CORNING INC /NY
ITEM 1 Business
General
Corning traces its origins to a glass business established in 1851. The present corporation was incorporated in the State of New York in December 1936. The Company’s name was changed from Corning Glass Works to Corning Incorporated on April 28, 1989.
Corning Incorporated is a world leader in the manufacture of specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Corning operates in five reportable segments: Display Technologies, Optical Communications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences. Corning manufactures and processes products at approximately 70 plants in 15 countries.
Display Technologies Segment
Corning’s Display Technologies segment manufactures glass substrates for active matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that are used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. This segment develops, manufactures and supplies high quality glass substrates using technology expertise and a proprietary fusion manufacturing process, which Corning invented and is the cornerstone of the Company’s technology leadership in the LCD industry. The automated process yields high quality glass substrates with excellent dimensional stability and uniformity - essential attributes for the production of large, high performance active matrix LCDs. Corning’s fusion process is scalable and is thought to be the most effective process in producing large size substrates. We are recognized for providing product innovations that help our customers produce larger, lighter, thinner and higher-resolution displays more affordably. In 2006, Corning launched EAGLE XG®, the industry’s first LCD glass substrate that is free of heavy metals. In 2010, leveraging the EAGLE XG® composition, Corning introduced EAGLE XG® Slim glass, a line of slim glass substrates which enables lighter-weight portable devices and thinner televisions and monitors. In 2011, Corning launched Corning Lotus™ Glass, a high-performance display glass developed to enable cutting-edge technologies, including organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays and next generation LCDs. Corning Lotus Glass helps support the demanding manufacturing processes of both OLED and liquid crystal displays for high performance, portable devices such as smart phones, tablets, and notebook computers. In 2012, Corning introduced Corning® Willow™ Glass, our ultra-slim flexible glass for use in next-generation consumer electronic technologies. Not only does this technology support thinner backplanes for both OLED and LCD displays, it also allows for curved displays for immersive viewing or mounting on non-flat surfaces. And in 2013, Corning announced the commercial launch of Corning Lotus™ XT Glass, a second-generation glass substrate specially formulated for high-performance displays. The Corning Lotus Glass platform offers an energy-efficient, immersive display device that features high resolution, fast response times, and bright picture quality.
Our Display Technologies segment has two equity affiliates: 1) Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision Materials), of which Corning owns 57% and Samsung Display Co., Ltd. (Samsung Display) owns 43%; and 2) Samsung Corning Advanced Glass, LLC, owned equally by Corning and Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. Samsung Corning Precision Materials is a leading supplier of LCD glass substrates to display manufacturers in Korea. Samsung Corning Advanced Glass, LLC manufactures specialty glass substrates for the rapidly expanding organic light emitting diode (OLED) device market. The business combines Corning’s Lotus™ Glass substrate technology and Samsung Display’s OLED display expertise, to provide outstanding product solutions for current and future OLED technologies. Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ financial statements are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 1
To extend Corning’s leadership in specialty glass and drive earnings growth, Corning announced in October 2013 that it is entering into a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display intended to strengthen product and technology collaborations between the two companies. Corning and Samsung Display completed this transaction on January 15, 2014.
The following is a summary of the series of transactions, and the impacts to the Display Technologies segment:
• Corning obtained full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. This organization and its assets will be integrated into Corning’s Display Technologies segment.
• Corning and Samsung Display extended their long-term LCD display glass supply agreement through 2023.
• The two companies’ strengthened their technology collaborations on strategic product development and commercialization initiatives.
In connection with these agreements, in the fourth quarter of 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in Samsung Corning Precision Materials for $506 million, which included payment for the transfer of non-operating assets and the pro-rata portion of cash on Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The resulting transfer of shares to Corning increased Corning’s ownership percentage of Samsung Corning Precision Materials from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013. The remaining transactions were completed on January 15, 2014, which increased Corning’s ownership to 100% and will result in consolidation of the entity beginning in the first quarter of 2014. Refer to Note 21 (Subsequent Events) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
LCD glass manufacturing is a highly capital intensive business. Important attributes for success include efficient manufacturing, access to capital, technology know-how, and patents. As a result of these transactions, Corning expects to realize increased flexibility in glass-melting capabilities, which will allow the company to re-evaluate the need for major capital expenditures for additional fusion glass manufacturing assets.
Corning has LCD glass manufacturing operations in the United States, Japan, Taiwan and China. Samsung Corning Precision Materials has LCD glass manufacturing facilities in Korea. Following completion of the transaction, Corning will be able to service all specialty glass customers in all regions directly, utilizing its manufacturing facilities throughout Asia.
Patent protection and proprietary trade secrets are important to this segment’s operations. Corning has a growing portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Corning licenses certain of its patents to Samsung Corning Precision Materials and other third parties and generates royalty income from these licenses. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to patents and trademarks.
The Display Technologies segment represented 32% of Corning’s sales in 2013.
Optical Communications Segment
Corning invented the world’s first low-loss optical fiber in 1970. Since that milestone, we have continued to pioneer optical fiber, cable and connectivity solutions. As global bandwidth demand driven by video usage grows exponentially, networks continue to migrate from copper to optical-based systems that can deliver the required cost-effective bandwidth-carrying capacity. Our unrivaled experience puts us in a unique position to design and deliver optical solutions that reach every edge of the communications network.
Because our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry, we are updating the name of the segment to Corning Optical Communications. This segment will be classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks of products and solutions sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
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Our carrier network product portfolio begins with optical fiber products, including Vascade® submarine optical fibers for use in submarine networks; LEAF® optical fiber for long-haul, regional and metropolitan networks; SMF-28® ULL fiber for more scalable long-haul and regional networks; SMF-28e+™ single-mode optical fiber that provides additional transmission wavelengths in metropolitan and access networks; and ClearCurve® ultra-bendable single-mode fiber for use in multiple-dwelling units and fiber-to-the-home applications. In 2013, Corning announced its latest single-mode optical fiber innovation, SMF-28® Ultra fiber. Designed for high performance across the range of long-haul, metro, access, and fiber-to-the-home network applications, it is the first to combine the benefits of industry-leading attenuation and improved macrobend performance in one fiber. Our optical fiber is sold directly to end users or third-party cablers around the world. Corning’s remaining fiber production is cabled internally and sold to end users as either bulk cable or as part of an integrated optical solution. Corning’s cable products support various outdoor, indoor/outdoor and indoor applications and include a broad range of loose tube, ribbon and drop cable designs with flame-retardant versions available for indoor and indoor/outdoor use.
In addition to optical fiber and cable, our carrier network product portfolio also includes hardware and equipment products, including cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures, network interface devices, and other accessories. These products may be sold as individual components or as part of integrated optical connectivity solutions designed for various carrier network applications. Examples of these solutions include our FlexNAPTM terminal distribution system, which provides pre-connectorized distribution and drop cable assemblies for cost-effectively deploying Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks; and the recently launched CentrixTM platform, which provides a high-density fiber management system with industry-leading density and innovative jumper routing that can be deployed in a wide variety of carrier switching centers.
To keep pace with surging demand for mobile bandwidth, the Corning Optical Network Evolution (ONE) wireless platform was launched in 2013. In addition to our full complement of operator-grade distributed antenna systems (DAS), ONE™ is the first all-optical converged cellular and Wi-Fi® solution built on an all-optical backbone with modular service support. The ONE wireless platform provides virtually unlimited bandwidth, and meets all of the wireless service needs of large-scale enterprises at a lower cost than the typical DAS solution.
In addition to our optical-based portfolio, Corning’s carrier network portfolio also contains select copper-based products including subscriber demarcation, connection and protection devices, xDSL (different variations of digital subscriber lines) passive solutions and outside plant enclosures. In addition, Corning offers coaxial RF interconnects for the cable television industry as well as for microwave applications for GPS, radars, satellites, manned and unmanned military vehicles, and wireless and telecommunications systems.
Our enterprise network product portfolio also includes optical fiber products, including ClearCurve® ultra-bendable multimode fiber for data centers and other enterprise network applications; InfiniCor® fibers for local area networks; and more recently ClearCurve® VSDN® ultra-bendable optical fiber designed to support emerging high-speed interconnects between computers and other consumer electronics devices. The remainder of Corning’s fiber production is cabled internally and sold to end users as either bulk cable or as part of an integrated optical solution. Corning’s cable products include a broad range of tight-buffered, loose tube and ribbon cable designs with flame-retardant versions available for indoor and indoor/outdoor applications that meet local building code requirements.
Corning’s hardware and equipment products for enterprise network applications include cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and other accessories. These products may be sold as individual components or as part of integrated optical connectivity solutions designed for various network applications. Examples of enterprise network solutions include the Pretium EDGE® platform, which provides high-density pre-connectorized solutions for data center applications, and continues to evolve with recent updates for upgrading to 40/100G applications and port tap modules for network monitoring; the previously mentioned ONE Wireless platform, which spans both carrier and enterprise network applications; and our recently introduced optical connectivity solutions to support customer initiatives.
The Optical Communications segment also launched Thunderbolt™ Optical Cables in 2013, the first all-optical fiber cables designed for consumer applications. These cables allow users to effortlessly manage the demands of today’s high-bandwidth applications at up to 20 Gb/sec over longer distances. The electrically isolated, noise-reducing cables are up to 50 percent thinner and 80 percent lighter than comparable copper cables with substantially increased strength and flexibility.
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Corning operates manufacturing facilities worldwide. Our optical fiber manufacturing facilities are located in North Carolina, China and India. Cabling operations include facilities in North Carolina, Germany, Poland, China and smaller regional locations and equity affiliates. Our manufacturing operations for hardware and equipment products are located in North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Mexico, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Israel, Australia and China.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has an extensive portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. The segment licenses certain of its patents to third parties and generates revenue from these licenses, although the royalty income is not currently material to this segment’s operating results. Corning is licensed to use certain patents owned by others, which are considered important to the segment’s operations. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Optical Communications segment represented 30% of Corning’s sales for 2013.
Environmental Technologies Segment
Corning’s Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications around the world. In the early 1970s, Corning developed an economical, high-performance cellular ceramic substrate that is now the standard for catalytic converters in vehicles worldwide. As global emissions control regulations tighten, Corning has continued to develop more effective and durable ceramic substrate and filter products for gasoline and diesel applications. Corning manufactures substrate and filter products in New York, Virginia, China, Germany and South Africa. Corning sells its ceramic substrate and filter products worldwide to catalyzers and manufacturers of emission control systems who then sell to automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers. Although most sales are made to the emission control systems manufacturers, the use of Corning substrates and filters is generally required by the specifications of the automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has an extensive portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Corning is licensed to use certain patents owned by others, which are also considered important to the segment’s operations. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Environmental Technologies segment represented 12% of Corning’s sales for 2013.
Specialty Materials Segment
The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices and televisions.
Our cover glass, known as Corning® Gorilla® Glass, is a thin sheet glass designed specifically to function as a cover glass for display devices such as tablets, notebook PCs, televisions and mobile phones. Elegant and lightweight, Corning Gorilla Glass is durable enough to resist many real-world events that commonly cause glass failure, enabling exciting new applications in technology and design. Early in 2012, Corning launched Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2, the next generation in our Corning Gorilla Glass suite of products. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 enables up to a 20% reduction in glass thickness, while maintaining the industry-leading damage resistance, toughness and scratch-resistance. And in 2013, we introduced Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 with Native Damage Resistance, our latest version of our damage-resistant cover glass for consumer electronic devices, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT™, designed to help protect touch notebook displays from scratches and other forms of damage that come from everyday handling and use. Corning Gorilla Glass is manufactured in Kentucky, Japan and Taiwan.
Semiconductor optics manufactured by Corning includes high-performance optical material products, optical-based metrology instruments, and optical assemblies for applications in the global semiconductor industry. Corning’s semiconductor optics products are manufactured in New York.
Other specialty glass products include glass lens and window components and assemblies and are made in New York, New Hampshire, Kentucky and France or sourced from China.
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Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has a growing portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Brand recognition and loyalty, through well-known trademarks, are important to the segment. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Specialty Materials segment represented approximately 15% of Corning’s sales for 2013.
Life Sciences Segment
As a leading developer, manufacturer and global supplier of scientific laboratory products for more than 95 years, Corning’s Life Sciences segment collaborates with researchers seeking new approaches to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and compress timelines in the drug discovery process. Using unique expertise in the fields of materials science, surface science, optics, biochemistry and biology, the segment provides innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable breakthrough discoveries.
Life Sciences laboratory products include general labware and equipment, as well as specialty surfaces, media and reagents, that are used for cell culture research, bioprocessing, genomics, drug discovery, microbiology and chemistry. Corning sells life science products under these primary brands: Corning, Falcon, PYREX, Axygen, and Gosselin. The products are marketed worldwide, primarily through distributors to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, hospitals, government entities, and other research facilities. Corning manufactures these products in the United States in Maine, New York, New Jersey, California, Utah, Virginia, Massachusetts and North Carolina, and outside of the U.S. in Mexico, France, Poland, and China.
In addition to being a global leader in consumable glass and plastic laboratory tools for life science research, Corning continues to develop and produce unique technologies aimed at simplifying customer lab processes, or “workflows”, through three key categories:
• Vessels - Corning® HYPER platform of vessels for increased cell yields; Corning® Microcarriers for cell scale-up, therapy and vaccine applications;
• Surfaces - Corning® CellBIND® Surface; Corning® Matrigel®; Corning® BioCoatTM; Corning Synthemax® II Surface;
• Media - Corning® stemgro®
In addition, Corning continues to advance its Corning® Epic® Technology for high-throughput screening with the Corning® Epic® BT, bench top instrument.
Patent protection is important to the segment’s operations. The segment has a growing portfolio of patents relating to its products, technologies and manufacturing processes. Brand recognition and loyalty, through well-known trademarks, are important to the segment. Refer to the material under the heading “Patents and Trademarks” for information relating to the Company’s patents and trademarks.
The Life Sciences segment represented approximately 11% of Corning’s sales for 2013.
All Other
All Other primarily includes development projects and new product lines, certain corporate investments, Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD business, Corning’s Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates with Saint Gobain Vitrage S.A. of France, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products, and Corsam, an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials to provide glass technology research. Development projects and new product lines involve the use of various technologies for new products such as advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics and adjacency businesses in pursuit of thin, strong glass applications.
The Other segment represented less than 1% of Corning’s sales for 2013.
Additional explanation regarding Corning and its five reportable segments is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 20 (Reportable Segments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Corporate Investments
Corning and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own half of Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning), an equity company headquartered in Michigan that manufactures silicone products worldwide. Dow Corning is a leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is the majority-owner of Hemlock Semiconductor Group (Hemlock), a market leader in the production of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar energy industries. Dow Corning’s sales were $5.7 billion in 2013. Additional discussion about Dow Corning appears in the Legal Proceedings section. Dow Corning’s financial statements are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. each own half of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC), an equity company in Pennsylvania that manufactures glass products for architectural and industrial uses. PCC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in April 2000. Corning also owns half of Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation that manufactures glass products for industrial uses primarily in Europe. Additional discussion about PCC and PCE appears in the Legal Proceedings section.
Additional information about corporate investments is presented in Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition
Corning competes across all of its product lines with many large and varied manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. Some of these competitors are larger than Corning, and some have broader product lines. Corning strives to sustain and improve its market position through technology and product innovation. For the future, Corning believes its competitive advantage lies in its commitment to research and development, and its commitment to quality. There is no assurance that Corning will be able to maintain or improve its market position or competitive advantage.
Display Technologies Segment
We believe Corning, including Samsung Corning Precision Materials, is the largest worldwide producer of glass substrates for active matrix LCD displays. The environment for LCD glass substrate products is very competitive and Corning believes it has sustained its competitive advantages by investing in new products, providing a consistent and reliable supply, and using its proprietary fusion manufacturing process. This process allows us to deliver glass that is larger, thinner and lighter, with exceptional surface quality and without heavy metals. Asahi Glass, Nippon Electric Glass and Avan Strate, Inc. are Corning’s principal competitors in display glass substrates.
Optical Communications Segment
Competition within the communications equipment industry is intense among several significant companies. Corning is a leading competitor in the segment’s principal product groups, which include carrier network and enterprise network. The competitive landscape includes industry consolidation, price pressure and competition for the innovation of new products. These competitive conditions are likely to persist. Corning believes its large scale manufacturing experience, fiber process, technology leadership and intellectual property yield cost advantages relative to several of its competitors.
The primary competing producers of carrier network products are TE Connectivity, Prysmian Group, OFS (a Furukawa Company), Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric, YOFC, Futong Group and 3M Company.
For enterprise network products, significant competitors are CommScope, TE Connectivity, Panduit Corporation and a number of other smaller competitors.
Environmental Technologies Segment
For worldwide automotive ceramic substrate products, Corning has a major market position that has remained relatively stable over the past year. Corning has also established a strong presence in the heavy duty and light duty diesel vehicle market and believes its competitive advantage in automotive ceramic substrate products for catalytic converters and diesel filter products for exhaust systems is based upon global presence, customer service, engineering design services and product innovation. Corning’s Environmental Technologies products face principal competition from NGK, Denso, and Ibiden.
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Specialty Materials Segment
Corning is one of very few manufacturers with deep capabilities in materials science, optical design, shaping, coating, finishing, metrology, and system assembly. Additionally, we are addressing emerging needs of the consumer electronics industry with the development of chemically strengthened glass. Corning Gorilla Glass is a thin-sheet glass that is better able to survive events that most commonly cause glass failure. Its advanced composition allows a deeper layer of chemical strengthening than is possible with most other chemically strengthened glasses, making it both durable and damage resistant. Our products and capabilities in this segment position the Company to meet the needs of a broad array of markets including display, semiconductor, aerospace/defense, astronomy, vision care, industrial/commercial, and telecommunications. For this segment, Schott, Shin-Etsu Quartz Products, Asahi Glass, Carl Zeiss, Nikon, Nippon Electric Glass, Transitions Optical, Oerlikon, Hoya and Heraeus are the main competitors.
Life Sciences Segment
Corning seeks to maintain a competitive advantage by emphasizing product quality, product availability, supply chain efficiency, a wide product line and superior product attributes. Our principle worldwide competitors include Greiner, Nunc, Kimble-Chase, Gibco and Duran. Corning also faces increasing competition from two large distributors that have pursued backward integration or introduced private label products.
Raw Materials
Corning’s production of specialty glasses, ceramics, and related materials requires significant quantities of energy, uninterrupted power sources, certain precious metals, and various batch materials.
Although energy shortages have not been a problem recently, the cost of energy remains volatile. Corning has achieved flexibility through engineering changes to take advantage of low-cost energy sources in most significant processes. Specifically, many of Corning’s principal manufacturing processes can be operated with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity, or a combination of these energy sources.
Availability of resources (ores, minerals, polymers, helium and processed chemicals) required in manufacturing operations, appears to be adequate. Corning’s suppliers, from time to time, may experience capacity limitations in their own operations, or may eliminate certain product lines. Corning believes it has adequate programs to ensure a reliable supply of batch materials and precious metals. For many products, Corning has alternate glass compositions that would allow operations to continue without interruption in the event of specific materials shortages.
Certain key materials and proprietary equipment used in the manufacturing of products are currently sole-sourced or available only from a limited number of suppliers. Any future difficulty in obtaining sufficient and timely delivery of components could result in lost sales due to delays or reductions in product shipments, or reductions in Corning’s gross margins.
Patents and Trademarks
Inventions by members of Corning’s research and engineering staff have been, and continue to be, important to the Company’s growth. Patents have been granted on many of these inventions in the United States and other countries. Some of these patents have been licensed to other manufacturers, including companies in which Corning has equity investments. Many of our earlier patents have now expired, but Corning continues to seek and obtain patents protecting its innovations. In 2013, Corning was granted over 350 patents in the U.S. and over 700 patents in countries outside the U.S.
Each business segment possesses a patent portfolio that provides certain competitive advantages in protecting Corning’s innovations. Corning has historically enforced, and will continue to enforce, its intellectual property rights. At the end of 2013, Corning and its wholly-owned subsidiaries owned over 6,900 unexpired patents in various countries of which about 3,100 were U.S. patents. Between 2014 and 2015, approximately 4% of these patents will expire, while at the same time Corning intends to seek patents protecting its newer innovations. Worldwide, Corning has over 8,000 patent applications in process, with about 2,000 in process in the U.S. Corning believes that its patent portfolio will continue to provide a competitive advantage in protecting Corning’s innovation, although Corning’s competitors in each of its businesses are actively seeking patent protection as well.
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The Display Technologies segment has over 900 patents in various countries, of which over 250 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to glass compositions and methods for the use and manufacture of glass substrates for display applications. There is no group of important Display Technologies segment patents set to expire between 2014 and 2016.
The Optical Communications segment has over 2,400 patents in various countries, of which over 1,100 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include: (i) patents relating to optical fiber products including low loss optical fiber, high data rate optical fiber, and dispersion compensating fiber, and processes and equipment for manufacturing optical fiber, including methods for making optical fiber preforms and methods for drawing, cooling and winding optical fiber; (ii) patents relating to optical fiber ribbons and methods for making such ribbon, fiber optic cable designs and methods for installing optical fiber cable; (iii) patents relating to optical fiber connectors, termination and storage and associated methods of manufacture; and (iv) patents related to distributed communication systems. There is no group of important Optical Communications segment patents set to expire between 2014 and 2016.
The Environmental Technologies segment has over 500 patents in various countries, of which over 250 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to cellular ceramic honeycomb products, together with ceramic batch and binder system compositions, honeycomb extrusion and firing processes, and honeycomb extrusion dies and equipment for the high-volume, low-cost manufacture of such products. There is no group of important Environmental Technologies segment patents set to expire between 2014 and 2016.
The Specialty Materials segment has about 600 patents in various countries, of which over 350 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to protective cover glass, ophthalmic glasses and polarizing dies, and semiconductor/microlithography optics and blanks, metrology instrumentation and laser/precision optics, glass polarizers, specialty fiber, and refractories. There is no group of important Specialty Materials segment patents set to expire between 2014 and 2016.
The Life Sciences segment has over 800 patents in various countries, of which over 250 are U.S. patents. No one patent is considered material to this business segment. Some of the important U.S.-issued patents in this segment include patents relating to methods and apparatus for the manufacture and use of scientific laboratory equipment including multiwell plates and cell culture products, as well as equipment and processes for label independent drug discovery. There is no group of important Life Sciences segment patents set to expire between 2014 and 2016.
Products reported in All Other include development projects, new product lines, and other businesses or investments that do not meet the threshold for separate reporting.
Many of the Company’s patents are used in operations or are licensed for use by others, and Corning is licensed to use patents owned by others. Corning has entered into cross licensing arrangements with some major competitors, but the scope of such licenses has been limited to specific product areas or technologies.
Corning’s principal trademarks include the following: Axygen, Corning, Celcor, ClearCurve, DuraTrap, Eagle XG, Epic, Evolant, Gosselin, Gorilla, HPFS, Lanscape, Pretium, Pyrex, Steuben, Falcon, SMF-28e, and Willow.
Protection of the Environment
Corning has a program to ensure that its facilities are in compliance with state, federal and foreign pollution-control regulations. This program has resulted in capital and operating expenditures each year. In order to maintain compliance with such regulations, capital expenditures for pollution control in continuing operations were approximately $5 million in 2013 and are estimated to be $6 million in 2014.
Corning’s 2013 consolidated operating results were charged with approximately $39 million for depreciation, maintenance, waste disposal and other operating expenses associated with pollution control. Corning believes that its compliance program will not place it at a competitive disadvantage.
Employees
At December 31, 2013, Corning had approximately 30,400 full-time employees, including approximately 11,400 employees in the United States. From time to time, Corning also retains consultants, independent contractors, temporary and part-time workers. Unions are certified as bargaining agents for approximately 23.8% of Corning’s United States employees.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant
Wendell P. Weeks Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Mr. Weeks joined Corning in 1983. He was named vice president and general manager of the Optical Fiber business in 1996, senior vice president in 1997, senior vice president of Opto-Electronics in 1998, executive vice president in 1999, and president, Corning Optical Communications in 2001. Mr. Weeks was named president and chief operating officer of Corning in 2002, president and chief executive officer in 2005 and chairman and chief executive officer on April 26, 2007. He added the title of president in December 2010. Mr. Weeks is a director of Merck & Co. Inc. Mr. Weeks has been a member of Corning’s Board of Directors since 2000. Age 54.
James B. Flaws Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Flaws joined Corning in 1973 and served in a variety of controller and business management positions. Mr. Flaws was elected assistant treasurer of Corning in 1993, vice president and controller in 1997, vice president of finance and treasurer in May 1997, senior vice president and chief financial officer in December 1997, executive vice president and chief financial officer in 1999 and to his current position in 2002. Mr. Flaws is a director of Dow Corning Corporation. Mr. Flaws has been a member of Corning’s Board of Directors since 2000. Age 65.
Kirk P. Gregg Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Gregg joined Corning in 1993 as director of Executive Compensation. He was named vice president of Executive Resources and Employee Benefits in 1994, senior vice president, Administration in December 1997 and to his current position in 2002. He is responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement and Transportation, Aviation, Community Affairs, Government Affairs, Business Services and Corporate Security. Prior to joining Corning, Mr. Gregg was with General Dynamics Corporation as corporate director, Key Management Programs, and was responsible for executive compensation and benefits, executive development and recruiting. Age 54.
Lawrence D. McRae Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development
Mr. McRae joined Corning in 1985 and served in various financial, sales and marketing positions. He was elected vice president Corporate Development in 2000, senior vice president Corporate Development in 2003, and senior vice president Strategy and Corporate Development in October 2005. He was elected to his present position in October 2010. Mr. McRae is on the board of directors of Dow Corning Corporation, and Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Age 55.
David L. Morse Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Morse joined Corning in 1976 in glass research, and worked as a composition scientist in developing and patenting several major products. He served in a variety of product and materials research and technology director roles, and was appointed division vice president and technology director for photonic technology groups beginning in March 1999, and became director of corporate research, science and technology in December 2001. He was elected vice president in January 2003, becoming senior vice president and director of corporate research in 2006. Dr. Morse was elected to his current position in May 2012. He is on the board of Dow Corning Corporation and a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Chemistry Board. Age 61.
Jeffrey W. Evenson Senior Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff
Dr. Evenson joined Corning in June 2011 and was elected to his current position at that time. He serves on the Management Committee and oversees a variety of strategic programs and growth initiatives. Prior to joining Corning, Dr. Evenson was a senior vice president with Sanford C. Bernstein, where he served as a senior analyst since 2004. Before that, Dr. Evenson was a partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led technology and market assessment for early-stage technologies. Age 48.
R. Tony Tripeny Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
Mr. Tripeny joined Corning in 1985 as the corporate accounting manager of Corning Cable Systems, and became the Keller facility’s plant controller in 1989. In 1993, he was appointed equipment division controller of Corning Cable Systems and, in 1996 corporate controller. Mr. Tripeny was appointed chief financial officer of Corning Cable Systems in July 2000. In 2003, he took on the additional role of Telecommunications group controller. He was appointed division vice president, operations controller in August 2004, and vice president, corporate controller in October 2005. Mr. Tripeny was elected to his current position in April 2009. He is on the board of directors of Hardinge Inc. Age 54.
Lewis A. Steverson Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Mr. Steverson joined Corning in June 2013 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining Corning, Mr. Steverson served as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary of Motorola Solutions, Inc. During his 18 years with Motorola, he held a variety of legal leadership roles across the company’s numerous business units. Prior to Motorola, Mr. Steverson was in private practice at the law firm of Arnold & Porter. Age 50.
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Document Availability
A copy of Corning’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is available upon written request to Ms. Linda E. Jolly, Corporate Secretary, Corning Incorporated, HQ-E2-10, Corning, NY 14831. The Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 and other filings are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC, and can be accessed electronically free of charge, through the Investor Relations line on Corning’s web site at www.corning.com. The information contained on the Company’s website is not included in, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other
Additional information in response to Item 1 is found in Note 20 (Reportable Segments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 6 (Selected Financial Data).
ITEM 1A Risk Factors
We operate in rapidly changing economic and technological environments that present numerous risks, many of which are driven by factors that we cannot control or predict. Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the trading price of our common stock. The following discussion of “risk factors” identifies the most significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, financial position or future financial performance. This information should be read in conjunction with MD&A and the consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into this report. The following discussion of risks is not all inclusive but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider, as these factors could cause our future results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements and from historical trends.
As a multinational company, we face many risks which could adversely impact our ongoing operations and reported financial results
We operate in over 100 countries and derive a substantial portion of our revenues from, and have significant operations, outside of the United States. Our international operations include manufacturing, assembly, sales, customer support, and shared administrative service centers.
Compliance with laws and regulations increases our cost of doing business. These laws and regulations include U.S. laws and local laws which include data privacy requirements, employment and labor laws, tax laws, anti-competition regulations, prohibitions on payments to governmental officials, import and trade restrictions and export requirements. Non-compliance and violations could result in fines, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, and prohibitions on the conduct of our business. Any such violations could result in prohibitions on our ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries and could also materially damage our reputation, our brand, our international expansion efforts, our ability to attract and retain employees, our business and our operating results. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate these risks and manage these difficulties.
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We are also subject to a variety of other risks in managing a multinational global organization, including those related to:
• General economic conditions in each country or region;
• Many complex regulatory requirements affecting international trade and investment, including anti-dumping laws, export controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws prohibiting improper payments. Our operations may be adversely affected by changes in the substance or enforcement of these regulatory requirements, and by actual or alleged violations of them;
• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, convertibility of currencies and restrictions involving the movement of funds between jurisdictions and countries;
• Sovereign risks may adversely affect Corning’s profitability and assets;
• Geographical concentration of our factories and operations and regional shifts in our customer base;
• Periodic health epidemic concerns;
• Political unrest, confiscation or expropriation of our assets by foreign governments, terrorism and the potential for other hostilities;
• Difficulty in protecting intellectual property or sensitive commercial and operations data or information technology systems generally;
• Differing legal systems, including protection and treatment of intellectual property and patents;
• Complex tax regimes, tariffs, trade duties and other trade barriers including anti-dumping duties;
• Difficulty in collecting obligations owed to us such as accounts receivable;
• Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and windstorms; and
• Potential power loss or disruption affecting manufacturing.
Our sales could be negatively impacted by the actions or circumstances of one or more key customers leading to the substantial reduction in orders for our products
In 2013, Corning’s ten largest customers accounted for 50% of our sales.
In addition, a relatively small number of customers accounted for a high percentage of net sales in our reportable segments. For 2013, four customers of the Display Technologies segment accounted for 94% of total segment net sales when combined. In the Optical Communications segment, one customer accounted for 10% of segment net sales. In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 87% of total segment sales in aggregate. In the Specialty Materials segment, three customers accounted for 47% of segment sales in 2013. In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 44% of segment sales in 2013. As a result of mergers and consolidations between customers, Corning’s customer base could become more concentrated.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ sales were also concentrated in 2013, with sales to two LCD panel makers located in South Korea accounting for approximately 92% of total Samsung Corning Precision Materials sales.
Our Optical Communications segment customers’ purchases of our products are affected by their capital expansion plans, general market and economic uncertainty and regulatory changes, including broadband policy. Sales in the Optical Communications segment are expected to be impacted by the pace of fiber-to-the-premises deployments. Our sales will be dependent on planned targets for homes passed and connected. Changes in our customers’ deployment plans could adversely affect future sales.
In the Environmental Technologies segment, sales of our ceramic substrate and filter products for automotive and diesel emissions tend to fluctuate with vehicle production. Changes in laws and regulations for air quality and emission controls may also influence future sales. Sales in our Environmental Technologies segment are mainly to three catalyzers and emission system control manufacturers. Our customers sell these systems to automobile and diesel engine original equipment manufacturers. Sales in this segment may be affected by adverse developments in the global vehicle or freight hauling industries or by such factors as higher fuel prices that may affect vehicle sales or downturns in freight traffic.
Certain sales in our Specialty Materials segment track worldwide economic cycles and our customers’ responses to those cycles. In addition, any positive trends in prior years in the sales of strengthened glass may not continue. We may experience losses relating to our inability to supply contracted quantities of this glass and processes planned to produce new versions of this glass may not be successful.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Sales in our Life Sciences segment are concentrated with two large distributors who are also competitors, and the balance is to a variety of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, universities, and other research facilities. In 2013, our two largest distributors accounted for 44% of Life Sciences’ segment sales. Changes in our distribution arrangements in this segment may adversely affect this segment’s financial results.
Our operations and financial performance could be negatively impacted, if the markets for our products do not develop and expand as we anticipate
The markets for our products are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry or regulatory standards and new product introductions. Our success is dependent on the successful introduction of new products, or upgrades of current products, and our ability to compete with new technologies. The following factors related to our products and markets, if they do not continue as in the recent past, could have an adverse impact on our operations:
• our ability to introduce advantaged products such as glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, optical fiber and cable and hardware and equipment, and environmental substrate and filter products at competitive prices;
• our ability to manufacture glass substrates and strengthened glass, to satisfy our customers technical requirements and our contractual obligations; and
• our ability to develop new products in response to government regulations and laws.
We face pricing pressures in each of our businesses that could adversely affect our financial performance
We face pricing pressure in each of our businesses as a result of intense competition, emerging technologies, or over-capacity. While we work consistently toward reducing our costs to offset pricing pressures, we may not be able to achieve proportionate reductions in costs or sustain our current rate of cost reduction. We anticipate pricing pressures will continue in the future in all our businesses.
