Adeia Inc. (ADEA) FY 2024 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to promote understanding of the results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2024 against 2023. A discussion regarding 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2023 against 2022 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Except as otherwise indicated, the year-to-year comparisons and results of operations discussed herein present the results of Adeia Inc. after giving effect to the Separation described herein. The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A above.
Business Overview
Adeia Inc. (formerly known as Xperi Holding Corporation) (“Adeia”, “we”) is a leading IP licensing platform in the consumer and entertainment space, with a diverse portfolio of media and semiconductor intellectual property and approximately 12,250 patents and patent applications worldwide. In order to serve an increasingly connected world, we invent, develop, and license fundamental innovations that enhance billions of devices and shape the way millions of people explore and experience entertainment. Our inventions are key enabling technologies that drive how consumers interact with entertainment and devices at home and on the go around the world. Our foundational technologies help elevate content and improve how audiences connect with it in a way that is more intelligent, immersive and personal. Our innovative solutions help power smart devices, entertainment experiences and more, and have created a unified ecosystem that reaches highly-engaged consumers and uncovered new business opportunities.
On October 1, 2022, we completed the previously announced separation (“the Separation”) of its product business into an independent, publicly-traded company, Xperi Inc. (“Xperi Inc.”). The Separation was structured as a spin-off, which was achieved through Adeia’s distribution of 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Xperi Inc.’s common stock to holders of Adeia’s common stock as of the close of business on the record date of September 21, 2022 (the “Record Date”). Each Adeia stockholder of record received four shares of Xperi Inc. common stock for every ten shares of Adeia common stock that it held on the Record Date. Following the Separation, Adeia retains no ownership interest in Xperi Inc., which is now listed under the ticker symbol “XPER” on the New York Stock Exchange. Effective at the open of business on October 3, 2022, Adeia’s shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the new ticker symbol “ADEA”.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley with more than 35 years of operating experience, we have approximately 150 employees, with substantially all of our employees located in the U.S.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Macroeconomic conditions due to inflation, geopolitical instability and global health events had in the past, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on our business. For example, such conditions may cause volatility in the markets we serve, particularly the broad consumer electronics market. Impacts from adverse macroeconomic conditions may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations, which could result in an impairment of our long-lived assets, including goodwill, and increased credit losses.
Although a significant portion of our revenue is derived from fixed-fee and minimum-guarantee arrangements from large, well-capitalized customers, our per-unit and variable-fee based revenue will continue to be susceptible to global health concerns, outbreaks, pandemics, armed conflict, geopolitical factors, tariffs, market volatility, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, microchip shortages, changes in demand for semiconductors and market downturns.
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Reportable Segments
We operate and report in one segment: IP Licensing. We believe that this structure reflects our current operational and financial management and provides the best structure for us to focus on growth opportunities. Our Chief Executive Officer has been determined to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in consideration with the authoritative guidance on segment reporting.
We primarily license our innovations to leading companies in the broader media entertainment and semiconductor industries, and those companies developing new technologies that will help drive these industries forward. Licensing arrangements include access to one or more of our foundational patent portfolios and may also include access to some portions of our industry-leading technologies and know-how.
Key Metrics
In evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, we primarily focus on revenue and cash flows from operations. For the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023:
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Revenue decreased by $12.6 million, or 3%, from $388.8 million in 2023 to $376.2 million in 2024.
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Recurring revenues increased by $2.8 million, or 0.8% from $338.7 million in 2023 to $341.5 million in 2024.
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Non-recurring revenues decreased by $15.5 million, or 31% from $50.1 million in 2023 to $34.6 million in 2024.
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Cash provided by operating activities increased by $59.7 million, or 39.1%, from $152.8 million in 2023 to $212.5 million in 2024.
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We repriced our term loan which lowered our interest rate by 61 basis points and made $114.2 million in principal payments, bringing the outstanding balance to $487.1 million as of December 31, 2024. We subsequently completed another repricing in January 2025, further reducing our interest rate by 50 basis points.
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We repurchased $20.0 million of our common stock in December 2024 following the decision of our Board of Directors to increase the total share repurchase authorization to $200.0 million in October of 2024.
