FORMFACTOR INC (FORM) FY 2021 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 and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described under the “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” that appears earlier in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those
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anticipated by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under “Item 1A: Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
FormFactor, Inc., headquartered in Livermore, California, is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product lifecycle - from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. We provide a broad range of high-performance probe cards, analytical probes, probe stations, metrology systems, thermal systems, and cryogenic systems to both semiconductor companies and scientific institutions. Our products provide electrical and physical information from a variety of semiconductor and electro-optical devices and integrated circuits from early research, through development, to high-volume production. Customers use our products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge.
We operate in two reportable segments consisting of the Probe Cards segment and the Systems segment. Sales of our probe cards and analytical probes are included in the Probe Cards segment, while sales of our probe stations, metrology systems, thermal systems and cryogenic systems are included in the Systems segment.
We generated net income of $83.9 million in fiscal 2021 compared to net income of $78.5 million in fiscal 2020 and net income of $39.3 million in fiscal 2019. The increase in net income in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to increased revenue in both of our reportable segments, partially offset by slightly lower margins driven primarily by product mix and a higher tax rate due to significant one-time tax benefits during fiscal 2020 that did not recur. The increase in net income in fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 was primarily due to increased revenue and leverage on operating expenses, which only marginally increased on significantly higher operating levels, as well as a decrease in provision for income taxes due to a lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2020.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause serious illness and death in many of the regions that we, our customers and our suppliers operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant governmental actions designed to control the spread of the virus, including the imposition of safety requirements and other orders in locations where we have manufacturing and other activities.
We continue to operate our manufacturing sites at production levels greater than those prior to the pandemic, albeit subject to certain safety and related constraints. Our other operations are continuing with substantial work-from-home activities.
If the provisions of governmental health orders or other safety requirements applicable to us or our customers or suppliers become more restrictive for an extended period of time, or if we have repeated occurrences of COVID-19 in any of our facilities, we may experience disruptions or delays in manufacturing, product design, product development, customer support, manufacturing and sales, and an overall loss of productivity and efficiency.
While the disruptions in our operations, supply chain and customer demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have been somewhat limited, we continue to see impacts on elements in the supply chain and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic represents a sustained threat that may give rise to a variety of more significant adverse impacts on our business and financial results. The semiconductor industry is experiencing various supply constraints due to the pandemic. While we are working with our global supply chain partners to mitigate this risk, the duration and extent of the supply chain disruptions remain uncertain. For a further description of the uncertainties and business risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fiscal Year
We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year, whereby the fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of December. The fiscal years ended December 25, 2021, December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 each included 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
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judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses in the reporting period. Our accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our financial condition and results of operations reported in our financial statements and related disclosures. We have identified the following accounting policies as being critical because they require our management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our management has discussed the development, selection, application and disclosure of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Inventory Valuation
We state our inventories at the lower of cost (principally standard cost which approximates actual cost on a first in, first out basis) or net realizable value. We regularly assess the value of our inventory and will periodically write down its value for estimated excess inventory and product obsolescence based upon an analysis of existing inventory quantities compared to estimated future consumption. Future consumption is estimated based upon assumptions about how past consumption, recent purchases, backlog and other factors indicate future consumption. On a quarterly basis, we review existing inventory quantities in comparison to our past consumption, recent purchases, backlog and other factors to determine what inventory quantities, if any, may not be sellable. Based on this analysis, we record an adjustment to the cost basis of inventory when evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is lower than its cost, which occurs when we have excess and/or obsolete inventory.
At the point of loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. Market conditions are subject to change, and demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. Actual consumption of inventories could differ from forecasted demand, and this difference could have a material impact on our gross profit and inventory balances based on additional provisions for excess or obsolete inventories or a benefit from the sale of inventories previously written down.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized upon transferring control of products and services, and the amounts recognized reflect the consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for these products and services. An arrangement may include some or all of the following products and services: probe cards, systems, accessories, installation services, service contracts and extended warranty contracts.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. In contracts with multiple performance obligations, we identify each performance obligation and evaluate whether the performance obligation is distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined and accounted for as one unit of account. Generally, the performance obligations in a contract are considered distinct within the context of the contract and are accounted for as separate units of account.