Any of these items could cause our sales, profitability and cash flows to be significantly reduced.
We face risks due to foreign currency fluctuations
Because we have significant customers and operations outside the U.S., fluctuations in foreign currencies, especially the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, Korean won, and Euro, affect our sales, profit and cash flows. Foreign exchange rates may make our products less competitive in countries where local currencies decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. Sales in our Display Technologies segment, representing 32% of Corning’s sales in 2013, are denominated in Japanese yen. If sales grow in our Display Technologies segment, our exposure to currency fluctuations will increase. Corning hedges significant transaction and balance sheet currency exposures and uses derivative instruments to limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations associated with certain monetary assets and liabilities as well as operating results. Although we selectively hedge these items, changes in exchange rates (especially the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar) will significantly impact our reported revenues and profits.
A large portion of our consolidated operations are international and we expect that we will continue to realize gains or losses with respect to our foreign currency exposures, net of gains or losses from our hedging programs. For example, we will experience foreign currency gains and losses in certain instances if it is not possible or cost effective to hedge our foreign currency exposures or should we elect not to hedge certain of our foreign currency exposures. We have a program which primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with foreign currency exposures. As a part of this program, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts so that increases or decreases in the value of our foreign currency exposures are at least partially offset by gains or losses on the foreign currency forward contracts in order to mitigate the volatility associated with our foreign currency transactions. We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties to these derivative contracts. However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships. We do not expect to record any losses as a result of such counterparty default. Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments. Our ultimate realized loss or gain with respect to currency fluctuations will generally depend on the size and type of cross-currency exposures that we enter into, the currency exchange rates associated with these exposures and changes in those rates, whether we have entered into foreign currency forward contracts to offset these exposures and other factors. All of these factors could materially impact our results of operations, anticipated future results, financial position and cash flows, the timing of which is variable and generally outside of our control.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
If the financial condition of our customers declines, our credit risks could increase
Although we have a rigorous process to administer credit and believe our bad debt reserve is adequate, we have experienced, and in the future may experience, losses as a result of our inability to collect our accounts receivable. If our customers or our indirect customers fail to meet their payment obligations for our products, we could experience reduced cash flows and losses in excess of amounts reserved. Many customers of our Display Technologies and Specialty Materials segments are thinly capitalized and/or unprofitable. In our Environmental Technologies segment, the U.S. auto makers and certain of their suppliers have encountered credit downgrades or have filed for bankruptcy protection. In our Optical Communications segment, certain large infrastructure projects are subject to governmental funding, which, if terminated, could adversely impact the financial strength of our customers. These factors may result in an inability to collect receivables or a possible loss in business.
The success of our business depends on our ability to develop and produce advantaged products that meet our customers’ needs
Our business relies on continued global demand for our brands and products. To achieve business goals, we must develop and sell products that appeal to our customers, OEMs and distributors. This is dependent on a number of factors, including our ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships, our ability to produce products that meet the quality, performance and price expectations of our customers. The manufacturing of our products involves complex and precise processes. In some cases, existing manufacturing may be insufficient to achieve the requirements of our customers. We will need to develop new manufacturing processes and techniques to maintain profitable operations. While we continue to fund projects to improve our manufacturing techniques and processes and lower our costs, we may not achieve satisfactory manufacturing costs that will fully enable us to meet our profitability targets.
In addition, our continued success in selling products that appeal to our customers is dependent on our ability to innovate, with respect to both products and operations, and on the availability and effectiveness of legal protection for our innovations. Failure to continue to deliver quality and competitive products to the marketplace, to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, to supply products that meet applicable regulatory requirements or to predict market demands for, or gain market acceptance of, our products, could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our future financial performance depends on our ability to purchase a sufficient amount of materials, precious metals, parts, and manufacturing equipment to meet the demands of our customers
Our ability to meet customer demand depends, in part, on our ability to obtain timely and adequate delivery of materials, precious metals, parts and components from our suppliers. We may experience shortages that could adversely affect our operations. Although we work closely with our suppliers to avoid shortages, there can be no assurances that we will not encounter problems in the future. Furthermore, certain manufacturing equipment, raw materials or components are available only from a single source or limited sources. We may not be able to find alternate sources in a timely manner. A reduction, interruption or delay of supply, or a significant increase in the price for supplies, such as manufacturing equipment, precious metals, raw materials or energy, could have a material adverse effect on our businesses.
We have incurred, and may in the future incur, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges
At December 31, 2013, Corning had goodwill and other intangible assets of $1,542 million. While we believe the estimates and judgments about future cash flows used in the goodwill impairment tests are reasonable, we cannot provide assurance that future impairment charges will not be required if the expected cash flow estimates as projected by management do not occur, especially if an economic recession occurs and continues for a lengthy period or becomes severe, or if acquisitions and investments made by the Company fail to achieve expected returns.
If our products, including materials purchased from our suppliers, experience performance issues, our business will suffer
Our business depends on the production of products of consistently high quality. Our products, components and materials purchased from our suppliers, are typically tested for quality. These testing procedures are limited to evaluating our products under likely and foreseeable failure scenarios. For various reasons, our products, including materials purchased from our suppliers, may fail to perform as a customer expected. In some cases, product redesigns or additional expense may be required to address such issues. A significant or systemic quality issue could result in customer relations problems, lost sales, reduced volumes, product recalls and financial damages and penalties.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
We operate in a highly competitive environment
We operate in a highly competitive environment, and our outlook depends on the company’s share of industry sales based on our ability to compete with others in the marketplace. The Company competes on the basis of product attributes, customer service, quality and price. There can be no assurance that our products will be able to compete successfully with other companies’ products. Our share of industry sales could be reduced due to aggressive pricing or product strategies pursued by competitors, unanticipated product or manufacturing difficulties, our failure to price our products competitively, our failure to produce our products at a competitive cost or unexpected, emerging technologies or products. We expect that we will face continuous competition from existing competitors, low cost manufacturers and new entrants. We believe we must invest in research and development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities, and continue to improve customer service in order to remain competitive. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to maintain or improve our competitive position.
We may need to change our pricing models to compete successfully
We face intense competition in all of our businesses, particularly LCD glass, and general economic and business conditions can put pressure on us to change our prices. If our competitors offer significant discounts on certain products or develop products that the marketplace considers more valuable, we may need to lower prices or offer other favorable terms in order to retain our customers and market positions. Any such changes may reduce our profitability and cash flow. Any broad-based change to our prices and pricing policies could cause our revenues to decline or be delayed as we implement and our customers adjust to the new pricing policies. If we do not adapt our pricing models to reflect changes in customer use of our products or changes in customer demand, our revenues could decrease.
LCD glass generates a significant amount of the Company’s profits and cash flow, and any events that adversely affect the market for LCD glass substrates could have a material and negative impact on our financial results
Corning’s ability to generate profits and operating cash flow depends largely upon the level of profitability of our LCD glass business. As a result, any event that adversely affects our Display business could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial results. These events could include loss of patent protection, increased costs associated with manufacturing, and increased competition from the introduction of new, and more desirable products. If any of these events had a material adverse effect on the sales of our LCD glass, such an event could result in material charges and a significant reduction in profitability.
Additionally, emerging material technologies could replace our glass substrates for certain applications, including display glass, cover glass and others, resulting in a decline in demand for our products. Existing or new production capacity for glass substrates may exceed the demand for them. Technologies for displays, cover glass and other applications in competition with our glass may reduce or eliminate the need for our glass substrates. New process technologies developed by our competitors may also place us at a cost or quality disadvantage. Our own process technologies may be acquired or used unlawfully by others, enabling them to compete with us. Our inability to manufacture glass substrates to the specifications required by our customers may result in loss of revenue, margins and profits or liabilities for failure to supply. A scarcity of resources, limitations on technology, personnel or other factors resulting in a failure to produce commercial quantities of glass substrates could have adverse financial consequences to us.
Changes in our effective tax rate or tax liability may have an adverse effect on our results of operations
Our effective tax rate could be adversely impacted by several factors, including:
• changes in the relative amounts of income before taxes in the various jurisdictions in which we operate that have differing statutory tax rates;
• changes in tax treaties and regulations or the interpretation of them;
• changes to our assessments about the realizability of our deferred tax assets that are based on estimates of our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic environments in which we do business;
• the outcome of current and future tax audits, examinations, or administrative appeals;
• changes in generally accepted accounting principles that affect the accounting for taxes; and
• limitations or adverse findings regarding our ability to do business in some jurisdictions.
In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination could be materially different from our historical tax provisions and accruals.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
We may have additional tax liabilities
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions and are commonly audited by various tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material effect on our financial statements in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
A significant amount of our net profits and cash flows are generated from outside the U.S., and certain repatriation of funds currently held in foreign jurisdictions may result in higher effective tax rates for the company. In addition, there have been proposals to change U.S. tax laws that could significantly impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on foreign earnings. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form proposed legislation may pass, if enacted certain anti-deferral proposals could have a material adverse impact on our tax expense and cash flow.
Our business depends on our ability to attract and retain talented employees
The loss of the services of any of our key research and development, engineering or operational personnel or senior management without adequate replacement, or the inability to attract new qualified personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.
We are subject to strict environmental regulations and regulatory changes that could result in fines or restrictions that interrupt our operations
Various stages in some of our manufacturing processes generate chemical waste, waste water, other industrial waste or greenhouse gases, and we are subject to numerous laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of such substances. We have installed anti-pollution equipment for the treatment of chemical waste and waste water at our facilities. We have taken steps to control the amount of greenhouse gases created by our manufacturing operations. However, we cannot provide assurance that environmental claims will not be brought against us or that government regulators will not take steps toward adopting more stringent environment standards.
Any failure on our part to comply with any present or future environmental regulations could result in the assessment of damages or imposition of fines against us, or the suspension/cessation of production or operations. In addition, environmental regulations could require us to acquire costly equipment, incur other significant compliance expenses or limit or restrict production or operations and thus materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in regulations and the regulatory environment in the U.S. and other countries, such as those resulting from the regulation and impact of global warming and CO2 abatement, may affect our businesses and their results in adverse ways by, among other things, substantially increasing manufacturing costs, limiting availability of scarce resources, especially energy, or requiring limitations on production and sale of our products or those of our customers.
We may experience difficulties in enforcing our intellectual property rights and we may be subject to claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others
We rely on patent and trade secret laws, copyright, trademark, confidentiality procedures, controls and contractual commitments to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts, these protections may be limited and we may encounter difficulties in protecting our intellectual property rights or obtaining rights to additional intellectual property necessary to permit us to continue or expand our businesses. We cannot provide assurance that the patents that we hold or may obtain will provide meaningful protection against our competitors. Changes in or enforcement of laws concerning intellectual property, worldwide, may affect our ability to prevent or address the misappropriation of, or the unauthorized use of, our intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights. Litigation is inherently uncertain and the outcome is often unpredictable. Other companies hold patents on technologies used in our industries and are aggressively seeking to expand, enforce and license their patent portfolios. If we cannot protect our intellectual property rights against unauthorized copying or use, or other misappropriation, we may not remain competitive.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The intellectual property rights of others could inhibit our ability to introduce new products. We periodically receive notices from, or have lawsuits filed against us by third parties claiming infringement, misappropriation or other misuse of their intellectual property rights and/or breach of our agreements with them. These third parties often include entities that do not have the capabilities to design, manufacture, or distribute products or that acquire intellectual property like patents for the sole purpose of monetizing their acquired intellectual property through asserting claims of infringement and misuse. Such claims of infringement or misappropriation may result in loss of revenue, substantial costs, or lead to monetary damages or injunctive relief against us. We cannot provide assurance as to the outcome of any such claims.
Current or future litigation may harm our financial condition or results of operations
As described in Legal Proceedings in this Form 10-K, we are engaged in litigation and regulatory matters. Litigation and regulatory proceedings may be uncertain, and adverse rulings could occur, resulting in significant liabilities, penalties or damages. Such current or future substantial legal liabilities or regulatory actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and reputation.
We may not capture significant revenues from our current research and development efforts for several years, if at all
Developing our products through research and development is expensive and the investment often involves a long return on investment cycle. We have made and expect to continue to make significant investments in research and development and related product opportunities. Accelerated product introductions and short product life cycles require high levels of expenditures for research and development that could adversely affect our operating results if not offset by increases in our gross margin. We believe that we must continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources to our research and development efforts to maintain our competitive position.
Business disruptions could affect our operating results
A significant portion of our manufacturing, research and development activities and certain other critical business operations are concentrated in a few geographic areas. A major earthquake, fire or other catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical facilities could severely affect our ability to conduct normal business operations and, as a result, our future financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
Additionally, a significant amount of the specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in three overseas countries and it is reasonably possible that the operations of one or more such facilities could be disrupted. Due to the specialized nature of the assets and the customers’ locations, it may not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly or substitute production from facilities in other countries. Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact on our Display business and the Company as a whole.
We face risks through equity affiliates that we do not control
Corning’s net income includes equity earnings from affiliated companies. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized $547 million of equity earnings, of which approximately 94% came from our two largest investments: Dow Corning (which makes silicone and high purity polycrystalline products) and Samsung Corning Precision Materials (which primarily makes LCD glass). In January 2014, Corning completed a series of transactions which resulted in the Company obtaining 100% ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, which will result in control of the entity beginning in the first quarter of 2014.
Our equity investments may not continue to perform at the same levels as in recent years. Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2004 and has certain obligations under its Plan of Reorganization to resolve and fund claims of its creditors and personal injury claimants. Dow Corning may incur further bankruptcy charges in the future, which may adversely affect its operations or assets. Dow Corning also could be adversely impacted by a continuation of significant price declines at their consolidated subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor Group. In addition, we rely on the internal controls and financial reporting controls of these entities and their failure to maintain effectiveness or comply with applicable standards may adversely affect us.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
We may not have adequate insurance coverage for claims against us
We face the risk of loss resulting from product liability, asbestos, securities, fiduciary liability, intellectual property, antitrust, contractual, warranty, environmental, fraud and other lawsuits, whether or not such claims are valid. In addition, our product liability, fiduciary, directors and officers, property policies including business interruption, natural catastrophe and comprehensive general liability insurance may not be adequate to cover such claims or may not be available to the extent we expect in the future. A successful claim that exceeds or is not covered by our policies could require us to make substantial unplanned payments. Some of the carriers in our historical primary and excess insurance programs are in liquidation and may not be able to respond if we should have claims reaching their policies. The financial health of other insurers may deteriorate. Several of our insurance carriers are litigating with us the extent, if any, of their obligation to provide insurance coverage for asbestos liabilities asserted against us. The results of that litigation may adversely affect our insurance coverage for those risks. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for certain types of risk such as political risks, terrorism or war.
Our global operations are subject to extensive trade and anti-corruption laws and regulations
Due to the international scope of our operations, we are subject to a complex system of import- and export-related laws and regulations, including U.S. regulations issued by Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Office of Antiboycott Compliance, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, as well as the counterparts of these agencies in other countries. Any alleged or actual violations may subject us to government scrutiny, investigation and civil and criminal penalties, and may limit our ability to import or export our products or to provide services outside the United States. We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted.
In addition, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar foreign anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value to improperly influence foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or obtaining an unfair advantage. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws. Our continued operation and expansion outside the United States, including in developing countries, could increase the risk of such violations. Violations of these laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and result in an adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.
Moreover, several of our equity affiliates and related partners are domiciled in areas of the world with laws, rules and business practices that differ from those in the United States. Although we strive to select equity partners and affiliates who share our values and understand our reporting requirements as a U.S.-domiciled company and to ensure that an appropriate business culture exists within these ventures to minimize and mitigate our risk, we nonetheless face the reputational and legal risk that our equity partners and affiliates may violate applicable laws, rules and business practices.
Acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances may have an adverse effect on our business
We expect to continue making acquisitions and entering into joint ventures and strategic alliances as part of our business strategy. These transactions involve significant challenges and risks including that the transaction does not advance our business strategy, that we do not realize a satisfactory return on our investment, or that we experience difficulty integrating new employees, business systems, and technology, or diversion of management’s attention from our other businesses. It may take longer than expected to realize the full benefits, such as increased revenue and cash flow, enhanced efficiencies, or market share, or those benefits may ultimately be smaller than anticipated, or may not be realized. These events could harm our operating results or financial condition.
Improper disclosure of personal data could result in liability and harm our reputation
We store and process personally-identifiable information of our employees and, in some case, our customers. At the same time, the continued occurrence of high-profile data breaches provides evidence of the increasingly hostile information security environment. This environment demands that we continuously improve our design and coordination of security controls across our business groups and geographies. Despite these efforts, it is possible our security controls over personal data, our training of employees and vendors on data security, and other practices we follow may not prevent the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information. Improper disclosure of this information could harm our reputation or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenue.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Significant macroeconomic events, changes in regulations, or a crisis in the financial markets could limit our access to capital
We utilize credit in both the capital markets and from banks to facilitate company borrowings, hedging transactions, leases and other financial transactions. We maintain a $1 billion revolving credit agreement to fund potential liquidity needs and to backstop certain transactions. An adverse macroeconomic event or changes in bank regulations could limit our ability to gain access to credit or to renew the revolving credit agreement upon expiration. Additionally, a financial markets crisis may limit our ability to access liquidity.
Adverse economic conditions may adversely affect our cash investments
We maintain an investment portfolio of various types of securities with varying maturities and credit quality. These investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market, and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by unusual events that have affected global financial markets. We also make significant investments in U.S. government securities, either directly, or through investment in money market funds. If global credit and equity markets experience prolonged periods of decline, or if the U.S. defaults on its debt obligations or its debt is downgraded, our investment portfolio may be adversely impacted and we could determine that more of our investments have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value, requiring impairment charges that could adversely impact our financial results.
Information technology dependency and security vulnerabilities could lead to reduced revenue, liability claims, or competitive harm
The Company is increasingly dependent on sophisticated information technology and infrastructure. Any significant breakdown, intrusion, interruption or corruption of these systems or data breaches could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We use electronic information technology (IT) in our manufacturing processes and operations and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems are vulnerable to disruptions from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions. A material breach in the security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property or trade secrets. Such disruptions or security breaches could result in the theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property and/or confidential business information, harm our competitive position, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives, or otherwise adversely affect our business. Like other global companies, we have, from time to time, experienced incidents related to our IT systems, and expect that such incidents will continue, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, systems failures and disruptions. We have measures and defenses in place against unauthorized access, but we may not be able to prevent, immediately detect, or remediate such events.
Additionally, utilities and other operators of critical energy infrastructure that serve our facilities face heightened security risks, including cyber attacks. In the event of such an attack, disruption in service from our utility providers could disrupt our manufacturing operations which rely on a continuous source of power (electrical, gas, etc.).
International trade policies may impact demand for our products and our competitive position
Government policies on international trade and investment such as import quotas, capital controls or tariffs, whether adopted by individual governments or addressed by regional trade blocs, can affect the demand for our products and services, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us (including our equity affiliates/joint ventures) from being able to sell products in certain countries. The implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as higher tariffs or new barriers to entry, in countries in which we sell large quantities of products and services could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, a government’s adoption of “buy national” policies or retaliation by another government against such policies could have a negative impact on our results of operations. These policies also affect our equity companies.
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(a) Corning Incorporated common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it is traded on the Boston, Midwest, Pacific and Philadelphia stock exchanges. Common stock options are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The ticker symbol for Corning Incorporated is “GLW.”
The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of Corning’s common stock as reported on the Composite Tape.
As of December 31, 2013, there were approximately 18,771 record holders of common stock and approximately 565,877 beneficial shareholders.
Between the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2011, Corning paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on the Company’s common stock. On October 5, 2011, Corning’s Board of Directors declared a 50% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend, increasing Corning’s quarterly dividend from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share of common stock. On October 3, 2012, Corning’s Board of Directors declared a 20% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend. Corning’s quarterly dividend increased to $0.09 per share of common stock. On April 24, 2013, Corning’s Board of Directors declared an 11% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend, increasing Corning’s quarterly dividend from $0.09 per share to $0.10 per share of common stock.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table shows the total number of outstanding options and shares available for other future issuances of options under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2013, including the 2010 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors and 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan:
(1) Shares indicated are total grants under the most recent shareholder approved plans as well as any shares remaining outstanding from any prior shareholder approved plans.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 23
Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the cumulative total shareholder return over the last five years of Corning’s common stock, the S&P 500 and the S&P Communications Equipment Companies (in which Corning is currently included). The graph includes the capital weighted performance results of those companies in the communications equipment company classification that are also included in the S&P 500.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The following table provides information about our purchases of our common stock during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2013:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) This column reflects the following transactions during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2013: (i) the deemed surrender to us of 1,655 shares of common stock to pay the exercise price and to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of employee stock options, and (ii) the surrender to us of 43,954 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees, and (iii) the purchase of 51,288,807 shares of common stock in conjunction with the repurchase program announced in the second quarter of 2013.
(2) On April 24, 2013, we publicly announced authorization to repurchase up to $2 billion of our common stock by December 31, 2014.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 24
ITEM Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
Reference should be made to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 25
ITEM Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a historical and prospective narrative on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. This discussion includes the following sections:
• Overview
• Results of Operations
• Reportable Segments
• Liquidity and Capital Resources
• Environment
• Critical Accounting Estimates
• New Accounting Standards
• Forward-Looking Statements
Overview
Although Corning’s net sales remained relatively consistent in 2013 when compared to 2012, net income improved by 20%, driven by the impact of the net gain on our yen-denominated hedging program, an increase in equity earnings from Dow Corning and higher net income in our Optical Communications, Specialty Materials, Life Sciences and Environmental Technologies segments.
Net sales in the year ended December 31, 2013 were $7,819 million, compared to $8,012 million in the year ended December 31, 2012. When compared to 2012, the change in net sales was driven by the following items:
• Higher net sales in the Optical Communications segment in the amount of $196 million, driven by an increase in sales of carrier products in the amount of $163 million, largely due to growth in North America, China and Europe, and the ramp-up of the fiber-to-the-premises initiative in Australia, partially offset by lower optical fiber sales;
• An increase in net sales in the amount of $194 million in the Life Sciences segment due to the impact of the acquisition of the majority of the Discovery Labware business in the fourth quarter of 2012;
• Lower sales in the Display Technologies segment in the amount of $364 million, primarily due to the depreciation of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar and price declines in the mid-teens in percentage terms, offset somewhat by an increase in volume in the mid-twenties;
• A sales decrease of $176 million in the Specialty Materials segment, driven by a 17% decrease in sales of Corning Gorilla Glass; and
• A decline in sales of $45 million in the Environmental Technologies segment, due to reductions in demand for our light duty and heavy duty diesel products.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we generated net income of $2.0 billion or $1.34 per share compared to net income of $1.6 billion or $1.09 per share for 2012. When compared to last year, the increase in net income was due largely to the following items (all amounts presented after tax):
• Net gain recorded on our purchase collars and average rate forwards related to translated earnings contracts in the amount of $287 million;
• An increase of $99 million in equity earnings from Dow Corning;
• A decrease of $45 million in restructuring, impairment and other charges;
• An increase in net income in our Optical Communications, Specialty Materials, Environmental Technologies and Life Sciences segments in the amounts of $53 million, $50 million, $20 million and $43 million, respectively; and
• A tax benefit in the amount of $91 million related to two components of the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 3, 2013 and made retroactive to 2012, consisting of a $17 million research and development tax credit and the reversal of a $37 million charge taken in 2012 related to U.S. tax on foreign earnings.
Partially offsetting the increase in net income in the year ended December 31, 2013 were the negative impacts of the depreciation of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar, price declines in the mid-teens in the Display Technologies segment and an increase in the effective tax rate, largely driven by higher income in the U.S., tax law changes and the recording of valuation allowances due to changes in the realization of certain foreign and state deferred tax assets.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 26
Corning remains committed to a strategy of growing through global innovation. This strategy has served us well. Our key priorities for 2013 were similar to those in prior years: protect our financial health and invest in the future. During 2013, we made the following progress on these priorities:
Financial Health
Our financial position remained sound and we delivered strong cash flows from operating activities. Significant items in 2013 included the following:
• We ended the year with $5.2 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, a decrease from the December 31, 2012 balance of $6.1 billion, but well above our debt balance at December 31, 2013 of $3.3 billion. The decrease in cash was largely driven by the repayment of the Chinese credit facility in the amount of approximately $500 million, the purchase of the minority interests of three shareholders of Samsung Corning Precision Materials in the amount of $506 million, and the $1.5 billion of share repurchases.
• Our debt to capital ratio at December 31, 2013 was 13%, slightly lower than our debt to capital ratio of 14% at December 31, 2012.
• Operating cash flow for the year was $2.8 billion.
• Corning’s Board of Directors declared an 11% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend.
Investing in our future
We continue to focus on the future and on what we do best - creating keystone components that enable high-technology systems. We remain committed to investing in research, development and engineering to drive innovation. During 2014, we will maintain our balanced innovation strategy of: growing our existing businesses; developing opportunities adjacent or closely related to our existing technical and manufacturing capabilities; and investing in long-range opportunities in each of our market segments. Our spending levels for research, development, and engineering declined slightly in 2013 when compared to 2012, and were approximately 9% of sales.
We continue to work on new products, including glass substrates for high performance displays and LCD applications, diesel filters and substrates for emission control systems, glass and plastic labware, and the optical fiber, cable and hardware and equipment that enable fiber-to-the-premises, and next generation data centers. In addition, we are focusing on wireless solutions for diverse venue applications, such as distributed antenna systems, fiber to the cell site and fiber to the antenna. We have focused our research, development and engineering spending to support the advancement of new product attributes for our Corning Gorilla Glass suite of products. We will continue to focus on adjacent glass and ceramic opportunities which leverage existing materials or manufacturing processes, including Corning Willow Glass, our ultra-slim flexible glass substrate for use in next-generation consumer electronic technologies.
Capital spending was $1,019 million in 2013, a decrease of $782 million when compared to 2012. In 2011, Corning announced several multi-year investment plans to increase manufacturing capacity in several of our reportable segments. Specifically, the projects focused on an LCD glass substrate facility in China for our Display Technologies segment and a capacity expansion project for Specialty Materials’ Corning Gorilla Glass in Japan. Although spending for these projects continued into 2013, the majority of the construction costs were incurred in 2012 and 2011, resulting in a significant decrease in capital spending in those segments in 2013. We expect our 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately $1.5 billion. Approximately $600 million will be allocated to our Display Technologies segment.
Corporate Outlook
Our recent acquisition of the remaining interest in our equity affiliate Samsung Corning Precision Materials will drive growth in 2014. We also expect sales to grow in our Optical Communications, Life Sciences, Specialty Materials and Environmental Technologies segments, and for our market share to stabilize and price declines to be moderate in our Display Technologies segment. We anticipate a rise in global demand for Corning’s carrier network products, combined with growth of enterprise network products, will increase sales in our Optical Communications segment. We believe the overall LCD glass retail market in 2014 will increase in the mid-to-high single digits, driven by the combination of an increase in retail sales of LCD televisions and the demand for larger television screen sizes. Net income may be negatively impacted by lower equity earnings from our equity affiliate Dow Corning and the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates. We may take advantage of acquisition opportunities that support the long-term strategies of our businesses. We remain confident that our strategy to grow through global innovation, while preserving our financial stability, will enable our continued long-term success.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 27
Results of Operations
Selected highlights from our continuing operations follow (dollars in millions)*:
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
Net Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2013, net sales remained relatively consistent when compared to the same period in 2012. Higher sales in the Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments were offset by declines in the Display Technologies, Environmental Technologies and Specialty Materials segments. Optical Communications sales increased by $196 million, driven by an increase in sales of our carrier products in the amount of $163 million, largely due to the ramp-up of the fiber-to-the-premises initiative in Australia, which increased by $28 million, an increase of $23 million in sales of wireless products and higher sales of fiber and cable products in North America, China and Europe, up $52 million, $33 million and $26 million, respectively. Also included in the increase in sales of carrier products is the impact of a small acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2013 and the consolidation of an investment due to a change in control, which added approximately $53 million in 2013. Net sales increased in the Life Sciences segment by $194 million, driven by the impact of the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the Display Technologies segment, volume increases in the mid-twenties in percentage terms were more than offset by price declines in the mid-teens and the impact of the depreciation of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar. In the Environmental Technologies segment, while automotive product sales remained relatively consistent with the prior year, sales of our diesel products declined by 9%. Net sales declined by $176 million in the Specialty Materials segment, driven by a decline in sales of Corning Gorilla Glass of 17%.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 28
Net sales in 2012 increased slightly when compared to the prior year, due to sales growth in the Specialty Materials, Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments, offset almost entirely by a decrease in sales in our Display Technologies segment. Sales in the Specialty Materials segment increased by 25% due to the strong demand for Corning Gorilla Glass that is used as cover glass in portable handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers. Optical Communications segment sales increased primarily due to sales growth in wireless and fiber-to-the-premises products. The increase in sales in our Life Sciences segment was driven by the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business in the fourth quarter of 2012, and by the small acquisition we completed in the fourth quarter of 2011 which produces high-quality cell culture media. Additionally, net sales were positively impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates.
In 2013, 2012 and 2011, sales into international markets accounted for 74%, 77% and 79%, respectively, of total net sales.
Cost of Sales
The types of expenses included in the cost of sales line item are: raw materials consumption, including direct and indirect materials; salaries, wages and benefits; depreciation and amortization; production utilities; production-related purchasing; warehousing (including receiving and inspection); repairs and maintenance; inter-location inventory transfer costs; production and warehousing facility property insurance; rent for production facilities; and other production overhead.
Gross Margin
For 2013, gross margin dollars and as a percentage of sales increased when compared to 2012, led by an increase of 6% in the Specialty Materials segment, resulting from improvements in manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction programs. The depreciation of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar and price declines in the Display Technologies segment partially offset the increase.
For 2012, gross margin in dollars and as a percentage of sales decreased when compared to 2011, due to the impact of significant price declines in our Display Technologies segment. Partially offsetting this decline was improvement in our Specialty Materials segment, where significantly higher sales, increased manufacturing efficiency, and the absence of large cover glass start-up and tank conversion costs incurred in 2011, led to an 11% increase in gross margin.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2013 decreased by $79 million when compared to 2012. This decrease was largely driven by cost control measures implemented in our segments and a decline in variable compensation in the amount of $27 million. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses decreased when compared to the same period last year.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2012 increased when compared to 2011, due primarily to an increase in performance-based compensation costs, expenses associated with the acquisition of the BD Discovery Labware business, and the absence of a credit in the amount of $27 million resulting from a reduction in a contingent liability associated with an acquisition recorded in 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in 2012 increased when compared to 2011, due to the increase in spending described above and relatively consistent net sales year over year.
The types of expenses included in the selling, general and administrative expenses line item are: salaries, wages and benefits; travel; sales commissions; professional fees; and depreciation and amortization, utilities, and rent for administrative facilities.
Research, Development and Engineering Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2013, research, development, and engineering expenses decreased by $59 million when compared to the same period last year, driven by declines in our Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies segments of $19 million and $11 million, respectively. In addition, the allocation of the gain on the true-up of our 2012 pension plan valuation to research, development and engineering expense partially drove the decline. We continue to focus on new product development in areas such as wireless solutions and fiber to the cell site in our Optical Communications segment, glass substrates for high performance displays in our Display Technologies segment and diesel filters and substrates in the Environmental Technologies segment. As a percentage of net sales, research, development and engineering expenses declined slightly in the year ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Research, development and engineering expenses increased by 15% in 2012 when compared to 2011, and increased 2% as a percentage of net sales. During 2012, Corning’s research, development and engineering focused on new product development, as well as adjacent glass opportunities which leverage existing materials or manufacturing processes. We believe our spending levels are adequate to support our technology and innovation strategies.
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges and Credits
Corning recorded restructuring, impairment, and other charges and credits in 2013, 2012 and 2011, which affect the comparability of our results for the periods presented. Additional information on restructuring and asset impairment is found in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges), Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) and Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. A description of those charges and credits follows:
2013 Activity
To better align our 2014 cost position in several of our businesses, Corning implemented a global restructuring plan within several of our segments in the fourth quarter of 2013, consisting of workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. We recorded charges of $67 million, before tax, associated with these actions, with total cash expenditures expected to be approximately $40 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $40 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
2012 Activity
In response to uncertain global economic conditions, and the potential for slower growth in many of our businesses in 2013, Corning implemented a corporate-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 2012. We recorded charges of $89 million, before tax, which included costs for workforce reductions, asset write-offs and exit costs. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions were approximately $49 million, and spending for employee-related costs was completed in 2013. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $71 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
The Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2011 in the amount of $130 million, before tax, related to certain assets used in the production of large cover glass due to sales that were significantly below our expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, after reassessing the large cover glass business, Corning concluded that the large cover glass market was developing differently in 2012 than our expectations, demand for larger-sized cover glass was declining, and the market for this type of glass was instead targeting smaller gen size products. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, our primary customer of large cover glass notified Corning of its decision to exit from this display market. Based on these events, we recorded an additional impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount of $44 million, before tax. This impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their fair market values, and includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process.
2011 Activity
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Large cover glass is primarily used as a cover sheet of strengthened glass for frameless (bezel-less) LCD displays. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process.
Asbestos Litigation
In 2013, we recorded an increase to our asbestos litigation liability of $19 million compared to an increase of $14 million in 2012 and $24 million in 2011.