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Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive the majority of our revenue from the licensing of our intellectual property (“IP”) rights to customers. For our revenue recognition policy, including descriptions of revenue-generating activities, refer to “Note 4 – Revenue” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table presents our historical operating results for the periods indicated as a percentage of revenue:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development | 16 | 14 | ||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 27 | 25 | ||||||
| Amortization expense | 19 | 24 | ||||||
| Litigation expense | 4 | 2 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 66 | 65 | ||||||
| Operating income from continuing operations | 34 | 35 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (14 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||
| Other income and expense, net | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | — | ||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 21 | 20 | ||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 4 | 3 | ||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | 17 | % | 17 | % |
The following table sets forth our revenue by year (in thousands, except for percentages):
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Decrease | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 376,024 | $ | 388,788 | $ | (12,764 | ) | (3 | )% |
The decrease in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily attributable to the execution of two long-term license agreements with Kioxia and Western Digital in the first quarter of 2023, which did not recur in 2024, and declines in royalty revenue from certain Pay-TV customers, partially offset by a multi-year license agreement with Amazon for access to our media portfolio that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $341.5 million and $338.7 million, respectively. The increase of $2.8 million was driven primarily by the execution of new customer agreements in 2024, and the ramp-up of recurring royalty payments under existing semiconductor agreements, partially offset by declines in royalty revenue from certain Pay-TV customers.
Non-recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $34.6 million and $50.1 million, respectively. The decrease of $15.5 million was primarily attributable to the execution of long-term license agreements with Kioxia and Western Digital in the first quarter of 2023 and the execution of the long-term renewal of a license agreement with Samsung in the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by a settlement agreement and multi-year renewal with X Corp. for access to our media portfolio that occurred in the second quarter of 2024 and the execution of the multi-year license agreement with Amazon in the fourth quarter of 2024.
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Research and Development
Research and development expense (“R&D expense”) consists primarily of personnel costs, stock-based compensation, outside engineering consulting expenses associated with new IP development, as well as costs related to patent applications and examinations, reverse engineering, materials, supplies and an allocation of facilities costs. All R&D expense is expensed as incurred. We intend to make a continued investment in our R&D efforts because we believe they are essential to grow our patent portfolios to maintain and improve our competitiveness.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | 59,598 | $ | 54,264 | $ | 5,334 | 10 | % |
The increase in R&D expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs as a result of increased headcount and an increase in patent portfolio expenses, patent technical sales support expenses, partially offset by a decrease in professional services costs.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, sales commission, advertising, branding activities, stock-based compensation, professional services, facilities costs, and expenses related to our executive finance, human resource, legal, and information technology organizations.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 103,443 | $ | 95,226 | $ | 8,217 | 9 | % |
The increase in SG&A expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to an increase in personnel related costs as a result of increased headcount as we scaled our business in 2024, an increase in professional services costs, an increase in certain administrative costs associated with the repricing of our credit facility in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by decreases in separation costs that were incurred in 2023 but did not recur in 2024 since they were one-time costs, lower insurance costs and recovery of certain bad debt expenses.
Amortization Expense
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Decrease | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | $ | 70,721 | $ | 93,735 | $ | (23,014 | ) | (25 | )% |
The decrease in amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized during 2024. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in amortization expense as a result of patents acquired in 2024.
Litigation Expense
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Litigation expense | $ | 13,653 | $ | 9,333 | $ | 4,320 | 46 | % |
The increase in litigation expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to increased activity in current litigation matters. See Part I, Item 3. – Legal Proceedings for additional information regarding these matters.
We expect that litigation expense will continue to be a significant portion of our operating expenses, as it is used to enforce and protect our IP and contract rights. Litigation expense may fluctuate between periods because of planned or ongoing litigation, as described in Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.
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Interest Expense
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Decrease | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | 52,539 | $ | 62,574 | $ | (10,035 | ) | (16 | )% |
The decrease in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to lower debt balance, the reduction of the interest rate margin resulting from the repricing of our Term Loan B during the second quarter of 2024, and the Federal Reserve interest rate cut during the third quarter of 2024.
Other Income and Expense, Net
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Decrease | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Other income and expense, net | $ | 5,570 | $ | 6,320 | $ | (750 | ) | (12 | )% |
The decrease in other income and expense, net during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to a decrease in interest income from significant financing components from certain revenue contracts.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $0.5 million associated with the repricing of our Term Loan B and there were no such costs in 2023. Refer to discussion below for further detail on the repricing of our Term Loan B.
