in an adjustment to stockholders’ equity of $40 million and a gain on extinguishment of $1 million.
As described in Note 2, on April 2, 2022, we adopted ASU 2020-06 using the modified retrospective method. Prior to the adoption of this guidance, we accounted for our convertible debt instruments under the cash conversion model, requiring the convertible notes to be separated into an equity and liability component. We recognized $56 million in equity, net of tax, which consisted of $9 million in debt discount, representing the difference between the fair value of the liability component and par value, and $47 million in substantial premium due to the fiscal year 2020 amendment, which was accounted for as a debt extinguishment and resulted in the recognition of the New 2.0% Convertible Notes.
Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06, the cash conversion model was eliminated. We de-recognized the remaining unamortized debt discount of $1 million on the New 2.0% Convertible Notes and therefore no longer recognized the related amortization as interest expense. Additionally, we recorded a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings of $6 million, net of tax, for the debt discount amortization incurred from issuance through April 2, 2022. The remaining $47 million of substantial premium remained in equity, as the new guidance did not eliminate the substantial premium model for convertible instruments.
On August 15, 2022, we settled the $525 million principal and conversion rights of our New 2.0% Convertible Notes in cash. The aggregate settlement amount of $630 million was based on $20.41 per underlying share into which the New 2.0% Convertible Notes were convertible. In addition, we paid $5 million of accrued and unpaid interest through the date of settlement. The repayments resulted in an adjustment to stockholders’ equity of $100 million. As of March 31, 2023, we have extinguished all remaining convertible debt instruments.
As of April 1, 2022, the Convertible Senior Notes consisted of the following:
| | | | | |
| April 1, 2022 |
| (In millions) | New 2.0% Convertible Notes |
| Liability component: | |
| Principal | $ | 525 | |
| Unamortized discount and issuance costs | (1) | |
| Net carrying amount | $ | 524 | |
| |
| Equity component, net of tax | $ | 56 | |
The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to our convertible notes:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Contractual interest expense | $ | 4 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 20 | |
| Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 4 | |
Payments in lieu of conversion price adjustments (1) | $ | 1 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 12 | |
(1) Payments in lieu of conversion price adjustments consist of amounts paid to holders of the Convertible Senior Notes when our quarterly dividend to our common stockholders exceeds the amounts defined in the Convertible Senior Notes agreements.
Note 11. Derivatives
Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flow associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. These hedging contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of adverse foreign exchange rate and interest rate movements. We do not use our derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in foreign exchange and interest rates, we are exposed to credit risk; however, we mitigate this risk by entering into hedging instruments with highly rated institutions that can be expected to fully perform under the terms of the applicable contracts.
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
We conduct business in numerous currencies throughout our worldwide operations, and our entities hold monetary assets or liabilities, earn revenues, or incur costs in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange gains or losses which impacts our operating results. As part of our foreign currency risk mitigation strategy, we have entered into monthly foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposure. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. We do not hedge our foreign currency exposure in a manner that entirely offsets the effects of the changes in foreign exchange rates.
Interest rate swap
In March 2023, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate risks associated with the variable interest rate of our Term A Facility. These pay-fixed, receive-floating rate interest rate swaps have the economic effect of hedging the variability of forecasted interest payments until their maturity on March 31, 2026. Pursuant to the agreements, we will effectively convert $1 billion of our variable rate borrowings under Term A Facility to fixed rates, with $500 million at a fixed rate of 3.762% and $500 million at a fixed rate of 3.55%.
These arrangements are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and as such, we will recognize the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), and the periodic settlements or accrued settlements of the swap will be recognized within or against interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash flows related to these hedges are classified under operating activities in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The effect of our interest rate swaps on AOCI was immaterial during fiscal 2023. The related gain (loss) recognized within or against interest expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations was immaterial during fiscal 2023. We did not have any interest rate swaps during fiscal 2022 and 2021. As of March 31, 2023, we estimate that $9 million of net deferred gains related to our interest rate hedges will be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.
Summary of derivative instruments
The following table summarizes our outstanding derivative instruments as of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Notional Amount | | Fair Value of Derivative Assets | | Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instrument (1) | $ | 291 | | | $ | 346 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Interest rate swap contract designed as cash flow hedge | 1,000 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 2 | | | — | |
| Total | $ | 1,291 | | | $ | 346 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | |
(1) The fair values of the foreign exchange contracts are less than $1 million as of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022.
The following table summarizes the related gain (loss) recognized in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the periods indicated: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instrument | $ | (7) | | | $ | (7) | | | $ | 15 | |
Note 12. Restructuring and Other Costs
Our restructuring and other costs consist primarily of severance and termination benefits, contract cancellation charges, asset write-offs and impairments and other exit and disposal costs. Severance costs generally include severance payments, outplacement services, health insurance coverage and legal costs. Contract cancellation charges primarily include penalties for early termination of contracts and write-offs of related prepaid assets. Other exit and disposal costs include costs to exit and consolidate facilities in connection with restructuring events. Separation costs primarily consist of consulting costs incurred in connection with our divestitures.
September 2022 Plan
In connection with the Merger, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the September 2022 Plan) to realize cost savings and operational synergies, which became effective upon the close of the Merger on September 12, 2022. Actions under this plan include the reduction of our workforce, contract terminations, facilities closures, and the sale of underutilized facilities as well as stock-based compensation charges for accelerated equity awards to certain terminated employees. We expect that we will incur total costs up to $150 million, with $120 million and $30 million estimated to be incurred within the first and second full years, respectively, following the completion of the Merger. These actions are expected to be completed by fiscal 2024. As of March 31, 2023, we have incurred costs of $69 million related to the September 2022 Plan.
December 2020 Plan
In December 2020, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the December 2020 Plan) to consolidate facilities and reduce operating costs in connection with our acquisition of Avira. These actions were completed in fiscal 2022. Any remaining costs or adjustments are immaterial. We incurred total costs of $24 million under the December 2020 Plan.
November 2019 Plan
In November 2019, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the November 2019 Plan) in connection with the strategic decision to divest our Enterprise Security business. Actions under this plan included the reduction of our workforce as well as asset write-offs and impairments, contract terminations, facilities closures and the sale of underutilized facilities. These actions were completed in fiscal 2021. Any remaining costs or adjustments are immaterial. We incurred total costs of $528 million, excluding stock-based compensation expense, under the November 2019 Plan.
In connection with the Broadcom sale, our Board of Directors approved an equity-based severance program under which certain equity awards to certain terminated employees were accelerated. We incurred $127 million of stock-based compensation related to our equity-based severance program. See Note 15 for further information on the impact of this program.