Our asbestos litigation liability was estimated to be $690 million at December 31, 2013, compared with an estimate of $671 million at December 31, 2012. The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the proposed Amended PCC Plan is ultimately effective, and a portion of the obligation will be fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
See Legal Proceedings for additional information about this matter.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
The following provides a summary of equity earnings of affiliated companies (in millions):
Equity earnings of affiliated companies decreased in the year ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period last year, driven by significantly lower earnings at Samsung Corning Precision Materials, offset somewhat by higher equity earnings from Dow Corning. The decline in equity earnings of Samsung Corning Precision Materials was driven by the following items:
• The significant depreciation of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar;
• Price declines in the mid-teens in percentage terms; and
• Asset write-offs and disposals in the amount of $28 million.
The change in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials is also included in the discussion of Core Performance Measures, the performance of the Display Technologies segment and in All Other.
The following table provides a summary of equity earnings from Dow Corning, by component (in millions):
Beginning in the latter half of 2011, and continuing into 2012, Dow Corning began experiencing unfavorable industry conditions at its consolidated subsidiary Hemlock, a producer of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries, driven by over-capacity at all levels of the solar industry supply chain. This over-capacity led to significant declines in polycrystalline spot prices in the fourth quarter of 2011, and prices remained depressed throughout 2012. In 2013, markets stabilized, but prices remain significantly below historical levels.
Due to the conditions and uncertainties during 2012 described above, sales volume declined and production levels of certain operating assets were reduced. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2012, Dow Corning determined that a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion previously delayed since the fourth quarter of 2011 would no longer be economically viable and made the decision to abandon this expansion activity. The abandonment resulted in an impairment charge of $57 million, before tax, for Corning’s share of the write down in the value of these construction-in-progress assets. Further, the startup of another polycrystalline silicon plant expansion that was expected to begin production in 2013 was delayed and the assets remain idled. Production will only commence when sales volumes increase to levels necessary to support the plant’s capacity. The timing for startup of this expansion is uncertain and future adverse conditions may cause Dow Corning to re-evaluate the long-term viability of the idled assets.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2012, the negative events and circumstances at Dow Corning indicated that assets of Dow Corning’s polycrystalline silicon business might be impaired. In accordance with accounting guidance for impairment of long-lived assets, Dow Corning compared estimated undiscounted cash flows to the assets’ carrying value and determined that the asset group was recoverable as of December 31, 2012. Upon receiving the preliminary determination notices from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) in the third quarter of 2013, Dow Corning again evaluated whether the polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. The estimate of future undiscounted cash flows continued to indicate the assets were expected to be recovered. However, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value. Dow Corning’s estimate of cash flows might change as a result of continued pricing deterioration, ongoing oversupply in the market, or other adverse market conditions that result in non-performance by customers under long-term contracts. Corning’s share of the carrying value of this asset group is approximately $1.0 billion.
In July 2012, the MOFCOM initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon products from the U.S. and Korea based on a petition filed by Chinese solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers. The petition alleges that producers within these countries exported solar-grade polycrystalline silicon to China at less than fair value and that production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon in the U.S. has been subsidized by the U.S. government. On July 18, 2013, MOFCOM announced its preliminary determination that China’s solar-grade polycrystalline silicon industry suffered material damage because of dumping by producers in the U.S. and Korea. The Chinese authorities imposed provisional antidumping duties on producers in the U.S. and Korea ranging from 2.4% to 57.0%, including duties of 53.3% on future imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon product from the Dow Corning subsidiary into China. On September 16, 2013, the Chinese authorities imposed provisional countervailing duties of 6.5%. On January 20, 2014 MOFCOM issued a final determination. The final determination resulted in no change to the antidumping duties, and the countervailing duties were reduced to 2.1%. The requirement for customers to pay provisional duties on imports from solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers became effective on July 24, 2013 for the antidumping duties and on September 20, 2013 for the countervailing duties, adjusted for the final determination. Dow Corning will not be subject to duties for previous sales, and is evaluating possible actions in response to the final determination.
Equity earnings from Dow Corning increased by 118% in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012, due to the following items:
• In the polysilicon segment, the absence of the impairment charge of $57 million recorded in 2012 related to the abandonment of a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion, offset by Corning’s share of restructuring charges at Hemlock in the amount of $11 million and the absence of the gain of $10 million associated with the resolution of a contract dispute; and
• In the silicones segment, a gain of $20 million associated with the termination of a long-term sales agreement, the positive impact of the recognition of a derivative instrument in the amount of $16 million, the absence of the 2012 restructuring charge of $30 million, coupled with cost reduction resulting from these actions, and lower variable compensation costs. The increase in earnings was partially offset by the negative impact of price declines and weaker demand in Asia and the Americas.
Equity earnings from Dow Corning were negatively impacted by the following items in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011:
• Significant declines in polycrystalline silicon prices and the impairment charge described above in the amount of $57 million associated with the abandonment of a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion;
• Corning’s share of the restructuring actions taken in the silicone products segment associated with workforce reductions and the impairment of assets in the amount of $30 million;
• Higher operating expenses due to an increase in pension expense, severance expense and compensation accruals;
• Price declines for silicone products; and
• The unfavorable impact from movements in foreign exchange rates.
The decrease in equity earnings from Dow Corning in 2012 was offset somewhat by the following items:
• A gain in the amount of $10 million associated with the resolution of a contract dispute by Hemlock against one of its customers relating to enforcement of long-term supply agreements;
• An increase in volume for silicone products; and
• Lower interest expense.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Other Income, Net
“Other income, net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision Materials decreased in 2013, when compared to 2012, reflecting the decline in their sales volume. In 2012, royalty income was significantly lower when compared to 2011, due to the reduction of the applicable royalty rate by approximately 50% beginning in December 2011.
Included in the line item Foreign currency transaction and hedge gains (losses), net, for the year ended December 31, 2013, is the impact of the purchased collars and average rate forward contracts, which were entered into in 2013 to hedge our exposure to movements in the Japanese yen and its impact on our net earnings. We recorded a net gain relating to the changes in the fair value of these contracts, offset slightly by the premium expense, in the amount of $435 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Income Before Income Taxes
The impact of foreign exchange rate movements on Income Before Income Taxes in the year ended December 31, 2013 was not significant.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes and the related effective income tax rates were as follows (dollars in millions)*:
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
The effective income tax rate for 2013 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
• Rate differences on income (loss) of consolidated foreign companies;
• The impact of equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates reported in the financials, net of tax;
• The benefit of tax incentives in foreign jurisdictions, primarily Taiwan; and
• Tax benefit of $54 million for the impact of the American Taxpayer Relieve Act enacted on January 3, 2013 and made retroactive to 2012.
Partially offsetting the benefits above is a $48 million charge attributable to a change in the judgment regarding the realizability of certain foreign and state deferred tax assets.
The effective income tax rate for 2012 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
• Rate differences on income (loss) of consolidated foreign companies, partially offset by U.S. tax of $37 million on deemed repatriated earnings (Subpart F);
• The impact of equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates reported in the financials net of tax; and
• The benefit of tax incentives in foreign jurisdictions, primarily Taiwan.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Corning has valuation allowances on certain shorter-lived deferred tax assets such as those represented by capital loss carry forwards and state tax net operating loss carry forwards, as well as other foreign net operating loss carry forwards and federal and state tax credits, because we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that we will earn income of the character required to utilize these assets before they expire. The amount of U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets that had valuation allowances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $286 million and $210 million, respectively.
Corning continues to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of its foreign earnings, with the exception in 2013 of approximately $12 million of earnings that had very low or no tax cost associated with their repatriation. Our current analysis indicates that we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. One time or unusual items that may impact our ability or intent to keep our foreign earnings and cash indefinitely reinvested include significant U.S. acquisitions, stock repurchases, shareholder dividends, changes in tax laws or the development of tax planning ideas that allow us to repatriate earnings at little or no tax cost, and/or a change in our circumstances or economic conditions that negatively impact our ability to borrow or otherwise fund U.S. needs from existing U.S. sources. As of December 31, 2013, taxes have not been provided on approximately $12.4 billion of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to remain invested indefinitely. While it remains impracticable to calculate the tax cost of repatriating our total unremitted foreign earnings, such cost could be material to the results of operations of Corning in a particular period.
Our foreign subsidiary in Taiwan operates under various tax holiday arrangements. The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of such arrangements phase out through 2018. The impact of the tax holidays on our effective rate is a reduction in the rate of 1.2, 1.7 and 2.0 percentage points for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.
Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding income tax matters.
Net Income Attributable to Corning Incorporated
As a result of the items discussed above, net income and per share data was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
Core Performance Measures
In managing the Company and assessing our financial performance, we supplement certain measures provided by our consolidated financial statements with measures adjusted to exclude certain items, to arrive at Core Performance measures. We believe reporting Core Performance measures provides investors greater transparency to the information used by our management team to make financial and operational decisions. Net sales, equity in earnings of affiliated companies, and net income are adjusted to exclude the impacts of changes in the Japanese yen, the impact of the purchased collars, average forward contracts and other yen-related transactions, acquisition-related costs, the results of the polysilicon business of our equity affiliate Dow Corning, discrete tax items, restructuring and restructuring-related charges, certain litigation-related expenses, pension mark-to-market adjustments, and other items which do not reflect on-going operating results of the Company or our equity affiliates. Management discussion and analysis on our reportable segments has also been adjusted for these items, as appropriate. These measures are not prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). We believe investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in evaluating our results as they are more indicative of our core operating performance and how management evaluates our operational results and trends. These measures are not, and should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP reporting measures. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP performance measures and a further discussion of the measures, please see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures
Selected highlights from our continuing operations follow (dollars in millions):
Core Net Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2013, core net sales increased by 5% when compared to the same period in 2012. Higher sales in the Display Technologies, Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments were offset slightly by declines in the Environmental Technologies and Specialty Materials segments. In the Display Technologies segment, volume increases in the mid-twenties in percentage terms more than offset price declines in the mid-teens, which drove an increase in sales of $173 million, or 7%. Optical Communications sales increased by $196 million, driven by an increase in sales of our carrier products in the amount of $163 million, largely due to the ramp-up of the fiber-to-the-premises initiative in Australia, which increased by $28 million, an increase of $23 million in sales of wireless products and higher sales of cable products in North America, China and Europe, up $52 million, $33 million and $26 million, respectively. Net sales increased in the Life Sciences segment by $194 million, driven by the impact of the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the Environmental Technologies segment, while automotive product sales remained relatively consistent with the prior year, sales of our diesel products declined by 9%. Net sales declined by $176 million in the Specialty Materials segment, due to a 17% decline in Corning Gorilla Glass sales.
Core net sales in 2012 increased slightly when compared to the prior year, due to sales growth in the Specialty Materials, Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments, offset almost entirely by a decrease in sales in our Display Technologies segment due to price declines in the mid-twenties in percentage terms. Sales in the Specialty Materials segment increased by 25% due to a $315 million increase in sales of Corning Gorilla Glass that is used as cover glass in portable handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers. Optical Communications segment sales increased primarily due to sales growth in wireless and fiber-to-the-premises products. The increase in sales in our Life Sciences segment was driven by the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business in the fourth quarter of 2012, and by the small acquisition we completed in the fourth quarter of 2011 which produces high-quality cell culture media.
Core Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
The following provides a summary of equity in earnings of associated companies, excluding the impact of changes in the Japanese yen and the results of Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor (dollars in millions):
Core equity earnings of affiliated companies declined by 17% in the year ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012. Equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials decreased by $130 million, or 24%, driven primarily by price declines in the mid-teens in percentage terms and higher taxes due to the expiration of tax holidays in the amount of $54 million. Slightly offsetting the decline were manufacturing improvements in the amount of $28 million. Core equity earnings from Dow Corning were relatively consistent in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012, with lower prices and weaker demand for silicone products in Europe and China and higher interest expense offset by a reduction in costs as a result of restructuring actions implemented in the fourth quarter of 2012.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 35
Core equity earnings of affiliated companies declined by 35% in the year ended December 31, 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011. At Samsung Corning Precision Materials, the decrease in core equity earnings reflected substantial price declines in the mid-twenties in percentage terms, relatively consistent volume and share loss at a key customer. At Dow Corning, core equity earnings also declined, driven by significant declines in silicone and polycrystalline silicon prices, higher operating expenses due to an increase in pension expense, severance expense and compensation accruals, and the unfavorable impact from movements in foreign exchange rates, offset slightly by an increase in volume for silicone products and lower interest expense.
Core Earnings
When compared to the same period last year, core earnings increased in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 by $202 million, or 13%, driven by the following items:
• Higher core earnings in the Optical Communications, Life Sciences, Environmental Technologies and Display Technologies segments in the amounts of $59 million, $44 million, $11 million and $7 million, respectively; and
• Lower operating expenses in the amount of $49 million, driven by a decrease in variable compensation and cost control measures implemented by our segments.
When compared to the same period in 2011, core earnings decreased in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 by $757 million, or 32%, driven by the following items:
• Lower core earnings in the Display Technologies segment due to significant price declines at both our wholly-owned business and the segment’s equity affiliates;
• Lower royalty income from our equity affiliate Samsung Corning Precision Materials due to the combination of lower sales and the reduction in the royalty rate which took effect in December 2011; and
• An increase in our effective tax rate due to the following:
- Temporary expiration of favorable U.S. tax provisions;
- The partial expiration of tax holidays in Taiwan; and
- Change in our mix of earnings.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We utilize certain financial measures and key performance indicators that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP to assess our financial and operating performance. A non-GAAP financial measure is defined as a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance that (i) excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statement of income or statement of cash flows, or (ii) includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the comparable measure as calculated and presented.
Core net sales, core equity earnings of affiliated companies and core earnings are non-GAAP financial measures utilized by our management to analyze financial performance without the impact of items that are driven by general economic conditions and events that do not reflect the underlying fundamentals and trends in the Company’s operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following tables reconcile our non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures are as follows:
(1) Constant-yen: Because a significant portion of Corning’s LCD glass business revenues and manufacturing costs are denominated in Japanese yen, management believes it is important to understand the impact on core earnings from translating yen into dollars. Presenting results on a constant-yen basis eliminates the translation impact of the Japanese yen, and allows management to evaluate performance period over period, analyze underlying trends in our businesses, and to establish operational goals and forecasts. We use an internally derived management rate of ¥93, which is closely aligned to our yen portfolio of purchased collars, and have restated all years presented based on this rate in order to effectively remove the impact of changes in the Japanese yen.
(2) Purchased collars, average forward contracts and other yen-related transactions: We have excluded the impact of our purchased collars, average forward contracts, and other yen-related transactions for each period presented. By aligning an internally derived rate with our portfolio of purchased collars and average forward contracts, and excluding other yen-related transactions and the constant-yen adjustments, we have effectively eliminated the impact of changes in the Japanese yen on our results.
(3) Results of Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor: We are excluding the results of Dow Corning’s consolidated subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor, a producer of polycrystalline silicon, to remove the operating and non-operating items and events which have caused severe unpredictability and instability in earnings over the past eighteen months, and are expected to continue in the future. These events are being primarily driven by the macro-economic environment. Specifically, the negative impact of the determination by MOFCOM, which imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on solar-grade polysilicon imports from the United States, and the impact of asset write-offs, offset by the benefit of large payments required under Hemlock customers’ “take-or-pay” contracts, are events that are unrelated to Dow Corning’s core operations, and that have, or could have, significant impacts to this business.
(4) Acquisition-related costs: These expenses include intangible amortization, inventory valuation adjustments and external acquisition-related deal costs.
(5) Provision for income taxes: This represents the removal of discrete adjustments attributable to changes in tax law and changes in judgment about the realizability of certain deferred tax assets. This item also includes the income tax effects of adjusting from a GAAP tax rate to a core earnings tax rate.
(6) Certain litigation-related charges: These adjustments relate to the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC) asbestos litigation.
(7) Restructuring, impairments, and other charges.
(8) Pension mark-to-market adjustment: Mark-to-market pension gains and losses, which arise from changes in actuarial assumptions and the difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets and discount rates. In accordance with GAAP, Corning recognizes pension actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year, for our defined benefit pension plans annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever a plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. Actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from the estimates used to allocate the change in value of pension plans to expense throughout the year or when assumptions change, as they may each year. Significant factors that can contribute to the recognition of actuarial gains and losses include changes in discount rates, differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets, and other changes in actuarial assumptions such as life expectancy of plan participants. Management believes that pension actuarial gains and losses are primarily financing activities that are more reflective of changes in current conditions in global financial markets, and are not directly related to the underlying performance of our businesses. For further information on the actuarial assumptions and plan assets referenced above, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under Critical Accounting Estimates - Employee Retirement Plans, and Note 13, Employee Retirement Plans, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(9) Gain on change in control of equity investment: Adjustment of the gain as a result of certain changes to the shareholder agreement of an equity company occurring in the second quarter of 2013, resulting in Corning having a controlling interest that requires consolidation of this investment.
(10) Equity in earnings of affiliated companies: These adjustments relate to items which do not reflect expected on-going operating results of our affiliated companies, such as restructuring, impairment and other charges and settlements under “take-or-pay” contracts.
(11) Loss on repurchase of debt: In 2012, Corning recorded a loss on the repurchase of $13 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013.
(12) Accumulated other comprehensive income: In 2012, Corning recorded a translation capital gain on the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary.
(13) Contingent liability adjustment: In 2011, Corning recognized a credit resulting from a reduction to a contingent liability associated with an acquisition recorded in the first quarter of 2011.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Reportable Segments
Our reportable segments are as follows:
• Display Technologies - manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays.
• Optical Communications - manufactures carrier network and enterprise network components for the telecommunications industry.
• Environmental Technologies - manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications.
• Specialty Materials - manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
• Life Sciences - manufactures glass and plastic labware, equipment, media and reagents to provide workflow solutions for scientific applications.
All other reportable segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other”. This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.
We prepared the financial results for our segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our reportable segments in the respective segment’s net income. We have allocated certain common expenses among our reportable segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information. Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.
Display Technologies
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the Display Technologies segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
2013 vs. 2012
In 2013, our Display Technologies segment regained positive momentum, as demonstrated by the increase in core net sales of 7%, when compared to core net sales in 2012, which declined by 7% when compared to 2011. During 2013, volume improvements in the mid-twenties in percentage terms more than outpaced price declines in the mid-teens. The increase in volume was driven by higher sales of larger-sized LCD televisions, defined as greater than 40 inches, which increased by nearly 100% in 2013, and higher sales in mobile computing products, including tablets and smart phones. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2013, we renewed the agreements with key customers that we had announced in the fourth quarter of 2012, which stabilize Corning’s share at each of the customers and maintain a fixed relationship between Corning’s pricing and competitive pricing at that customer.
When compared to 2012, the decrease in core equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials in 2013 reflected relatively consistent volume and price declines in the mid-teens in percentage terms. Manufacturing improvements in the amount of $28 million were more than offset by higher taxes in the amount of $54 million, driven by the partial expiration of a Korean tax holiday.
When compared to 2012, the increase in core net income in the Display Technologies segment in 2013 reflects an increase in volume in the mid-twenties in percentage terms and the impact of cost reduction programs, partially offset by price declines in the mid-teens in percentage terms and the impact of lower equity earnings.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
2012 vs. 2011
The decrease in core net sales in 2012, when compared to 2011, reflects price declines in the mid-twenties in percentage terms which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 for the six month period, driven by customer and competitive pressures associated with share shifts at several major customers in a period of excess glass supply. Sequential price declines became much more moderate in the second and third quarters of 2012, reflecting a better matching of supply and demand for glass, and more stable levels of inventory in the LCD supply chain. In the third and fourth quarter of 2012, Corning entered into new supply agreements with key customers. These agreements were intended to stabilize Corning’s share at each of the customers and maintain a fixed relationship between Corning’s pricing and competitive pricing for such customer. Fourth quarter sequential prices declined in the mid-single digit percentage, slightly higher than the prior two quarters, due to some initial adjustments to line up Corning’s prior pricing with the requirements of these new agreements. Retail demand for larger-sized LCD televisions drove an increase in volume in the low-twenties in percentage terms in our wholly-owned business in 2012, when compared to the prior year, and slightly offset the price declines described above. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact net sales of this segment.
The decrease in core equity earnings from our Display Technologies equity affiliates in 2012, when compared to 2011, reflected substantial price declines in the mid-twenties in percentage terms, driven by the circumstances described above, relatively consistent volume and share loss at a key customer.
When compared to 2011, the decrease in core net income in 2012 reflects the impact of price declines described above at both our wholly-owned business and the segment’s equity affiliates and a reduction in royalty income, partially offset by an increase in volume in the low-twenties in percentage terms at our wholly-owned business.
A number of Corning’s patents and know-how are licensed to Samsung Corning Precision Materials, as well as to third parties, which generates royalty income. Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision Materials decreased significantly in 2012, when compared to 2011, reflecting a decrease in the applicable royalty rate, coupled with a decline in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision Materials. In December 2011, the applicable royalty rate was reduced for a five-year period by approximately 50% compared to the prior five years. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about related party transactions.
Other Information
The Display Technologies segment has a concentrated customer base comprised of LCD panel and color filter makers primarily located in Japan, China and Taiwan. In 2013, four customers of the Display Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for a combined 94% of total segment sales. In 2012, three customers of the Display Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for a combined 63% of total segment sales. For 2011, four customers of the Display Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for 77% of total segment sales. Our customers face the same global economic dynamics as we do in this market. Our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any of these significant customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.
In addition, Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ sales are concentrated across a small number of its customers. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, sales to two LCD panel makers located in Korea accounted for approximately 93% of Samsung Corning Precision Materials sales in each of those three years.
Corning has invested heavily to expand capacity to meet the projected demand for LCD glass substrates. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, capital spending in this segment was approximately $350 million, $850 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. We expect capital spending for 2014 to be approximately $600 million.
Outlook:
Corning anticipates another year of growth in the LCD glass market in 2014, with retail demand up mid-to-high single digits in percentage terms, as measured in square feet. We believe that supply chain inventory levels remain healthy and industry glass supply appears aligned with overall demand.
In the first quarter of 2014, Corning anticipates that glass volume in its Display Technologies segment will be down slightly sequentially, in line with normal seasonality. The company expects LCD glass price declines to be higher than previous quarters. The price declines are not related to the SCP acquisition or a result of recent supply contract renewals. The company expects that price declines will return to moderate levels after the first quarter.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The end market demand for LCD televisions, monitors and notebooks is dependent on consumer retail spending, among other things. We are cautious about the potential negative impacts that economic conditions, particularly a global economic recession, excess market capacity and world political tensions could have on consumer demand. While the industry has grown rapidly in recent years, economic volatility along with consumer preferences for panels of differing sizes, prices, or other factors may lead to pauses in market growth. Therefore, it is possible that glass manufacturing capacity may exceed demand from time to time. We may incur further charges in this segment to reduce our workforce and consolidate capacity.
Optical Communications
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the Optical Communications segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
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2013 vs. 2012
In 2013, core net sales of the Optical Communications segment increased when compared to 2012, driven by an increase of $163 million in the carrier network market. Driving the growth in carrier network products are the following items:
• The ramp-up of the fiber-to-the-premises initiative in Australia, which increased sales by $28 million;
• An increase of $23 million in sales of wireless products;
• Higher sales of cable products in North America, China and Europe, up $52 million, $33 million and $26 million, respectively;
• The impact of a small acquisition and the consolidation of an investment due to a change in control, which added approximately $53 million in 2013; and
• Offsetting the increase in sales of carrier network products in 2013 was a decline in sales of optical fiber, driven by lower demand for single-mode fiber in China, Europe and North America.
Sales in the enterprise network market increased by $33 million in the year ended 2013, when compared to 2012, driven by higher sales of data center products in North America.
The increase in core net income in 2013 when compared to 2012 reflects an increase in volume in carrier and enterprise network products, improved manufacturing performance and the implementation of strong spending controls and cost reduction initiatives, offset by lower volume in optical fiber, lower price and a less favorable mix of products sales in 2013. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the results of this segment.
The Optical Communications segment has a concentrated customer base. In the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, one customer, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for 10%, 12% and 12%, respectively, of total segment net sales.
2012 vs. 2011
Core net sales for the segment were up slightly when compared to 2011, due to increased demand for our carrier network products, driven by an increase in optical fiber and cable in China in the amount of $82 million, an increase of $42 million for fiber-to-the-premises products in Australia, and an increase in wireless products of $26 million. This growth was offset somewhat by a decline in sales of $28 million for legacy copper products. The impact of foreign exchange rate movements on net sales of this segment was not significant (approximately 1%).
The decrease in core net income in 2012 reflects the impact of lower sales of premium fiber products, an increase in research and development expenses and an increase in project spending. Somewhat offsetting the decrease in core net income was the partial reversal of a warranty reserve related to our fiber-to-the-premises and fiber optic cable products in the pre-tax amount of $10 million, recorded in the third quarter of 2012. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact core net income of this segment.
Outlook:
We anticipate sales growth to be in the mid-teens in percentage terms in the Optical Communications segment in the first quarter of 2014, when compared to the same period last year.
Changes in our customers’ expected deployment plans, or additional reductions in their inventory levels of fiber-to-the-premises products, could also affect sales levels. Should these plans not occur at the pace anticipated, our sales and earnings would be adversely affected.
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Environmental Technologies
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the Environmental Technologies segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
2013 vs. 2012
When compared to 2012, core net sales in the Environmental Technologies segment decreased in 2013, due to lower sales of light duty diesel filters and heavy duty diesel products. Demand for light duty diesel vehicles which use our filters declined due to weak economic conditions in Europe. Heavy duty diesel product sales were lower due to the decline in the production of Class 8 vehicles in North America. Net sales of this segment in 2013 were not materially impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to 2012.
Although core net sales declined in 2013 when compared to 2012, core net income increased by 9%, driven by significantly improved manufacturing performance for our automotive and heavy duty diesel products, and lower operating expenses. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the results of this segment in the year ended December 31, 2013.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 44
The Environmental Technologies segment sells to a concentrated customer base of catalyzer and emission control systems manufacturers, who then sell to automotive and diesel engine manufacturers. Although our sales are to the emission control systems manufacturers, the use of our substrates and filters is generally required by the specifications of the automotive and diesel vehicle or engine manufacturers. For 2013, 2012, and 2011, net sales to three customers, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 87%, 86% and 85%, respectively, of total segment sales. While we are not aware of any significant customer credit issues with our direct customers, our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any individual customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.
2012 vs. 2011
Core net sales of this segment decreased in 2012 when compared to 2011, due to a decline in net sales of our diesel products. The impact of movements in foreign exchange rates on net sales of this segment was not significant (approximately 3%). Although sales of light duty diesel products decreased due to a decline in demand for vehicles in Europe requiring light duty diesel filters, sales of our heavy duty diesel products increased 8% in 2012, partially offsetting the decrease in light duty diesel sales. During the latter half of 2012, however, the rate of growth of heavy duty products declined, driven by a slowing of Class 8 truck orders in North America. Sales of our automotive products increased in 2012, when compared to 2011, on continued growth in worldwide automotive production, led by growth in North America.
Core net income in 2012 decreased slightly, driven by a decrease in sales of light duty diesel products, offset somewhat by an increase in heavy duty diesel volume, improved manufacturing performance and a decrease in air freight costs, when compared to the same period last year. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not have a significant impact on the comparability of core net income for the periods presented.
Outlook:
We anticipate that sales in the first quarter of 2014 will increase by mid-single digits in percentage terms when compared to the first quarter of 2013, driven by improvements in heavy-duty diesel products in China and Europe.
Specialty Materials
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
** The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
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The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the Specialty Materials segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
2013 vs. 2012
The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and a protective cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices and televisions.
Core net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased in the Specialty Materials segment when compared to 2012, due to a 17% decline in sales of Corning Gorilla Glass. Although retail demand for products using our Corning Gorilla Glass has increased in 2013, supply chain variability, during which we experienced robust sales of this glass in the latter half of 2012, resulted in a supply chain contraction throughout 2013. Advanced optics products sales increased slightly in the year ended December 31, 2013, driven by the beginning of a business recovery. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact core net sales of this reportable segment in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
Although core net sales declined by 13% in the year ended December 31, 2013, core net income decreased by only 2%, when compared to 2012, due to strong cost controls, manufacturing cost reduction initiatives and the beginning of the advanced optics products business recovery, which partially offset the lower sales of Corning Gorilla Glass. Core net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 was not significantly impacted from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same period in 2012.
For 2013, three customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 47% of total segment sales. For 2012, two customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 54% of total segment sales. For 2011, two customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for 42% of total segment sales.
2012 vs. 2011
Core net sales in 2012 increased in the Specialty Materials segment when compared to the same period in 2011, driven by a significant increase in sales volume of Corning Gorilla Glass. Sales of Corning Gorilla Glass have continued to increase due to a combination of strong retail demand for handheld display devices, tablets and notebook computers, and an increase in usage of our glass on these devices. Moderate price declines for Corning Gorilla Glass and lower sales of our advanced optics products partially offset the increase in net sales. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact net sales of this reportable segment in 2012.
When compared to the same period last year, the increase in core net income in 2012 was driven by the increase in sales of Corning Gorilla Glass, combined with increased manufacturing efficiency and the absence of large cover glass start-up and tank conversion costs incurred in 2011. Net income was not significantly impacted from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same period in 2011.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 46
Outlook:
In the first quarter of 2014, we expect sales to decline in the mid-single digits in percentage terms, when compared to the same period last year. In 2014, the Company expects its Gorilla Glass volume to increase when compared to 2013, and to be more in line with overall industry consumption of glass for devices.
Life Sciences
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the Life Sciences segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
2013 vs. 2012
Core net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased when compared to the same period last year, due to the impact of the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, which increased net sales by $192 million. Net sales of the segment’s existing lines remained relatively consistent. Net sales in the year ended December 31, 2013 were not significantly impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.
When compared to the same period in 2012, core net income in the year ended December 31, 2013 increased substantially, driven by the impact of the Discovery Labware acquisition in the amount of $38 million. Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the results of this segment in the year ended December 31, 2013.
For 2013, 2012 and 2011, two customers in the Life Sciences segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of total segment net sales, collectively accounted for 44%, 38% and 39% respectively, of total segment sales.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 47
2012 vs. 2011
Core net sales in 2012 increased due to the impact of the acquisition of the majority of the Discovery Labware business, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, and a small acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2011, as well as a slight increase in the segment’s existing product lines. The acquisitions support the Company’s strategy to expand Corning’s portfolio of life sciences products and enhance global customer access in this business, and accounted for $65 million of the increase in sales in 2012 when compared to 2011. The negative impact of foreign exchange rate movements partially offset the increase in sales.
The decrease in core net income in 2012 reflects the impact of higher raw materials costs and operating expenses in the amount of $22 million related to the acquisition of a majority of the Discovery Labware business, which more than offset the favorable impact of the increase in net sales. Core net income in 2012 was not significantly impacted by movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same period in 2011.
Outlook:
Sales in the Life Sciences segment are expected to remain relatively consistent in the first quarter of 2014, when compared to the same period in 2013.
All Other
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
** The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures for the All Other segment with our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP (in millions). See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 48
All Other includes all other segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting. This group is primarily comprised of development projects that involve the use of various technologies for new products such as advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics and adjacency businesses in pursuit of thin, strong glass. This segment also includes results for certain corporate investments such as Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass businesses, Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products, and Corsam Technologies LLC (Corsam), an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials to provide glass technology research. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about Samsung Corning Precision Materials and related party transactions.
2013 vs. 2012
The increase in segment net loss in 2013 when compared to 2012 was driven by the write-down of assets to their fair value in the amount of $36 million in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business, the absence of the 2012 gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business, and restructuring costs of $5 million associated with our global restructuring program implemented in the fourth quarter of 2013, partially offset by lower research, development and engineering expenses on development projects. The increase in core net loss in 2013 reflects the absence of the 2012 gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business and a decline in research, development and engineering expenses for development projects.
2012 vs. 2011
The results of this segment for the year ended 2012, when compared to the same period last year, reflect an increase in research, development and engineering expenses for development projects, offset by a gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financing and Capital Structure
The following items impacted Corning’s financing and capital structure during 2013 and 2012:
• In the first quarter of 2013, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility. The amended facility provides a $1.0 billion unsecured multi-currency line of credit that expires in March 2018. The facility includes a leverage test (debt to capital ratio) financial covenant. At December 31, 2013, our leverage using this measure was 13.4%, and we are in compliance with the financial covenant. The proceeds of this credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program.
• In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
• In the second quarter of 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2023. The net proceeds of approximately $248 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
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• In the first quarter of 2012, we issued $500 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2042 and $250 million of 4.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2037. The net proceeds of $742 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
- We issued $250 million of 1.45% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2017. The net proceeds of $248 million from the offering were used for general corporate purposes.
- We repurchased $13 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013. Additionally, we redeemed $100 million of our 5.90% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and $74 million of our 6.20% senior unsecured notes due 2016. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $26 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
On April 24, 2013, Corning’s Board of Directors declared an 11% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend. Corning’s quarterly dividend increased from $0.09 per share to $0.10 per share of common stock. The board also authorized a stock repurchase program for purchasing up to $2 billion of the Company’s common stock. This program is incremental to repurchases totaling $1.5 billion completed in December 2012. The stock repurchase authorization expires on December 31, 2014.