Provision for Income Taxes
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Increase | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 16,564 | $ | 12,604 | $ | 3,960 | 31 | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded an income tax expense of $16.6 million on a pretax income from continuing operations of $81.2 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 20.4%. The income tax expense of $16.6 million was primarily related to tax on current year income, foreign withholding tax and unrealized foreign exchange loss from prior year South Korea refund claims offset by releases of uncertain tax positions, the foreign derived intangible income deduction and foreign tax credits. The increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year, was attributable to tax on current year income and unrealized foreign exchange loss from prior year South Korea refund claims offset by releases of uncertain tax positions.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an income tax expense of $12.6 million on a pretax income from continuing operations of $80.0 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 15.8%. The income tax expense of $12.6 million was primarily related to tax on current year income, foreign withholding tax and unrealized foreign exchange loss from prior year South Korea refund claims offset by releases of uncertain tax positions.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, we filed a refund claim for foreign taxes previously withheld from licensees in South Korea based on court rulings in South Korea and other business factors. These previously withheld foreign taxes were claimed as a foreign tax credit in the U.S. As a result of the filed and planned refund claims, we recorded a total of $112.4 million and $120.3 million as a noncurrent income tax receivable at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, $64.6 million and $64.6 million as a noncurrent income tax payable at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $56.7 million and $49.1 million as a reduction in deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Although the refund claim is subject to judicial review, we anticipate we will receive refunds in the amount recorded in the receivable.
The need for a valuation allowance requires an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. Such assessment is required on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. In making such an assessment, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. After considering both positive and negative evidence to assess the realizability of our net deferred tax assets, we determined that the positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence primarily due to cumulative income from our IP Licensing business on a continuing operations basis and the expectation of sustained profitability in future periods, and concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that we would realize our U.S. federal and certain state deferred tax assets. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2022, we released the valuation allowance on all the federal deferred tax assets and state deferred tax assets, except for California and certain other states where tax attributes can only be utilized against the income of specific legal entities. The release of the valuation allowance resulted in $86.1 million of tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2022. We will maintain a full valuation allowance on our foreign deferred tax asset as the expectation of future taxable income is uncertain.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents selected financial information related to our liquidity and significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 78,825 | $ | 54,560 | |||
| Marketable securities | 31,567 | 29,012 | |||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 110,392 | $ | 83,572 |
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net cash from operating activities | $ | 212,461 | $ | 152,755 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (24,022 | ) | $ | (34,488 | ) | ||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (164,174 | ) | $ | (178,262 | ) |
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are our operating cash flows and our short-term investments in marketable securities. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $110.4 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of $26.8 million from $83.6 million at December 31, 2023. This increase resulted primarily from $212.5 million of cash generated from operations and $3.2 million in proceeds from our employee stock purchase program and exercise of stock options, partially offset by $114.2 million in repayment of long-term debt, $22.3 million in purchases of long-lived assets, $21.8 million in dividends paid, $20.0 million in repurchases of common stock ($1.3 million in repurchases of common stock were pending settlement as of December 31, 2024), and $12.8 million in repurchases of common stock for tax withholdings on equity awards.
The primary objectives of our investment activities are to preserve principal and to maintain liquidity, while at the same time capturing a market rate of return. To achieve these objectives, we maintain a diversified portfolio of securities including money market funds and debt securities such as corporate bonds and notes, municipal bonds and notes, commercial paper, treasury and agency notes and bills and certificates of deposit. Our marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) with credit losses recognized as a credit loss expense and non-credit related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
We expect to continue to make additional payments on our existing debt from cash generated from operations. Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations:
Debt
As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding long-term debt in an aggregate principal amount of $487.1 million, with a minimum of $28.1 million payable within 12 months. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we were required to make $29.1 million in payments based on the consolidated excess cash flow clause within the debt agreement. The excess cash flow payment was classified as current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023. Based on certain leverage ratios and the voluntary prepayments we made during the year ended December 31, 2024, no excess cash flow payment is required in 2025.
Future interest payments associated with the debt, based on current interest rates, total $117.2 million, with $36.7 million payable within 12 months. The interest payments may vary with changes in interest rates, as well as due to reductions of the principal amount. Refer to “Note 11 – Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on debt obligations and maturities.
Leases
We have lease arrangements for office and research facilities, data centers and office equipment. As of December 31, 2024, fixed lease payment obligations amounted to $10.0 million, with $0.3 million payable within 12 months. Refer to “Note 8 – Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on lease obligations and maturities.