Restructuring and other costs summary
Our restructuring and other costs attributable to continuing operations are presented in the table below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Severance and termination benefit costs | $ | 40 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 31 | |
| Contract cancellation charges | 2 | | | 3 | | | 51 | |
| Stock-based compensation charges | 11 | | | — | | | 10 | |
| Asset write-offs and impairments | 4 | | | 5 | | | 58 | |
| Other exit and disposal costs | 12 | | | 18 | | | 11 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Total restructuring and other | $ | 69 | | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 161 | |
In connection with the agreement to sell certain assets of our Enterprise Security business, a portion of our restructuring and other costs were classified to discontinued operations for fiscal 2021. Our restructuring and other costs attributable to discontinued operations are presented in the table below. There was no discontinued operations activity during the years ended March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | | | | | April 2, 2021 |
| Severance and termination benefit costs | | | | | $ | 64 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Separation costs | | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | |
| Total restructuring and other | | | | | $ | 66 | |
Restructuring summary
Our activities and liability balances related to our September 2022 Plan are presented in the tables below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | Liability Balance as of April 1, 2022 | | Net Charges | | Cash Payments | | Non-Cash Items | | Liability Balance as of March 31, 2023 |
| Severance and termination benefit costs | $ | — | | | $ | 40 | | | $ | (33) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Stock-based compensation charges | — | | | 11 | | | — | | | (11) | | | — | |
| Asset write-offs | — | | | 4 | | | — | | | (4) | | | — | |
| Other exit and disposal costs | — | | | 12 | | | (10) | | | (2) | | | — | |
| Total | $ | — | | | $ | 69 | | | $ | (43) | | | $ | (19) | | | $ | 7 | |
The restructuring liabilities are included in Other current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 13. Income Taxes
The components of our income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Domestic | $ | 350 | | | $ | 791 | | | $ | 607 | |
| International | 454 | | | 251 | | | 265 | |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 804 | | | $ | 1,042 | | | $ | 872 | |
The components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Current: | | | | | |
| Federal | $ | (479) | | | $ | 217 | | | $ | 133 | |
| State | (28) | | | 50 | | | 36 | |
| International | 99 | | | 20 | | | (13) | |
| Total | (408) | | | 287 | | | 156 | |
| Deferred: | | | | | |
| Federal | (111) | | | (42) | | | (6) | |
| State | (10) | | | (6) | | | (5) | |
| International | (16) | | | (33) | | | 31 | |
| Total | (137) | | | (81) | | | 20 | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | (545) | | | $ | 206 | | | $ | 176 | |
The U.S. federal statutory income tax rates we have applied for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % | | 21.0 | % |
The difference between our effective income tax and the federal statutory income tax is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Federal statutory tax expense (benefit) | $ | 169 | | | $ | 219 | | | $ | 183 | |
| State taxes, net of federal benefit | 1 | | | 33 | | | 25 | |
| Foreign earnings taxed at other than the federal rate | 44 | | | (47) | | | (10) | |
| Federal research and development credit | (5) | | | (4) | | | (1) | |
| Valuation allowance increase (decrease) | (33) | | | 2 | | | 1 | |
| Change in uncertain tax positions | 176 | | | 11 | | | 3 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 9 | | | 7 | | | 5 | |
| | | | | |
| Favorable ruling on foreign withholding tax | 19 | | | — | | | (35) | |
| US tax on foreign earnings | (1) | | | 12 | | | (15) | |
| Return to provision adjustment | 1 | | | (8) | | | 1 | |
| Irish FX remeasurement | (17) | | | (19) | | | 17 | |
| Capital loss | (910) | | | — | | | — | |
| Other, net | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | (545) | | | $ | 206 | | | $ | 176 | |
The principal components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| Deferred tax assets: | | | |
| Tax credit carryforwards | $ | 24 | | | $ | 7 | |
| Net operating loss carryforwards of acquired companies | 60 | | | 16 | |
| Interest | 37 | | | — | |
| Other accruals and reserves not currently tax deductible | 95 | | | 84 | |
| Operating lease liabilities | 11 | | | 28 | |
| Deferred revenue | 16 | | | — | |
| Property and equipment | 16 | | | 13 | |
| Intangible assets | — | | | 123 | |
| Capitalized research and experimental expenditures | 46 | | | — | |
| Loss on investments not currently tax deductible | 68 | | | — | |
| Stock-based compensation | 15 | | | 8 | |
| Other | 39 | | | 54 | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | 427 | | | 333 | |
| Valuation allowance | (97) | | | (11) | |
| Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance | 330 | | | 322 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | | | |
| Operating lease assets | (8) | | | (21) | |
| Goodwill | (10) | | | (6) | |
| Intangible assets | (328) | | | — | |
| Deferred revenue | — | | | (2) | |
| Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries | (15) | | | (16) | |
| Prepaids and deferred expenses | (2) | | | (1) | |
| | | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | (363) | | | (46) | |
| Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | (33) | | | $ | 276 | |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.
The valuation allowance provided against our deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2023, increased primarily due to a valuation allowance on capital loss carryforwards and change in tax credit carryforwards. The ending valuation allowance of $97
million is provided primarily against state and foreign capital loss carryforwards and certain tax credits. During fiscal 2023, we acquired deferred tax assets through the Merger with Avast that had a valuation allowance provided against the deferred tax assets. Due to a change in facts, we released the valuation allowance provided against some of the deferred tax assets.
As of March 31, 2023, we have U.S. federal net operating losses attributable to various acquired companies of approximately $193 million, which, if not used, will expire between fiscal 2024 and 2039. The net operating loss carryforwards are subject to an annual limitation under U.S. federal tax regulations but are expected to be fully realized. Furthermore, we have U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards attributable to various acquired companies of approximately $147 million. If not used, our U.S. state net operating losses will expire between fiscal 2024 and 2038. In addition, we have foreign net operating loss carryforwards attributable to various foreign companies of approximately $28 million.
In assessing the ability to realize our deferred tax assets, we considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We considered the following: we have historical cumulative book income, as measured by the current and prior two years; we have strong, consistent taxpaying history; and we have substantial amounts of scheduled future reversals of taxable temporary differences from our deferred tax liabilities. We have concluded that this positive evidence outweighs the negative evidence and, thus, that the deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2023, are realizable on a “more likely than not” basis.