Our products may be customized to our customers’ specifications, however, control of our product is typically transferred to the customer at the point in time the product is either shipped or delivered, depending on the terms of the arrangement, as the criteria for over time recognition is not met. In limited circumstances, substantive acceptance by the customer exists which results in the deferral of revenue until acceptance is formally received from the customer. Judgment may be required in determining if the acceptance clause is substantive. In certain instances control of products is transferred to the customer over time based on performance and in those instances we utilize an appropriate input or output measure to determine to what extent control has transferred to the customer. Judgment may be required in determining an appropriate measure of performance.
Installation services are routinely provided to customers purchasing our systems. Installation services are a distinct performance obligation apart from the systems and recognized in the period they are performed. Service contracts, which include repair and maintenance service contracts, and extended warranty contracts are also distinct performance obligations and recognized over the contractual service period, which ranges from one to three years. For these service contracts recognized over time, we use an input measure, days elapsed, to measure progress.
A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. In determining the transaction price, we evaluate whether the price is subject to refund or
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adjustment to determine the net consideration to which we expect to be entitled. We generally do not grant return privileges, except for defective products during the warranty period. Sales incentives and other programs that we may make available to our customers are considered to be a form of variable consideration, which is estimated in determining the contract’s transaction price to be allocated to the performance obligations.
For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price. The stand-alone selling prices are determined based on observable prices, which are the prices at which we separately sell these products. For items which do not have observable prices, we use our best estimate of the stand-alone selling prices.
We account for tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction (i.e., sales, use, value added) on a net (excluded from revenue) basis.
Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss the results of our operations for the year ended December 25, 2021 compared to the year ended December 26, 2020. For a discussion of the year ended December 26, 2020 compared to the year ended December 28, 2019, please refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020.
The following table sets forth our operating results as a percentage of revenues:
| Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||
| Cost of revenues | 58.1 | 58.5 | 59.7 | |||||
| Gross profit | 41.9 | 41.5 | 40.3 | |||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development | 13.1 | 12.8 | 13.8 | |||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 16.1 | 16.6 | 18.0 | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 29.2 | 29.4 | 31.8 | |||||
| Operating income | 12.7 | 12.1 | 8.5 | |||||
| Interest income | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | |||||
| Interest expense | (0.1) | (0.1) | (0.3) | |||||
| Other income, net | 0.1 | 0.1 | * | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 12.8 | 12.3 | 8.7 | |||||
| Provision for income taxes | 1.9 | 1.0 | 2.0 | |||||
| Net income | 10.9 | % | 11.3 | % | 6.7 | % |
* Amounts insignificant and not greater than 0.1%.
Revenues by Segment
| Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2020 | Fiscal 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||
| Probe Cards | $ | 633,281 | $ | 581,739 | $ | 491,363 | ||||
| Systems | 136,393 | 111,877 | 98,101 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 769,674 | $ | 693,616 | $ | 589,464 |
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Revenues by Market
| Fiscal | % of | Fiscal | % of | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Revenues | 2020 | Revenues | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Probe Cards Markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foundry & Logic | $ | 435,812 | 56.6 | % | $ | 446,183 | 64.3 | % | $ | (10,371) | (2.3) | % | ||||||||
| DRAM | 156,049 | 20.3 | 109,734 | 15.8 | 46,315 | 42.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Flash | 41,420 | 5.4 | 25,822 | 3.7 | 15,598 | 60.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Systems Market: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Systems | 136,393 | 17.7 | 111,877 | 16.2 | 24,516 | 21.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 769,674 | 100.0 | % | $ | 693,616 | 100.0 | % | $ | 76,058 | 11.0 | % |
| Fiscal | % of | Fiscal | % of | Change | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Revenues | 2019 | Revenues | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Probe Cards Markets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foundry & Logic | $ | 446,183 | 64.3 | % | $ | 318,552 | 54.0 | % | $ | 127,631 | 40.1 | % | ||||||||
| DRAM | 109,734 | 15.8 | 147,257 | 25.0 | (37,523) | (25.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Flash | 25,822 | 3.7 | 25,554 | 4.3 | 268 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Systems Market: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Systems | 111,877 | 16.2 | 98,101 | 16.7 | 13,776 | 14.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 693,616 | 100.0 | % | $ | 589,464 | 100.0 | % | $ | 104,152 | 17.7 | % |
The decrease in Foundry & Logic product revenue in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was driven by lower demand from two major customers, partially offset by increased unit sales to other large semiconductor foundries and integrated device manufacturers. Our ability to significantly grow our overall revenue, despite these fluctuations, is the result of our long-term customer and market diversification initiatives.