On October 22, 2013, Corning’s Board of Directors authorized, in conjunction with a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, an additional $2 billion share repurchase program through December 31, 2015, effective upon the closing of the transaction. The transaction closed on January 15, 2014.
Capital Spending
Capital spending was $1,019 million in 2013, a decrease of $782 million when compared to 2012. In 2011, Corning announced several multi-year investment plans to increase manufacturing capacity in several of our reportable segments. Specifically, the projects focused on an LCD glass substrate facility in China for our Display Technologies segment and a capacity expansion project for Specialty Materials’ Corning Gorilla Glass in Japan. Although spending for these projects continued into 2013, the majority of the construction costs were incurred in 2012 and 2011, resulting in a significant decrease in capital spending in those segments in 2013. We expect our 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately $1.5 billion. Approximately $600 million will be allocated to our Display Technologies segment.
Cash Flows
Summary of cash flow data (in millions):
2013 vs. 2012
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period last year, largely due to a decrease in dividends received from affiliated companies and the unfavorable impact of changes in working capital, driven by higher incentive compensation payments, an increase in foreign tax payments, and an increase in fiber inventory in the Optical Communications segment.
Net cash used in investing activities declined in 2013, when compared to 2012, due to a decrease in capital spending, lower business acquisition spending and the liquidation of short-term investments, offset by the premium related to our purchased collars.
Net cash used in financing activities increased in 2013 when compared to the same period last year, driven primarily by the absence of the issuance of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2012, higher share repurchases, the retirement of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2013, and higher dividend payments.
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2012 vs. 2011
Although 2012 net income declined when compared to 2011, operating cash flow remained relatively consistent. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from the non-cash impacts of significantly lower equity earnings and the absence of the positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates experienced in 2011. The cash impact of higher dividends and a net positive change in working capital also effected operating cash flow.
Net cash used in investing activities increased in 2012 when compared to 2011, due to the acquisition of the majority of the Discovery Labware business from Becton, Dickinson and Company, an investment in an affiliated company, and lower cash received from short-term investment liquidations, offset slightly by a decrease in capital spending.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased in 2012 when compared to 2011, primarily due to the proceeds received from the issuance of long-term debt, coupled with a decline in cash used for stock repurchases in 2012. Somewhat offsetting the decrease in net cash used were the impacts of retiring long-term debt and a decline in proceeds received from the exercise of stock options.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our largest single pension plan is Corning’s U.S. qualified plan. At December 31, 2013, this plan accounted for 78% of our consolidated defined benefit pension plans’ projected benefit obligation and 90% of the related plans’ assets.
We have historically contributed to the U.S. qualified pension plan on an annual basis in excess of the IRS minimum requirements. In 2013, we did not contribute to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and contributed $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2012, we made voluntary cash contributions of $75 million to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $30 million to our international pension plans. Although we will not be subject to any mandatory contributions in 2014, we anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of up to
$85 million to our U.S. pension plan and up to $8 million to our international pension plans in 2014.
In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. While the historical policy of recognizing pension expense was considered acceptable, we believe that the new policy is preferable as it recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and eliminates the delay in recognition of net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor. We have applied these changes retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods, as if the new accounting methodology was in effect during those periods.
Refer to Note 13 (Employee Retirement Plans) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Restructuring
To better align our 2014 cost position in several of our businesses, Corning implemented a global restructuring plan within several of our segments in the fourth quarter of 2013, consisting of workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. We recorded charges of $67 million associated with these actions, with total cash expenditures expected to be approximately $40 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $40 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
In 2012, we recorded a charge of $89 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2013. The charge included costs for workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $49 million primarily related to termination benefits, and were largely finalized in 2013.
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During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made payments of $35 million, $15 million and $16 million, respectively, related to employee severance and other exit costs resulting from restructuring actions. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Key Balance Sheet Data
Balance sheet and working capital measures are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
(1) Includes trade payables only.
Credit Ratings
As of February 13, 2014, our credit ratings were as follows:
Management Assessment of Liquidity
We ended the fourth quarter of 2013 with over $5.2 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company has adequate sources of liquidity and we are confident in our ability to generate cash to meet existing or reasonably likely future cash requirements. Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are held in various locations throughout the world and are generally unrestricted. At December 31, 2013, although approximately 69% of the consolidated amount was held outside of the U.S., we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. We utilize a variety of tax effective financing strategies to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed.
From time to time, we may issue debt, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes or to refinance certain debt maturities. Additionally, to manage interest rate exposure, the Company, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap agreements. In May 2013, in anticipation of issuing $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge against the variability in cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate. The instruments were designated as cash flow hedges. During the fourth quarter, the interest rate swaps expired prior to the issuance of the anticipated debt, the issuance of which had become “not reasonably possible” rather than “probable”. In November 2013, Corning issued a $250 million note with a maturity of 10 years, as opposed to the contemplated issuance of $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt. As the planned issuance did not occur as anticipated, we recorded a small gain in the fourth quarter of 2013. A portion of this gain is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings.
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On June 24, 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
On October 31, 2013, as part of the previously authorized share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013, Corning entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (“JPMC”). Under the ASR, Corning agreed to purchase $1 billion of its common stock, in total, with an initial delivery by JPMC of 47.1 million shares based on the current market price, and payment of $1 billion made by Corning to JPMC. The payment to JPMC was recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity, consisting of an $800 million increase in treasury stock, which reflects the value of the initial 47.1 million shares received upon execution, and a $200 million decrease in other-paid-in capital, which reflects the value of the stock held back by JPMC pending final settlement. On January 28, 2014, the ASR was completed. Corning received an additional 10.5 million shares on January 31, 2014 to settle the ASR. In total, Corning purchased 57.6 million shares based on the average daily volume weighted-average price of Corning’s common stock during the term of the ASR, less a discount.
In addition to the ARS, during 2013 we repurchased 35 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $500 million as part of the share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013. During 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 56 million and 55 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $720 million and $780 million, respectively, as part of the share repurchase program announced on October 5, 2011.
We complete comprehensive reviews of our significant customers and their creditworthiness by analyzing their financial strength at least annually or more frequently for customers where we have identified a measure of increased risk. We closely monitor payments and developments which may signal possible customer credit issues. We currently have not identified any potential material impact on our liquidity resulting from customer credit issues.
Our major funding sources for 2013 and beyond will be our operating cash flow and our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, proceeds from our commercial paper program, financing transactions and any issuances of debt. We believe we have sufficient liquidity for the next several years to fund operations, share repurchase programs, acquisitions, the asbestos litigation, research and development, capital expenditures, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments.
Corning also has access to a $1.0 billion unsecured committed revolving credit facility, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program. This credit facility includes a leverage ratio financial covenant. The required leverage ratio, which measures debt to total capital, is a maximum of 50%. At December 31, 2013, our leverage using this measure was 13.4%, and we are in compliance with the financial covenant.
In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
Our debt instruments contain customary event of default provisions, which allow the lenders the option of accelerating all obligations upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the majority of our debt instruments contain a cross default provision, whereby a default on one debt obligation of the Company in excess of a specified amount, would be considered a default under the terms of another debt instrument. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all such provisions.
Management is not aware of any known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in a material increase or decrease in our liquidity. In addition, other than items discussed, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in our capital resources and no expected material changes in the mix and relative cost of such resources.
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Purchased Collars and Average Rate Forwards
In the first quarter of 2013, Corning executed a series of purchased collars that expire quarterly across a two-year period to hedge its translation exposure resulting from movements in the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges and changes in fair value are recorded in other income immediately. The fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain position) or liabilities (loss position) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In the second quarter of 2013, Corning entered into a series of average rate forwards with no associated premium, which partially hedge the impact of Japanese yen on Corning’s projected 2015 net income. Like the purchased collars, these contracts settle quarterly, and are not designated as accounting hedges.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a net gain of $435 million, before tax, related to changes in the fair value of the purchased collars and average rate forward contracts, offset slightly by premium expense. This gain is recorded in earnings in the Other income, net line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off balance sheet arrangements are transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements with an unconsolidated entity for which Corning has an obligation to the entity that is not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Corning’s off balance sheet arrangements include the following:
• Guarantee contracts; and
• Variable interests held in certain unconsolidated entities.
At the time a guarantee is issued, the Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
Refer to Note 14 (Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For variable interest entities, we assess the terms of our interest in each entity to determine if we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests, which are the ownership, contractual, or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets excluding variable interests.
Corning has identified one entity that qualifies as a variable interest entity. This entity is not considered to be significant to Corning’s consolidated statements of position.
Corning does not have retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serve as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity.
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Contractual Obligations
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2013, $41 million of the $61 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) Total debt above is stated at maturity value, and excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2013, $5 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $2 million of that amount will become payable.
(6) Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations which primarily consist of raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
We have agreed to provide up to a $25 million credit facility to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan.
We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
Environment
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 15 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Corning had accrued approximately $15 million (undiscounted) and $21 million (undiscounted), respectively, for its estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
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Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. The estimates that required us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, including future projections of performance and relevant discount rates, follow.
Impairment of assets held for use
We are required to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets when an indicator of impairment has been identified. We review our long-lived assets in each quarter to assess whether impairment indicators are present. We must exercise judgment in assessing whether an event of impairment has occurred.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals, primarily platinum and rhodium. These metals are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. Precious metals are reviewed for impairment as part of our assessment of long-lived assets. This review considers all of the Company’s precious metals that are either in place in the production process; in reclamation, fabrication, or refinement in anticipation of re-use; or awaiting use to support increased capacity. Precious metals are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other non-manufacturing related purposes.
Examples of events or circumstances that may be indicative of impairments include:
• A significant decrease in the market price of an asset;
• A significant change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition;
• A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
• An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset;
• A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset; and
• A current expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets is grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. We must exercise judgment in assessing the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For the majority of our reportable segments, we concluded that locations or businesses which share production along the supply chain must be combined in order to appropriately identify cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
For long-lived assets, when impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. This assessment requires the exercise of judgment in assessing the future use of and projected value to be derived from the assets to be held and used. Assessments also consider changes in asset utilization, including the temporary idling of capacity and the expected timing for placing this capacity back into production. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. This may require judgment in estimating future cash flows and relevant discount rates and residual values in estimating the current fair value of the impaired assets to be held and used.
For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability described above, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach”, “market approach”, “cost approach”, or a combination of one or more of these approaches as appropriate for the particular asset group being reviewed. All of these approaches start with the forecast of expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals if appropriate for the asset group being reviewed. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions in our analysis include: market size and growth, market share, projected selling prices, manufacturing cost and discount rate. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. We believe fair value assessments are most sensitive to market growth and the corresponding impact on volume and selling prices and that these are also more subjective than manufacturing cost and other assumptions. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates are reasonable and appropriate.
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In the event the current net book value of an asset group is found to be greater than the net present value of the cash flows derived from the asset group, we determine the actual fair market value of long-lived assets with the assistance from valuation appraisals conducted by third parties. The results of these valuations generally represent the fair market value of the asset group that will remain after any necessary impairment adjustments have been recorded. The impairment charge will be allocated to assets within the asset group on a relative fair value basis.
At December 31, 2013, the carrying value of precious metals was higher than the fair market value by $164 million. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of precious metals was higher than the fair value by $28 million. These precious metals are utilized by the Display and Specialty Materials segments. Corning believes these precious metal assets to be recoverable due to the significant positive cash flow in both segments. The potential for impairment exists in the future if negative events significantly decrease the cash flow of these segments. Such events include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in demand for products or a significant decrease in profitability in our Display Technologies or Specialty Materials segments.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets used in the production of large cover glass due to sales that were significantly below our expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, after reassessing the large cover glass business, Corning concluded that the large cover glass market was developing differently in 2012 than our expectations, and demand for larger-sized cover glass was declining, and the market for this type of glass was instead targeting smaller gen size products. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, our primary customer of large cover glass notified Corning of its decision to exit from this display market. Based on these events, we recorded an additional impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount of $44 million, before tax. This impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their fair market values, and includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process. Additional information on the asset impairment is found in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges), Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) and Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment of Goodwill
We are required to make certain subjective and complex judgments in assessing whether an event of impairment of goodwill has occurred, including assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of our reporting units.
Corning’s goodwill relates primarily to the Optical Communications, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences operating segments. On a quarterly basis, management performs a qualitative assessment of factors in each reporting unit to determine whether there have been any triggering events. The two-step impairment test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. We perform a detailed, two-step process every three years if no indicators suggest a test should be performed in the interim. We use this calculation as quantitative validation of the step-zero qualitative process that is performed during the intervening periods and does not represent an election to perform the two-step process in place of the step-zero review.
The following summarizes our qualitative process to assess our goodwill balances for impairment:
• We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units which carry goodwill to determine whether it is necessary to perform the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.
• The following events and circumstances are considered when evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount:
- Macroeconomic conditions, such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and/or other developments in equity and credit markets;
- Market capital in relation to book value;
- Industry and market considerations, such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, material loss in market share and significant declines in product pricing;
- Cost factors, such as an increase in raw materials, labor or other costs;
- Overall financial performance, such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or forecasted revenue;
- Other relevant entity-specific events, such as material changes in management or key personnel; and
- Events affecting a reporting unit, such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets including acquisitions and dispositions.
The examples noted above are not all-inclusive, and the Company shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of a reporting unit in determining whether to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test.
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Our two step goodwill recoverability assessment is based on our annual strategic planning process. This process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasted future cash flows. Our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends.
Optical Communications
Goodwill for the Optical Communications segment is tested at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Optical Communications reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 9% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 7% and 11% would not have affected our conclusion.
Specialty Materials
Goodwill for the Specialty Materials segment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is one level below an operating segment, as goodwill is the result of transactions associated with certain businesses within this operating segment. There is only one reporting unit with goodwill within this operating segment. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Specialty Materials reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 8% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 6% and 10% would not have affected our conclusion. Additionally, the asset impairment which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 did not cause a triggering event for goodwill impairment in this reporting unit because the cash flow related to this lower level asset group is not material to this reporting unit.
Life Sciences
Goodwill for the Life Sciences segment is tested at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Life Sciences reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 7% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 5% and 9% would not have affected our conclusion.
Restructuring charges and impairments resulting from restructuring actions
We are required to assess whether and when a restructuring event has occurred and in which periods charges related to such events should be recognized. We must estimate costs of plans to restructure including, for example, employee termination costs. Restructuring charges require us to exercise judgment about the expected future of our businesses, of portions thereof, their profitability, cash flows and in certain instances eventual outcome. The judgment involved can be difficult, subjective and complex in a number of areas, including assumptions and estimates used in estimating the future profitability and cash flows of our businesses.
Restructuring events often give rise to decisions to dispose of or abandon certain assets or asset groups which, as a result, require impairment. We are required to carry assets to be sold or abandoned at the lower of cost or fair value. We must exercise judgment in assessing the fair value of the assets to be sold or abandoned.
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Income taxes
We are required to exercise judgment about our future results in assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Inherent in this estimation process is the requirement for us to estimate future book and taxable income and possible tax planning strategies. These estimates require us to exercise judgment about our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic environments in which we do business. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to allowances.
Corning accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. As required under FASB ASC Topic 740, we record tax benefits only for technical positions that we believe have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained on their technical merits and then only to the extent of the amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. In estimating these amounts, we must exercise judgment around factors such as the weighting of the tax law in our favor, the willingness of a tax authority to aggressively pursue a particular position, or alternatively, consider a negotiated compromise, and our willingness to dispute a tax authorities assertion to the level of appeal we believe is required to sustain our position. As a result, it is possible that our estimate of the benefits we will realize for uncertain tax positions may change when we become aware of new information affecting these judgments and estimates.
Equity method investments
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of our equity method investments was $5.5 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, with our two largest equity method investments, Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning, comprising approximately 93% of the balance. We review our equity method investments for indicators of impairment on a periodic basis or if an event or circumstances change to indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. When such indicators are present, we then perform an in-depth review for impairment. An impairment assessment requires the exercise of judgment related to key assumptions such as forecasted revenue and profitability, forecasted tax rates, foreign currency exchange rate movements, terminal value assumptions, historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we have not identified any instances where the carrying values of our equity method investments were not recoverable.
To extend Corning’s leadership in specialty glass and drive earnings growth, Corning announced in October 2013 that it is entering into a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display which will result in Corning obtaining full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As part of this agreement, in the fourth quarter of 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in Samsung Corning Precision Materials for $506 million, which includes payment for the transfer of non-operating assets and the pro-rata portion of cash on Samsung Corning Precision Materials balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The resulting transfer of shares to Corning increased Corning’s ownership percentage of Samsung Corning Precision Materials from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013. The remaining transactions were completed on January 15, 2014, which increased Corning’s ownership to 100% and will result in consolidation of the entity beginning in the first quarter of 2014. This organization will be integrated into Corning’s Display Technologies segment. Refer to Note 21 (Subsequent Events) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Fair value measures
As required, Corning uses two kinds of inputs to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources, while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, we prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value into one of three broad levels. Characterization of fair value inputs is required for those accounting pronouncements that prescribe or permit fair value measurement. In addition, observable market data must be used when available and the highest-and-best-use measure should be applied to non-financial assets. Corning’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value are short-term and long-term investments, certain pension asset investments and derivatives. These categories use observable inputs only and are measured using a market approach based on quoted prices in markets considered active or in markets in which there are few transactions.
Derivative assets and liabilities may include interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts that are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. In arriving at the fair value of Corning’s derivative assets and liabilities, we have considered the appropriate valuation and risk criteria, including such factors as credit risk of the relevant
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 59
party to the transaction. Amounts related to credit risk are not material.
The Level 3 assets measured with unobservable inputs relate to certain pension asset investments and all long-lived assets fair valued on a nonrecurring basis related to the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. In 2012, we recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $44 million related to these ion exchange assets used in the production of large cover glass. Refer to Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
Probability of litigation outcomes
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters, we consider the evaluation of legal counsel knowledgeable about each matter, case law, and other case-specific issues. See Part II - Item 3. Legal Proceedings for a discussion of the material litigation matters we face. The most significant matter involving judgment is the liability for asbestos litigation. There are a number of factors bearing upon our potential liability, including the inherent complexity of a Chapter 11 filing, our history of success in defending asbestos claims, our assessment of the strength of our corporate veil defenses, and our continuing dialogue with our insurance carriers and the claimants’ representatives. The proposed asbestos resolution (Amended PCC Plan) is subject to a number of contingencies. The approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties. Any approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is subject to appeal. For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters. The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur. Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Other possible liabilities
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of certain matters, including certain tax planning and environmental matters, these judgments require us to consider events and actions that are outside our control in determining whether probable or possible liabilities require accrual or disclosure. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to accruals.
Pension and other postretirement employee benefits (OPEB)
Pension and OPEB costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, health care cost trend rates, benefits earned, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. For our OPEB plans, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded obligation in future periods. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect Corning’s employee pension and other postretirement obligations, and current and future expense.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 60
The following table presents our actual and expected return on assets, as well as the corresponding percentage, for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011:
As of December 31, 2013, the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) for U.S. pension plans was $2,844 million.
The following information illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for U.S. pension plans:
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear. These changes in assumptions would have no effect on Corning’s funding requirements.
In addition, at December 31, 2013, a 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate would decrease stockholders’ equity by $107 million before tax, and a 25 basis point increase in the discount rate would increase stockholders’ equity by $103 million. In addition, the impact of greater than a 25 basis point decrease in discount rate would not be proportional to the first 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate.
The following table illustrates the sensitivity to a change in the discount rate assumption related to Corning’s U.S. OPEB plans:
* Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO).
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. In certain instances, revenue recognition is based on estimates of fair value of deliverables as well as estimates of product returns, allowances, discounts, and other factors. These estimates are supported by historical data. While management believes that the estimates used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in estimates may affect Corning’s future results.
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Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, share-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be impacted.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 62
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in reports subsequently filed by Corning with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K, and related comments by management that are not historical facts or information and contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual outcome to be materially different. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
• global business, financial, economic and political conditions;
• tariffs and import duties;
• currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, primarily the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, Euro, and Korean won;
• product demand and industry capacity;
• competitive products and pricing;
• availability and costs of critical components and materials;
• new product development and commercialization;
• order activity and demand from major customers;
• fluctuations in capital spending by customers;
• possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, cyber attack, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, or major health concerns;
• unanticipated disruption to equipment, facilities, or operations;
• facility expansions and new plant start-up costs;
• effect of regulatory and legal developments;
• ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand;
• credit rating and ability to obtain financing and capital on commercially reasonable terms;
• adequacy and availability of insurance;
• financial risk management;
• acquisition and divestiture activities;
• rate of technology change;
• level of excess or obsolete inventory;
• ability to enforce patents and protect intellectual property and trade secrets;
• adverse litigation;
• product and components performance issues;
• retention of key personnel;
• stock price fluctuations;
• trends for the continued growth of the Company’s businesses;
• the ability of research and development projects to produce revenues in future periods;
• a downturn in demand or decline in growth rates for LCD glass substrates;
• customer ability, most notably in the Display Technologies segment, to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund their ongoing operations and manufacturing expansions and pay their receivables when due;
• loss of significant customers;
• fluctuations in supply chain inventory levels;
• equity company activities, principally at Dow Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials;
• changes in tax laws and regulations;
• changes in accounting rules and standards;
• the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action and investigations;
• temporary idling of capacity or delaying expansion;
• the ability to implement productivity, consolidation and cost reduction efforts, and to realize anticipated benefits;
• restructuring actions and charges; and
• other risks detailed in Corning’s SEC filings.
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ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
We operate and conduct business in many foreign countries and as a result are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our exposure to exchange rates has the following effects:
• Exchange rate movements on financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies that impact earnings; and
• Exchange rate movements upon conversion of net assets and net income of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impact our net equity.
Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Japanese yen, South Korean won, New Taiwan dollar, Chinese Renminbi, and the Euro. We seek to mitigate the impact of exchange rate movements in our income statement by using over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments including foreign exchange forward and option contracts typically with durations of 36 months or less. In general, these hedges expire coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions.
We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties to these derivative contracts. However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships. We do not expect to record any losses as a result of such counterparty default. Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments.
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize OTC foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates will adversely affect the net cash flows resulting from the sale of products to foreign customers and purchases from foreign suppliers. We also use OTC foreign exchange forward and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The undesignated hedges limit exposures to foreign functional currency fluctuations related to certain subsidiaries’ monetary assets, monetary liabilities and net earnings in foreign currencies. A significant portion of the Company’s non-U.S. revenues are denominated in Japanese yen. When these revenues are translated back to U.S. dollars, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate movements in the Japanese yen. To protect translated earnings against movements in the Japanese yen, the Company has entered into a series of purchased collars and average rate forwards. With a purchased collar structure, the Company writes a local currency call option and purchases a local currency put option. The purchased collars offset the impact of translated earnings above the put price and below the call strike price and that offset is reported in other income, net.
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies has historically contributed a significant amount to our income from continuing operations. Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, were $547 million and $810 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, with foreign-based affiliates comprising over 63% of this amount in 2013. Equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials totaled $320 million for 2013 and $699 million for 2012. Exchange rate fluctuations and actions taken by management of these entities can affect the earnings of these companies.
We use a sensitivity analysis to assess the market risk associated with our foreign currency exchange risk. Market risk is defined as the potential change in fair value of assets and liabilities resulting from an adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2013, with respect to open foreign exchange forward and option contracts, and foreign denominated debt with values exposed to exchange rate movements, a 10% adverse movement in quoted foreign currency exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $479 million compared to $236 million at December 31, 2012. Specific to the Japanese yen, a 10% adverse movement in quoted yen exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $398 million compared to $196 million at December 31, 2012. Specific to the Euro, a 10% adverse movement in quoted euro exchange rates could result in a loss in fair value of these instruments of $31 million compared to $25 million at December 31, 2012.
As we derive approximately 69% of our net sales from outside the U.S., our sales and net income could be affected if the U.S. dollar significantly strengthens or weakens against foreign currencies, most notably the Japanese yen and Euro. Our forecasts generally assume exchange rates during 2014 remain constant at January 2014 levels. As an example of the impact that changes in foreign currency exchange rates could have on our financial results, we compare 2013 actual sales in yen and Euro transaction currencies at an average currency exchange rate during the year to a 10% change in the currency exchange rate. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen exchange rate would result in a change to 2013 net sales of approximately $265 million. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - euro exchange rate would result in a change to 2013 net sales of approximately $103 million. Using 2013 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated as a percentage of net sales of 25%, we can estimate that a plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - Japanese yen exchange rate would result in a change to 2013 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated of approximately $220 million. A plus or minus 10% movement in the U.S. dollar - euro exchange rate would result in a change to 2013 net income attributable to Corning Incorporated of approximately $14 million.
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Interest Rate Risk Management
It is our policy to conservatively manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We are party to two interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedges and economically exchange a notional amount of $550 million of previously issued fixed rate long-term debt to floating rate debt. Under the terms of the swap agreements, we pay the counterparty a floating rate that is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate.
In May 2013, in anticipation of issuing $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge against the variability in cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate. The instruments were designated as cash flow hedges. During the fourth quarter, the interest rate swaps expired prior to the issuance of the anticipated debt, the issuance of which had become “not reasonably possible” rather than “probable”. In November 2013, Corning issued a $250 million note with a maturity of 10 years, as opposed to the contemplated issuance of $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt. As the planned issuance did not occur as anticipated, we recorded a small gain in the fourth quarter of 2013. A portion of this gain is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings.
Item Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Item 15 (a) 1.
Item Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive and principal financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
(a) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and adequate internal control over financial reporting for Corning. Management is also responsible for the assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure controls and procedures mean controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Corning in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Corning’s management, including Corning’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or other persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Corning’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Corning’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of Corning’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that Corning’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Corning’s management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Corning’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting includes controls over recognition of equity earnings and equity investments by Corning. Internal control over financial reporting for Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning is the responsibility of Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning management. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Corning’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013. The effectiveness of Corning’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
(b) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Refer to Part IV, Item 15.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B Other Information
None.
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ITEM Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Directors of the Registrant
The sections entitled “Our Director Nominees” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Information regarding executive officers is presented in Item I of this report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
Corning has an Audit Committee and has identified two members of the Audit Committee as Audit Committee Financial Experts. See sections entitled “Structure and Role of the Board” and “Our Board Committees” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, which are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors adopted the (i) Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Financial Executives and the (ii) Code of Conduct for Directors and Executive Officers, which supplements the Code of Conduct. These Codes have been in existence for more than ten years and govern all employees and directors. During 2013, no amendments to or waivers of the provisions of the Code of Ethics were made with respect to any of our directors or executive officers. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.corning.com/investor_relations/corporate_governance/codes_of_conduct.aspx. We will also provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to shareholders without charge upon written request to Ms. Linda E. Jolly, Corporate Secretary, Corning Incorporated, HQ-E2-10, Corning, NY 14831. We will disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date
of such amendment or waiver.
ITEM Executive Compensation
The sections entitled “Compensation Matters,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Report of our Compensation Committee,” and “Director Compensation” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The section entitled “Beneficial Ownership” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by this item related to the Company’s securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2013 is included in Part I, “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The sections entitled “Director Independence” and “Certain Beneficial Relationships and Related Transactions” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The sections entitled “Audit Matters - Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Audit Matters - Policy Regarding Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 29, 2014, are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In October 2013, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) issued its annual Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526 independence letter to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and therein reported that it is independent under applicable standards in connection with its audit opinion for the financial statements contained in this report. The Audit Committee has discussed with PwC its independence from Corning, and concurred with PwC.
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ITEM 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused his report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Corning Incorporated
By /s/ Wendell P. Weeks
(Wendell P. Weeks)
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President
Date: February 10, 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Corning Incorporated 2013 Annual Report Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges
3. Available-for-Sale Investments
4. Significant Customers
5. Inventories
6. Income Taxes
7. Investments
8. Acquisition
9. Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
11. Other Liabilities
Debt
13. Employee Retirement Plans
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
15. Hedging Activities
16. Fair Value Measurements
17. Shareholders’ Equity
18. Earnings Per Common Share
19. Share-based Compensation
20. Reportable Segments
21. Subsequent Events
Financial Statement Schedule
II. Valuation Accounts and Reserves
Quarterly Operating Results (unaudited)
Financial Statements of Dow Corning Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Financial Statements of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Corning Incorporated:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Corning Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension plans in 2013.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 10, 2014
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Income
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Corning Incorporated is a provider of high-performance glass for notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, LCD televisions, and other information display applications; carrier network and enterprise network products for the telecommunications industry; ceramic substrates for gasoline and diesel engines in automotive and heavy duty vehicle markets; laboratory products for the scientific community and specialized polymer products for biotechnology applications; advanced optical materials for the semiconductor industry and the scientific community; and other technologies. In these notes, the terms “Corning,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Corning Incorporated and subsidiary companies.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which Corning exercises control.
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by Corning and in which our interest is generally between 20% and 50% and we have significant influence over the entity. Our share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and we have significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in one of our affiliated companies, Samsung Corning Precision Materials, which increased Corning’s ownership percentage from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013.
We use the cost method to account for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our results of operations, financial position, or changes in shareholders’ equity.
Employee Retirement Plans
In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. While the historical policy of recognizing pension expense was considered acceptable, we believe that the new policy is preferable as it recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and eliminates the delay in recognition of net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor. We have applied these changes retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods, as if the new accounting methodology was in effect during those periods.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Following are the changes to financial statement line items as a result of the accounting methodology change for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Balance Sheets
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements include estimates of fair value associated with revenue recognition, restructuring charges, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests, estimates of fair value of investments, equity interests, environmental and legal liabilities, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, assumptions used in calculating pension and other postretirement employee benefit expenses and the fair value of stock based compensation. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be different from these estimates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Revenue Recognition
Revenue for sales of goods is recognized when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. If customer acceptance of products is not reasonably assured, sales are recorded only upon formal customer acceptance. Sales of goods typically do not include multiple product and/or service elements.
At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns, allowances and price discounts based upon historical experience and related terms of customer arrangements. Where we have offered product warranties, we also establish liabilities for estimated warranty costs based upon historical experience and specific warranty provisions. Warranty liabilities are adjusted when experience indicates the expected outcome will differ from initial estimates of the liability.
Other Income, Net
“Other income, net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision Materials decreased in 2013, when compared to 2012, reflecting the decline in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision Materials. In 2012, royalty income was significantly lower when compared to 2011, due to the reduction of the applicable royalty rate by approximately 50% beginning in December 2011.
Included in the line item Foreign currency transaction and hedge gains (losses), net, for the year ended December 31, 2013, is the impact of the purchased collars and average rate forward contracts, which hedge our exposure to movements in the Japanese yen and its impact on our net earnings. We recorded a net gain relating to the changes in the fair value of these contracts, offset slightly by the premium expense, in the amount of $435 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $613 million in 2013, $651 million in 2012 and $561 million in 2011.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The determination of the functional currency for Corning’s foreign subsidiaries is made based on the appropriate economic factors. For most foreign operations, the local currencies are generally considered to be the functional currencies. Corning’s most significant exception is our Taiwanese subsidiary, which uses the Japanese yen as its functional currency. For all transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency, exchange rate gains and losses are included in income for the period in which the exchange rates changed.
Foreign subsidiary functional currency balance sheet accounts are translated at current exchange rates, and statement of operations accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The effects of remeasuring non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the functional currency are included in current earnings, except for those related to intra-entity foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature, which are recorded together with translation gains and losses in other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, the amount of net translation gains or losses that have been accumulated in other comprehensive income attributable to that investment are reported as a gain or loss for the period in which the sale or liquidation occurs.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Stock-Based Compensation
Corning’s stock-based compensation programs include employee stock option grants, time-based restricted stock awards, time-based restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock awards and performance-based restricted stock units, as more fully described in Note 19 (Share-based Compensation) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The cost of stock-based compensation awards is equal to the fair value of the award at the date of grant and compensation expense is recognized for those awards earned over the vesting period. Corning estimates the fair value of stock based awards using a multiple-point Black-Scholes option valuation model, which incorporates assumptions including expected volatility, dividend yield, risk-free rate, expected term and departure rates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. We consider securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows (in millions):
(1) Amounts represent credits applied to customer receivable balances for customers that made advance cash deposits under long-term purchase and supply agreements.
(2) Included in this amount are approximately $35 million, $74 million and $46 million of interest costs that were capitalized as part of property, net in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investments consist of available-for-sale securities that are stated at fair value. Consistent with Corning’s cash investment policy, our short-term investments consist primarily of fixed-income securities. Preservation of principal is the primary principle of our cash investment policy that is carried out by limiting interest rate, reinvestment, security, quality and event risk. Our investments are generally liquid and all are investment grade quality. The portfolio is invested predominantly in U.S. Treasury securities and high quality short term government security money market funds. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on a specific identification basis and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability of the related receivables, including length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history. In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the above criteria.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Environmental Liabilities
The Company accrues for its environmental investigation, remediation, operating, and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential responsible parties, the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum amount is accrued. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded related to the insurance reimbursement when reimbursement is virtually certain.
The uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates may not reflect the final outcome could result in additional costs being recognized by the Company in future periods.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Land, buildings, and equipment, including precious metals, are recorded at cost. Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives of properties using the straight-line method. Except as described in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to accelerated depreciation arising from restructuring programs and Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) of the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the depletion of precious metals, the estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 20 years for equipment.