In fiscal 2023 as part of Avast integration plan we undertook a legal entity and operational restructuring that resulted in tax capital losses. We plan to carry the entirety of the capital losses back to the fiscal 2020 tax return to offset a capital gain, which is expected to result in a tax refund on our federal and state tax returns for the 2020 tax year. The Company estimates that the tax refund will be $910 million. In order to obtain the refunds, we intend to file claims for refund shortly after filing our fiscal 2023 tax return. As part of this process, we have recorded a net tax receivable in an amount less than the $910 million, due to the complexity of applying evolving tax laws and uncertainties with respect to sustaining the Company’s refunds claims, the success of which we believe is more likely than not. This net amount takes into account the Company’ best estimate of the likely outcome of the refund claim given the information available to us at this time. The Company’s ability to recognize the financial statement benefit of the refund claim is subject to change based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in facts and circumstances, changes in tax laws, correspondence with both IRS and State tax authorities, and the results of tax audits and related proceedings, which may take several years or more to resolve. We intend to vigorously defend our position if challenged by the tax authorities and will contest any proposed adjustments. If we are not able to resolve any proposed adjustments at the examination level, we plan to pursue all available administrative and, if necessary, judicial remedies. If we do not ultimately prevail on some or all of the components of our position, we would be required to pay the IRS and the states some or all of any cash tax refund, along with interest on such amount, and penalties, if assessed. As with all actual and potential tax audits and related proceedings, there can be no assurances on the final outcome. To the extent the final outcome is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations.
The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 527 | | | $ | 548 | | | $ | 724 | |
| Settlements with tax authorities | (2) | | | — | | | (37) | |
| Lapse of statute of limitations | (96) | | | (34) | | | (34) | |
| Increase related to prior period tax positions | 9 | | | 16 | | | 13 | |
| Decrease related to prior period tax positions | (15) | | | (11) | | | (129) | |
| Increase related to current year tax positions | 259 | | | 8 | | | 11 | |
| Increase due to acquisition | 28 | | | — | | | — | |
| Balance at end of year | $ | 710 | | | $ | 527 | | | $ | 548 | |
There was a change of $183 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits during the year ended March 31, 2023, as disclosed above, mainly on account of a reserve against the tax receivable. This gross liability does not include offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, interest deductions and state income taxes.
Of the total unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2023, $674 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.
We recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At March 31, 2023, before any tax benefits, we had $100 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. Interest included in our provision for income taxes was an expense of approximately $22 million for fiscal 2023. If the accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued will be reduced in the period that such determination is made and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. on a federal basis and in many U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. Our most significant tax jurisdictions are the U.S., Ireland, and Czech Republic. Our tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we closed our fiscal years 2014 through 2017 IRS audit. Our fiscal years prior to 2018 have been settled and closed with the IRS. Our fiscal years 2018 through 2022 remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes. Our fiscal years
2018 through 2020 are under audit. Our 2017 through 2021 fiscal years remain subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies for Irish tax purposes.
The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, and the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year. Although potential resolution of uncertain tax positions involves multiple tax periods and jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits related to these audits could decrease (whether by payment, release, or a combination of both) in the next 12 months. Depending on the nature of the settlement or expiration of statutes of limitations, it could affect our income tax provision and therefore benefit the resulting effective tax rate.
We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing income tax controversies and the impact, if any, of the expected tolling of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions.
We provide U.S. income taxes on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries unless the subsidiaries’ earnings are considered permanently reinvested outside the U.S. or are exempted from further taxation. As of March 31, 2023, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on the undistributed earnings is approximately $15 million.
Note 14. Stockholders' Equity
Dividends
On May 11, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock to be paid in June 2023. All shares of common stock issued and outstanding and all RSUs and PRUs as of the record date will be entitled to the dividend and dividend equivalent rights (DERs), respectively, which will be paid out if and when the underlying shares are released. However, the $4 million unvested RSUs assumed in connection with the Merger will not be entitled to DERs. See Note 15 for further information about these equity awards. Any future dividends and DERs will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.
Stock repurchase program
Under our stock repurchase program, we may purchase shares of our outstanding common stock on the open market and through accelerated stock repurchase transactions. As of March 31, 2023, we have $870 million remaining under the authorization to be completed in future periods with no expiration date. No shares were repurchased during the year ended April 1, 2022.
The following table summarizes activity related to our stock repurchase program during the years ended March 31, 2023 and April 2, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
(In millions, except per share amounts) | March 31, 2023 | | | | April 2, 2021 |
| Number of shares repurchased | 40 | | | | | 15 | |
| Average price per share | $ | 22.63 | | | | | $ | 20.50 | |
| Aggregate purchase price | $ | 904 | | | | | $ | 304 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, consisted of foreign currency translation adjustments:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | | | | | |
| Balance as of April 2, 2021 | $ | 47 | | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | (51) | | | | | | | |
| Balance as of April 1, 2022 | (4) | | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes | (11) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | (15) | | | | | | | |
Note 15. Stock-Based Compensation and Benefit Plans
Stock incentive plans
The purpose of our stock incentive plans is to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to our success by offering them an opportunity to participate in our future performance through equity awards. We have one primary stock incentive plan: the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2013 Plan), under which incentive stock options may be granted only to employees (including officers and directors who are also employees), and other awards may be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors, and advisors. As amended, our stockholders have approved and reserved 82 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2013 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan expire no more than 10 years from the date of grant.
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the outstanding equity awards under two of Avast’s equity incentive plans (the Avast Holding B.V. 2014 Share Option Plan and the Rules of the Avast plc Long Term Incentive Plan (collectively, the Avast Plans)), which consisted of $4 million unvested RSUs. The assumed RSUs generally retain the terms and conditions under which they were originally granted. We intend to grant all additional shares that remain available for issuance under the Avast Plans. Upon vesting, these assumed RSUs and any additional shares granted will settle into shares of our common stock. See Note 4 for further information about this business combination.
As of March 31, 2023, 9 million shares remained available for future grant, calculated using the maximum potential shares that could be earned and issued at vesting.
RSUs
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions, except per share and year data) | Number of
Shares | | Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| Outstanding as of April 1, 2022 | 6 | | | $ | 21.80 | |
| Granted | 7 | | | $ | 22.38 | |
| Vested | (3) | | | $ | 21.12 | |
| Forfeited | (1) | | | $ | 22.38 | |
| Outstanding as of March 31, 2023 | 9 | | | $ | 22.45 | |
RSUs generally vest over a three-year period. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of RSUs granted during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $22.38, $22.53, and $20.70, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs released in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $74 million, $57 million, and $86 million, respectively, which represents the market value of our common stock on the date the RSUs were released.