The increase in DRAM product revenues in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was driven by increased sales to several customers and strong market-based demand for DRAM products through fiscal 2021. While we expect DRAM revenues to fluctuate from period to period, we believe new-design activity will continue to sustain healthy DRAM demand from each of our customers throughout fiscal 2022.
The increase in Flash product revenue in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was driven by increased sales resulting from the acquisition of the probe card assets of Advantest Corporation (“Baldwin Park”), offset by decreased sales as a result of decreased customer demand for our existing products. Our revenue in this market continues to be highly variable.
The increase in Systems product revenue in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was driven by increased sales of cryogenic systems due to the acquisition of High Precision Devices, Inc. (“HPD”) and increased sales of thermal sub-systems and metrology systems.
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Revenues by Geographic Region
| Fiscal 2021 | % of Revenues | Fiscal 2020 | % of Revenues | Fiscal 2019 | % of Revenues | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Taiwan | $ | 185,925 | 24.2 | % | $ | 150,837 | 21.7 | % | $ | 86,539 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||
| China | 163,069 | 21.2 | 174,915 | 25.2 | 106,256 | 18.0 | ||||||||||||||
| South Korea | 123,463 | 16.0 | 86,951 | 12.5 | 116,882 | 19.8 | ||||||||||||||
| United States | 122,147 | 15.9 | 127,628 | 18.4 | 155,202 | 26.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific (1) | 88,550 | 11.5 | 32,991 | 4.8 | 21,468 | 3.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Europe | 43,705 | 5.7 | 65,572 | 9.5 | 41,473 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Japan | 36,504 | 4.7 | 43,605 | 6.3 | 52,584 | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Rest of World | 6,311 | 0.8 | 11,117 | 1.6 | 9,060 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | 769,674 | 100.0 | % | $ | 693,616 | 100.0 | % | $ | 589,464 | 100.0 | % |
(1) Asia-Pacific includes all countries in the region except Taiwan, South Korea, China and Japan, which are disclosed separately.
Geographic revenue information is based on the location to which we ship the product. For example, if a certain South Korean customer purchases through their U.S. subsidiary and requests the products to be shipped to an address in South Korea, this sale will be reflected in the revenue for South Korea rather than U.S.
Changes in revenue by geographic region in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 were primarily attributable to changes in customer demand, shifts in customer regional manufacturing strategies, particularly with our large multinational customers, and product sales mix.
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margins
Cost of revenues consists primarily of manufacturing materials, compensation and benefits, shipping and handling costs, manufacturing-related overhead and amortization of certain intangible assets. Our manufacturing operations rely on a limited number of suppliers to provide key components and materials for our products, some of which are a sole source. We order materials and supplies based on backlog and forecasted customer orders. Tooling and setup costs related to changing manufacturing lots at our suppliers are also included in the cost of revenues. We expense all warranty costs, inventory provisions and amortization of certain intangible assets as cost of revenues.