Included in the subcategory of equipment are the following types of assets (excluding precious metals):
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. We treat the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and account for these losses as a period expense based on actual units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of our glass production processes. They are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill relates to and is assigned directly to a specific reporting unit. Reporting units are either operating segments or one level below the operating segment. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. Goodwill is reviewed for indicators of impairment quarterly or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Corning also performs a detailed, two-step process every three years if no indicators suggest a test should be performed in the interim. We use this calculation as quantitative validation of the step-zero qualitative process; this process does not represent an election to perform the two-step process in place of the step-zero review.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The qualitative process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasting future cash flows. If we are required to perform the two-step impairment analysis, our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the fair value and carrying value.
Other intangible assets include patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Such intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 50 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as plant and equipment and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the carrying value of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. When impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach” that starts with the forecast of all the expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail.
Treasury Stock
Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, treasury shares may be reissued as contributions to our employee benefit plans and for the retirement or conversion of certain debt instruments. When shares are reissued, we use an average cost method for determining cost. The difference between the cost of the shares and the reissuance price is added to or deducted from additional paid-in capital.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and for differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
The effective income tax rate reflects our assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with our various tax filing positions, we record a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when new information becomes available. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued penalties and interest, is included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.
Discrete events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are indefinitely reinvested in those companies. Provision for the tax consequences of distributions, if any, from consolidated foreign subsidiaries is recorded in the year in which the earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested in those subsidiaries.
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Equity Method Investments
Our equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors we consider include:
• Absence of our ability to recover the carrying amount;
• Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
• Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, we measure fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that we will not recover the carrying amount of our investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. We require our equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, adjustments for asset recoverability are included in equity earnings. We also utilize these financial statements in our recoverability assessment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Major categories of financial assets and liabilities, including short-term investments, other assets and derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities including long-lived assets, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and cost and equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
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 the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
Derivative Instruments
We participate in a variety of foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange option contracts entered into in connection with the management of our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We also entered into interest rate forwards to reduce the risk of changes in a benchmark interest rate from the probable forecasted issuance of debt. These financial exposures are managed in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and hedges of net investments in foreign operations are not recognized in current operating results but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts related to cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income when the underlying hedged item impacts earnings. This reclassification is recorded in the same line item of the consolidated statement of operations as where the effects of the hedged item are recorded, typically sales, royalties, or cost of sales. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded currently in earnings offset, to the extent the derivative was effective, by the change in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded currently in earnings in the other income line of the consolidated statement of operations.
We have issued foreign currency denominated debt that has been designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the debt is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income as part of the foreign currency translation adjustment.
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New Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. With certain exceptions, ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 on either a prospective or retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-10 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate. ASU 2013-10 permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligation of the United States government and the LIBOR. In addition, the guidance removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendments in ASU 2013-10 are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-05 Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU 2013-05 clarifies when to release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for transactions involving the disposition of some or all of an investment or a business combination achieved in stages (step acquisitions). The amendments are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04 Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure such obligations as the sum of the amount that the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement with co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required with early adoption permitted. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges
2013 Activity
To better align our 2014 cost position in several of our businesses, Corning implemented a global restructuring plan within several of our segments in the fourth quarter of 2013, consisting of workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. We recorded charges of $67 million associated with these actions, with total cash expenditures expected to be approximately $40 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $40 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
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The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
Cash payments for employee-related and exit activity related to the 2013 corporate-wide restructuring plan are expected to be substantially completed in 2014.
The year-to-date cost of these plans for each of our reportable segments was as follows (in millions):
2012 Activity
Corning implemented a corporate-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to uncertain global economic conditions, and the potential for slower growth in many of our businesses in 2013. We recorded charges of $89 million, before tax, which included costs for workforce reductions, asset write-offs and exit costs. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $49 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $71 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
The Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2011 in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets used in the production of large cover glass due to sales that were significantly below our expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, after reassessing the large cover glass business, Corning concluded that the large cover glass market was developing differently in 2012 than our expectations, demand for larger-sized cover glass was declining, and the market for this type of glass was instead targeting smaller gen size products. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, our primary customer of large cover glass notified Corning of its decision to exit from this display market. Based on these events, we recorded an additional impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount of $44 million, before tax. This impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their fair market values, and includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process.
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The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
Cash payments for employee-related costs related to the 2012 corporate-wide restructuring plan were substantially completed in 2013. Cash payments for exit activities were substantially completed in 2012.
2011 Activity
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Although sales of Corning Gorilla Glass used in our large cover glass products increased in 2011 when compared to 2010, gross margins continued to be weak and sales volumes were significantly below our expectations in 2011 and both sales and margins were expected to be lower than forecasted in 2012. As a result, certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass were written down to estimated fair value in the fourth quarter of 2011 and an impairment loss of $130 million was recognized. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process.
The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions):
Cash payments for exit activities and employee-related costs related to the 2011 corporate-wide restructuring plan were substantially completed in 2012.
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3.	Available-for-Sale Investments
The following is a summary of the fair value of available-for-sale securities (in millions):
We do not intend to sell, nor do we believe it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell, the long-term investment asset-backed securities (which are collateralized by mortgages) before recovery of their amortized cost basis. It is possible that a significant degradation in the delinquency or foreclosure rates in the underlying assets could cause further temporary or other-than-temporary impairments in the future.
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2013 (in millions):
(1) Included in the maturity table is $38 million of asset-based securities that mature over time and are being reported at their final maturity dates.
Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on a specific identification basis and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity until realized.
The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s investments and unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, for securities that have credit losses, an unrealized loss on other than temporary impaired securities of $6 million and $9 million, respectively, is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments totaled $2 billion, $2.3 billion and $3.2 billion in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
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4.	Significant Customers
For 2013, Corning’s sales to AU Optronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technology segment, represented 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. In 2012, no customers met or exceeded 10% of Corning’s consolidated net sales. For 2011, Corning’s sales to Sharp Electronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technologies segment, represented 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
5.	Inventories
Inventories comprise the following (in millions):
6.	Income Taxes
Income before income taxes follows (in millions):
The current and deferred amounts of the provision (benefit) for income taxes follow (in millions):
Amounts are reflected in the preceding tables based on the location of the taxing authorities.
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Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follows:
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
(1) Primarily related to a subsidiary in Taiwan operating under tax holiday arrangements. The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of existing arrangements phase out in future years (through 2018). The impact of tax holidays on net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.02 in 2013, $0.02 in 2012 and $0.04 in 2011.
(2) Primarily related to research and development credits in U.S.
(3) Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates reported in the financials net of tax. The decrease from 2012 - 2013 was driven by significantly lower earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials.
(4) $74 million of tax benefit increase was due to $37 million expense recorded in 2012 that was reversed in the first quarter of 2013 as a result of the retroactive application of the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 3, 2013. Additional increase in the benefit was attributable to excess foreign tax credits realized in U.S.
(5) Includes benefit of amending 2006 U.S. Federal return to claim foreign tax credits.
(6) Primarily related to change in judgment on the realizability of Australia and certain state deferred tax assets.
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities follows (in millions):
The net deferred tax assets are classified in our consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions):
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Details on deferred tax assets for loss and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2013 follow (in millions):
The recognition of windfall tax benefits from stock-based compensation deducted on the tax return is prohibited until realized through a reduction of income tax payable. Cumulative tax benefits totaling $313 million will be recorded in additional paid-in-capital when the net operating loss and credit carry forwards are utilized and the windfall tax benefit can be realized.
Deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Corning has valuation allowances on certain shorter-lived deferred tax assets such as those represented by capital loss carry forwards and state tax net operating loss carry forwards, as well as other foreign net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state tax credits, because we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that we will earn income of the character required to utilize these assets before they expire. The amount of U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets that have remaining valuation allowances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $286 million and $210 million, respectively.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
Included in the balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are $7 million and $11 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amounts recognized in interest expense and income were immaterial. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2013 and 2012 for the payment of interest and penalties were not significant.
While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.
Corning Incorporated, as the common parent company, and all 80%-or-more-owned of its U.S. subsidiaries join in the filing of consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns. All such returns for periods ended through December 31, 2004, have been audited by and settled with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The statute of limitations to audit the 2007, 2008 and 2009 U.S. federal income tax expired in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The statute for the 2005 tax return has closed except to the extent the loss generated in 2005 is utilized in future years. The statute for U.S. foreign tax and research and experimentation credit carryforwards generated through 2009 will remain open until the credits are utilized in future years.
Corning Incorporated and its U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns on a combined, unitary or stand-alone basis in multiple state and local jurisdictions, which generally have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 5 years. Various state income tax returns are currently in the process of examination or administrative appeal.
Our foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in the countries in which they have operations. Generally, these countries have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 7 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Japan (2008 onward) and Taiwan (2012 onward).
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 99
Corning continues to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of its foreign earnings, with the exception of approximately $12 million of earnings that have very low or no tax cost associated with their repatriation. Our current analysis indicates that we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. One time or unusual items that may impact our ability or intent to keep our foreign earnings and cash indefinitely reinvested include significant U.S. acquisitions, stock repurchases, shareholder dividends, changes in tax laws and/or a change in our circumstances or economic conditions that negatively impact our ability to borrow or otherwise fund U.S. needs from existing U.S. sources. As of December 31, 2013, taxes have not been provided on approximately $12.4 billion of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to remain invested indefinitely. While it remains impracticable to calculate the tax cost of repatriating our total unremitted foreign earnings, such cost could be material to the results of operations of Corning in a particular period.
7. Investments
Investments comprise the following (in millions):
(1) Amounts reflect Corning’s direct ownership interests in the respective affiliated companies. Corning does not control any of such entities.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Affiliated Companies at Equity
The results of operations and financial position of the investments accounted for under the equity method follow (in millions):
(1) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision Materials to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision Materials at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
(2) As a result of the series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display entered into on October 22, 2013, certain non-operating assets of Samsung Corning Precision Materials were held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and are reported as discontinued operations in Samsung Corning Precision Materials financial statements, which are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Previous period amounts have been conformed for comparative purposes.
We have contractual agreements with several of our equity affiliates which include sales, purchasing, licensing and technology agreements.
At December 31, 2013, approximately $4.7 billion of equity in undistributed earnings of equity companies was included in our retained earnings.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A discussion and summarized results of Corning’s significant affiliates at December 31, 2013 follows:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision Materials)
Samsung Corning Precision Materials is a South Korea-based manufacturer of liquid crystal display glass for flat panel displays.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
(1) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision Materials to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision Materials at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
(2) As a result of the series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display entered into on October 22, 2013, certain non-operating assets of Samsung Corning Precision Materials were held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and are reported as discontinued operations in Samsung Corning Precision Materials financial statements, which are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Previous period amounts have been conformed for comparative purposes.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, Corning’s equity earnings were negatively impacted by $54 million as a result of higher taxes due to the partial expiration of tax holidays in Korea.
Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $8 million at December 31, 2013. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $2 million at December 31, 2013. Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $15 million at December 31, 2012. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $34 million at December 31, 2012.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Prior to December 2013, Corning owned 50% of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, Samsung Display Co., Ltd. owned 43% and three shareholders owned the remaining 7%. In the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display announced in October 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in Samsung Corning Precision Materials for $506 million, which included payment for the transfer of non-operating assets and the pro-rata portion of cash on Samsung Corning Precision Materials balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The resulting transfer of shares to Corning increased Corning’s ownership percentage of Samsung Corning Precision Materials from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013. On January 15, 2014, Corning completed the series of strategic and financial agreements to acquire the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials previously held by Samsung Display Co., Ltd. As a result of these transactions, Corning is now the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, which we will consolidate into our results beginning in the first quarter of 2014.
In April 2011, South Korean tax authorities completed a tax audit of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As a result, the tax authorities issued a pre-assessment of approximately $46 million for an asserted underpayment of withholding tax on dividends paid from September 2006 through March 2009. Our first level of appeal was denied on October 5, 2011 and a formal assessment was issued. The assessment was paid in full in the fourth quarter of 2011, allowing us to continue the appeal process. Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Corning believe we will maintain our position when all available appeal remedies have been exhausted.
On December 31, 2007, Samsung Corning Precision Materials acquired all of the outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning). After the transaction, Corning retained its 50% interest in Samsung Corning Precision Materials. Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Samsung Corning were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement). The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea. Under the Agreement, it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc. In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach. On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.3 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum. The ruling was appealed. On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates to pay 600 billion won in principal and 20 billion won in delayed interest to SGI and Creditors. Samsung promptly paid those amounts, which approximated $550 million when translated to United States dollars, from a portion of an escrow account established upon completion of SLI’s initial public offering (IPO) on May 7, 2010. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Affiliates appealed the Appellate Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Korea and the appeal is currently in progress. Samsung Corning Precision Materials has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss should be reflected in its financial statements. Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Dow Corning
Dow Corning is a U.S.-based manufacturer of silicone products. Corning and Dow Chemical each own half of Dow Corning.
Dow Corning’s financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
(1) Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes R&D cost of $248 million (2012: $281 million and 2011: $259 million) and selling expenses of $13 million (2012: $15 million and $2011: $25 million).
Beginning in the latter half of 2011, and continuing into 2012, Dow Corning began experiencing unfavorable industry conditions at Hemlock, a producer of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries, driven by over-capacity at all levels of the solar industry supply chain. This over-capacity led to significant declines in polycrystalline spot prices in the fourth quarter of 2011, and prices remained depressed throughout 2012. In 2013, markets stabilized, but prices remained significantly below historical levels.
Due to the conditions and uncertainties during 2012 described above, sales volume declined and production levels of certain operating assets were reduced. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2012, Dow Corning determined that a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion previously delayed since the fourth quarter of 2011 would no longer be economically viable and made the decision to abandon this expansion activity. The abandonment resulted in an impairment charge of $57 million, before tax, for Corning’s share of the write down in the value of these construction-in-progress assets. Further, the startup of another polycrystalline silicon plant expansion that was expected to begin production in 2013 was delayed and the assets remain idled. Production will only commence when sales volumes increase to levels necessary to support the plant’s capacity. The timing for startup of this expansion is uncertain and future adverse conditions may cause Dow Corning to re-evaluate the long-term viability of the idled assets.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2012, these negative events and circumstances at Dow Corning indicated that assets of Dow Corning’s polycrystalline silicon business might be impaired. In accordance with accounting guidance for impairment of long-lived assets, Dow Corning compared estimated undiscounted cash flows to the assets’ carrying value and determined that the asset group was recoverable as of December 31, 2012. Upon receiving the preliminary determination notices from MOFCOM in the third quarter of 2013, Dow Corning again evaluated whether the polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. The estimate of future undiscounted cash flows continued to indicate the assets were expected to be recovered. However, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value. Dow Corning’s estimate of cash flows might change as a result of continued pricing deterioration, ongoing oversupply in the market, or other adverse market conditions that result in non-performance by customers under long-term contracts. Corning’s share of the carrying value of this asset group is approximately $1.0 billion.
In July 2012, MOFCOM initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon products from the U.S. and Korea based on a petition filed by Chinese solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers. The petition alleged that producers within these countries exported solar-grade polycrystalline silicon to China at less than fair value and that production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon in the U.S. has been subsidized by the U.S. government. On July 18, 2013, MOFCOM announced its preliminary determination that China’s solar-grade polycrystalline silicon industry suffered material damage because of dumping by producers in the U.S. and Korea. The Chinese authorities imposed provisional antidumping duties on producers in the U.S. and Korea ranging from 2.4% to 57.0%, including duties of 53.3% on future imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon product from the Dow Corning subsidiary into China. On September 16, 2013, the Chinese authorities imposed provisional countervailing duties of 6.5%. On January 20, 2014, MOFCOM issued a final determination. The final determination resulted in no change to the antidumping duties, and the countervailing duties were reduced to 2.1%. The requirement for customers to pay provisional duties on imports from solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers became effective on July 24, 2013 for the antidumping duties and on September 20, 2013 for the countervailing duties, adjusted for the final determination. Dow Corning will not be subject to duties for previous sales, and is evaluating possible actions in response to the final determination.
In 1995, Corning fully impaired its investment in Dow Corning after it filed for bankruptcy protection. Corning did not recognize net equity earnings from the second quarter of 1995 through the end of 2002. Corning began recognizing equity earnings in the first quarter of 2003 when management concluded that Dow Corning’s emergence from bankruptcy was probable. Corning considers the $171 million difference between the carrying value of its investment in Dow Corning and its 50% share of Dow Corning’s equity to be permanent.
Corning and Dow Chemical each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning. In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits. On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims. The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.
Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims. Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.8 billion to the Settlement Trust. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion.
As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $94 million to $309 million. As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range. Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $94 million, net of applicable tax benefits. There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future. The remaining tort claims against Dow Corning are expected to be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and Asbestos Litigation. Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC). Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim. Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products.
PCC Plan of Reorganization
Corning, with other relevant parties, has been involved in ongoing efforts to develop a Plan of Reorganization that would resolve the concerns and objections of the relevant courts and parties. On November 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court issued a decision finally confirming an Amended PCC Plan of Reorganization (the “Amended PCC Plan” or the “Plan”).
Under this Plan, Corning is required to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute $290 million in a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning has the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability is fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Plan requires Corning to make: (1) one payment of $70 million one year from the date the Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met; and (2) five additional payments of $35 million, $50 million, $35 million, $50 million, and $50 million, respectively, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances.
The Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Plan must be affirmed by the District Court, and two objectors to the Plan have appealed the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Plan to the District Court. Assuming the District Court affirms the confirmation, that decision may be appealed. If that occurs, it could take many months for the confirmation of the Plan to be finally affirmed.
Non-PCC Asbestos Litigation
In addition to the claims against Corning related to its ownership interest in PCC, Corning is also the defendant in approximately 9,700 other cases (approximately 37,400 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos related to its Corhart business and similar amounts of monetary damages per case. When PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, the Court granted a preliminary injunction to suspend all asbestos cases against PCC, PPG and Corning - including these non-PCC asbestos cases (the “stay”). The stay remains in place as of the date of this filing. Under the Bankruptcy Court’s order confirming the Amended PCC Plan, the stay will remain in place until the Amended PCC Plan is finally affirmed. These non-PCC asbestos cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date. As of December 31, 2013, Corning had received for these cases approximately $19 million in insurance payments related to those claims. If and when the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Amended PCC Plan is affirmed, these non-PCC asbestos claims would be allowed to proceed against Corning. Corning has recorded in its estimated asbestos litigation liability an additional $150 million for these and any future non-PCC asbestos cases.
Total Estimated Liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the Non-PCC Asbestos Claims
The liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the non-PCC asbestos claims was estimated to be $690 million at December 31, 2013, compared with an estimate of liability of $671 million at December 31, 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Corning recorded asbestos litigation expense of $19 million and $14 million, respectively. The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and the PCE portion of the obligation will be fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).
Non-PCC Asbestos Cases Insurance Litigation
Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above. Corning is vigorously contesting these cases, and management is unable to predict the outcome of the litigation.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of PCE significantly exceeded its carrying value of $167 million and $149 million, respectively. There have been no impairment indicators for our investment in PCE and we continue to recognize equity earnings of this affiliate. PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on April 16, 2000. At that time, Corning determined it lacked the ability to recover the carrying amount of its investment in PCC and its investment was other than temporarily impaired. As a result, we reduced our investment in PCC to zero.
8. Acquisition
On January 15, 2014, Corning completed a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, previously announced on October 22, 2013, to acquire the remaining 50% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As a result of these transactions, Corning is the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. We have not completed our accounting for the acquisition by the date of the filing of our 2013 Form 10-K, and, therefore, have not included detailed disclosure in this note. Refer to Note 21 (Subsequent Events) for additional details on the transaction.
There were no significant acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2013.
On October 31, 2012, Corning acquired all of the shares of Discovery Labware, Inc. and Plasso Technology Limited and certain other assets (collectively referred to as “Purchased Assets”) from Becton Dickinson and Company for approximately $739 million. The Purchased Assets constitute a business; therefore, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The business, referred to as Discovery Labware, designs, manufactures, markets and supplies cell culture, other laboratory reagents, core and advanced consumables for basic and applied research for life scientists, clinical researchers, and laboratory professionals globally.
The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired, with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of fair value as follows (in millions):
(1) 	The goodwill recognized is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Life Sciences segment.
Goodwill is primarily related to the value of the Discovery Labware product portfolio and distribution network and its combination with Corning’s existing life sciences platform, as well as synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. Other intangible assets consist mainly of distributor relationships, trademark and trade names and are amortized over a useful life of 20 years. Acquisition-related costs of $22 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 included costs for legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services and were included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Supplemental pro forma information was not provided because the purchased assets are not material to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.
9. Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Property, net follows (in millions):
Approximately $35 million, $74 million and $46 million of interest costs were capitalized as part of property, net in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the recorded value of precious metals totaled $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Depletion expense related to the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $20 million, $20 million and $21 million, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge of $44 million related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. As a result of the impairment, assets included in the category of equipment decreased by approximately $44 million.
10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in millions):
(1) The Company recorded the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business of Becton Dickinson and Company in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, Corning recorded measurement period adjustments. Refer to Note 8 (Acquisition) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) The company recorded a small acquisition and consolidated an equity company due to a change in control in the second quarter of 2013.
Corning’s gross goodwill balance for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $7.5 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively. Accumulated impairment losses were $6.5 billion for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were generated entirely through goodwill impairments related to the Optical Communications segment.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets follow (in millions):
Amortized intangible assets are primarily related to the Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments. The net carrying amount of intangible assets increased $18 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a small acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2013, and the consolidation of an equity company due to a change in control. This was offset by amortization of $31 million and foreign currency translation adjustments of $6 million.
Amortization expense related to these intangible assets is estimated to be $32 million annually from 2014 to 2018.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
11. Other Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities follow (in millions):
Asbestos Litigation
The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan would have required Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning would have had the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability would have been fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Amended PCC Plan would, originally, have required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances. Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each. In return, Corning would relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.
The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning. Corning has recorded in its estimated asbestos litigation liability an additional $150 million for the approximately 9,700 current non-PCC cases alleging injuries from asbestos, and for any future non-PCC cases. The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years. The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the asbestos litigation.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
12. Debt
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted-average interest rate on current portion of long-term debt was 2.6% and 5.3%, respectively.
Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt was $3.5 billion at December 31, 2013 and $3.7 billion at December 31, 2012. The measurement of the fair value of long term debt was determined using Level 2 inputs.
The following table shows debt maturities by year at December 31, 2013 (in millions)*:
* Excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Debt Issuances and Retirements
• In the first quarter of 2013, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility. The amended facility provides a $1.0 billion unsecured multi-currency line of credit that expires in March 2018. The facility includes a leverage test (debt to capital ratio) financial covenant. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with this covenant. The proceeds of this credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program.
• In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
• In the second quarter of 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2023. The net proceeds of approximately $248 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
• In the first quarter of 2012, we issued $500 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2042 and $250 million of 4.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2037. The net proceeds of $742 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
- We issued $250 million of 1.45% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2017. The net proceeds of $248 million from the offering were used for general corporate purposes.
- We repurchased $13 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013. Additionally, we redeemed $100 million of our 5.90% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and $74 million of our 6.20% senior unsecured notes due 2016. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $26 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
• In 2012, we borrowed the equivalent of approximately $377 million from a Chinese Renminbi credit facility that a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into in the second quarter of 2011.
• In the second quarter of 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into a credit facility that allows Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion, or approximately $642 million when translated to United States Dollars. Corning was able to request advances during the eighteen month period beginning on June 30, 2011 (the “Availability Period”). The time period for Corning to draw under the RMB facility expired at the end of 2012. Our financing agreement requires us to repay the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding at the end of the Availability Period in six installments, with the final payment due in August 2016, five years from the date of the first advance. Corning also has the right to repay this loan in full at pre-determined dates with no pre-payment penalty. In 2011, Corning borrowed approximately $120 million under this credit facility.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
13. Employee Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our funding policy has been to contribute, as necessary, an amount in excess of the minimum requirements in order to achieve the Company’s long-term funding targets. In 2013, we did not contribute to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and contributed $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2012, we made voluntary cash contributions of $75 million to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $30 million to our international pension plans. Although we will not be subject to any mandatory contributions in 2014, we anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of up to $85 million to our U.S. pension plan and up to $8 million to our international pension plans in 2014.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. We did not make this change in accounting for our OPEB plans, and continue to defer all actuarial gains and losses and amortize those amounts outside of the corridor over future periods.
Corning offers postretirement plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for retirees and eligible dependents. Certain employees may become eligible for such postretirement benefits upon reaching retirement age. For current retirees (including surviving spouses) and active employees eligible for the salaried retiree medical program, we have placed a “cap” on the amount we will contribute toward retiree medical coverage in the future. The cap is equal to 120% of our 2005 contributions toward retiree medical benefits. Once our contributions toward salaried retiree medical costs reach this cap, impacted retirees will have to pay the excess amount in addition to their regular contributions for coverage. This cap was attained for post-65 retirees in 2008 and has impacted their contribution rate in 2009 and going forward. The pre-65 retirees triggered the cap in 2010, which has impacted their contribution rate in 2011 and going forward. Furthermore, employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2007 will be eligible for Corning retiree medical benefits upon retirement; however, these employees will pay 100% of the cost.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Obligations and Funded Status
The change in benefit obligation and funded status of our employee retirement plans follows (in millions):
(1) Amounts for prior years were revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans was $3.2 billion and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following information is presented for pension plans where the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 exceeded the fair value of plan assets (in millions):
In 2013, the fair value of plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation for the United States and the United Kingdom pension plans.
The components of net periodic benefit expense for our employee retirement plans follow (in millions):
(1) Amounts for prior years were revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
The Company expects to recognize $4 million of net prior service cost as components of net periodic pension cost in 2014 for its defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to recognize $1 million of net loss and $6 million of net prior service credit as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014.
Corning uses a hypothetical yield curve and associated spot rate curve to discount the plan’s projected benefit payments. Once the present value of projected benefit payments is calculated, the suggested discount rate is equal to the level rate that results in the same present value. The yield curve is based on actual high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum, which also includes private placements as well as Eurobonds that are denominated in U.S. currency. The curve is developed from yields on approximately 350-375 bonds from four grading sources, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and the Dominion Bond Rating Service. A bond will be included if at least half of the grades from these sources are Aa, non-callable bonds. The very highest 10% yields and the lowest 40% yields are excluded from the curve to eliminate outliers in the bond population.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Measurement of postretirement benefit expense is based on assumptions used to value the postretirement benefit obligation at the beginning of the year.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 follow:
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31 follow:
The assumed rate of return was determined based on the current interest rate environment and historical market premiums relative to fixed income rates of equities and other asset classes. Reasonableness of the results is tested using models provided by the plan actuaries.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):
Plan Assets
Corning’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We based this rate on asset/liability forecast modeling, which is based on our current asset allocation, the return and standard deviation for each asset class, current market conditions and transitions from current conditions to long-term returns.
The Company’s overall investment strategy is to obtain sufficient return to offset or exceed inflation and provide adequate liquidity to meet the benefit obligations of the pension plan. Investments are made in public securities to ensure adequate liquidity to support benefit payments. Domestic and international stocks and bonds provide diversification to the portfolio. The target allocation range for domestic equity investment is 10.0%-12.5% which includes large, mid and small cap companies. The target allocation range of international equities is 10.0%-12.5%, which includes investments in both developed and emerging markets. The target allocation for bond investments is 60%, which predominately includes both government and corporate bonds. Long duration fixed income assets are utilized to mitigate the sensitivity of funding ratios to changes in interest rates. The target allocation range for non-public investments in private equity and real estate is 5%-15%, and is used to enhance returns and offer additional asset diversification. The target allocation range for commodities is 0%-5%, which provides some inflation protection to the portfolio.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of defined benefit plan assets:
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; comparable sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; comparable sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit plans Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
Credit Risk
59% of plan assets are invested in long duration bonds. The average rating for these bonds is A. These bonds are subject to credit risk, such that a decline in credit ratings for the underlying companies, countries or assets (for asset-backed securities) would result in a decline in the value of the bonds. These bonds are also subject to default risk.
Currency Risk
11% of assets are valued in non-U.S. dollar denominated investments that are subject to currency fluctuations. The value of these securities will decline if the U.S. dollar increases in value relative to the value of the currencies in which these investments are denominated.
Liquidity Risk
12% of the securities are invested in Level 3 securities. These are long-term investments in private equity and private real estate investments that may not mature or be sellable in the near-term without significant loss.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of Corning common stock included in equity securities was not significant.
Cash Flow Data
We anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of approximately $93 million to our domestic and international defined benefit plans in 2014.
The following reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid for the domestic and international plans and the gross amount of annual Medicare Part D federal subsidy expected to be received (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Other Benefit Plans
We offer defined contribution plans covering employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. Total consolidated defined contribution plan expense was $63 million, $50 million and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2013, $41 million of the $61 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) Total debt above is stated at maturity value, and excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2013, $5 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $2 million of that amount will become payable.
(6) Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations which primarily consist of raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
We have agreed to provide up to a $25 million credit facility to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan.
We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Minimum rental commitments under leases outstanding at December 31, 2013 follow (in millions):
Total rental expense was $85 million for 2013, $80 million for 2012 and $84 million for 2011.
A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty liability for the year ended December 31 follows (in millions):
Corning is a defendant in various lawsuits, including environmental, product-related suits, the Dow Corning and PCC matters discussed in Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is subject to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the likelihood that the ultimate disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Corning’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, is remote. Other than certain asbestos related claims, there are no other material loss contingencies related to litigation.
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 15 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Corning had accrued approximately $15 million (undiscounted) and $21 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
The ability of certain subsidiaries and affiliated companies to transfer funds is limited by provisions of foreign government regulations, affiliate agreements and certain loan agreements. At December 31, 2013, the amount of equity subject to such restrictions for consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies was not significant. While this amount is legally restricted, it does not result in operational difficulties since we have generally permitted subsidiaries to retain a majority of equity to support their growth programs.
15. Hedging Activities
Corning is exposed to interest rate and foreign currency risks due to the movement of these rates.
The areas in which exchange rate fluctuations affect us include:
• Financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, which impact earnings; and
• The translation of net assets in foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impacts our net equity.
Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Japanese yen, South Korean won, New Taiwan dollar, Chinese Renminbi, and the Euro. We seek to mitigate the impact of exchange rate movements in our income statement by using over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments including foreign exchange forward and option contracts typically with durations of 36 months or less. In general, these hedges expire coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties to these derivative contracts. However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships. We do not expect to record any losses as a result of such counterparty default. Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments. In July 2013, the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors approved the Company’s qualification for and election of the end-user exception to the mandatory swap clearing requirement of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Cash Flow Hedges
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize OTC foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates will adversely affect the net cash flows resulting from the sale of products to foreign customers and purchases from foreign suppliers. Our cash flow hedging activity also uses interest rate swaps to reduce the risk of increases in benchmark interest rates on the probable issuance of debt and associated interest payments. Corning uses a regression analysis to monitor the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges both prospectively and retrospectively. Through December 31, 2013, the hedge ineffectiveness related to these instruments is not material. Corning defers net gains and losses related to effective portion of cash flow hedges into accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings. At December 31, 2013, the amount of net gain expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is $5 million.
Fair Value Hedges
In October of 2012, we entered into two interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedges and economically exchange a notional amount of $550 million of previously issued fixed rate long-term debt to floating rate debt. Under the terms of the swap agreements, we pay the counterparty a floating rate that is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate.
Corning utilizes the long haul method for effectiveness analysis, both retrospectively and prospectively. The analysis excludes the impact of credit risk from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amount recorded in current period earnings in the other income, net component, relative to ineffectiveness, is nominal for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no outstanding fair value hedges in 2012 or 2011.
Net gains and losses from fair value hedges and the effects of the corresponding hedged item are recorded on the same line item of the consolidated statement of operations.
Undesignated Hedges
Corning also uses OTC foreign exchange forward and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The undesignated hedges limit exposures to foreign functional currency fluctuations related to certain subsidiaries’ monetary assets, monetary liabilities and net earnings in foreign currencies.
A significant portion of the Company’s non-U.S. revenues are denominated in Japanese yen. When these revenues are translated back to U.S. dollars, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate movements in the Japanese yen. To protect translated earnings against movements in the Japanese yen, the Company has entered into a series of purchased collars and average rate forwards.
The Company also uses these types of contracts to reduce the potential for unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates to decrease the U.S. dollar value of translated earnings. With a purchased collar structure, the Company writes a local currency call option and purchases a local currency put option. The purchased collars offset the impact of translated earnings above the put price and below the call strike price and that offset is reported in other income, net. The Company entered into a series of purchased collars, settling quarterly, to hedge the effect of translation impact for each respective quarter, and span up to the fourth quarter of 2014. Due to the nature of the instruments, only either the put option or the call option can be exercised at maturity. As of December 31, 2013, the U.S. dollar net notional value of the purchased collars is $3 billion. The Company entered into a series of average rate forwards with no associated premium, which will partially hedge the impact of Japanese yen translation on the Company’s projected 2015 net income. These forwards have a notional value of $0.9 billion and will settle net without obligation to deliver Japanese yen.