PRUs
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions, except per share and year data) | Number of
Shares | | Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair Value |
| Outstanding and unvested as of April 1, 2022 | 3 | | | $ | 28.50 | |
| Granted | 2 | | | $ | 27.07 | |
Vested (1) | — | | | $ | 31.75 | |
| Forfeited | (1) | | | $ | 26.70 | |
| Unvested at March 31, 2023 | 4 | | | $ | 28.01 | |
| Vested and unreleased as of March 31, 2023 | 1 | | | |
| Outstanding as of March 31, 2023 | 5 | | | |
(1) The number of shares is less than 1 million.
The total fair value of PRUs released in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $5 million, $0 million, and $43 million, respectively, which represents the market value of our common stock on the date the PRUs were released.
We have granted PRUs to certain of our executives. Typically, these PRUs have a three-year vest period. PRUs granted in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 contain a combination of our company’s performance and market conditions. The performance conditions are based on the achievement of specified two-year non-GAAP financial metrics. The market conditions are based on the achievement of our relative total shareholder return over a three- and five-year period. Typically, 0% to 200% of target shares are eligible to be earned based on the achievement of the performance and market conditions.
Valuation of PRUs
The fair value of each PRU that does not contain a market condition is equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each PRU that contains a market condition is estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The valuation and the underlying weighted-average assumptions for PRUs are summarized below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Expected term | 3.3 years | | 3.9 years | | 2.7 years |
| Expected volatility | 34.8 | % | | 37.6 | % | | 42.5 | % |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.4 | % | | 1.0 | % | | 0.2 | % |
| Expected dividend yield | 1.3 | % | | — | % | | — | % |
| Weighted-average grant date fair value of PRUs | $ | 27.07 | | $ | 28.68 | | $ | 26.39 |
Stock options
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions, except per share and year data) | Number of
Shares | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | | Weighted-
Average
Remaining Contractual Term
(Years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic
Value |
Outstanding as of April 1, 2022 (1) | — | | | $ | 5.51 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Exercised (1) | — | | | $ | 4.43 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Forfeited and expired (1) | — | | | $ | 2.58 | | | | | |
Outstanding as of March 31, 2023 (1) | — | | | $ | 5.97 | | | | | |
Exercisable as of March 31, 2023 (1) | — | | | $ | 5.97 | | | 3.84 | | $ | 2 | |
(1) The number of shares is less than 1 million.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $1 million, $3 million, and $18 million, respectively. No options were granted in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.
ESPP
Under our 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, employees may annually contribute up to 10% of their gross compensation, subject to certain limitations, to purchase shares of our common stock at a discounted price. Eligible employees are offered shares through a 12-month offering period, which consists of two consecutive 6-month purchase periods, at 85% of the lower of either the fair market value on the purchase date or the fair market value at the beginning of the offering period.
As of March 31, 2023, 39 million shares have been issued under this plan, and 31 million shares remained available for future issuance.
The following table summarizes activity related to the purchase rights issued under the ESPP:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Shares issued under the ESPP | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
| Proceeds from issuance of shares | $ | 12 | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 14 | |
The fair value of each stock purchase right under our ESPP is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted-average grant date fair value related to rights to acquire shares of common stock under our ESPP in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $6.04 per share, $6.77 per share, and $5.65 per share, respectively.
Dividend equivalent rights (DERs)
Our RSUs and PRUs, except for the $4 million unvested RSUs assumed under the Avast Plans, contain DERs that entitles the recipient of an award to receive cash dividend payments when the associated award is released. The amount of DER equals to the cumulated dividends on the issued number of common stock that would have been payable since the date the associated award was granted. As of March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022, current dividends payable related to DER was $5 million and $11 million, respectively, recorded as part of Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and long-term dividends payable related to DER was $2 million and $2 million, respectively, recorded as part of Other long-term liabilities.
Stock-based award modifications
In connection with the Broadcom sale, during fiscal 2021 and 2020, we entered into severance and retention arrangements with certain executives. Pursuant to these agreements, these executives were entitled to receive vesting of 50% of their unvested equity, subject to a service condition, and the remaining unvested equity will be earned at levels of 0% to 150%, subject to market and service conditions. In addition, we entered into severance and retention arrangements with certain other employees in connection with restructuring activities and the Broadcom sale, which accelerated either a portion or all of the vesting of their stock-based awards. All award modifications related to the Broadcom sale were fully expensed by fiscal 2021.
The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense recognized as a result of these modifications:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Year Ended |
(In millions) | | | | | April 2, 2021 |
| Sales and marketing | | | | | $ | 2 | |
| Research and development | | | | | 9 | |
| General and administrative | | | | | 8 | |
| Restructuring and other costs | | | | | 10 | |
| Discontinued operations | | | | | 1 | |
| Total stock-based compensation | | | | | $ | 30 | |
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized for all of our equity incentive plans in our Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Cost of revenues | $ | 3 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | |
| Sales and marketing | 34 | | | 19 | | | 18 | |
| Research and development | 31 | | | 19 | | | 26 | |
| General and administrative | 55 | | | 30 | | | 26 | |
| Restructuring and other costs | 11 | | | — | | | 10 | |
| Other income (expense), net | — | | | — | | | (1) | |
| Total stock-based compensation from continuing operations | 134 | | | 70 | | | 80 | |
| Discontinued operations | — | | | — | | | 1 | |
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 134 | | | $ | 70 | | | $ | 81 | |
| Income tax benefit for stock-based compensation expense | $ | (20) | | | $ | (11) | | | $ | (18) | |
As of March 31, 2023, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to our unvested stock-based awards was $226 million, which will be recognized over an estimated weighted-average amortization period of 2.0 years.
Other employee benefit plans
401(k) plan
We maintain a salary deferral 401(k) plan for all of our U.S. employees. This plan allows employees to contribute their pretax salary up to the maximum dollar limitation prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code. We match the first 3.5% of a participant’s eligible compensation up to $6,000 in a calendar year. Our employer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan were as follows, including contributions to employees of our discontinued operations:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| 401(k) matching contributions | $ | 4 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | |
Note 16. Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share also includes the incremental effect of dilutive potentially issuable common shares outstanding. Dilutive potentially issuable common shares include the dilutive effect of the shares underlying convertible debt and employee equity awards. Our remaining convertible debt was extinguished on August 15, 2022.