Gross profit and gross margin by segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Fiscal 2021 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe Cards | Systems | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 279,873 | $ | 65,834 | $ | (22,940) | $ | 322,767 | ||||||
| Gross margin | 44.2 | % | 48.3 | % | — | % | 41.9 | % |
| Fiscal 2020 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe Cards | Systems | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 263,215 | $ | 51,835 | $ | (27,130) | $ | 287,920 | ||||||
| Gross margin | 45.2 | % | 46.3 | % | — | % | 41.5 | % |
| Fiscal 2019 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe Cards | Systems | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 211,382 | $ | 50,927 | $ | (24,813) | $ | 237,496 | ||||||
| Gross margin | 43.0 | % | 51.9 | % | — | % | 40.3 | % |
Probe Cards
Gross profit in the Probe Cards segment increased in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020, primarily due to higher revenues. Gross margin in the Probe Cards segment decreased in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020, primarily due to product mix within and between our served markets, including the effects of increased DRAM revenues at gross margin levels lower than fiscal
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2020, unfavorable manufacturing variances, higher material costs driven by fluctuations in commodity costs, and increases in wafer expense primarily due to timing of factory loading, partially offset by higher gross margin Foundry & Logic revenues.
Systems
Gross profit and gross margin in the Systems segment increased in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020, primarily as a result of higher revenues and favorable product mix, largely related to increased sales of metrology systems and thermal sub-systems.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other includes unallocated expenses relating to amortization of intangible assets, inventory and fixed asset fair value adjustments due to acquisitions, share-based compensation, and restructuring charges, net, which are not used in evaluating the results of, or in allocating resources to, our reportable segments. The reduction in Corporate and Other in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020, is primarily due to a reduction in the amortization of intangibles from significant intangibles becoming fully amortized, partially offset by increased stock-based compensation expense.
Overall
Gross profit and gross margin fluctuate with revenue levels, product mix, selling prices, factory loading and material costs. For fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020, gross profit has increased on greater revenue levels and gross margins increased due to the reduction in the amortization of intangibles, partially offset by lower blended gross margins due to product mix.
Stock-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues for fiscal 2021 and 2020 was $5.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
Research and Development
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2021 | December 26, 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | 100,937 | $ | 89,034 | $ | 11,903 | 13.4 | % | ||||||
| % of revenues | 13.1 | % | 12.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| December 26, 2020 | December 28, 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | 89,034 | $ | 81,499 | $ | 7,535 | 9.2 | % | ||||||
| % of revenues | 12.8 | % | 13.8 | % |
The increase in research and development expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily driven by our acquisitions of Baldwin Park and HPD during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020, respectively, which increased headcount and general operational costs. Annual salary increases, higher stock-based compensation, and restructuring charges also contributed to the increase. The components of this increase were as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal 2021 compared to Fiscal 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Employee compensation costs | $ | 5,697 |
| General operating expenses | 3,259 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 1,759 | |
| Restructure | 869 | |
| Depreciation | 181 | |
| Project material costs | 138 | |
| $ | 11,903 |
Stock-based compensation expense included within research and development in fiscal 2021 and 2020 was $7.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
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Selling, General and Administrative
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2021 | December 26, 2020 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 123,792 | $ | 115,098 | $ | 8,694 | 7.6 | % | ||||||
| % of revenues | 16.1 | % | 16.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| December 26, 2020 | December 28, 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 115,098 | $ | 106,335 | $ | 8,763 | 8.2 | % | ||||||
| % of revenues | 16.6 | % | 18.0 | % |
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily driven by our acquisitions of Baldwin Park and HPD during the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, respectively, which increased headcount and general operational costs. Annual salary increases, higher stock-based compensation, and the benefit in the prior year related to adjustments to contingent consideration for the acquisition of FRT GmbH (“FRT”) that did not repeat also contributed to the increases. These increases were partially offset by decreased consulting fees for information technology security remediation costs incurred in fiscal 2020 that did not repeat in fiscal 2021.
The components of this overall increase were as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal 2021 compared to Fiscal 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Employee compensation | $ | 5,832 |
| Gain on contingent consideration | 2,784 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 2,546 | |
| General operating expenses | 1,537 | |
| Consulting fees | (4,005) | |
| $ | 8,694 |
Stock-based compensation expense included within selling, general and administrative in fiscal 2021 and 2020 was $16.6 million, and $14.1 million, respectively.