The Company benefits from the increase in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its foreign currency earnings in translation. The purchased collar, within other income, would cap the benefit at the strike price of the written call or offset the decline from translation above the strike price of the purchased put.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain position) or liabilities (loss position) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in the fair value of the derivative contracts are recorded currently in earnings in the other income line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and respective fair values of Corning’s derivative financial instruments on a gross basis for December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 121
The following tables summarize the effect on the consolidated financial statements relating to Corning’s derivative financial instruments (in millions):
(1) The amount of hedge ineffectiveness for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $24 million related to interest rate swaps settled in the fourth quarter. The amount of ineffectiveness for 2012 and 2011 was insignificant.
(2) Certain amounts for prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts is now disclosed in two categories, Foreign exchange contracts - balance sheet, and Foreign exchange contracts - loans.
16. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value standards under U.S. GAAP define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels (provided in the table below) used to measure fair value.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured on a recurring basis using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 122
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2) Other assets include asset-backed securities which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2) Other assets include asset-backed securities which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
There were no significant financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Long-lived assets held and used related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass, with a carrying amount of $82 million at December 31, 2012, were written down to their fair value of $38 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $44 million in 2012. The impairment charge was determined using a market value approach to fair value the asset base after indicators of impairment were identified. The valuation methodology determined fair value by comparing market transactions of similar assets as well as an evaluation of the fair value of the underlying assets through the application of the cost approach and income approach. The cost approach determines current replacement cost adjusted for physical deterioration and the income approach starts with the forecasts of all expected future cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of the long-lived assets and applies a risk adjusted discount rate. The key assumptions used in these approaches, which requires significant management judgment, include business assumptions, growth rate, terminal value, physical deterioration, and discount rate. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates of the impairment are reasonable.
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17. Shareholders’ Equity
The following table presents changes in capital stock for the period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 (in millions):
On October 31, 2013, as part of the previously authorized share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013, Corning entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (“JPMC”). Under the ASR, Corning agreed to purchase $1 billion of its common stock, in total, with an initial delivery by JPMC of 47.1 million shares based on the current market price, and payment of $1 billion made by Corning to JPMC. The payment to JPMC was recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity, consisting of an $800 million increase in treasury stock, which reflects the value of the initial 47.1 million shares received upon execution, and a $200 million decrease in other-paid-in capital, which reflects the value of the stock held back by JPMC pending final settlement. On January 28, 2014, the ASR was completed. Corning received an additional 10.5 million shares on January 31, 2014 to settle the ASR. In total, Corning purchased 57.6 million shares based on the average daily volume weighted-average price of Corning’s common stock during the term of the ASR, less a discount.
In addition to the ASR, during 2013, we repurchased 35 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $500 million as part of the share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013. During 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 56 million and 55 million shares of common stock on the open market for $719 million and $779 million, respectively, as part of the share repurchase program announced on October 5, 2011.
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A summary of changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including our proportionate share of equity method investee’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), is as follows (in millions)(1):
(1) All amounts are after tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive income.
(2) Amounts are net of total tax benefit of $49 million, including $23 million related to the hedges component and $26 million related to the retirement plans component.
(3) Tax effects of reclassifications are disclosed separately in this Note 17.
(4) Tax effects related to equity method affiliates are not significant.
(5) Amounts are net of total tax benefit of $56 million, including $(37) million related to the hedges component, $99 million related to the retirement plans component and $(6) million related to the investments component.
(6) Amounts are net of total tax expense of $(197) million, including $(33) million related to the hedges component and $(164) million related to the retirement plans component.
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(in millions)
(1) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the statement of income.
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in net periodic pension cost. See Note 13 - Employee Retirement Plans for additional details.
18. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
The following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in millions):
19. Share-based Compensation
Stock Compensation Plans
We maintain long-term incentive plans (the Plans) for key team members and non-employee members of our Board of Directors. The Plans allow us to grant equity-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards or a combination of awards (collectively, share-based awards). At December 31, 2013, there were approximately 78 million unissued common shares available for future grants under the Plans.
The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values.
The fair value of awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 that are expected to ultimately vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The number of options expected to vest equals the total options granted less an estimation of the number of forfeitures expected to occur prior to vesting. The forfeiture rate is calculated based on 15 years of historical data and is adjusted if actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimates. The effect of any change in estimated forfeitures would be recognized through a cumulative adjustment that would be included in compensation cost in the period of the change in estimate.
Total share-based compensation cost of $54 million, $70 million and $86 million was disclosed in operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Stock Options
Our stock option plans provide non-qualified and incentive stock options to purchase authorized but unissued, or treasury shares, at the market price on the grant date and generally become exercisable in installments from one to five years from the grant date. The maximum term of non-qualified and incentive stock options is 10 years from the grant date.
The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding including the related transactions under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
The aggregate intrinsic value (market value of stock less option exercise price) in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2013, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their “in-the-money” options as of that date. The total number of “in-the-money” options exercisable on December 31, 2013, was approximately 14 million.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value for options granted for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $5.02, $4.95 and $9.22, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $29 million, $47 million and $57 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $25 million, $37 million and $48 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $19 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options were $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were included in financing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $55 million, $51 million and $77 million, respectively, which is currently deductible for tax purposes. However, these tax benefits were not fully recognized due to net operating loss carryforwards available to the Company. Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
An award is considered vested when the employee’s retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service (the “non-substantive vesting period approach”). Awards to retirement eligible employees are earned ratably each month that the employee provides service over the twelve months following the grant date, and the related compensation expense is recognized over this twelve month service period or over the period from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility for employees that become age 55 during the vesting period.
Corning uses a multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants. Corning utilizes a blended approach for calculating the volatility assumption used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model defined as the weighted average of the short-term implied volatility, the most recent volatility for the period equal to the expected term, and the most recent 15-year historical volatility. The expected term assumption is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding, and is calculated using a combination of historical exercise experience adjusted to reflect the current vesting period of options being valued, and partial life cycles of outstanding options. The risk-free rates used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model are the implied rates for a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the option’s expected term. The ranges given below reflect results from separate groups of employees exhibiting different exercise behavior.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The following inputs were used for the valuation of option grants under our Stock Option Plans:
Incentive Stock Plans
The Corning Incentive Stock Plan permits restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants, either determined by specific performance goals or issued directly, in most instances, subject to the possibility of forfeiture and without cash consideration. Restricted stock and restricted stock units under the Incentive Stock Plan are granted at the closing market price on the grant date, contingently vest over a period of generally one to ten years, and generally have contractual lives of one to ten years. The fair value of each restricted stock grant or restricted stock unit awarded under the Incentive Stock Plan was estimated on the date of grant.
Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
Time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are issued by the Company on a discretionary basis, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The fair value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.
The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2012, and changes which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013:
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $27 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of time-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $29 million, $13 million and $15 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $29 million, $31 million and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
The performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit compensation program was terminated in 2010. All performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units were fully vested in the first quarter of 2012.
Performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units were earned upon the achievement of certain targets, and were payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting, typically over a three-year period. The fair value was based on the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date and assumed that the target payout level will be achieved. Compensation cost was recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting. During the performance period, compensation cost was adjusted based on changes in the expected outcome of the performance-related target.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
As of December 31, 2013, there is no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The total fair value of performance-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $45 million and $10 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $2 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
20. Reportable Segments
Our reportable segments are as follows:
• Display Technologies - manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays.
• Optical Communications - manufactures carrier network and enterprise network components for the telecommunications industry.
• Environmental Technologies - manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications.
• Specialty Materials - manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
• Life Sciences - manufactures glass and plastic labware, equipment, media and reagents to provide workflow solutions for scientific applications.
All other reportable segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other.” This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.
We prepared the financial results for our reportable segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our reportable segments in the respective segment’s net income. We have allocated certain common expenses among reportable segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information. Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following provides historical segment information as described above:
Segment Information
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
(1) Depreciation expense for Corning’s reportable segments includes an allocation of depreciation of corporate property not specifically identifiable to a segment.
(2) Research, development and engineering expenses include direct project spending that is identifiable to a segment.
(3) In 2012, Corning recorded a $44 million impairment charge in the Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used for the production of large cover glass. In 2011, Corning recorded a $130 million impairment charge in the Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used for the production of large cover glass.
(4) In 2013, equity in earnings of affiliated companies in the Display Technologies segment included a $28 million restructuring charge for our share of costs for headcount reductions and asset write-offs. In 2012, equity in earnings of affiliated companies in the Display Technologies segment included a $18 million restructuring charge for our share of costs for headcount reductions and asset write-offs.
(5) Many of Corning’s administrative and staff functions are performed on a centralized basis. Where practicable, Corning charges these expenses to segments based upon the extent to which each business uses a centralized function. Other staff functions, such as corporate finance, human resources and legal are allocated to segments, primarily as a percentage of sales.
(6) Segment assets include inventory, accounts receivable, property and associated equity companies and cost investments.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the following number of customers, which individually accounted for 10% or more of each segment’s sales, represented the following concentration of segment sales:
• In the Display Technologies segment, four customers accounted for 94% of total segment sales.
• In the Optical Communications segment, one customer accounted for 10% of total segment sales.
• In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 87% of total segment sales.
• In the Specialty Materials segment, three customers accounted for 47% of total segment sales.
• In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 44% of total segment sales.
A significant amount of specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in Asia. It is at least reasonably possible that the use of a facility located outside of an entity’s home country could be disrupted. Due to the specialized nature of the assets, it would not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly. Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact to our display business and the Company as a whole.
A reconciliation of reportable segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss) follows (in millions):
(1) Net financing costs include interest expense, interest income, and interest costs and investment gains and losses associated with benefit plans.
(2) Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, is primarily equity in earnings of Dow Corning, which includes the following items:
• In 2013, gains in the amount of approximately $30 million for the resolution of contract disputes against customers relating to enforcement of long-term supply agreements and $16 million for the positive impact of the settlement of a derivative, along with a charge of $4 million related to the impact of a tax valuation allowance. Also included are restructuring charges in the amount of $11 million.
• In 2012, restructuring and impairment charges in the amount of $87 million for our share of a charge related to workforce reductions and asset write-offs at Dow Corning, and a $10 million credit for Corning’s share of Dow Corning’s settlement of a dispute related to long term supply agreements.
• In 2011, a $89 million credit for our share of Dow Corning’s settlement of a dispute related to long term supply agreements.
(3) In 2013, 2012 and 2011, Corning recorded charges of $19 million, $14 million and $24 million to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of the components of the Amended PCC Plan.
(4) In 2013, Corning recorded a net gain of $435 million, related to its purchased collars and average rate forward contracts.
(5) Other corporate items include the tax impact of the unallocated amounts and the following significant items:
• In 2013, Corning recorded a $54 million tax benefit for the impact of the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 3, 2013 and made retroactive to 2012.
• In 2012, Corning recorded a $52 million translation gain on the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary; a loss of $26 million ($17 million after tax) from the repurchase of $13 million principal amount of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million principal amount of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013; and a $37 million tax expense resulting from the delay of the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 until January 2013, that was reversed in the first quarter of 2013.
• In 2011, Corning recorded a $41 million tax benefit from the filing of an amended 2006 U.S. Federal Tax return to claim foreign tax credits.
(6) As revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A reconciliation of reportable segment net assets to consolidated net assets follows (in millions):
(1) Includes current corporate assets, primarily cash, short-term investments and deferred taxes.
(2) Represents corporate investments in affiliated companies, at both cost and equity (primarily Dow Corning).
(3) Represents corporate property not specifically identifiable to an operating segment.
(4) Includes non-current corporate assets, pension assets and deferred taxes.
Selected financial information concerning the Company’s product lines and reportable segments follow (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Information concerning principal geographic areas was as follows (in millions):
(1) Long-lived assets primarily include investments, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. Assets in the U.S. and Korea include investments in Dow Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials.
(2) Net sales are attributed to countries based on location of customer.
21. Subsequent Events
Acquisitions
On January 15, 2014, Corning completed the series of strategic and financial agreements previously announced on October 22, 2013, to acquire the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials previously held by Samsung Display Co., Ltd. As a result of these transactions, Corning is now the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, giving us greater flexibility in asset use, improved operational efficiencies, and better positioning for new specialty-glass market opportunities. A summary of the series of transactions follow:
• Corning obtained full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials on January 15, 2014;
• After redemption of Samsung Display’s 43% interest in Samsung Corning Precision Materials, Corning issued its Fixed Rate Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (“Preferred Stock”), to Samsung Display in an aggregate face amount of $1.9 billion;
• Samsung Display invested an additional $400 million in Corning’s Preferred Stock; and
• A new long-term LCD display glass supply agreement between Corning and Samsung Display through 2023.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 134
As part of the acquisition process, Corning hired a third-party valuation firm to assist it in estimating the fair value of the acquired business. Included in this process is the valuation of pre-existing arrangements, which could result in a gain or loss which will be recognized in the first quarter of 2014. We have not completed our accounting for the acquisition by the date of the filing of our 2013 Form 10-K, and, therefore, have not included detailed purchase accounting in this note.
In addition, Corning’s Board of Directors has authorized an additional $2 billion of share repurchases through December 31, 2015.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
In February 2014, the Company obtained authorization from the Board of Directors to execute a series of foreign exchange contracts over a three year period to hedge our exposure to movements in the Japanese yen and its impact on our earnings. The Company’s execution of these contracts will be dependent upon market conditions. The foreign exchange contracts will not be designated derivatives and will be marked to market through the other income line of the consolidated statements of income.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 135
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies Schedule II - Valuation Accounts and Reserves
(in millions)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 136
Quarterly Operating Results
(Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 137
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period Ended December 31, 2013
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Dow Corning Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Dow Corning Corporation and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013.
Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dow Corning Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 4, 2014
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 140
Consolidated Statements of Income
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 141
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(1) Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“OCI”)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 142
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 143
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 144
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 145
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“AOCI”)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 146
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dow Corning Corporation And Subsidiaries
Note Page
1. Business and Basis of Presentation
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3. Gains on Long-Term Sales Agreements
4. Polycrystalline Silicon Market Conditions and China Trade Matters
5. Restructuring
6. Investments
7. Inventories
8. Income Taxes
9. Derivatives
10. Variable Interest Entities
11. Property, Plant and Equipment
12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
13. Notes Payable And Credit Facilities
14. Deferred Revenue
15. Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
17. Commitments And Contingencies
18. Changes In Ownership Of Consolidated Subsidiaries
19. Related Party Transactions
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except where noted)
NOTE 1 Business and Basis of Presentation
Dow Corning Corporation (“Dow Corning”) was incorporated in 1943 and is equally owned by Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) and The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow Chemical”). Its main purpose is to develop and produce polymers and other materials based on silicon chemistry. Dow Corning operates in various countries around the world through numerous wholly owned or majority owned subsidiary corporations (hereinafter, the consolidated operations of Dow Corning and its subsidiaries may be referred to as the “Company”).
Dow Corning built its business based on silicon chemistry. Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in the world. Most of Dow Corning’s products are based on polymers known as silicones, which have a siliconoxygen-silicon backbone. Through various chemical processes, Dow Corning manufactures silicones that have an extremely wide variety of characteristics, in forms ranging from fluids, gels, greases and elastomeric materials to resins and other rigid materials. Silicones combine the temperature and chemical resistance of glass with the versatility of plastics. Regardless of form or application, silicones generally possess such qualities as electrical resistance, resistance to extreme temperatures, resistance to deterioration from aging, water repellency, lubricating characteristics, relative chemical and physiological inertness and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
The Company engages primarily in the discovery, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of silicon-based materials and offers related services. Since its inception, Dow Corning has been engaged in a continuous program of basic and applied research on silicon-based materials to develop new products and processes, to improve and refine existing products and processes and to develop new applications for existing products. The Company manufactures over 7,000 products and serves approximately 25,000 customers worldwide, with no single customer accounting for more than five percent of the Company’s sales in any of the past three years. Dow Corning’s silicon-based materials are used in a broad range of products and applications across multiple sectors such as electronics, automotive, construction, textiles and healthcare. The Company, through its Hemlock Semiconductor Group subsidiaries, is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in semiconductor and solar applications. Principal United States manufacturing plants are located in Kentucky and Michigan. Principal foreign manufacturing plants are located in Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The Company operates research and development facilities and/or technical service centers in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Management has evaluated subsequent events through February 4, 2014, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Certain prior period items have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
NOTE 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dow Corning and all of its wholly owned and majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s interests in 20% to 50% owned subsidiaries are carried on the equity basis and are included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s policy is to include the accounts of entities in which the Company holds a controlling interest based on exposure to economic risks and potential rewards (variable interests), and for which it is the primary beneficiary, in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices, not included in Level 1, that are either directly or indirectly observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs and include the Company’s assumptions that may be used by market participants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less. The carrying amounts for cash equivalents approximate their fair values. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs.
Accounts Receivable
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance, management considers factors such as current overall geographic and industry-specific economic conditions, statutory requirements, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts. Changes in these conditions may result in additional allowances. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed and local legal requirements are met, the receivable is written off against the allowance.
Inventories
The value of inventories is determined using the lower of cost or market as the basis. Produced goods are valued using a first-in, first-out cost flow methodology, while purchased materials and supplies are valued using an average cost flow methodology.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less any impairment and are depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Engineering and other costs directly related to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized as construction-in-progress until construction is complete and such property, plant and equipment is ready and available to perform its specifically assigned function. Upon retirement or other disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds, is charged or credited to income.
The Company reviews the recoverability of property, plant and equipment when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. The recoverability of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment is assessed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. When impairment indicators are present, the Company compares estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including estimated proceeds from the eventual disposition of the asset, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset (or asset group) is recoverable. For an asset that fails the test of recoverability, the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment is determined and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its fair value and the difference is charged to income in the period incurred.
The Company capitalizes the costs of internal-use software and includes the costs in “Property, Plant and Equipment.” The amounts capitalized and subsequently amortized do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. Expenditures that significantly increase asset value, extend useful asset lives or adapt property to a new or different use are capitalized.
The Company capitalizes interest as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for its own use. The Company includes interest expense incurred on all liabilities, including interest related to commercial creditor obligations, in the amount of interest expense subject to capitalization. See Note 17 for additional details on interest payable to the Company’s commercial creditors.
The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording an asset and related liability for the costs associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets when a legal liability to retire the assets exists. These obligations may result from acquisition, construction, or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company records asset retirement obligations at fair value in the period in which they are incurred. The Company’s asset retirement obligations do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In addition, the Company has identified conditional asset retirement obligations, such as for the removal of asbestos and records such obligations when there are plans in place to undertake major renovations or plans to exit a facility. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the Company believes that there is an indeterminate settlement date for the existing conditional asset retirement obligations as the range of time over which the Company may settle the obligation is unknown or cannot be estimated. Therefore, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the liability.
Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for investments in debt and equity securities at fair value for trading or available for sale securities. The amortized cost method is used to account for investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Investments in debt and equity securities are included in “Marketable securities” in the current or noncurrent sections of the consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate. All such investments are considered to be available for sale. The Company regularly evaluates whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not it will be forced to sell its available for sale securities to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates available evidence to determine whether or not it will be able to recover the cost of these securities. If the Company is unable to recover the cost of the securities, an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred and credit losses are charged to income in the period incurred. Temporary declines in the fair value of investments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” For the purpose of computing realized gain or loss on the disposition of investments, the specific identification method is used. The Company’s policy is to purchase investment grade securities.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, investments, derivative financial instruments and trade receivables. The Company’s policies limit the amount of credit exposure to any single counterparty for cash and investments. The Company uses major financial institutions with high credit ratings to engage in transactions involving investments and derivative financial instruments. The Company minimizes credit risk in its receivables from customers through its sale of products to a wide variety of customers and markets in locations throughout the world. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, and historically such losses have been within expectations.
Intangibles
Intangible assets of the Company include goodwill, patents and licenses and other assets acquired by the Company that are separable and measurable apart from goodwill. Goodwill, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired, is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company completed its annual test for impairment of goodwill during the three month period ended September 30, 2013. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Revenue
The Company recognizes revenue only when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer for products and as work is performed for professional services. Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping costs are classified as revenue. The Company reduces revenue for product returns, allowances and price discounts at the time the sale is recognized. Amounts billed to customers in excess of amounts recognized as revenue are reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead costs associated with the manufacture and shipment of the Company’s products, as well as research and development costs. Shipping costs are primarily comprised of payments to third party freight carriers. Research and development costs are primarily comprised of labor costs, outside services and depreciation. Research and development costs were $247.6, $281.2 and $259.4 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Income Taxes
The income tax provision includes federal, state and foreign income taxes that are both currently payable and deferred. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amount and tax base of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the expected future tax benefits will not be realized. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, certain judgments are made relating to recoverability of deferred tax assets, use of tax loss carryforwards, level of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. These judgments are routinely reviewed by management. Further, the Company recognizes the financial statement effects of uncertain tax liabilities stemming from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that those positions will not be sustained upon examination.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Interest and penalties were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Foreign Currency Translation
The value of the U.S. dollar fluctuates against foreign currencies. Because the Company conducts business in many countries, these fluctuations affect the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
For foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities, stated in their functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the current period. The resulting gains or losses are reflected in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The revenues and expenses of these foreign subsidiaries, stated in their functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period.
For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, inventories, property, plant and equipment and other non-monetary assets, together with their related elements of expense, are translated at historical exchange rates. All monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at current exchange rates with gains and losses recognized in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” in the consolidated statements of income. All other revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Therefore, the reported U.S. dollar results included in the consolidated statements of income fluctuate from period to period, depending on the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on its earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company may use derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in natural gas and other commodity prices on its earnings and cash flows.
The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Where an instrument is designated as a hedge, the Company formally documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.
The Company measures derivative financial instruments at fair value and classifies them as “Other current assets,” “Other noncurrent assets,” “Other current liabilities,” or “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses related to the Company’s derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” These gains and losses are reclassified from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. Realized derivative gains and losses related to cash flow hedges, foreign exchange contracts and commodity contracts are recognized in the Company’s income statement in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” or “Cost of sales,” as appropriate. Both unrealized and realized gains and losses related to derivative instruments used to hedge the economic exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” and “Income tax provision.”
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are classified in the same category of the consolidated statements of cash flows as the items being hedged. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Litigation
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical claims experience for incurred but not reported matters. The Company expenses legal costs, including those related to loss contingencies, as incurred. The Company has an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers. These policies provide coverage that is utilized to mitigate the impact, if any, of certain of the legal proceedings. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter.
Environmental Matters
The Company determines the costs of environmental remediation for its facilities, facilities formerly owned by the Company and third party waste disposal facilities based on evaluations of current law and existing technologies. Inherent uncertainties exist in these evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability and evolving technologies. The Company records a charge to earnings for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The liabilities recorded are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available.
Warranties
In the normal course of business to facilitate sales of its products, the Company has issued product warranties, and it has entered into contracts and purchase orders that often contain standard terms and conditions that typically include a warranty. The Company’s warranty activities do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Guarantees
Guarantees arise in the normal course of business from relationships with customers, employees and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others (via delivery of cash or other assets) if specified triggering events occur. Non-performance under a contract by the guaranteed party triggers the obligation of the Company. The Company’s potential obligation under its guarantees is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
New Accounting Standards
In December 2011, and as clarified in January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that amended the disclosure requirements for offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The guidance was effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial statement disclosures.
In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance that amended the requirements for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The guidance permits the Company to assess qualitative factors to determine necessity of further quantitative calculations. The guidance was effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is intended to help entities improve the transparency of changes in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and items reclassified out of AOCI in their financial statements. The guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or OCI in the financial statements. The guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Refer to Note 16 for the Company’s financial statement disclosures related to the adoption of this guidance.
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the requirements for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance that resolves the diversity in practice about whether consolidation accounting guidance or foreign currency accounting guidance applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a certain group of assets within a foreign entity. In addition, the guidance also resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In April 2013, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent and disclose the entity’s plan for liquidation, the methods and significant assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities, the type and amount of costs and income accrued and the expected duration of the liquidation process. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to use the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the U.S. Treasury Rate and LIBOR. The guidance was effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance around the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance for the period ended September 30, 2013. The adoption did not materially impact the Company’s financial position.
NOTE 3 Gains on Long-Term Sales Agreements
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain associated with the termination of a long-term sales agreement with a customer. The Company received a cash payment of $183.2, of which, $176.5 was recognized in the current period and reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. The remaining amount was applied to outstanding receivables or was deferred. The Company considered the settlement to be a triggering event for a held-and-used impairment test as production assets were dedicated solely to supplying this customer contract. As such, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that the long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $122.2 were impaired, and as a result, were written down to their estimated fair value of $8.3. Fair value was based on the liquidation value of these assets. As the liquidation value exceeded the fair value based on future cash flows, the assets were written down to the liquidation value. The impairment charge was reflected in “Asset impairment” within the consolidated statement of income. As a result of the gain and impairment, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $40.7, after income taxes.
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain associated with the termination of multiple long-term sales agreements with a customer. The long-term sales agreements required the customer to make initial non-refundable advanced cash payments, which were recorded as deferred revenue. During the term of the contract, the customer ceased taking its contractually required minimum supply of product resulting in a decision by the Company to terminate the contracts and initiate legal actions to recover damages associated with the customer’s failure to perform. The termination and related actions resulted in recognition of $52.0 of previously recorded deferred revenue. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $23.1.
In the third quarter of 2012, the Company resolved a contract dispute related to certain long-term sales agreements. The resolution was mainly comprised of a cash payment of $18.5, which was received by the Company in September 2012, and recognition of previously recorded deferred revenue of $24.7. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased by $19.7.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company resolved a contract dispute related to certain long-term sales agreements. The resolution was mainly comprised of a cash payment of $195.2, which was received by the Company in January 2012, and recognition of previously recorded deferred revenue of $229.9. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by $182.9.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
NOTE 4 Polycrystalline Silicon Market Conditions and China Trade Matters
The Company is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Pricing for these products declined sharply beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 through 2012. Markets stabilized in 2013 at prices well below historical levels. These products account for a significant portion of the Company’s operating results.
In July 2012, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon products from the U.S. and Korea based on a petition filed by Chinese solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers. The petition alleged that producers within these countries exported solar-grade polycrystalline silicon to China at less than fair value and that production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon in the U.S. has been subsidized by the U.S. government. On July 18, 2013, MOFCOM announced its preliminary determination that China’s solar-grade polycrystalline silicon industry suffered material damage because of dumping by producers in the U.S. and Korea. The Chinese authorities imposed provisional antidumping duties on producers in the U.S. and Korea ranging from 2.4% to 57.0%, including duties of 53.3% on future imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon product from the Company into China. On September 16, 2013, the Chinese authorities imposed provisional countervailing duties of 6.5%. On January 20, 2014, MOFCOM issued a final determination, which resulted in no change to the antidumping duties and reduced the countervailing duties to 2.1%. The requirement for customers to pay provisional duties on imports from solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers became effective July 24, 2013 for the antidumping duties and September 20, 2013 for the countervailing duties (adjusted for the final determination). The Company will not be subject to duties for previous sales. The Company is evaluating possible actions in response to the final determination.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, management made a decision to temporarily delay ongoing construction activities associated with a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion. Additional capital spending incurred on this expansion during 2012 was limited to activities necessary to stabilize and protect the assets already constructed. As a result of the market conditions and uncertainties described above, solar-grade polycrystalline sales volumes declined during 2012. In response, the production levels of certain of the Company’s existing operating assets were reduced. During the fourth quarter of 2012, management determined the plant expansion was no longer economically viable due to the market conditions and made the decision to abandon the partially constructed assets. The construction-in-progress assets were written down to scrap values, resulting in a charge of $283.2 on assets that had a carrying value of $312.4. Further, the startup of another polycrystalline silicon plant expansion that was expected to begin production in 2013 has been delayed and the assets remain idled. Production will only commence when sales volumes increase to levels necessary to support the plant’s capacity. The timing for startup of this expansion is uncertain. The Company is continuing to monitor market conditions and regulatory developments. Future adverse conditions may cause the Company to re-evaluate the long-term viability of its idled assets. The carrying value of the idled assets was $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2013.
Accounting standards require that if an impairment indicator is present, the Company must assess whether the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable by estimating the sum of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge must be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the events and circumstances described above required the Company to assess whether $4.0 billion of polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. However, the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows indicated the polycrystalline silicon assets were expected to be recovered. After write-down for the abandonment discussed above, the total carrying value of polycrystalline silicon assets was $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2012. As a result of the preliminary determination notices received from MOFCOM during the third quarter of 2013, the Company reassessed whether the carrying value of the polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. The Company’s estimates of future undiscounted cash flows continued to indicate the assets are expected to be recovered.
The Company’s estimates of cash flows might change in a future period as a result of continued pricing deterioration, ongoing oversupply in the market or other adverse market conditions that result in non-performance by customers under long-term contracts. Due to these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash flows could change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value. The carrying value of the polycrystalline silicon assets, including the idled assets discussed above, was $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2013.
NOTE 5 Restructuring
In December 2012, the Company initiated a plan of restructuring that primarily included the involuntary termination of professional employees worldwide and capital asset disposals. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $67.5 for employee-related costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements and $297.5 for asset disposals, including charges for the polycrystalline silicon asset abandonments discussed in Note 4. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an additional $11.2 for asset charges and decreased employee-related costs by $1.2. As of December 31, 2013, this restructuring liability was $14.3.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In March 2013, the Company initiated a separate plan of restructuring that included the involuntary termination of professional and production employees, primarily in domestic manufacturing locations where operations have declined. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $9.0 for employee-related costs and recognized a charge of $30.5 associated with the termination of a long-term supply contract. As of December 31, 2013, this restructuring liability was zero.
Restructuring liabilities are reflected in “Other current liabilities” of the consolidated balance sheets. All restructuring liabilities are expected to be substantially settled by March 31, 2014.
NOTE 6 Investments
Investments reflected in “Marketable securities” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $96.3 and $89.9, respectively. These investments have been classified as available for sale.
The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of the investments by classification were as follows:
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no securities were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.
Level 3 Assets
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets were as follows:
Level 3 available for sale securities with a cost basis of $113.9 were redeemed or sold during the year ended December 31, 2012. Realized gains for the redemptions and sales were included in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net.” These redemptions were related to securities backed by student loans and were redeemed or sold at a weighted average price of 103.0% of the cost basis.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a loss of $11.7 ($7.4 net of the noncontrolling interests’ share) due to an other-than-temporary impairment of auction rate securities backed by student loans. The loss was reflected in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reached a settlement relating to losses incurred by the Company associated with its auction rate securities portfolio and the failure of the auction market. The total settlement reached was a $29.5 gain and was reflected in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income.
The Company held the following securities classified as Level 3 assets based upon valuation using significant unobservable inputs:
Auction Rate Preferred Securities
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held auction rate preferred securities valued at $69.0 and $75.7, respectively. The interest rates reset on these variable rate instruments quarterly through an auction process. Since the auctions have failed, default dividend allocation methods are in effect. While 84% of the securities were rated below investment grade as of December 31, 2013, all of the issuers of the underlying preferred equity securities have continued to remit dividends consistent with historical practices.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company was not actively marketing, had no intent to sell, nor was it expected to be required to sell, its auction rate preferred securities before the anticipated recovery in market value. In determining that the unrealized losses related to these securities were not other-than-temporary, the Company considered several other factors. These factors included the financial condition and prospects of the issuers, continuation of dividend payments, the magnitude of losses compared with the cost of the investments, the length of time the investments have been in an unrealized loss position and the credit rating of the security. Management believes the decline in fair value is primarily related to the current interest rate environment and market inefficiencies and not to the credit deterioration of the individual issuers. Unrealized losses of $7.0 related to auction rate preferred securities were included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
Note 7 Inventories
The components of inventories were as follows:
Produced goods include both work-in-process and finished goods. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, it is not practical to classify inventory between work-in-process and finished goods as such classifications can be interchangeable for certain inventoriable items. Purchased materials primarily consist of the Company’s raw material inventories. Maintenance and supplies included in inventory primarily represent spare component parts that are critical to the Company’s manufacturing processes.
NOTE 8 Income Taxes
The components of income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The components of the income tax provision were as follows:
The tax effects of the principal temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
During 2013, the Company purchased additional interest in a majority owned subsidiary, bringing the total ownership interest to over eighty percent. Due to this increase, the subsidiary will now be included in the U.S. federal consolidated tax return. The 2013 balance sheet reflects this change by properly netting the subsidiary’s deferred taxes within the U.S. filing group. If the 2012 balance sheet were to be presented comparably, the noncurrent deferred tax asset would decrease from $970.1 to $372.7 and the noncurrent deferred tax liability would decrease from $614.0 to $16.6. The noncurrent deferred tax asset and noncurrent deferred tax liability presented on the 2013 balance sheet is $362.1 and $20.3, respectively.
The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The criteria that management considered in making this determination were historical and projected operating results, the ability to utilize tax planning strategies and the period of time over which the tax benefits can be utilized.
Tax effected operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2013 were $143.8. Of the tax effected operating loss carryforwards, $111.2 are subject to an indefinite carryforward period and were generated by the Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil and the United Kingdom.
The Company has tax credit carryforwards of $159.2 as of December 31, 2013 attributable to foreign tax credits in the U.S. and state investment tax of $75.0 and $84.2, respectively. The foreign tax credits expire in 2019 through 2021. The state investment credit expires in 2028.
Valuation allowances of $169.7 have been recorded as of December 31, 2013 where the Company believes it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Of this amount, $38.0 is attributable to realized and unrealized capital losses on marketable securities; $83.4 to a state investment tax credit; $17.0 to net operating losses in Brazil; and $13.7 to state net operating losses in the United States.