The components of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended |
| (In millions, except per share amounts) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 1,349 | | | $ | 836 | | | $ | 696 | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | | | — | | | (142) | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 1,349 | | | $ | 836 | | | $ | 554 | |
| Net income (loss) per share - basic | | | | | |
| Continuing operations | $ | 2.20 | | | $ | 1.44 | | | $ | 1.18 | |
| Discontinued operations | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (0.24) | |
| Net income per share - basic | $ | 2.20 | | | $ | 1.44 | | | $ | 0.94 | |
| Income (loss) per share - diluted: | | | | | |
| Continuing operations | $ | 2.16 | | | $ | 1.41 | | | $ | 1.16 | |
| Discontinued operations | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (0.24) | |
| Net income per share - diluted | $ | 2.16 | | | $ | 1.41 | | | $ | 0.92 | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic | 614 | | | 581 | | | 589 | |
| Dilutive potentially issuable shares: | | | | | |
| Convertible debt | 6 | | | 7 | | | 8 | |
| Employee equity awards | 4 | | | 3 | | | 3 | |
| Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted | 624 | | | 591 | | | 600 | |
| | | | | |
| Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share calculation: | | | | | |
| Convertible debt | — | | | — | | | 8 | |
| Employee equity awards | — | | | 1 | | | — | |
| Total | — | | | 1 | | | 8 | |
Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 under the modified retrospective method, we are required to apply the if-converted method to our calculation of diluted earnings per share. For fiscal 2023, we adjust for the dilutive effect of the maximum number of potential shares to be issued upon settlement of our outstanding convertible debt instruments. Prior period earnings per share amounts are not restated under the modified retrospective method. For fiscal 2022, the dilutive effect of our debt instruments is calculated using the treasury stock method, under which our convertible debt instruments generally had a dilutive impact on net income per share when our average stock price for the period exceeds the conversion prices for the convertible debt instruments. The initial adoption of ASU 2020-06 had a $0.01 impact on dilutive earnings per share, with the dilutive shares underlying the convertible debt increasing by $18 million shares.
The New 2.0% Convertible Notes were fully repaid on August 15, 2022. The New 2.5% Convertible Notes were fully repaid on May 20, 2021. See Note 10 for further information on our convertible debt instruments. The conversion price of each convertible debt applicable in the periods presented is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended |
| | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
New 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes due April 1, 2022 | | | N/A | | $ | 16.77 | |
New 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due August 15, 2022 | | | $ | 20.41 | | | $ | 20.41 | |
Note 17. Segment and Geographic Information
We operate as one reportable segment. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis to evaluate company performance and to allocate resources.
The following table summarizes net revenues for our major solutions:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Consumer security revenues | $ | 2,029 | | | $ | 1,623 | | | $ | 1,504 | |
| Identity and information protection revenues | 1,244 | | | 1,127 | | | 1,038 | |
| Total Cyber Safety revenues | 3,273 | | | 2,750 | | | 2,542 | |
| Legacy revenues | 65 | | | 46 | | | 9 | |
Total net revenues (1) | $ | 3,338 | | | $ | 2,796 | | | $ | 2,551 | |
(1) During the year ended March 31, 2023, total net revenues include an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $113 million, consisting of $108 million from our consumer security solutions, $3 million from our identity and information protection solutions and $2 million from our legacy solutions.
From time to time, changes in our product hierarchy cause changes to the product categories above. When changes occur, we recast historical amounts to match the current product hierarchy. The changes have been reflected for all periods presented above. Consumer security includes revenues from our Norton 360 Security offerings, Norton Security, Avast Security offerings, Norton Secure VPN, Avira Security and other consumer security and device performance solutions through our direct, partner and small business channels. Identity and information protection includes revenues from our Norton 360 with LifeLock offerings, LifeLock identity theft protection and other information protection and privacy solutions. Legacy includes revenues from products or solutions from markets that we have exited and in which we no longer operate, have been discontinued or identified to be discontinued, or remain in maintenance mode as a result of integration and product portfolio decisions.
Geographic information
Net revenues by geography are based on the billing addresses of our customers. The following table represents net revenues by geographic area for the periods presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 | | April 2, 2021 |
| Americas | $ | 2,282 | | | $ | 1,963 | | | $ | 1,827 | |
| EMEA | 704 | | | 506 | | | 419 | |
| APJ | 352 | | | 327 | | | 305 | |
Total net revenues (1) | $ | 3,338 | | | $ | 2,796 | | | $ | 2,551 | |
Note: The Americas include U.S., Canada, and Latin America; EMEA includes Europe, Middle East, and Africa; APJ includes Asia Pacific and Japan.
(1) During the year ended March 31, 2023, total net revenues include an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $113 million, consisting of $2 million from Americas, $68 million from EMEA and $43 million from APJ.
Revenues from customers inside the U.S. were $2,106 million, $1,860 million, and $1,742 million during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. No other individual country accounted for more than 10% of revenues.
The table below represents cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments held in the U.S. and internationally in various foreign subsidiaries:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| U.S. | $ | 178 | | | $ | 1,220 | |
| International | 572 | | | 671 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | $ | 750 | | | $ | 1,891 | |
The table below represents our property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic area, based on the physical location of the asset, at the end of each period presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| U.S. | $ | 38 | | | $ | 16 | |
| Ireland | — | | | 27 | |
| Czech Republic | 16 | | | — | |
| Germany | 13 | | | 13 | |
Other countries (1) | 9 | | | 4 | |
| Total property and equipment, net | $ | 76 | | | $ | 60 | |
(1) No individual country represented more than 10% of the respective totals.
Our operating lease assets by geographic area, based on the physical location of the asset were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | April 1, 2022 |
| U.S. | $ | 25 | | | $ | 66 | |
| Czech Republic | 12 | | | — | |
Other countries (1) | 6 | | | 8 | |
| Total operating lease assets | $ | 43 | | | $ | 74 | |
(1)No individual country represented more than 10% of the respective totals.
Significant customers and channel partners
In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, no individual end-user customer accounted for 10% or more of our net revenues. See Note 1 for distributors that accounted for over 10% of our total accounts receivable.
Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase obligations
We have purchase obligations that are associated with agreements for purchases of goods or services. Management believes that cancellation of these contracts is unlikely, and we expect to make future cash payments according to the contract terms.
The following reflects estimated future payments for purchase obligations by fiscal year. The amount of purchase obligations reflects estimated future payments as of March 31, 2023.