Interest Income and Interest Expense
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2021 | December 26, 2020 | December 28, 2019 | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 569 | $ | 1,501 | $ | 2,714 | ||||
| Weighted average balance of cash and investments | 265,248 | 230,310 | 179,526 | |||||||
| Weighted average yield on cash and investments | 0.29 | % | 0.90 | % | 2.05 | % | ||||
| Interest expense | $ | 602 | $ | 864 | $ | 1,915 | ||||
| Average debt outstanding | 16,304 | 37,563 | 56,776 | |||||||
| Weighted average interest rate on debt | 1.42 | % | 1.94 | % | 4.09 | % |
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Interest income is earned on our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities. The decrease in interest income in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was attributable to lower investment yields due to the low interest rate environment, despite higher invested balances.
Interest expense primarily includes interest on our term loans, interest rate swap derivative contracts, and term loan issuance costs amortization charges. The decrease in interest expense in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to lower outstanding debt balances driven primarily by the pay-off of one of our term loans on June 30, 2020.
Other income, net
Other income, net primarily includes the effects of foreign currency impact and various other gains and losses.
Provision for income taxes
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2021 | December 26, 2020 | December 28, 2019 | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 14,576 | $ | 6,652 | $ | 11,717 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 14.8 | % | 7.8 | % | 22.9 | % |
Provision for income taxes reflects the tax provision on our operations in foreign and U.S. jurisdictions, offset by tax benefits from tax credits and the foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) deduction. Our effective tax rate may vary based on changes in estimated taxable income or loss by jurisdiction, changes to the valuation allowance, changes to U.S. federal, state or foreign tax laws, changes in ASC 718 stock-based compensation expense/benefit, future expansion into areas with varying country, state, and local income tax rates, and deductibility of certain costs and expenses by jurisdiction.
We have utilized our previous net operating loss carryforwards in fiscal 2021, and expect the FDII deduction and corresponding benefit to be available, resulting in a decrease from the U.S. statutory rate and included in our worldwide effective tax rate for the year ended December 25, 2021. In fiscal 2020, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service finalized regulations T.D. 9902 with respect to the global intangible low-taxes income high-tax exemption, resulting in a decrease in our effective tax rate. This adjustment was retroactive to the fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and the cumulative impact was taken into account during fiscal 2020, which provided a significant one-time tax benefit in fiscal 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Resources
Our working capital increased to $375.3 million at December 25, 2021 compared to $332.5 million at December 26, 2020, primarily due to higher cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, net, from cash generated from operations, higher inventories and accounts receivable on higher operating levels, and lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities from timing of payments, partially offset by higher deferred revenue and operating lease liabilities.
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of deposits held at banks, money market funds, and U.S. agency securities. Marketable securities primarily consist of U.S. treasuries, corporate bonds and commercial paper. We typically invest in highly-rated securities with low probabilities of default. Our investment policy requires investments to be rated single A or better, and limits the types of acceptable investments, issuer concentration and duration of the investment.
Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled approximately $276.1 million at December 25, 2021 compared to $255.0 million at December 26, 2020. Based on our historical results of operations, we expect that our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities on hand, and the cash we expect to generate from operations, will be sufficient to fund our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements primarily arising from: research and development, capital expenditures, working capital, outstanding commitments, and other liquidity requirements associated with existing operations. However, we cannot be certain that our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities on hand, and cash generated from operations, will be available in the future to fund all of our capital and operating requirements. In addition, any future strategic investments and significant acquisitions may require additional cash and capital resources. To the extent necessary, we may consider entering into short and long-term debt obligations, raising cash through a stock issuance, or obtaining new financing facilities, which may not be available on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to obtain sufficient cash or capital to meet our needs on a timely basis and on favorable terms, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could materially affect our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition.
If we are unsuccessful in maintaining or growing our revenues, maintaining or reducing our cost structure (in response to a potential reduction in demand due to an industry downturn, COVID-19, or other event), or increasing our available cash through debt or equity financings, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities may decline.
We utilize a variety of tax planning and financing strategies in an effort to manage our worldwide cash and deploy funds to locations where they are needed. As part of these strategies, we indefinitely reinvest a portion of our foreign earnings. Should we require additional capital in the U.S., we may elect to repatriate indefinitely-reinvested foreign funds or raise capital in the United States.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2021 | December 26, 2020 | December 28, 2019 | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 139,364 | $ | 169,256 | $ | 121,048 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (124,741) | (98,922) | (66,352) | |||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (47,199) | (30,935) | (6,578) |
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities consists of net income for the period adjusted for certain non-cash items and changes in certain operating assets and liabilities. The $29.9 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2021, as compared to fiscal 2020, was primarily related to increased investment in working capital to support higher operating levels.
Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to net income of $83.9 million, which included $105.2 million of net non-cash items, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities using $49.8 million of cash as discussed in more detail below.
Accounts receivable increased $7.9 million to $115.5 million at December 25, 2021 compared to $107.6 million at December 26, 2020, as a result of higher operating levels and timing of customer payments.
Inventories, net, increased $12.3 million to $111.5 million at December 25, 2021 compared to $99.2 million at December 26, 2020, as a result of higher operating levels.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $8.7 million to $108.7 million at December 25, 2021 compared to $117.4 million at December 26, 2020, as a result of the timing of payments and decreases in accrued warranty, partially offset by higher operating levels and increases in accrued taxes.
Operating lease liabilities increased $4.2 million to $38.9 million at December 25, 2021, compared to $34.7 million at December 26, 2020, as a result of additional right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations of $7.2 million, offset by lease payments.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2021 primarily related to $66.5 million of cash used in the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, and $58.2 million used for the purchase of marketable securities, net of maturities.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 primarily related to $24.0 million used to purchase common stock under our stock repurchase program, $20.6 million used to pay tax withholdings for net share settlements of employee equity awards, and $9.3 million of principal payments made towards the repayment of our term loans, partially offset by $10.7 million of proceeds received from issuances of common stock under our stock incentive plans.
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Debt
CMI Term Loan
On June 24, 2016, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with HSBC Bank USA, National Association (“HSBC”), as administrative agent, co-lead arranger, sole bookrunner and syndication agent, other lenders that may from time-to-time be a party to the Credit Agreement, and certain guarantors. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the lenders provided us with a senior secured term loan facility of $150 million (the “CMI Term Loan”). The proceeds of the CMI Term Loan were used to finance a portion of the purchase price paid in connection with the Cascade Microtech acquisition in fiscal 2016 and to pay related bank fees and expenses.
The CMI Term Loan bore interest at a rate equal to, at our option, (i) the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus 2.00% per annum or (ii) Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 1.00% per annum. We elected to pay interest at 2.00% over the one-month LIBOR rate. Interest payments were payable in quarterly installments over a five-year period.
The principal payments on the CMI Term Loan were scheduled to be paid in equal quarterly installments that began June 30, 2016, in an annual amount equal to 5% for year one, 10% for year two, 20% for year three, 30% for year four and 35% for year five. We accelerated payments of these scheduled amounts and made the final payment on the CMI Term Loan on June 30, 2020, approximately one year before the original maturity. We are no longer subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
FRT Term Loan
On October 25, 2019, we entered into a euro denominated $23.4 million, three-year credit facility loan agreement (the “FRT Term Loan”) with HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt AG, Germany, to fund the acquisition of FRT GmbH, which we acquired on October 9, 2019.
The FRT Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus 1.75 % per annum and will be repaid in quarterly installments of approximately $2.0 million plus interest. The interest rate at December 25, 2021 was 1.20%.
The obligations under the FRT Term Loan are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FormFactor, Inc. The FRT Term Loan contains negative covenants customary for financing of this type, including covenants that place limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the creation of liens, the payment of dividends; dispositions; fundamental changes, including mergers and acquisitions; loans and investments; sale leasebacks; negative pledges; transactions with affiliates; changes in fiscal year; sanctions and anti-bribery laws and regulations, and modifications to charter documents in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders. The FRT Term Loan also contains affirmative covenants and representations and warranties customary for financing of this type. As of December 25, 2021, the balance outstanding pursuant to the FRT term loan was $7.9 million, and we were in compliance with all covenants.
Building Term Loan
On June 22, 2020, we entered into an $18.0 million 15-year credit facility loan agreement (the “Building Term Loan”) with MUFG Union Bank, National Association (“Union Bank”). The proceeds of the Building Term Loan were used to purchase a building adjacent to our leased facilities in Livermore, California.