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Guarantee
Prior to the Separation, we and a subsidiary of Xperi Inc. (“Xperi Sub”) entered into an agreement (the “Specified Agreement”) with a third party pursuant to which we guarantee the performance of Xperi Sub under the Specified Agreement, including its payment obligations to such third party. In connection with the Separation, we and Xperi Sub entered into a separate cross business agreement (the “Cross Business Agreement”) effective as of October 1, 2022 under which we agreed to make guarantee payments to Xperi Sub in amounts based on certain of its operating expenses and other minimum performance obligations under the Specified Agreement through 2031. Consequently, on October 1, 2022, we recognized a guarantee liability of $19.7 million which represents the fair value of our projected payments of such operating expenses during the term of the Cross Business Agreement. Subsequent changes to the carrying value of the guarantee are recognized as part of our results of operations. As of December 31, 2024, the balance of the guarantee liability is $17.1 million, including a current portion of $2.5 million.
Other Purchase Obligations
Our other purchase obligations primarily consist of non-cancelable obligations related to advertising, engineering services and internet and telecommunications services. As of December 31, 2024, we had purchase obligations of $5.1 million, including $2.9 million due in 2025, $1.1 million due in 2026, and $1.1 million due thereafter. These purchase obligations represent commitments under enforceable and legally binding agreements and do not represent the entire anticipated purchases in the future. Refer to “Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail.
Income Tax Payable
As of December 31, 2024, we had accrued $84.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits in long-term income taxes payable related to uncertain tax positions, which includes an immaterial amount of accrued interest and penalties. At this time, we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time. If we are successful in receiving our South Korean withholding tax refunds of $112.4 million, including interest and foreign exchange, then $64.6 million of unrecognized tax benefit would be payable to the U.S. tax authorities.
In addition to the cash requirements outlined above, we have returned cash to stockholders through both quarterly dividend payments and repurchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase plan, as further described below:
Quarterly Dividends
In 2024 and 2023, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.05 per share in each of the March, June, September and December quarterly periods. Our capacity to pay dividends in the future depends on many factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, capital structure, industry practice and other business conditions that the Board of Directors considers relevant. We anticipate that all quarterly dividends will be paid out of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in marketable securities.
Stock Repurchase Plan
On June 12, 2020, our Board of Directors terminated a prior stock repurchase program and approved a new stock repurchase plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common stock dependent on market conditions, share price and other factors. No expiration has been specified for this Plan. On April 22, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million of purchases under the Plan, under which $172.2 million was utilized for stock repurchases, leaving the total authorized amount available for repurchase under the Plan at $77.8 million. In October 2024, our Board of Directors approved an increase of the existing share repurchase authorization up to a total of $200.0 million. The stock repurchases may be made from time to time, through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Since the inception of the Plan, and through December 31, 2024, we have repurchased an aggregate of approximately 11.4 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $192.2 million at an average price of $16.83. As of December 31, 2024, the total remaining amount available for repurchase under the Plan was $180.0 million.
We may continue to execute authorized repurchases from time to time under the Plan. The amount and timing of any repurchases under the Plan depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the trading price, volume and availability of our common shares. There is no guarantee that such repurchases under the Plan will enhance the value of our common stock.
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We believe that based on current levels of operations and anticipated growth, our cash from operations, together with cash and cash equivalents currently available, will be sufficient to satisfy our currently anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Poor financial results, unanticipated expenses, unanticipated acquisitions of technologies or businesses, or unanticipated strategic investments could give rise to additional financing requirements sooner than we expect. There can be no assurance that equity or debt financing will be available when needed or, if available, that such financing will be on terms satisfactory to us. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness could result in increased debt service obligations and may include covenants that would restrict our operations.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operations were $212.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to our net income of $64.6 million being adjusted for non-cash items of amortization of intangible assets of $70.7 million, stock-based compensation expense of $26.6 million, amortization of debt issuance costs of $3.5 million, depreciation of $2.1 million, partially offset by the change in deferred income tax of $(7.1) million, and $53.2 million net change in operating assets and liabilities.