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 |
| 2024 | $ | 320 | |
| 2025 | 79 | |
| 2026 | 31 | |
| 2027 | 11 | |
| 2028 | 1 | |
| |
| Total purchase obligations | $ | 442 | |
Deemed repatriation taxes
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1), we are required to pay a one-time transition tax on untaxed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries through July 2025. The following reflects estimated future payments for deemed repatriation taxes by fiscal year:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) | March 31, 2023 |
| 2024 | $ | 128 | |
| 2025 | 171 | |
| 2026 | 139 | |
| |
| |
| |
| Total obligations | $ | 438 | |
Indemnifications
In the ordinary course of business, we may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, subsidiaries and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, product warranties and losses arising out of our breach of agreements or representations and warranties made by us, including claims alleging that our software infringes on the intellectual property rights of a third party. In addition, our bylaws contain indemnification obligations to our directors, officers, employees, and agents, and we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers to give such directors and officers additional contractual assurances
regarding the scope of the indemnification set forth in our bylaws and to provide additional procedural protections. We maintain director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from our obligation to indemnify our directors and officers. It is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Such indemnification agreements might not be subject to maximum loss clauses. We monitor the conditions that are subject to indemnification to identify if a loss has occurred. Historically, we have not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements, and we have not accrued any material liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In connection with the sale of our Enterprise Security business to Broadcom, we assigned several leases to Broadcom or certain of its subsidiaries. As a condition to consenting to the assignments, certain lessors required us to agree to indemnify the lessor under the applicable lease with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of Broadcom’s or such subsidiaries’ breach of payment obligations under the terms of such lease. As with our other indemnification obligations discussed above and in general, it is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. As with our other indemnification obligations, such indemnification agreements might not be subject to maximum loss clauses, and to date, generally under our real estate obligations, we have not incurred material costs as a result of such obligations under our leases and have not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation contingencies
For a description of our accounting policy regarding litigation and loss contingencies, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.
Trustees of the University of Columbia in the City of New York v. NortonLifeLock
As previously disclosed, on May 2, 2022, a jury returned its verdict in a patent infringement case filed in 2013 by the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (Columbia) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Columbia originally brought suit alleging infringement of six patents owned by the university. We won a favorable claim construction order on all six patents, and the claim construction was upheld by the Federal Circuit in 2016 on all but U.S. Patent Nos. 8,601,322 and 8,074,115. We also sought inter partes review by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the claims of the ‘322 and ‘115 Patents and all but two claims of the ‘322 Patent and three claims of the ‘115 Patent were invalidated. The remaining claims of the ‘322 and ‘115 Patents were the only claims that remained in suit at trial.
The jury found that our Norton Security products and Symantec Endpoint Protection products (the latter of which were sold by us to Broadcom as part of an Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 4, 2019) willfully infringe the ‘322 and ‘115 Patents through the use of SONAR/BASH behavioral protection technology. The jury awarded damages in the amount of $185 million. Columbia did not seek injunctive relief against us. We intend to cease use of the technology found by the jury to infringe. The jury also found that we did not fraudulently conceal its prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 8,549,643 but did find that two Columbia professors were coinventors of this patent. No damages were awarded related to this patent.
A formal judgment has not yet been entered in the case. Post-verdict motions have been filed, and we intend to file an appeal challenging the verdict.
At this time, our current estimate of the low end of the range of probable estimated losses from this matter is approximately $237 million, reflecting the jury award and prejudgment interest, which we have accrued. The jury’s verdict may be enhanced and, should it be upheld on appeal, could ultimately result in the payment of somewhere between one and three times the jury’s verdict, plus interest and attorneys’ fees. There is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred in excess of our accrual for this matter; however, such loss cannot be reasonably estimated.
Securities Class Action and Derivative Litigation
Securities class action lawsuits, which have since been consolidated, were filed in May 2018 against us and certain of our former officers, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lead plaintiff’s consolidated amended complaint alleged that, during a purported class period of May 11, 2017 to August 2, 2018, defendants made false and misleading statements in violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a), and that certain individuals violated Section 20A, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
On May 24, 2021, the parties reached a proposed settlement and release of all claims in the class action, for $70 million, and on June 8, 2021, the parties executed a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, exclusive of any claims that may be brought by shareholders who opted out of the class action. Of the $70 million, $67.1 million was covered under the applicable insurance policy with the remainder to be paid by us. The Court approved the settlement on February 12, 2022.
On November 22, 2021, investment funds managed by Orbis Investment Management Ltd. which previously opted out of the securities class action, filed suit under the Exchange Act of 1934, the Arizona Securities Act, the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and certain common law causes of action to recover alleged damages for losses incurred by the funds for their purchases or acquisitions of our common stock during the class period. On February 7, 2023, our Motion to Dismiss was granted in part and denied in part. The parties have now settled the matter and the action was dismissed with prejudice on April 26, 2023. The impact of settlement was not material.
Purported shareholder derivative lawsuits have been filed against us and certain of our former officers and current and former directors in the Delaware Court of Chancery (In re Symantec Corp. S’holder. Deriv. Litig.), Northern District of California (Lee v. Clark et al.,), and the District of Delaware (Milliken vs. Clark et al.). These assert generally the same facts and circumstances as alleged in the securities class action and allege claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims. On January 4, 2023, after reaching an agreement on the terms of the proposed settlement, which provides for, among other things, a payment of $12 million to the Company by the insurers of the Company’s directors and officers, the parties to the Chancery action filed a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, Compromise and Release in that Court, which was approved by the Court on May 4, 2023, over the objection of the Lee and Milliken plaintiffs, and releases all claims in the Chancery, Lee, and Milliken actions, as well as any other claims based on the same operative facts. The parties in the Milliken action stipulated to a dismissal with prejudice, which was entered by the Court on May 12, 2023. The Lee action has been stayed pending the settlement hearing in the Chancery Court and we intend to seek dismissal of the Lee action based on the preclusive effect of the approved release in the Chancery action.
A fourth lawsuit filed in the Delaware Superior Court, Kukard v. Symantec, brings claims derivatively on behalf of our 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. At this stage, we are unable to assess whether any material loss or adverse effect is reasonably possible as a result of the Kukard action or estimate the range of any potential loss.
We will continue to incur legal fees in connection with these pending cases, including expenses for the reimbursement of legal fees of present and former officers and directors under indemnification obligations. The expense of continuing to defend such litigation may be significant. We intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in any defense. If any of the lawsuits are decided adversely, we may be liable for significant damages directly or under our indemnification obligations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and cash flows.
GSA
During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we were advised by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Division and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia that the government is investigating our compliance with certain provisions of our U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule Contract No. GS-35F-0240T effective January 24, 2007, including provisions relating to pricing, country of origin, accessibility, and the disclosure of commercial sales practices.