The Building Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.75% per annum. Interest payments are payable in monthly installments over a fifteen-year period. The interest rate at December 25, 2021 was 1.85%.
On March 17, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Union Bank to hedge the interest payments on the Building Term Loan for the notional amount of $18.0 million. As future levels of LIBOR over the life of the loan are uncertain, we entered into this interest-rate swap agreement to hedge the exposure in interest rate risks associated with movement in LIBOR rates. By entering into the agreement, we convert a floating rate interest at one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% into a fixed rate interest at 2.75%. The interest rate swap included a 0% floor that was effective for one year from the date of the swap. As of December 25, 2021, the notional amount of the loan that is subject to this interest rate swap is $16.5 million.
The obligations under the Building Term Loan are guaranteed by a deed of trust covering certain real property and improvements and certain personal property used in connection therewith. The deed of trust creates a first priority lien or encumbrance on the property with only such exceptions as may be approved by the Union Bank in writing.
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The Credit Agreement contains covenants customary for financing of this type. As of December 25, 2021, the balance outstanding pursuant to the Building Term Loan was $16.5 million, and we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.
Stock Repurchase Program
In October 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock to offset potential dilution from issuances of common stock under our stock-based incentive plans. The share repurchase program will expire October 28, 2022. This repurchase program replaced the previous repurchase program that expired in February 2020 to purchase up to $25.0 million of outstanding common stock. During fiscal 2021, we repurchased 622,400 shares of common stock for $24.0 million, and, as of December 25, 2021, $26.0 million remained available for future repurchases. There was no stock repurchased in fiscal 2020 or 2019.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes our significant contractual commitments to make future payments in cash under contractual obligations as of December 25, 2021 (in thousands):
| Payments Due In Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 and thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | 8,594 | $ | 7,232 | $ | 6,814 | $ | 6,799 | $ | 6,008 | $ | 8,970 | $ | 44,417 | ||||||||||||
| Term loans - principal payments | 8,935 | 1,050 | 1,080 | 1,111 | 1,142 | 11,117 | 24,435 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Term loans - interest payments(1) | 361 | 282 | 263 | 240 | 220 | 930 | 2,296 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 17,890 | $ | 8,564 | $ | 8,157 | $ | 8,150 | $ | 7,370 | $ | 21,017 | $ | 71,148 |
(1) Represents our minimum interest payment commitments at 1.20% per annum for the FRT Term Loan and 1.85% per annum for the Building Term Loan.
The table above excludes our gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $35.7 million as of December 25, 2021. The timing of any payments which could result from these unrecognized tax benefits will depend upon a number of factors and, accordingly, the timing of payment cannot be estimated.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered, and may from time to time in the ordinary course of our business enter, into contractual arrangements with third parties that include indemnification obligations. Under these contractual arrangements, we have agreed to defend, indemnify and/or hold the third party harmless from and against certain liabilities. These arrangements include indemnities in favor of customers in the event that our products or services infringe a third party's intellectual property or cause property or other indemnities in favor of our lessors in connection with facility leasehold liabilities that we may cause. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers, and our bylaws contain indemnification obligations in favor of our directors, officers and agents. These indemnity arrangements may limit the type of the claim, the total amount that we can be required to pay in connection with the indemnification obligation and the time within which an indemnification claim can be made. The duration of the indemnification obligation may vary, and for most arrangements, survives the agreement term and is indefinite. We believe that substantially all of our indemnity arrangements provide either for limitations on the maximum potential future payments we could be obligated to make, or for limitations on the types of claims and damages we could be obligated to indemnify, or both. However, it is not possible to determine or reasonably estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification obligations due to the varying terms of such obligations, a lack of history of prior indemnification claims, the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular contractual arrangement and in each potential future claim for indemnification, and the contingency of any potential liabilities upon the occurrence of events that are not reasonably determinable. We have not had any material requests for indemnification under these arrangements. We have not recorded any liabilities for these indemnification arrangements on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 2021 or December 26, 2020.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 17, New Accounting Pronouncements, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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