Cash flows provided by operations were $152.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to our net income of $67.4 million being adjusted for non-cash items of depreciation of $1.5 million, amortization of intangible assets of $93.7 million, stock-based compensation expense of $18.1 million, deferred income tax of $11.4 million, amortization of debt issuance costs of $4.3 million and $(43.4) million net change in operating assets and liabilities.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily related to purchases of short-term investments in marketable securities of $33.2 million, and purchases of long-lived assets of $22.3 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of $31.5 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $34.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily related to purchases of short-term investments in marketable securities of $42.8 million, and purchases of long-lived assets of $6.3 million, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities of $14.7 million.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures for property and equipment consist primarily of leasehold improvements, purchases of computer hardware and software, information systems, and production and test equipment. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we spent $1.8 million and $3.8 million on capital expenditures, respectively. We expect capital expenditures in 2025 to be approximately $2.0 million. Our capital expenditures for intangible assets consists primarily of acquired patents. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we spent $20.5 million and $2.5 million on purchases of intangible assets, respectively. These expenditures are expected to be financed with cash from operations, existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. There can be no assurance that current expectations will be realized, and plans are subject to change upon further review of our capital expenditure needs.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $164.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 principally due to $114.2 million in repayment of indebtedness, $21.8 million in dividends paid, $20.0 million in repurchases of common stock ($1.3 million in repurchases of common stock were pending settlement as of December 31, 2024), and $12.8 million in repurchases of common stock for tax withholdings on equity awards, partially offset by $3.2 million in proceeds from our employee stock purchase program and exercise of stock options.
Net cash used in financing activities was $178.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 principally due to $148.0 million in repayment of indebtedness, $21.3 million in dividends paid, and $11.3 million in repurchases of common stock for tax withholdings on equity awards, partially offset by $2.4 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee stock grant programs and employee stock purchase plans.
Long-term Debt
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On June 8, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to that certain Credit Agreement dated June 1, 2020 by and among us, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “2020 Credit Agreement”). The 2020 Credit Agreement initially provided for a five-year senior secured term loan B facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1,050 million (the “2020 Term Loan B Facility”). Amendment No. 1 provided for, among other things, (i) a new tranche of term loans (the “2021 Refinanced Term Loan B”) in an aggregate principal amount of $810.0 million, (ii) a reduction of the interest rate margin applicable to such loans to (x) in the case of base rate loans, 2.50% per annum and (y) in the case of Eurodollar loans, LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50% per annum, (iii) a prepayment premium of 1.00% in connection with any repricing transaction with respect to the 2021 Refinanced Term Loan B within six months of the closing date of Amendment No. 1, (iv) an extension of the maturity to June 8, 2028, and (v) certain additional amendments, including amendments to provide us with additional flexibility under the covenant governing restricted payments.
On May 30, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment No. 2”) to the 2020 Credit Agreement to replace the reference to LIBOR as the base rate with the reference to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate “SOFR” as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
On May 20, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 3 (“Amendment No. 3”) to the 2020 Credit Agreement, which provided for, among other things, (i) a repricing of the 2020 Term Loan B Facility through a refinancing of the entire amount of the 2021 Refinanced Term Loan B with a new tranche of term loans (the “2024 Term Loan B”) in an aggregate principal amount of $561.1 million, (ii) a reduction of the interest rate margin applicable to such loans to (x) in the case of SOFR loans, SOFR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum and (y) in the case of base rate loans, 2.00% per annum, (iii) a reduction in the excess cash flow mandatory payment thresholds and (iv) a prepayment premium of 1.00% in connection with any repricing transaction with respect to the 2024 Term Loan B within six months of the closing date of Amendment No. 3. The 2024 Term Loan B will mature on June 8, 2028, the same date upon which the 2021 Refinanced Term Loan B matured prior to giving effect to Amendment No. 3.
On January 30, 2025, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 (“Amendment No. 4”) to the 2020 Credit Agreement, which provided for, among other things, (i) a repricing of the 2020 Term Loan B Facility through a refinancing of the entire amount of the 2024 Term Loan B (the “2025 Term Loan B”) in an aggregate principal amount of $487.1 million, (ii) a reduction of the interest rate margin applicable to such loans to (x) in the case of SOFR loans, 2.50% per annum and (y) in the case of base rate loans, 1.50% per annum and (iii) a prepayment premium of 1.00% in connection with any repricing transaction with respect to the 2025 Term Loan B within six months of the closing date of Amendment No. 4. The 2025 Term Loan B will mature on June 8, 2028, the same date upon which the 2024 Term Loan B matured prior to giving effect to Amendment No. 4.