As reported on the GSA’s publicly-available database, our total sales under the GSA Schedule contract were approximately $222 million from the period beginning January 2007 and ending September 2012. We fully cooperated with the government throughout its investigation, and in January 2014, representatives of the government indicated that their initial analysis of our actual damages exposure from direct government sales under the GSA Schedule contract was approximately $145 million; since the initial meeting, the government’s analysis of our potential damages exposure relating to direct sales has increased. The government also indicated they would pursue claims for certain sales to California, Florida, and New York as well as sales to the federal government through reseller GSA Schedule contracts, which could significantly increase our potential damages exposure.
In 2012, a sealed civil lawsuit was filed against us related to compliance with the GSA Schedule contract and contracts with California, Florida, and New York. On July 18, 2014, the Court-imposed seal expired, and the government intervened in the lawsuit. On September 16, 2014, the states of California and Florida intervened in the lawsuit, and the state of New York notified the Court that it would not intervene. On October 3, 2014, the DOJ filed an amended complaint, which did not state a specific damages amount. On October 17, 2014, California and Florida combined their claims with those of the DOJ and the relator on behalf of New York in an Omnibus Complaint, and a First Amended Omnibus Complaint was filed on October 8, 2015; the state claims also do not state specific damages amounts.
On March 23, 2021, Plaintiffs withdrew their demand for a jury trial and we consented to proceed with a bench trial, which concluded on March 24, 2022. On January 19, 2023, the Court issued its Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law in which it found in favor of the United States in part and awarded damages and penalties in the amount of $1.3 million. The Court also found in favor of the State of California in part and awarded penalties in the amount of $0.4 million. The resulting Judgment was filed by the Court on January 20, 2023. On February 16, 2023, Plaintiffs filed Motions to Amend Judgment to revive the damages claimed at trial. We have opposed and the motion is now fully briefed before the Court.
On May 13, 2021, we reached a settlement in principle with the State of Florida to resolve all claims it asserted in the litigation for $0.5 million, plus the relator’s statutory attorney’s fees with respect to the State of Florida’s claims. On February 28, 2022, we reached a settlement in principle with the State of New York and the relator to resolve all of the New York claims asserted in the litigation for $5 million.
The January 2023 Judgment has been paid, and at this time, our current estimate of the low end of the range of probable estimated losses from this matter was reduced to $1.4 million, which we have accrued. It is possible that the Court could grant Plaintiffs’ Motions to Amend Judgment, in whole or in part, or an appeal of the Court’s Judgment by the Plaintiffs, if brought, could lead to further claims or findings of violations of the False Claims Act and could be material to our results of operations and cash flows for any period. Resolution of False Claims Act investigations can ultimately result in the payment of somewhere between one and three times the actual damages proven by the government, plus civil penalties. There is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred in excess of our accrual for this matter; however, such loss cannot be reasonably estimated.
Jumpshot Matters
At the end of 2019, Avast came under media scrutiny for provision of Avast customer data to its data analytics subsidiary Jumpshot Inc. Jumpshot was a subsidiary of Avast with its own management team and technical experts. Avast announced the decision to terminate its provision of data to, and wind down, Jumpshot on January 30, 2020. As Avast has previously disclosed, it has been in communication with certain regulators and authorities prior to completion of the Merger, and we will continue cooperating fully in respect of all regulatory enquiries.
On December 23, 2019, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Avast seeking documents and information related to its privacy practices, including Jumpshot's past use of consumer information that was provided to it by Avast. Avast responded cooperatively to the CID and related follow-up requests from the FTC. On October 29, 2021, staff at the FTC sent Avast a draft complaint and proposed settlement order. We have been engaged in ongoing negotiations with the FTC staff regarding the scope and terms of the proposed settlement. Any negotiated settlement with the FTC, or absent settlement, any litigation or other legal proceeding between us and the FTC could result in material monetary remedies and/or compliance requirements that impose significant and material cost and resource burdens on us, and may impact our ability to use data in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in negotiating a favorable settlement or in litigation. Any remedies or compliance requirements could adversely affect our ability to operate our business or have a materially adverse impact on our financial results. At this stage, we are unable to assess whether any material loss or adverse effect is reasonably possible as a result of this investigation or estimate the range of any potential loss. On February 27, 2020, the Czech Office for Personal Data Protection (the Czech DPA) initiated offense proceedings concerning Avast`s practices with respect to Jumpshot, which remain ongoing and we continue to evaluate our options.
In addition, we received a letter and notification before action from Stichting CUIC – Privacy Foundation for Collective Redress, a Dutch foundation (the Foundation). The Foundation has asserted it represents the interests of Avast customers in the Netherlands whose data was provided to Jumpshot and that by doing so Avast violated the requirements of the GDPR and other provisions in Dutch and European Union privacy and consumer law entitling those customers to damages and other compensation, all of which we dispute. No specific amount of damages has been alleged and to date, no action has been filed. At this stage, we are unable to assess whether any material loss or adverse effect is reasonably possible as a result of this notification before action or estimate the range of any potential loss.
On December 12, 2022, a putative class action, Lau v. Gen Digital Inc. and Jumpshot Inc., was filed in the Northern District of California alleging violations of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, California Invasion of Privacy Act, statutory larceny, unfair competition and various common law claims related to the provision of customer data to Jumpshot. On February 24, 2023, we filed a Motion to Dismiss, which is still pending. At this stage, we are unable to assess whether any material loss or adverse effect is reasonably possible as a result of this action or estimate the range of any potential loss. We dispute these claims and intend to defend them vigorously.
The outcome of the regulatory proceedings, government enforcement actions and litigation is difficult to predict, and the cost to defend, settle or otherwise resolve these matters may be significant. Plaintiffs or regulatory agencies or authorities in these matters may seek recovery of large or indeterminate amounts or seek to impose sanctions, including significant monetary penalties, as well as equitable relief. The monetary and other impact of these litigations, proceedings or actions may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. Further, an unfavorable resolution of litigations, proceedings or actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations and cash flows. The amount of time that will be required to resolve these matters is unpredictable, and these matters may divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our business. Any future investigations or additional lawsuits may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Other
We are involved in a number of other judicial and administrative proceedings that are incidental to our business. Although adverse decisions (or settlements) may occur in one or more of the cases, it is not possible to estimate the possible loss or losses from each of these cases. The final resolution of these lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II
GEN DIGITAL INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in material amounts, and/or changes to such amounts are immaterial to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-K.