At December 31, 2024, $487.1 million was outstanding under the term loan B facility with an interest rate, including unamortized debt discount and issuance costs of $11.6 million. Interest is payable monthly. Under the existing loan agreement, we have future minimum principal payments for $28.1 million each year from 2025 through 2027, with the remaining principal balance of $402.9 million due in 2028. After the Separation, we own the debt under the term loan B facility. Additionally, we paid $29.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, based on certain leverage ratios and our excess cash flow generated for the year ended December 31, 2023. The 2020 Credit Agreement, as amended, also requires that we continue to make cash payments on an annual basis based on certain leverage ratios and excess cash flow generated for the immediately preceding fiscal year. The cash payments are applied to the remaining principal balance due at final maturity. Based on certain leverage ratios and the voluntary prepayments we made during the year ended December 31, 2024, no excess cash flow payment is required in 2025. The term loan B facility contains customary covenants, and as of December 31, 2024, we were in full compliance with such covenants.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States which requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. By their nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We evaluate our estimates based on our historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates relate to revenue recognition, the assessment of recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, business combinations, recognition and measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the assessment of unrecognized tax benefits and others. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and material effects on our operating results and financial position may result.
We believe the following accounting policies and estimates are most critical to understanding our consolidated financial statements. See “Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 4 – Revenue” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of our accounting policies.
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Revenue recognition
We derive the majority of our revenue from the licensing of our intellectual property (“IP”) rights to customers. Generally, revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of the IP rights to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those IP rights. The primary judgments include identifying the performance obligations in the contract, estimating variable consideration relating to potential future price adjustments as a result of legal contract disputes, estimating quarterly royalties prior to receiving the royalty reports from the licensee, determining standalone selling price and allocating consideration in a contract with multiple performance obligations.
When the uncertainty associated with variable consideration relates to potential future price adjustments as a result of a legal contract dispute, we estimate variable consideration using the expected value method or the most likely amount method, whichever is more appropriate in the circumstances, and consider all available information, including historical data and experience. Estimating variable consideration related to potential future price adjustments requires significant management judgment in evaluating the possible outcomes.
We generally recognize royalty revenue from per-unit or per-subscriber licenses based on units shipped or manufactured or number of subscribers. Revenue is recognized in the period in which the customer’s sales or usage are estimated to have occurred. This may result in an adjustment to revenue when actual sales or usage are subsequently reported by the customer, generally in the month or quarter following sales or usage. Estimating a customer’s quarterly royalties prior to receiving the royalty reports requires us to make significant assumptions and judgments related to forecasted trends and growth rates used to estimate sales or usage, which could have a material impact on the amount of revenue we report on a quarterly basis.
At times, we enter into long-term license contracts, which may include releases from past patent infringement claims or one or more prospective licenses. In these contracts, we allocate the transaction price between releases for past patent infringement claims and prospective licenses based on their relative standalone selling prices, which requires significant management judgment. In determining the standalone selling price of each performance obligation, we consider such factors as the customer’s revenues, the number of past and projected future subscribers, units shipped, and units manufactured, as well as the per-subscriber or per-unit licensing rates we generally receive from licensees of comparable sizes in comparable markets and geographies. As a release from past patent infringement claims is generally satisfied at execution of the contract, the transaction price allocated to the release from past patent infringement claims is generally recognized in the period the contract is executed. Transaction price allocated to prospective Media IP licenses is recognized ratably over the license term, and transaction price allocated to prospective Semiconductor IP licenses is recognized upon execution of the contract.
Accounting for income taxes
We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments are used in the calculation of tax credits, tax benefits and deductions and in the calculation of tax assets and liabilities. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period.
We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets. If realizability is not likely on a more-likely-than-not basis, we must increase our provision for income taxes by recording a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Should there be a change in our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, our provision for income taxes would fluctuate in the period of the change.
We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with authoritative guidance related to income taxes. The calculation of our unrecognized tax benefits involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. As such, we are required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. We record unrecognized tax benefits for anticipated tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional tax liabilities are more-likely-than-not, assuming the tax authorities have full knowledge of all relevant information. If we ultimately determine that the tax liabilities are unnecessary, we reverse the liabilities and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which it occurs. This may occur for a variety of reasons, such as the expiration of the statute of limitations on a particular tax return or the completion of an examination by the relevant tax authority. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded unrecognized tax benefits are less than the expected ultimate settlement.
Our policy is to classify accrued interest and penalties related to the accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, we did not recognize any significant interest or penalties. See “Note 15 – Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail.
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