(3) Exhibits
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 2.01(§) | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 2.01 | | 8/8/2019 | | |
| 2.02 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 2.02 | | 8/10/2021 | | |
| 2.03 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 2.03 | | 8/10/2021 | | |
| 2.04 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 2.01 | | 7/18/2022 | | |
| 3.01 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 3.01 | | 11/9/2022 | | |
| 3.02 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 3.02 | | 11/7/2022 | | |
| 3.03 | | | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 3.06 | | 5/28/2020 | | |
| 4.01 | | | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.02 | | 5/28/2020 | | |
| 4.02 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.01 | | 9/16/2010 | | |
| 4.03 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 2/9/2016 | | |
| 4.04 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 3/7/2016 | | |
| 4.05 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 2.02 | | 6/14/2016 | | |
| 4.06 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 2.03 | | 8/5/2016 | | |
| 4.07 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.01 | | 2/9/2017 | | |
| 4.08 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.02 | | 2/9/2017 | | |
| 4.09 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 11/12/2019 | | |
| 4.10 | | Second Amendment to Investment Agreement, dated November 11, 2019, by and between NortonLifeLock Inc. and BC Bear cat SPV, LP, BCIP Venture Associates, BCIP Venture Associates-B, BCIP Associates IV (US), L.P., BCIP Associates IV-B (US), L.P., BCIP T Associates IV (US), | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.02 | | 11/12/2019 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 4.11 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.01 | | 9/19/2022 | | |
| 4.12 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 4.02 | | 9/19/2022 | | |
| 10.01(*) | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 1/23/2006 | | |
| 10.02(*) | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.03 | | 3/7/2016 | | |
| 10.03(*) | | | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.05 | | 5/24/2010 | | |
| 10.04(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 11/1/2011 | | |
| 10.05(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.06 | | 2/7/2020 | | |
| 10.06(*) | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 12/3/2018 | | |
| 10.07(*) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 10.08(*) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 10.09(*) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 10.10(*) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 10.11(*) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 10.12 | | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2016, among Registrant, the lenders party thereto (the Lenders), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Term Loan A-1/Revolver Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Term Loan A-2 Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners in respect of the Term A-2 Facility, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. And TD Securities (USA) LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents in respect of the Term A-2 Facility, and Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent in respect of Term A-2 Facility. | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.03 | | 8/5/2016 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 10.13 | | Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2016, among Registrant, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Bank, PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.05 | | 8/5/2016 | | |
| 10.14 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.02 | | 8/5/2016 | | |
| 10.15 | | Assignment and Assumption, dated October 3, 2016, to the Term Loan Agreement dated as of August 1, 2016, among Registrant, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Bank, PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.01 | | 2/3/2017 | | |
| 10.16 | | First Amendment, dated December 12, 2016, to the Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2016, among Registrant, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Bank, PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.02 | | 2/3/2017 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 10.17 | | First Amendment, dated December 12, 2016, to the Credit Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2016, among the Registrant, the lenders party thereto (the Lenders), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Term Loan A-1/Revolver Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Term Loan A-2 Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners in respect of the Term A-2 Facility, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. And TD Securities (USA) LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents in respect of the Term A-2 Facility, and Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent in respect of Term A-2 Facility. | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 4.03 | | 2/3/2017 | | |
| 10.18(*) | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.03 | | 10/25/2013 | | |
| 10.19(*) | | | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.18 | | 5/21/2021 | | |
| 10.20(*) | | | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.19 | | 5/21/2021 | | |
| 10.21(§§) | | Assignment of Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Rights, by and between Peter Norton and Peter Norton Computing, Inc., dated August 31, 1990. | | S-4 | | 33-35385 | | 10.37 | | 6/13/1990 | | |
| 10.22(†) | | | | S-1/A | | 333-83777 | | 10.27 | | 8/6/1999 | | |
| 10.23 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 8/7/2007 | | |
| 10.24 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 11/16/2018 | | |
| 10.25 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.02 | | 11/16/2018 | | |
| 10.26(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 7/8/2020 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 10.27 | | Credit Agreement, effective as of November 4, 2019, among NortonLifeLock Inc., the issuing banks and lenders party thereto (the Lenders), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Revolver Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Term Loan Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Barclays Bank PLC, and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, Bank of America, N.A., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Barclays Bank PLC and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Syndication Agents and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., MUFG Bank, Ltd., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Citizens Bank, N.A., BMO Capital Markets Corp., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Santander Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents. | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 11/4/2019 | | |
| 10.28 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 7/8/2020 | | |
| 10.29(+) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 2/5/2021 | | |
| 10.30 | | First Amendment, effective as of May [7], 2021, among NortonLifeLock Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Term Loan Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Revolver Administrative Agent, and the lenders and other parties thereto. | | 10-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.31 | | 5/21/2021 | | |
| 10.31 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.02 | | 9/3/2021 | | |
| 10.32 | | Amended and Restated Interim Facilities Agreement, dated September 1, 2021, by and between NortonLifeLock Inc., the parties specified thereto, as acceding finance partners, BofA Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as arrangers, and Bank of America, N.A., as issuing bank, interim facility agent and interim security agent | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 9/3/2021 | | |
| 10.33 | | | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 6/7/2021 | | |
| 10.34++ | | Restatement Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2022, by and among the Company, the other Loan Parties thereto, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as term loan administrative agent and collateral agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as revolver administrative agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Successor Administrative Agent. | | 8-K | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 9/12/2022 | | |
| 10.35(*) | | | | S-8 | | 000-17781 | | 99.01 | | 9/12/2022 | | |
| 10.36(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.03 | | 11/9/2022 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit Number | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Filed Herewith |
| Exhibit Description | | Form | | File No. | | Exhibit | | Filing Date | |
| 10.37(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.04 | | 11/9/2022 | | |
| 10.38(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.05 | | 11/9/2022 | | |
| 10.39(*) | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.06 | | 11/9/2022 | | |
| 10.40 | | | | 10-Q | | 000-17781 | | 10.01 | | 8/5/2022 | | |
| 21.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 23.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 24.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 31.01 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 31.02 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 32.01(††) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 32.02(††) | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.00 | | The following financial information from Gen Digital Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 are formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit), (vi) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags. | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 104.00 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). | | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | |
| * | Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement. |
| ** | Filed by LifeLock, Inc. |
| § | The exhibits and schedules to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally copies of any such exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon request. |
| §§ | Paper filing. |
| † | Filed by Veritas Software Corporation. |
| †† | This exhibit is being furnished, rather than filed, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K. |
| + | Certain portions of this document that constitute confidential information have been redacted in accordance with Regulations S-K, Item 601(b)(10). |
| ++ | Certain schedules and similar attachments to the exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5) |
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.