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, was $155.8, $160.8 and $225.9 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The effective rate of the income tax provision may differ from the United States federal statutory tax rate. A reconciliation of the tax rate was as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company was approved to receive Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of approximately $169.0 that resulted in a $15.8 reduction in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, management determined a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion would no longer be economically viable due to challenging market conditions and abandoned this activity. The impact of the abandonment write-down was $36.3, included in Noncontrolling interest losses within the table above. The impact of the write-down increases the effective tax rate as the Company does not receive the full tax benefit from the portion of tax losses attributable to the noncontrolling shareholders. In future years, noncontrolling interest losses will not affect the effective tax rate due to the Company acquiring the remaining interest in the majority owned subsidiary.
As of December 31, 2013, income and remittance taxes have not been recorded on $748.2 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. If the Company did not intend to reinvest those earnings indefinitely, the Company would have a deferred tax liability of $17.5 related to the outside basis difference of its foreign subsidiaries.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2006.
The following table indicates, for each significant jurisdiction, the earliest tax year that remains subject to examination:
The Company has been participating in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process since the 2011 tax year. In addition, certain foreign jurisdictions and certain states have commenced examinations of returns filed by the Company and some of its foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013, no jurisdiction has proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s tax returns that management believes would be sustained and would materially affect the Company’s financial position. In addition, the Company does not anticipate that any material adjustments will result from settlements, closing of tax examinations or expiration of applicable statutes of limitation in various jurisdictions within the next 12 months.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received proposed adjustments from the IRS related to the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Company filed protests and appeals in response to the proposed adjustments for the years 2006 through 2010. The Company also made voluntary protective bond deposits of $145.0 in 2010 and subsequently redeemed $112.2 of the deposits in 2012 due to management’s belief that the IRS assertions would not be sustained. Certain proposed adjustments relating to the 2006 and 2007 tax years were settled in 2012, which resulted in a return of $17.9 of the bond deposits and retention of the remaining $14.9 by the IRS as part of the settlement. Due to the temporary nature of the proposed adjustments on the 2006 and 2007 federal tax returns, the settlement did not materially impact income tax expense. Additional tax payments of $57.9 were made for the 2008 through 2010 tax years for respective anticipated adjustments. These additional tax payments were made to alleviate the potential for interest expense and penalties. Certain proposed adjustments related to the 2008 through 2010 tax years were settled in 2013, which will result in an expected refund of $29.0 and retention of the remaining $28.9 by the IRS. Due to the temporary nature of the adjustments on the 2008, 2009 and 2010 federal tax returns, the settlement did not materially impact income tax expense. Management believes that the remaining deficiencies asserted by the IRS will not be sustained and is vigorously contesting the IRS claims. If the IRS prevails on the proposed adjustments for the remaining years under audit, the resulting tax deficiency will be $115.3. Management believes that the resolution of the remaining issues will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits, excluding the federal benefit of state items, interest, and penalties, was as follows:
The Company had approximately $89.5 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013. Of this total, $12.6 (including interest, penalties and net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate in any future period.
NOTE 9 Derivatives
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a favorable long-term supply contract at fair value. The contract provides for the supply of electricity, which is expected to be used in the normal course of business. The contract requires the purchase of minimum volumes and any unused volumes are liquidated on a net basis when minimum volumes are not taken. The contract is a derivative, but was previously unrecognized under the normal purchase normal sale scope exception within the derivative accounting guidance. Due to operational matters and uncertainty regarding the level of future physical deliveries and net settlements under the contract, the Company determined that the normal purchase normal sale scope exception could no longer be applied. Income and a derivative asset of $61.6 were recorded in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” and “Other noncurrent assets,” respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
Under a discounted cash flow method, the fair value of the supply contract was determined by using market prices from the Brazilian Intercontinental Exchange (“BRIX”) for the years 2013 through 2016 and extrapolating them over the remaining periods where market prices are not observable. Since the BRIX curve only provides forward pricing until December 2016, the inputs used in the valuation of the contract were considered Level 3. Electricity prices used in the valuation ranged from $57 to $104 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour for the years 2013 through 2016. The Company used the observable price from 2016 of $57 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour as the basis for prices in the final years, 2017 and 2018. Changes in the fair value of the contract will be recorded in earnings in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” in future periods. Cash flows related to this derivative are reflected in the “Cash flows from operating activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Other derivative balances and hedging activities were not material to the financial position and results of operations of the Company.
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NOTE 10 Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds minority voting interests in certain joint ventures that produce key raw material inputs for the Company. These joint ventures operate under supply agreements that sell inventory to the equity owners using pricing mechanisms that guarantee a return, therefore shielding the joint ventures from the right or ability to absorb expected gains or losses. As a result of the pricing mechanisms of these agreements, these entities are determined to be variable interest entities. As the Company does not hold the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, it is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the results of these entities.
The Company accounts for its investment in these entities under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these variable interest entities is determined to be the carrying value of the investment in these entities plus the maximum amount of potential future payments under the Company’s guarantees of nonconsolidated subsidiaries’ debt. As of December 31, 2013, the maximum exposure to loss was $154.8.
NOTE 11 Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
The Company recorded depreciation expense of $484.0, $391.5 and $357.2 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The amount of interest capitalized as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $16.5, $94.5 and $68.9, respectively.
NOTE 12 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had gross goodwill of $70.3 and $68.7, respectively. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to currency translation. The gross and net amounts of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, were as follows:
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The Company recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $6.1, $7.1 and $10.1 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense to be recorded in each of the next five years is as follows: 2014 - $5.5, 2015 - $5.5, 2016 - $5.5, 2017 - $5.6, 2018 - $5.6.
NOTE 13 Notes Payable and Credit Facilities
Short-Term Borrowings
The Company had outstanding short-term debt of $73.8 and $71.6 in Asia as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The borrowings in Asia were primarily denominated in Renminbi with an interest rate generally set by the People’s Bank of China at the time of borrowing. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding short-term borrowings was 5.4% as of December 31, 2013. Since the interest rates for the borrowings in Asia are reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates its fair value for these borrowings and would be classified as a Level 2 measurement due to use of valuation inputs based on similar liabilities in the market. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants related to the short-term borrowings.
Amounts reflected in “Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt” in the consolidated balance sheets also contain current maturities of the long-term debt instruments disclosed below when repayment is due within the next 12 months. Such amounts were
$5.5 and $137.5 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Credit Facilities
In March 2011, the Company entered into a five-year $1,000.0 revolving credit facility agreement with various U.S. and foreign banks. In November 2013, the facility was extended through 2018. The facility allows for borrowing in multiple currencies for working capital needs and general corporate purposes of the Company. Borrowings bear interest at a LIBOR-plus rate or an alternate rate based on LIBOR, the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective rate plus various spreads based on the terms of the agreement. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding balance on the facility.
In addition, the Company had unused and committed credit facilities with various U.S. and foreign banks totaling $67.9 and $188.4 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These credit facilities may require the payment of commitment fees. The Company intends to renew these facilities at their respective maturities. These facilities are available to support working capital requirements.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 161
In February 2013, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured term loan with a U.S. branch of a Japanese bank. The amount of the loan was $150.0 and is due February 2016. Since the interest rate for the borrowing under the loan agreement is reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates the fair value of the borrowing and is classified as a Level 2 measurement due to use of valuation inputs based on similar liabilities in the market.
In March 2011, the Company issued senior unsecured fixed rate notes at par with an aggregate principal amount of $700.0, including $350.0 of 4.1% Series A Notes due March 2018 and $350.0 of 4.8% Series B notes due March 2021. Valuation of the senior notes is conducted on a quarterly basis using the benchmark risk-free interest rate with a credit spread based on comparable companies with similar credit risk profiles and considering business-specific risks. Because the fixed rate notes were valued using inputs based on similar liabilities observed in the market, the Company’s fixed rate notes were classified as a Level 2 measurement. As of December 31, 2013, the fair values of Series A Notes and Series B Notes were $358.4 and $367.9, respectively.
In April 2009, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured five-year term loan facility with a syndicate of commercial banks in China. The amount of the facility was 4.2 billion Renminbi ($688.9 U.S. dollars). The facility permitted borrowing in U.S. dollars and Renminbi with required repayments commencing two years after the drawdown date. The subsidiary had $198.1 outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2012. The full amount was repaid as of December 31, 2013. No further borrowings are available under this facility.
The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with its debt covenants, including leverage ratios and interest coverage ratios.
Annual aggregate maturities of the long-term debt of the Company are: 2014 - $5.5, 2015 - $5.6, 2016 - $154.7, 2017 - $4.3, and $772.5 for 2018 and beyond.
Cash paid for interest during the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $57.8, $95.4 and $91.8, respectively.
Sales of Receivables
The Company maintains an accounts receivable facility with a bank in Japan which expires in March 2014. The discount rate under this facility is the equivalent of TIBOR plus 0.25%. The Company sold receivables in the amount of $244.7 and $179.8 to this bank in exchange for cash proceeds of $244.6 and $179.8 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Under the facility, the Company continues to collect the receivables from the customer but retains no interest in the receivables. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables. The transfer of receivables provides additional liquidity to the Company. The counterparty for the receivables facility is a financial institution that specializes in receivables securitization transactions and is financed through the issuance of commercial paper.
Additionally, the Company has access to a short term borrowing facility securitized by receivables in the U.S. which expires in October 2014. The interest rate under this facility is based on LIBOR. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding amounts under this facility. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables.
Letters of Credit
The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $52.8 and $32.6 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Note 14 Deferred Revenue
The Company has historically entered into long-term product sales agreements with certain customers. Under certain agreements, customers are obligated to purchase minimum quantities of product and make specified payments. Most of these product sales agreements extend over various periods and prior to 2012 the revenue associated with the agreements had been recognized using the average sales price over the life of the agreements. Under the average price methodology, differences between amounts invoiced to customers under the agreements and amounts recognized using the average price methodology were reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. After a series of amendments to the agreements in 2012, the Company concluded that future sales prices were no longer fixed and determinable and discontinued the use of the average price methodology. For the year ended December 31, 2012 and periods thereafter, the revenue associated with these product sales agreements is recognized using invoice-based pricing with a ratable recognition of existing deferred revenue amounts.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 162
Under certain agreements, customers were required to make initial non-refundable advanced cash payments. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, advanced payments of $111.2 and $95.3, respectively, were received by the Company. The Company expects to receive advanced payments of $65.8 in the next twelve months. Advanced cash payments received are recorded as deferred revenue and are typically applied ratably on a per kilogram basis as products are shipped over the life of the agreements. Modification to terms of the agreements may alter the timing of future advanced payments receipts or their application to future purchases. In the event that certain product delivery timelines are not met, subject to specific conditions outlined in the agreements, customers may be entitled to damages up to the amount of the advanced cash payments. The advanced payments received are reflected in the “Cash flows from operating activities” section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Total deferred revenue reflected in “Current deferred revenue” and “Deferred revenue” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $3,442.6 and $3,572.3, respectively. The changes in deferred revenue were as follows:
Current deferred revenue of $305.2 and $120.2 was recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The current portion was determined based on the Company’s estimate of advanced payments to be applied to customer purchases in the next 12 months.
NOTE Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company maintains defined benefit employee retirement plans covering most domestic and certain non-U.S. employees. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans were as follows:
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Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income as of December 31 were as follows:
The Company’s defined benefit employee retirement plans have a measurement date of December 31 of the applicable year. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31 were as follows:
The reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation, beginning and ending balances of the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the plans as of December 31 were as follows:
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The assets by category and fair value level of the U.S and non-U.S. defined benefit employee retirement plans were as follows:
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
Level 1 assets were valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 assets were primarily comprised of assets held in investment funds. The value of these funds was determined based on quoted prices in active markets for assets that are identical to the underlying assets held by the funds.
Level 3 assets were investments in a long term property lease fund. Due to the absence of observable prices in an active market for the same or similar securities, the fair value of the securities was based on the last available market price for the underlying assets.
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 were as follows:
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The Company expects to recognize $43.4 of net loss and $3.3 of net prior service cost as a component of net periodic pension cost in 2014 for its defined benefit pension plans.
The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on projected returns for assets and the approved asset allocations of the plan. For the purpose of pension expense recognition, the Company uses a market-related value of assets that amortizes the difference between the expected return and the actual return on plan assets over a three-year period. The Company had approximately $10.9 of net unrecognized asset gains associated with its U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2013 that will be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets and subject to amortization in future periods.
For the U.S. defined benefit plan, as of December 31, 2013, the fair value of plan assets included 40% of equity securities and 60% of debt securities. The plan targets an asset allocation of 40% equity securities and 60% debt securities. The plan’s expected long-term rate of return is determined by the asset allocation and expected future rates of return on equity and fixed income securities.
Given the relatively long horizon of the Company’s aggregate obligation, its investment strategy is to improve and maintain the funded status of its U.S. and non-U.S. plans over time without exposure to excessive asset value volatility. The Company manages this risk primarily by maintaining actual asset allocations between equity and fixed income securities for the plans within a specified range of its target asset allocation. In addition, the Company ensures that diversification across various investment subcategories within each plan are maintained within specified ranges.
All of the Company’s pension assets are managed by outside investment managers and held in trust by third-party custodians. The selection and oversight of these outside service providers is the responsibility of investment committees. The selection of specific securities is at the discretion of the investment manager and is subject to the provisions set forth by written investment management agreements and related policy guidelines regarding permissible investments and risk control practices.
The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to defined benefit plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. Contributions of approximately $85.9 are planned for the U.S. plans in 2014. Contributions of approximately $16.5 are planned for non-U.S. plans in 2014.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and to determine the net benefit costs are shown in the following table. Discount rates and rates of increase in future compensation are weighted based upon the projected benefit obligations of the respective plans. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is weighted based on total plan assets for each plan at year end. The long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is determined considering historical returns and expected future asset allocation and returns for each plan.
The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. defined benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate. The discount rates for non-U.S. defined benefit plans are based on benchmark rate indices specific to the respective countries and durations similar to those of the plans’ liabilities.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 166
The Company expects to pay benefits under its defined benefit plans in future periods as detailed in the following table. The expected benefits have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013 and include benefits attributable to future employee service.
Other Postretirement Plans
In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care benefits for most retired employees, primarily in the U.S. The cost of providing these benefits to retirees outside the U.S. is not significant; therefore, this discussion relates to the U.S. plans only. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following components:
Other changes in benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income included:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 167
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was as follows:
The Company expects to recognize $4.6 of net loss and $0.7 of net prior service credit as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014.
The health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 8.0% and 8.2% in 2013 and 2012, respectively. In both 2013 and 2012, the health care cost trend rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% in 2033 and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts reported, but is offset by plan provisions that limit the Company’s share of the total postretirement health care benefits cost for the vast majority of participants. The Company’s portion of the total annual health care benefits cost is capped at specified dollar amounts for participants who retired in 1994 or later and such limits are expected to be reached in all subsequent years. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 1.6% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2013 by 1.2%. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 1.2% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2013 by 0.9%.
The discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 4.5%, 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. The discount rate used to determine net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 3.8%, 4.3% and 5.3%, respectively. The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. postretirement health care benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate.
The Company funds most of the cost of the postretirement health care as incurred. Benefit payments to retirees were $19.9 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Reimbursements received under Medicare Part D were $1.7 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company expects to pay future benefits under its postretirement health care plans and expects to receive reimbursements from annual Medicare Part D subsidies as detailed in the following table. The expected payments have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2013.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 168
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has various defined contribution and savings plans covering certain employees. The Company made matching contributions under defined contribution plans of $17.8, $19.5 and $22.9 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The U.S. plan is the largest of the defined contribution and savings plans maintained by the Company. Employer matching contributions for the U.S. defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $15.8. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $17.8 to all defined contribution plans during 2014.
NOTE 16 	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
A summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, included the following components:
(1) Net of tax effect of $(2.1), $(2.4) and $1.1 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax effects of gains and losses arising during the period and reclassifications for gains included in income are included in the table below.
(2) Net of tax effect of $(128.0), $(37.9) and $136.3 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax effects of gains and losses arising during the period and amortization in net income are included in the table below.
(3) The unamortized pension losses and prior service costs are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 15 for additional details).
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
NOTE 17 Commitments And Contingencies
Chapter 11 Related Matters
On May 15, 1995 (the “Filing Date”), the Company voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Northern Division in order to resolve the Company’s breast implant liabilities and related matters (the “Chapter 11 Proceeding”). The Joint Plan of Reorganization was confirmed in November 1999 and provides funding for the resolution of breast implant and other products liability litigation covered by the Chapter 11 Proceeding through several settlement options or through litigation and for the satisfaction of commercial creditor claims in the Chapter 11 Proceeding. The Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceeding on June 1, 2004 (the “Effective Date”) and is implementing its Joint Plan of Reorganization.
Breast Implant and Other Products Liability Claims
Products liability claims to be resolved by settlement are administered by a settlement facility (the “Settlement Facility”), and products liability claims to be resolved by litigation are defended by a litigation facility (the “Litigation Facility”). Products liability claimants choosing to litigate their claims are required to pursue their claims through litigation against the Litigation Facility. Under the Joint Plan of Reorganization, the total amount of payments by the Company committed to resolve products liability claims will not exceed a net present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7%. Of this amount, no more than a net present value of $400.0 determined as of the Effective Date will be used to fund the Litigation Facility.
Funding the Settlement and Litigation Facilities
The Company has an obligation to fund the Settlement Facility and the Litigation Facility (collectively, the “Facilities”) over a 16-year period, commencing at the Effective Date. The Company anticipates that it will be able to meet its remaining payment obligations to the Facilities utilizing cash flow from operations, insurance proceeds and/or prospective borrowings. If the Company is unable to meet its remaining obligations to fund the Facilities, the Company will also have access to a ten-year unsecured revolving credit commitment, established by Dow Chemical and Corning, in an original maximum aggregate amount of $300.0. Beginning June 1, 2009, the amount available decreases by $50.0 per year and will fully expire June 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2013 the maximum aggregate amount available to the Company under this revolving credit commitment was $50.0. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had not drawn any amounts against the revolving credit commitment.
Funds are paid by the Company (a) to the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims, as such claims are processed and allowed by the Settlement Facility and (b) via the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims processed through the Litigation Facility, as such claims are resolved. Insurance settlements are paid by the Company directly to the Settlement Facility or by the Company’s insurers on behalf of the Company. The amount of funds paid by or on behalf of the Company is subject to annual and aggregate funding limits. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized a $24.2 gain in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income in connection with recently concluded insurance settlements. The Company has made payments of $1,752.8 to the Settlement Facility through December 31, 2013.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
In accordance with the Joint Plan of Reorganization, and subject to the annual and aggregate funding limits, future payments to the Settlement Facility will be made on a periodic basis as necessary to preserve the liquidity of the Settlement Facility until such payment obligations cease as provided for in the Plan. Based on these funding agreements, the recorded liability is adjusted to maintain the present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7% (“Time Value Adjustments”). The Company has made early payments to the Settlement Facility in advance of their due dates and has recognized Time Value Adjustments for certain of those early payments consisting primarily of insurance proceeds. Time Value Adjustments are also recognized for periods when sufficient liquidity exists in the Settlement Facility, such that full payments from the Company are not required to be made within the annual funding period.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s “Implant reserve” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets was $1,616.4 and $1,609.4, respectively. These amounts reflect the Company’s estimated remaining obligation to fund the resolution of breast implant and other medical device claims pursuant to the Company’s Joint Plan of Reorganization and other breast implant litigation related matters. The actual amounts payable and the timing of payments by the Company to the Settlement Facility are uncertain and will be affected by, among other things, (a) the rate at which claims are resolved by the Facilities, (b) future claim filing deadlines, (c) the rate at which insurance proceeds are received by the Company from its insurers, (d) the timing of second priority payments, if any, to claimants, (e) the outcome of legal determinations on various claim categories and (f) the degree to which Time Value Adjustments are recognized.
In December 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, acting upon the recommendation and motion of the court-appointed Finance Committee and over the objection of the Company, authorized the Finance Committee to disburse a portion (50%) of second priority payments to claimants. The plan documents provide that second priority payments, in full or in part, may be paid only upon a showing that adequate funding for first priority payments is assured. The Company believes the required level of assurance has not been reached and is in the process of appealing the ruling. The Company will continue to monitor outcomes of this action and will continue to evaluate available information regarding expected levels of future funding under the Plan.
It is reasonably possible the Company’s estimate of the remaining obligation could materially change in future periods as a result of management’s assessment of the expected amounts to be paid by the Company to the Settlement Facility through the end of the 16-year period that commenced at the Effective Date.
Insurance Allocation Agreement between the Company and Dow Chemical
A number of the products liability insurance policies relevant to claims against the Company name the Company and Dow Chemical as co-insureds (the “Shared Insurance Assets”). In order to resolve issues related to the amount of the Shared Insurance Assets that would be available to the Company for resolution of its products liability claims, the Company and Dow Chemical entered into an insurance allocation agreement. Under this agreement, 25% of certain of the Shared Insurance Assets were paid by the Company to Dow Chemical subsequent to the Effective Date. The maximum amount payable under the agreement was $285.0. As of December 31, 2013, $284.1 had been paid to Dow Chemical and $0.9 was reflected in “Other noncurrent liabilities.”
In accordance with the agreement, a portion of any such amounts paid to Dow Chemical, to the extent not offset by certain qualifying product liability claims paid by Dow Chemical, will be paid over to the Company after the expiration of a 17.5-year period commencing on the Effective Date. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Chemical had given notice to the Company that it has thus far incurred $174.0 of potentially qualifying claims.
Commercial Creditor Issues
The Joint Plan of Reorganization provides that each of the Company’s commercial creditors (the “Commercial Creditors”) would receive in cash the sum of (a) an amount equal to the principal amount of their claims and (b) interest on such claims. The actual amount of interest that will ultimately be paid to these Commercial Creditors is uncertain due to pending litigation between the Company and the Commercial Creditors regarding the appropriate interest rates to be applied to outstanding obligations from the Filing Date through the Effective Date (the “Pendency Interest”) as well as the presence of any recoverable fees, costs and expenses.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The Company’s position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be (i) an amount determined by applying non-default rates of interest for floating rate obligations in accordance with the formulas in the relevant contracts, except that the aggregate amount of interest cannot be less than that resulting from the application of a fixed rate of 6.28% through the Effective Date and (ii) the higher of the relevant contract rates or 6.28% for all other obligations to the Commercial Creditors through the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) default interest rates should not apply (the “Company’s Position”). The Commercial Creditors’ position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be an amount determined by applying default rates of interest with respect to amounts overdue under the terms of the relevant debt and commercial agreements until the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) certain of the Commercial Creditors are entitled to unspecified fees, costs and expenses. The Company has paid to the Commercial Creditors an amount of interest that the Company considers to be undisputed, which was calculated by application of the Company’s Position (the “Undisputed Portion”).
In July 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit concluded that there is a general presumption that contractually specified default interest should be paid by a solvent debtor to unsecured creditors (the “Interest Rate Presumption”) and permitting the Company’s Commercial Creditors to recover fees, costs and expenses where allowed by relevant loan agreements and state law. The matter was remanded to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan for further proceedings, including rulings on the facts surrounding specific claims and consideration of any equitable factors that would preclude the application of the Interest Rate Presumption.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has paid approximately $1.5 billion to the Commercial Creditors, representing principal and the Undisputed Portion. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has estimated its liability payable to the Commercial Creditors to be within a range of $94.2 to $308.9. However, no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range. Therefore, the Company has recorded the minimum liability within the range. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of interest included in “Accrued interest” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s potential obligation to pay additional interest to its Commercial Creditors in the Chapter 11 Proceeding was $92.7 and $88.3, respectively. The actual amount of interest that will be paid to these creditors is uncertain and will ultimately be resolved through continued proceedings in the District Court.
Risks and Uncertainties
As additional facts and circumstances develop related to Chapter 11 matters, it is at least reasonably possible that amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements may be revised. Future revisions, if required, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the period or periods in which such revisions are recorded. Since any specific future developments, and the impact such developments might have on amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, are unknown at this time, an estimate of possible future adjustments cannot be made.
Environmental Matters
The Company was previously advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or by similar state and non-U.S. national regulatory agencies that the Company, together with others, is a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) with respect to a portion of the cleanup costs and other related matters involving a number of waste disposal sites. Management believes that there are 25 sites at which the Company may have some liability, although management expects to settle the Company’s liability for 11 of these sites for amounts that are not material.
Based upon preliminary estimates by the EPA or the PRP groups formed with respect to these sites, the aggregate liabilities for all PRP’s at those sites at which management believes the Company may have more than a de minimis liability is $30.3. Management cannot estimate the aggregate liability for all PRP’s at all of the sites at which management expects the Company has a de minimis liability. The Company records accruals for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The amount accrued for environmental matters was $3.6 and $4.8 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As additional facts and circumstances develop, it is at least reasonably possible that the accrued liability related to environmental matters may be revised. While there are a number of uncertainties with respect to the Company’s estimate of its ultimate liability for cleanup costs at these waste disposal sites, management believes that any costs incurred in excess of those accrued will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This opinion is based upon the number of identified PRP’s at each site, the number of such PRP’s that are believed by management to be financially capable of paying their share of the ultimate liability, and the portion of waste sent to the sites for which management believes the Company might be held responsible based on available records.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Other Regulatory Matters
Companies that manufacture and sell chemical products may experience risks under current or future laws and regulations which may result in significant costs and liabilities. The Company routinely conducts health, toxicological and environmental tests of its products. The Company cannot predict what future regulatory or other actions, if any, may be taken regarding the Company’s products or the consequences of their production and sale. Such actions could result in significant losses, and there can be no assurance that significant losses would not be incurred. However, based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that any such actions would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Other Legal Matters
The Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits that arise during the normal course of business, including matters relating to commercial disputes, product liability, governmental regulation and other actions. The Company believes that the possibility is remote that resolution of all presently pending matters would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Leases
The Company leases certain real and personal property under agreements that generally require the Company to pay for maintenance, insurance and taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 lease expense was $51.4, $53.9 and $55.9, respectively. The minimum future lease payments required under noncancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 in the aggregate are $244.2, including the following amounts due in each of the next five years: 2014 - $47.7, 2015 - $31.9, 2016 - $26.9, 2017 - $20.7 and 2018 - $18.4.
NOTE 18 	Changes in Ownership of Consolidated Subsidiaries
In the first quarter of 2013, the Company acquired additional ownership interests in two majority owned consolidated subsidiaries within the polycrystalline silicon industry in exchange for total consideration of $24.0. The consideration was primarily in the form of a promissory note that was paid in April 2013. The Company adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest by $38.3 to reflect the change in ownership of the subsidiaries.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company acquired additional ownership interests in three majority owned consolidated subsidiaries within the polycrystalline silicon industry in exchange for total cash consideration of $242.0. The Company adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest by $149.4 to reflect the change in ownership of the subsidiaries.
The acquisitions were accounted for as equity transactions.
NOTE 19 Related Party Transactions
The Company has transactions in the normal course of business with its shareholders, Dow Chemical and Corning and their affiliates. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances with the Company’s shareholders:
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Amounts shown as payables to Dow Chemical exclude the balance owed under the insurance allocation agreement disclosed in Note 17. In addition, the Company has transactions in the normal course of business with nonconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling shareholders. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances with nonconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling shareholders:
In addition, the Company loans excess funds to Toray Industries, Inc., which is the noncontrolling shareholder of one of the Company’s non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries. The amount of loans receivable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $46.7 and $39.6, respectively. These balances are included in “Notes and other receivables” in the consolidated balance sheets.
In November 2012, a majority owned subsidiary received a loan from the noncontrolling shareholder, Wacker Chemie AG. The loan bears interest at 4.5% and is due in November 2021. In December 2012, the majority owned subsidiary received an additional loan from Wacker Chemie AG, which also bears interest at 4.5% and is due in November 2020. The outstanding balance of these loans, including accumulated interest, was 740.1 and 707.5 Renminbi ($121.4 and $112.6 U.S. dollars, respectively) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The loan balances are included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
SAMSUNG CORNING PRECISION MATERIALS CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012
and for the years ended
December 31, 2013, 2012 and
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Index
December 31, 2013 and 2012
and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Page(s)
Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
183-199
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 176
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013.
Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers
Seoul, Korea
February 8, 2014
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 177
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Commitments and Contingencies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 178
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 179
Consolidated Statements of Income
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 180
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 181
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Certain amounts for prior periods were reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 182
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
1. Organization and Nature of Operations
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) are providers of flat glass substrates which are used to manufacture TFT-LCD (Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) panels for notebook computers, LCD monitors, LCD TVs and other handheld devices. The Company’s major customers are Korean LCD panel makers such as Samsung Display Co., Ltd. (“Samsung Display”) and LG Display Co., Ltd. The Company’s current market is primarily companies incorporated in Korea.
The Company was incorporated on April 20, 1995 under the laws of the Republic of Korea in accordance with a joint venture agreement between Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) located in the U.S.A. and domestic companies in Korea. On December 31, 2007, the Company acquired all of outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (“SSC”) which owned 70% interest in Samsung Corning (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“SCM”), 60% interest in SSH Limited (“SSH”) and 51% interest in Global Technology Video Co., Ltd. (“GTV”). These SSC investments were accounted for as consolidated subsidiaries. SCM purchased 30% shares owned by Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. in SCM for $ 26,074 thousand and retired the treasury stock in September 2011.
As of December 31, 2013, the issued and outstanding number of common shares of the Company is 17,617,462, of which are owned 50% by Corning Hungary Data Services Limited Liability Company, 7.4% by Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l., which are subsidiaries of Corning and 42.6% by Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 8, 2014, the date the financial statements are available to be issued.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, including its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control are accounted for using the equity method.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company operates primarily in Korean Won, its local and functional currency. The Company has chosen the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency. In accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation gain or loss are recorded directly as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains or losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the income statement as incurred. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date and the related exchange gains or losses are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements of Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial position and results of operations of SCM are measured using its functional currency of the U.S. dollar. All other subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into Korean won, the Korean parent company’s functional currency, using the current exchange rate method. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholder’s equity.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the products have been delivered and all risks of ownership have been transferred to the customers, the sale price is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Utilizing these criteria, product revenue is recognized upon delivery of the product at customer’s location or upon customer acceptance, depending on the terms of the arrangements. At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns and price discounts based upon historical experience and the related terms of customer arrangements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The most significant estimates and assumptions relate to the useful life of property, plant and equipment, estimates of fair value of available for sale securities, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, contingent liabilities, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and allocated expenses, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may be different from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. The Company considers securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows:
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash mainly represents time deposits with local Korean banks who support small-size companies. Deposits are kept with these banks as part of the Company’s corporate responsibility program. The Company has included the restricted cash in the other non-current assets and short-term financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Short-Term Financial Instruments
The Company’s short-term financial instruments are time deposits with financial institutions. These time deposits have original maturities of twelve months or less, and their carrying values approximate fair value.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The Company’s other non-current assets include available-for-sale securities that are recorded at fair value. These securities are equity securities that have readily determinable fair values. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity until realized.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Available-for sale securities reflected in “other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $5,835 thousand and $6,366 thousand, respectively. The cost, gross unrealized gains and fair value of the available-for-sale securities were as follows:
There were no realized gains during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method. The cost of inventories is determined based on the normal capacity of the production facility. In case the capacity utilization is lower than a level that management believes to be normal, the fixed overhead costs per production unit which exceeds those under normal capacity, are charged to cost of sales rather than capitalized as inventories.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, including precious metals, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives except for the depreciation of precious metals.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in the Company’s manufacturing process over a very long useful life. The Company treats the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and accounts for these losses as a period expense based on reasonably estimated units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of the Company’s glass production processes. Precious metals are only acquired to support the Company’s operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group against future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset or asset group. The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value.
Accrued Severance Benefits
Employees and directors with one or more years of service are entitled to severance benefits upon the termination of their employment based on their length of service and rate of pay. As of December 31, 2013, approximately all employees of the Company were eligible for severance benefits. Accrued severance benefits represent the amount which would be payable assuming eligible employees and directors were to terminate their employment with the Company as of the balance sheet date.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Changes in accrued severance benefits for each period are as follows:
(1) The balance included in other current assets as of December 31, 2013.
During 2010, under new tax and labor laws, the Company elected to fund the accrued severance benefits through severance plan assets for which Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., has guaranteed a certain rate of return to the Company. The severance plan assets are classified as a reduction from the accrued severance benefits. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accrued severance benefits are approximately 101% and 94% funded.
Also, in accordance with the National Pension Act of the Republic of Korea, a portion of accrued severance benefits was deposited with the National Pension Fund and deducted from the accrued severance benefits. The contributed amount is paid to employees from the National Pension Fund upon their separation from the Company.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development expenditures, which include costs in relation to new product, development, research, process improvement and product use technology, are expensed as incurred and included in operating expenses.
Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credit
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for anticipated future tax consequences resulting from temporary differences between amounts reported for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed on the temporary differences by applying the enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the years when such differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax assets are recognized when it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The total income tax provision includes the current income tax expense under the applicable tax regulation and the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year.
The Company is eligible to use investment tax credits that are temporarily allowed for qualified plant and equipment expenditures. The investment tax credit is recognized as a reduction of tax expense in the year in which the qualified plant and equipment expenditure is incurred.
In determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company uses annual effective income tax rates. The effective tax rate also reflects the Company’s assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, the Company assesses its income tax positions and records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which the Company determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when more information becomes available. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line item in the consolidated statements of income.
Discrete events such as tax audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Equity Method Investments
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by the Company and in which the Company’s interest is generally between 20% and 50% and the Company has significant influence over the entity. The Company’s share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and the Company has significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results.
The Company uses the cost method to account for the Company’s investments in companies that the Company does not control and for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company’s equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors the Company considers include:
• Absence of the Company’s ability to recover the carrying amount;
• Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
• Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, the Company measures fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that the Company will not recover the carrying amount of their investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. The Company requires their equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, required assessments of asset recoverability are included in their results. The Company also includes these financial statements in their recoverability assessment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. With certain exceptions, ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 on either a prospective or retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-05 Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU 2013-05 clarifies when to release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for transactions involving the disposition of some or all of an investment or a business combination achieved in stages (step acquisitions). The amendments are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04 Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure such obligations as the sum of the amount that the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement with co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative period presented is required with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, on February 5, 2013. The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2012. Non-public companies will adopt the standard one year later, but would be exempt from certain interim disclosure requirements.
The standard is intended to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income of various components. Among other things, an entity is required to present either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. However, an entity would not need to show the income statement line item affected for certain components that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, such as amounts amortized into net periodic pension cost. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 does not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
3. Discontinued Operation
As specified in the Framework Agreement by and among Samsung Display, Corning, solely for the purposes of Sections 1.5, 6.1 and 11 thereof, Corning Hungary Data Services Limited Liability Company, Corning Holding Japan, G.K., and Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l., dated October 22, 2013 (“Framework Agreement”) to which SCP and Samsung Corning Advanced Glass LLC. (“SCG”) became parties pursuant to the SCP Joinder Agreement and the SCG Joinder Agreement, respectively.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, on December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to sell the Target Business, which is a core material that ensures conductivity and transparency by coating a flat panel display, to SCG. The Business Transfer Agreement was signed on January 17, 2014, stipulates that the sale occur on February 1, 2014. The net proceeds are expected to be $158,341 thousand.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, on December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to sell all facilities within the Company’s Gumi plant but excluding any assets comprising the Target Business. Accordingly, the Real Property Sale and Purchase Agreement was entered with SCG on January 23, 2014, stipulates that the sale occur on February 1, 2014. The net proceeds are expected to be $83,998 thousand.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, the Company shall dispose precious metals and the disposal are expected to occur on February 17, 2014 under the management plan. The net proceeds expected to be calculated based on the market price at the date of transactions.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, SCP shall shut down its existing photovoltaic glass business (“PV Business”) within one year following the agreement date and, no later than one year after the general completion of such shut-down of the PV Business, operated by SCM. Accordingly, the Company plans to market the remaining assets of PV Business and complete the disposition of PV Business to comply with the Framework Agreement. An impairment charge of $62,722 thousand was recognized by fully written down of the net book value of long-lived assets in the year ended December 31, 2013.
As a result, the operating results of Target Business and PV Business to be sold are reported as discontinued operations in all periods presented. Amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to this presentation in accordance with ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, to allow for meaningful comparison of continuing operations. The Company’s historical financial results, except for disclosures related to cash flows, have been restated to account for Target Business and PV Business as discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities of Target Business, PV Business, precious metals and Gumi facilities to be sold are classified as held for sale and have been aggregated and reported on separate lines of the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following table discloses the results of operations reported as discontinued operations for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
The following table reflects the summary of assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, for Target Business and PV Business reported as discontinued operations and precious metals and Gumi facilities to be disposed within one year from December 31, 2013.
(1) As of December 31, 2013, SCM’s term loan debt was $32,059 thousand, and variable interest rate is contracted. As of December 31, 2013, the weighted average rate was 2.08%. Due to the decision to shut down PV business, the term loan is immediately due and payable.
4. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
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5. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
6. Equity Method Investments
Equity method investments comprise the following:
(1) This reflects the Company’s direct ownership interests in the affiliated company. The Company does not have control of the entity.
During September 2009, the Company entered into an operating agreement with Corning. Pursuant to the operating agreement, the parties established Corsam Technologies LLC (“Corsam”), a new equity affiliate established to provide glass technology research for future product applications. The Company contributed $124,000 thousand in cash and Corning contributed intellectual property with a corresponding value. In 2012, the Company and Corning each contributed an additional $7,000 thousand. The Company and Corning each own 50% of the common stock of Corsam and Corning has agreed to provide research and development services to Corsam. The Company does not control Corsam as Corning maintains participating voting rights. In addition, Corsam has sufficient equity to finance its activities, the voting rights of investors in Corsam are considered substantive, and the risks and rewards of Corsam’s research are shared only by those investors noted. As a result, the Company accounts for its investment in Corsam under the equity method of accounting for investments.
The Company’s share of Corsam net losses of $5,198 thousand, $39,366 thousand and $ 27,758 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, has been recognized in equity losses of affiliated companies.
On December 31, 2013 and 2012, because of slow down of the photovoltaic industry, Corsam recorded $7,697 thousand and $49,719 thousand, respectively, of impairment loss related to its intellectual property which was initially contributed by Corning. The Company recorded its 50% share of such impairment charge totaling $3,848 thousand and $24,860 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment comprise the following:
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed with precious metals. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the recorded amount of precious metals totaled $939,692 thousand and $942,187 thousand, respectively. Depletion expense for precious metals in the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $11,049 thousand and $18,862 thousand, respectively.
8. Other Non-current Assets
Other non-current assets consist of the following:
9. Impairment Charges
In response to economic challenges and strategic alternatives, certain assets used for the production of glasses were committed to be abandoned before the end of their previously estimated useful lives based on management’s decision to reduce the manufacturing capacity. As a result, a group of unusable assets was fully written off in 2012, and another group in 2013. Before their respective write-offs, the group of assets written off in 2012 had a net book value of $27,294 thousand, while the group of assets written off in 2013 had a net book value of $20,945 thousand. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
In December 2013, the Company discontinued development of Willow coater technology, a technology for touch panel. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $11,569 thousand for related long-lived assets associated with the development of Willow coating technology. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company agreed with SCG to execute demolition and clean-up activities of a LCD processing building and certain office premises in Gumi plant. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $31,960 thousand to fully write-down the subject assets of demolition and clean-up in 2013. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
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On December 2, 2011, the Company decided to exit from the CRT glass business operated in SCM, and the manufacturing of the CRT glass was ceased in December 2011 in response to anticipated lower sales in 2012. An impairment charge was needed for asset dismantling and restoration costs and costs for special termination benefits. Total cash payments with this plan were expected to be approximately $14,461 thousand with the majority of spending made in 2012. Accordingly, the Company recorded restructuring costs totaling $14,461 thousand in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, in the year ended December 31, 2011. These amounts are included as part of selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
10. Transactions with Related Parties
A summary of related party transactions and related receivable and payable balances as of December 31 is as follows:
(1) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, related parties sales of $83,525 thousand, purchases of $19 thousand and services expenses of $1,653 thousand and related receivables of $14,791 thousand and payables of $1,567 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
(2) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, related parties sales of $98,271 thousand, purchases of $195 thousand and services expenses of $1,029 thousand and related receivables of $12,692 thousand and payables of $89 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
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(3) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, related parties sales of $84,379 thousand, purchases of $8,885 thousand and services expenses of $1,327 thousand and related receivables of $18,165 thousand and payables of $96 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
(4) Transfers of machinery and equipment to related parties including SCG, Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDS and Samsung Fine Chemicals are included.
(5) Purchases of property, plant and equipment are included.
In the normal course of business, the Company sells its products to Samsung Display and Corning, purchases semi-finished goods from Corning and purchases property, plant and equipment from Samsung affiliates and Corning. The Company also obtains services from Samsung affiliated companies. In addition, the Company paid a 3% royalty on net sales amounts of certain products to Corning. The royalty rate has been lowered from 6% to 3% under the revised royalty agreement effective from December 1, 2011.
Samsung Display was established on April 1, 2012 through a spin-off of Samsung Electronics’ LCD division. As a result, the Company’s shareholder has been changed to Samsung Display and the existing contractual relationship with Samsung Electronics was fully succeeded to Samsung Display. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, Samsung Display represents the sum of transactions and balances with Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company deposited the severance plan assets to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. of $100,800 thousand and $71,885 thousand, respectively.
Effective in January 2012, the Company signed a five-year renewal of its long term LCD supply contract with Samsung Electronics.
In April 2012, Corning and Samsung Display formed SCG, a new affiliate of the Company established to manufacture organic light emitting diode glasses. The Company entered into a Shared Service Agreement and a Leasing Agreement with SCG and charges relevant fees on a cost basis with a reasonable mark-up to SCG. In addition, the Company sold certain inventories, machinery and equipment to SCG amounting to $49,795 thousand and $52,900 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In December 2013, the Company and Samsung Electronics signed a sales and purchase agreement over Suwon R&D center at the amount of $138,076 thousand. The transaction completed on December 13, 2013. There was no gains or losses incurred as a result of the transaction.
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11. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value accounting standards define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The accounting standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels used to measure fair value as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liabilities, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s financial assets consisted of available-for-sale securities. These financial assets are measured at fair value and are classified within the Level 1 valuation hierarchy.
The Company’s available for sale investments include equity investments with a fair value of $5,835 thousand and $6,366 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively that are traded in active market. They are measured at fair value using closing stock prices from active markets.
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the balance sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, severance plan assets, accounts and notes receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and short-term borrowing.
12. Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expenses are composed of domestic and foreign income taxes depending on the relevant tax jurisdiction.
Income tax expense consists of the following:
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The following table reconciles the expected amount of income tax expense based on consolidated statutory rates to the actual amount of taxes recorded by the Company:
The statutory income tax rate of the Company, including tax surcharges, is approximately 24.2%, but the effective income tax rate on continuing operation is 23.8%, 18.06% and 18.44% for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily due to tax exemption benefits for a foreign invested company under the Korean Tax Preference Control Law (“TPCL”). In accordance with the TPCL and the approval of the Korean government, the Company was fully exempt from the corporate income taxes on the taxable income arising from the sales of manufactured goods in proportion to the percentage of qualified foreign shareholder’s equity until 2003 and 50% exemption for the subsequent two years. In 2006, the Company issued additional shares to extend the tax exemption period. As a result, the Company was fully exempt from corporate income taxes until 2010, and thereafter was subject to a 50% tax exemption for a period of 2 years to 2012.
In November 2010, the NTS commenced a review of the Company’s 2008 tax year and a review of the SSC 2006 tax year. In April 2011, the tax review by the NTS was closed without claiming additional taxes for adjustment.
The corporate income tax rates including resident tax surcharge is a) 11% on the taxable income of up to 0.2 billion won, b) 22% over taxable income exceeding 0.2 billion won up to 20 billion won, and c) 24.2% for the taxable income exceeding 20 billion won. The Company recognized its deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 based on the enacted future tax rates.
The primary components of the temporary differences that gave rise to the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets is recognized when it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Realization of the future tax benefit related to the deferred income tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the economic environment in which the Company operates, and the overall future industry outlook.
The Company applies the provisions of ASC 740, Income taxes. The Company believes that it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of a tax position, that the Company is entitled to economic benefits resulting from positions taken in its income tax returns.
The Company files income tax return in Korea and various other jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Years open to examination by tax authorities in Korea are 2009 and subsequent tax years.
13. Shareholders’ Equity
The components of and changes in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
Preferred Stock
There were 41,107 shares of non-voting preferred stock with a par value of $8.51 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Each share is entitled to non-cumulative dividends at the rate of 5% on par value. In addition, if the dividend ratio of common stock exceeds that of preferred stock, the additional dividend on preferred stock may be declared by a resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Retained Earnings
Retained earnings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 comprised of the following:
Legal Reserve
The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a legal reserve equal to a minimum of 10% of its cash dividends until such reserve equals 50% of its capital stock. The reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Business Development
Pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Law of Korea, the Company is allowed to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for business development. This reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Research and Manpower Development
Pursuant to the former Korean Tax Exemption and Reduction Control Law and the Korean Tax Preference Control Law, the Company appropriates a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for research and manpower development. This reserve is not available for dividends until it is used for the specified purpose or reversed.
Voluntary Reserve
The Company appropriates a certain portion of retained earnings pursuant to shareholder resolution as a voluntary reserve. This reserve may be reversed and transferred to unappropriated retained earnings by the resolution of shareholders and may be distributed as dividends after reversal.
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14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A summary of changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, is as follows:
A summary of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows:
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Credit Facilities
The Company has an unused credit facility totaling $161,568 thousand and $148,209 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under this facility as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Business and Credit Risk Concentration
The Company sells its products on a credit basis to its customers including certain related parties. Management estimates the collectability of accounts receivable based on the financial condition of the customers and prevailing economic trends. Based on management’s estimates, the Company established allowances for doubtful accounts receivable which management believes are adequate. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited to the credit worthiness of the Company’s customers. Major customers of the Company are domestic TFT-LCD makers incorporated in Korea. Trade accounts receivables from these three major customers are 96% and 93% of total trade accounts receivable of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and revenues from these three major customers constitute 92%, 91% and 93% of total revenues of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
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Pending Litigation
Based on the agreement entered on August 24, 1999 with respect to Samsung Motor Inc.’s (“SMI”) bankruptcy proceedings, Samsung Motor Inc.’s creditors (“the Creditors”) filed a civil action against Mr. Kun Hee Lee, former chairman of the Company, and 28 Samsung Group affiliates including the Company under joint and several liability for failing to comply with such agreement. Under the suit, the Creditors have sought 2,450 billion won (approximately $1.95 billion) for loss of principal on loans extended to SMI, a separate amount for breach of the agreement, and an amount for default interest. Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“SLI”) completed its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on May 7, 2010. After disposing 2,277,787 shares and paying the principal balance owed to the Creditors, 878 billion won (approximately $ 0.80 billion) was deposited in to an escrow account. That remaining balance was to be used to pay the Creditors interest due to the delay in the SLI IPO. On January 11, 2011, the Seoul High Court ordered Samsung Group affiliates to pay 600 billion won (approximately $ 0.53 billion) to the Creditors and pay 5% annual interest for the period between May 8, 2010 and January 11, 2011, and pay 20% annual interest for the period after January 11, 2011 until the amounts owed to the Creditors are paid. In accordance with the Seoul High Court order, 620.4 billion won (which includes penalties and interest owed) was paid to the Creditors from the funds held in escrow during January 2011. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Group affiliates and the Creditors appealed the Seoul High Court’s ruling to the Korean Supreme Court and the appeal is currently in progress. The Company has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss related to this matter should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013.
16. Subsequent Event
On October 22, 2013, Corning announced that it has signed a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, to strengthening the product and technology collaborations between the two companies. On January 15, 2014, the deal transactions closed and resulted in:
• On January 15, 2014, the Company entered into a 15 year $1,902,359 thousand borrowing from Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l. and the interest rate is 8.0% per annum.
• On January 15, 2014, the Company repurchased shares of $1,902,359 thousand from Samsung Display. As a result, Corning obtained full ownership of the Company, formerly an unconsolidated equity venture with Samsung Display.
• Amendment to the agreement on a long-term LCD display glass pricing was signed between Corning and Samsung Display on January 15, 2014. The amendment is effective for ten years, accordingly, the term of the TFT-LCD glass substrate long-term supply agreement, effective as of January 1, 2012 will also be extended from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2023.
• On January 17, 2014, the Company has entered into the Business Transfer Agreement with SCG to transfer the Target business at Gumi. On February 1, 2014, the transaction closed. The expected proceeds from this transaction are $158,341 thousand and the expected pre-tax gains are $16,786 thousand.
• On January 21, 2014, the Company has entered into the Interest Transfer Agreement of Corsam with SCG to transfer investment in equity of Corsam. The transaction closed on February 1, 2014. No gain and loss expected.
• On January 23, 2014, the Company has entered into the Real Property Sale and Purchase Agreement with SCG to transfer the Gumi facilities. On February 1, 2014, the transaction closed. The expected proceeds from this transaction are $83,998 thousand and the expected pre-tax gains are $16,530 thousand.
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Results of Operations - Core Performance Measures, “Items which we exclude from GAAP measures to arrive at Core Performance measures” for an explanation of the reconciling items.
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All Other includes all other segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting. This group is primarily comprised of development projects that involve the use of various technologies for new products such as advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics and adjacency businesses in pursuit of thin, strong glass. This segment also includes results for certain corporate investments such as Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass businesses, Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products, and Corsam Technologies LLC (Corsam), an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials to provide glass technology research. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about Samsung Corning Precision Materials and related party transactions.
2013 vs. 2012
The increase in segment net loss in 2013 when compared to 2012 was driven by the write-down of assets to their fair value in the amount of $36 million in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business, the absence of the 2012 gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business, and restructuring costs of $5 million associated with our global restructuring program implemented in the fourth quarter of 2013, partially offset by lower research, development and engineering expenses on development projects. The increase in core net loss in 2013 reflects the absence of the 2012 gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business and a decline in research, development and engineering expenses for development projects.
2012 vs. 2011
The results of this segment for the year ended 2012, when compared to the same period last year, reflect an increase in research, development and engineering expenses for development projects, offset by a gain on the sale of assets in Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ non-LCD glass business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financing and Capital Structure
The following items impacted Corning’s financing and capital structure during 2013 and 2012:
• In the first quarter of 2013, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility. The amended facility provides a $1.0 billion unsecured multi-currency line of credit that expires in March 2018. The facility includes a leverage test (debt to capital ratio) financial covenant. At December 31, 2013, our leverage using this measure was 13.4%, and we are in compliance with the financial covenant. The proceeds of this credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program.
• In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
• In the second quarter of 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2023. The net proceeds of approximately $248 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
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• In the first quarter of 2012, we issued $500 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2042 and $250 million of 4.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2037. The net proceeds of $742 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
- We issued $250 million of 1.45% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2017. The net proceeds of $248 million from the offering were used for general corporate purposes.
- We repurchased $13 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013. Additionally, we redeemed $100 million of our 5.90% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and $74 million of our 6.20% senior unsecured notes due 2016. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $26 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
On April 24, 2013, Corning’s Board of Directors declared an 11% increase in the Company’s quarterly common stock dividend. Corning’s quarterly dividend increased from $0.09 per share to $0.10 per share of common stock. The board also authorized a stock repurchase program for purchasing up to $2 billion of the Company’s common stock. This program is incremental to repurchases totaling $1.5 billion completed in December 2012. The stock repurchase authorization expires on December 31, 2014.
On October 22, 2013, Corning’s Board of Directors authorized, in conjunction with a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, an additional $2 billion share repurchase program through December 31, 2015, effective upon the closing of the transaction. The transaction closed on January 15, 2014.
Capital Spending
Capital spending was $1,019 million in 2013, a decrease of $782 million when compared to 2012. In 2011, Corning announced several multi-year investment plans to increase manufacturing capacity in several of our reportable segments. Specifically, the projects focused on an LCD glass substrate facility in China for our Display Technologies segment and a capacity expansion project for Specialty Materials’ Corning Gorilla Glass in Japan. Although spending for these projects continued into 2013, the majority of the construction costs were incurred in 2012 and 2011, resulting in a significant decrease in capital spending in those segments in 2013. We expect our 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately $1.5 billion. Approximately $600 million will be allocated to our Display Technologies segment.
Cash Flows
Summary of cash flow data (in millions):
2013 vs. 2012
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in the year ended December 31, 2013, when compared to the same period last year, largely due to a decrease in dividends received from affiliated companies and the unfavorable impact of changes in working capital, driven by higher incentive compensation payments, an increase in foreign tax payments, and an increase in fiber inventory in the Optical Communications segment.
Net cash used in investing activities declined in 2013, when compared to 2012, due to a decrease in capital spending, lower business acquisition spending and the liquidation of short-term investments, offset by the premium related to our purchased collars.
Net cash used in financing activities increased in 2013 when compared to the same period last year, driven primarily by the absence of the issuance of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2012, higher share repurchases, the retirement of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2013, and higher dividend payments.
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2012 vs. 2011
Although 2012 net income declined when compared to 2011, operating cash flow remained relatively consistent. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from the non-cash impacts of significantly lower equity earnings and the absence of the positive impact of movements in foreign exchange rates experienced in 2011. The cash impact of higher dividends and a net positive change in working capital also effected operating cash flow.
Net cash used in investing activities increased in 2012 when compared to 2011, due to the acquisition of the majority of the Discovery Labware business from Becton, Dickinson and Company, an investment in an affiliated company, and lower cash received from short-term investment liquidations, offset slightly by a decrease in capital spending.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased in 2012 when compared to 2011, primarily due to the proceeds received from the issuance of long-term debt, coupled with a decline in cash used for stock repurchases in 2012. Somewhat offsetting the decrease in net cash used were the impacts of retiring long-term debt and a decline in proceeds received from the exercise of stock options.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our largest single pension plan is Corning’s U.S. qualified plan. At December 31, 2013, this plan accounted for 78% of our consolidated defined benefit pension plans’ projected benefit obligation and 90% of the related plans’ assets.
We have historically contributed to the U.S. qualified pension plan on an annual basis in excess of the IRS minimum requirements. In 2013, we did not contribute to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and contributed $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2012, we made voluntary cash contributions of $75 million to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $30 million to our international pension plans. Although we will not be subject to any mandatory contributions in 2014, we anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of up to
$85 million to our U.S. pension plan and up to $8 million to our international pension plans in 2014.
In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. While the historical policy of recognizing pension expense was considered acceptable, we believe that the new policy is preferable as it recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and eliminates the delay in recognition of net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor. We have applied these changes retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods, as if the new accounting methodology was in effect during those periods.
Refer to Note 13 (Employee Retirement Plans) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Restructuring
To better align our 2014 cost position in several of our businesses, Corning implemented a global restructuring plan within several of our segments in the fourth quarter of 2013, consisting of workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. We recorded charges of $67 million associated with these actions, with total cash expenditures expected to be approximately $40 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $40 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
In 2012, we recorded a charge of $89 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2013. The charge included costs for workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $49 million primarily related to termination benefits, and were largely finalized in 2013.
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During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made payments of $35 million, $15 million and $16 million, respectively, related to employee severance and other exit costs resulting from restructuring actions. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Key Balance Sheet Data
Balance sheet and working capital measures are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
(1) Includes trade payables only.
Credit Ratings
As of February 13, 2014, our credit ratings were as follows:
Management Assessment of Liquidity
We ended the fourth quarter of 2013 with over $5.2 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company has adequate sources of liquidity and we are confident in our ability to generate cash to meet existing or reasonably likely future cash requirements. Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are held in various locations throughout the world and are generally unrestricted. At December 31, 2013, although approximately 69% of the consolidated amount was held outside of the U.S., we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. We utilize a variety of tax effective financing strategies to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed.
From time to time, we may issue debt, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes or to refinance certain debt maturities. Additionally, to manage interest rate exposure, the Company, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap agreements. In May 2013, in anticipation of issuing $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements to hedge against the variability in cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate. The instruments were designated as cash flow hedges. During the fourth quarter, the interest rate swaps expired prior to the issuance of the anticipated debt, the issuance of which had become “not reasonably possible” rather than “probable”. In November 2013, Corning issued a $250 million note with a maturity of 10 years, as opposed to the contemplated issuance of $750 million of new long-term fixed rate debt. As the planned issuance did not occur as anticipated, we recorded a small gain in the fourth quarter of 2013. A portion of this gain is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings.
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On June 24, 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
On October 31, 2013, as part of the previously authorized share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013, Corning entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (“JPMC”). Under the ASR, Corning agreed to purchase $1 billion of its common stock, in total, with an initial delivery by JPMC of 47.1 million shares based on the current market price, and payment of $1 billion made by Corning to JPMC. The payment to JPMC was recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity, consisting of an $800 million increase in treasury stock, which reflects the value of the initial 47.1 million shares received upon execution, and a $200 million decrease in other-paid-in capital, which reflects the value of the stock held back by JPMC pending final settlement. On January 28, 2014, the ASR was completed. Corning received an additional 10.5 million shares on January 31, 2014 to settle the ASR. In total, Corning purchased 57.6 million shares based on the average daily volume weighted-average price of Corning’s common stock during the term of the ASR, less a discount.
In addition to the ARS, during 2013 we repurchased 35 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $500 million as part of the share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013. During 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 56 million and 55 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $720 million and $780 million, respectively, as part of the share repurchase program announced on October 5, 2011.
We complete comprehensive reviews of our significant customers and their creditworthiness by analyzing their financial strength at least annually or more frequently for customers where we have identified a measure of increased risk. We closely monitor payments and developments which may signal possible customer credit issues. We currently have not identified any potential material impact on our liquidity resulting from customer credit issues.
Our major funding sources for 2013 and beyond will be our operating cash flow and our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, proceeds from our commercial paper program, financing transactions and any issuances of debt. We believe we have sufficient liquidity for the next several years to fund operations, share repurchase programs, acquisitions, the asbestos litigation, research and development, capital expenditures, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments.
Corning also has access to a $1.0 billion unsecured committed revolving credit facility, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program. This credit facility includes a leverage ratio financial covenant. The required leverage ratio, which measures debt to total capital, is a maximum of 50%. At December 31, 2013, our leverage using this measure was 13.4%, and we are in compliance with the financial covenant.
In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
Our debt instruments contain customary event of default provisions, which allow the lenders the option of accelerating all obligations upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the majority of our debt instruments contain a cross default provision, whereby a default on one debt obligation of the Company in excess of a specified amount, would be considered a default under the terms of another debt instrument. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all such provisions.
Management is not aware of any known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in a material increase or decrease in our liquidity. In addition, other than items discussed, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in our capital resources and no expected material changes in the mix and relative cost of such resources.
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Purchased Collars and Average Rate Forwards
In the first quarter of 2013, Corning executed a series of purchased collars that expire quarterly across a two-year period to hedge its translation exposure resulting from movements in the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar. These derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges and changes in fair value are recorded in other income immediately. The fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain position) or liabilities (loss position) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In the second quarter of 2013, Corning entered into a series of average rate forwards with no associated premium, which partially hedge the impact of Japanese yen on Corning’s projected 2015 net income. Like the purchased collars, these contracts settle quarterly, and are not designated as accounting hedges.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a net gain of $435 million, before tax, related to changes in the fair value of the purchased collars and average rate forward contracts, offset slightly by premium expense. This gain is recorded in earnings in the Other income, net line of the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off balance sheet arrangements are transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements with an unconsolidated entity for which Corning has an obligation to the entity that is not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Corning’s off balance sheet arrangements include the following:
• Guarantee contracts; and
• Variable interests held in certain unconsolidated entities.
At the time a guarantee is issued, the Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
Refer to Note 14 (Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For variable interest entities, we assess the terms of our interest in each entity to determine if we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests, which are the ownership, contractual, or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets excluding variable interests.
Corning has identified one entity that qualifies as a variable interest entity. This entity is not considered to be significant to Corning’s consolidated statements of position.
Corning does not have retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serve as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity.
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Contractual Obligations
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2013, $41 million of the $61 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) Total debt above is stated at maturity value, and excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2013, $5 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $2 million of that amount will become payable.
(6) Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations which primarily consist of raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
We have agreed to provide up to a $25 million credit facility to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan.
We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
Environment
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 15 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Corning had accrued approximately $15 million (undiscounted) and $21 million (undiscounted), respectively, for its estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
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Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. The estimates that required us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, including future projections of performance and relevant discount rates, follow.
Impairment of assets held for use
We are required to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets when an indicator of impairment has been identified. We review our long-lived assets in each quarter to assess whether impairment indicators are present. We must exercise judgment in assessing whether an event of impairment has occurred.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals, primarily platinum and rhodium. These metals are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. Precious metals are reviewed for impairment as part of our assessment of long-lived assets. This review considers all of the Company’s precious metals that are either in place in the production process; in reclamation, fabrication, or refinement in anticipation of re-use; or awaiting use to support increased capacity. Precious metals are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other non-manufacturing related purposes.
Examples of events or circumstances that may be indicative of impairments include:
• A significant decrease in the market price of an asset;
• A significant change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition;
• A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
• An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset;
• A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset; and
• A current expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets is grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. We must exercise judgment in assessing the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For the majority of our reportable segments, we concluded that locations or businesses which share production along the supply chain must be combined in order to appropriately identify cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
For long-lived assets, when impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. This assessment requires the exercise of judgment in assessing the future use of and projected value to be derived from the assets to be held and used. Assessments also consider changes in asset utilization, including the temporary idling of capacity and the expected timing for placing this capacity back into production. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. This may require judgment in estimating future cash flows and relevant discount rates and residual values in estimating the current fair value of the impaired assets to be held and used.
For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability described above, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach”, “market approach”, “cost approach”, or a combination of one or more of these approaches as appropriate for the particular asset group being reviewed. All of these approaches start with the forecast of expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals if appropriate for the asset group being reviewed. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions in our analysis include: market size and growth, market share, projected selling prices, manufacturing cost and discount rate. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. We believe fair value assessments are most sensitive to market growth and the corresponding impact on volume and selling prices and that these are also more subjective than manufacturing cost and other assumptions. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates are reasonable and appropriate.
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In the event the current net book value of an asset group is found to be greater than the net present value of the cash flows derived from the asset group, we determine the actual fair market value of long-lived assets with the assistance from valuation appraisals conducted by third parties. The results of these valuations generally represent the fair market value of the asset group that will remain after any necessary impairment adjustments have been recorded. The impairment charge will be allocated to assets within the asset group on a relative fair value basis.
At December 31, 2013, the carrying value of precious metals was higher than the fair market value by $164 million. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of precious metals was higher than the fair value by $28 million. These precious metals are utilized by the Display and Specialty Materials segments. Corning believes these precious metal assets to be recoverable due to the significant positive cash flow in both segments. The potential for impairment exists in the future if negative events significantly decrease the cash flow of these segments. Such events include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in demand for products or a significant decrease in profitability in our Display Technologies or Specialty Materials segments.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets used in the production of large cover glass due to sales that were significantly below our expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, after reassessing the large cover glass business, Corning concluded that the large cover glass market was developing differently in 2012 than our expectations, and demand for larger-sized cover glass was declining, and the market for this type of glass was instead targeting smaller gen size products. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, our primary customer of large cover glass notified Corning of its decision to exit from this display market. Based on these events, we recorded an additional impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount of $44 million, before tax. This impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their fair market values, and includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process. Additional information on the asset impairment is found in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges), Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) and Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment of Goodwill
We are required to make certain subjective and complex judgments in assessing whether an event of impairment of goodwill has occurred, including assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of our reporting units.
Corning’s goodwill relates primarily to the Optical Communications, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences operating segments. On a quarterly basis, management performs a qualitative assessment of factors in each reporting unit to determine whether there have been any triggering events. The two-step impairment test is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. We perform a detailed, two-step process every three years if no indicators suggest a test should be performed in the interim. We use this calculation as quantitative validation of the step-zero qualitative process that is performed during the intervening periods and does not represent an election to perform the two-step process in place of the step-zero review.
The following summarizes our qualitative process to assess our goodwill balances for impairment:
• We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units which carry goodwill to determine whether it is necessary to perform the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.
• The following events and circumstances are considered when evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount:
- Macroeconomic conditions, such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and/or other developments in equity and credit markets;
- Market capital in relation to book value;
- Industry and market considerations, such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, material loss in market share and significant declines in product pricing;
- Cost factors, such as an increase in raw materials, labor or other costs;
- Overall financial performance, such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or forecasted revenue;
- Other relevant entity-specific events, such as material changes in management or key personnel; and
- Events affecting a reporting unit, such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets including acquisitions and dispositions.
The examples noted above are not all-inclusive, and the Company shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of a reporting unit in determining whether to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test.
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Our two step goodwill recoverability assessment is based on our annual strategic planning process. This process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasted future cash flows. Our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends.
Optical Communications
Goodwill for the Optical Communications segment is tested at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Optical Communications reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 9% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 7% and 11% would not have affected our conclusion.
Specialty Materials
Goodwill for the Specialty Materials segment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is one level below an operating segment, as goodwill is the result of transactions associated with certain businesses within this operating segment. There is only one reporting unit with goodwill within this operating segment. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Specialty Materials reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 8% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 6% and 10% would not have affected our conclusion. Additionally, the asset impairment which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 did not cause a triggering event for goodwill impairment in this reporting unit because the cash flow related to this lower level asset group is not material to this reporting unit.
Life Sciences
Goodwill for the Life Sciences segment is tested at the reporting unit level which is also the operating segment level. On a quarterly basis in 2013, management performed a qualitative assessment of factors and determined there had not been any triggering events which would indicate that the Life Sciences reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.
In addition to assessing qualitative factors each quarter, we performed a quantitative goodwill recoverability test in 2012 for this reporting unit. The results of our impairment test indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its book value by a significant amount. A discount rate of 7% was used in 2012. We determined a range of discount rates between 5% and 9% would not have affected our conclusion.
Restructuring charges and impairments resulting from restructuring actions
We are required to assess whether and when a restructuring event has occurred and in which periods charges related to such events should be recognized. We must estimate costs of plans to restructure including, for example, employee termination costs. Restructuring charges require us to exercise judgment about the expected future of our businesses, of portions thereof, their profitability, cash flows and in certain instances eventual outcome. The judgment involved can be difficult, subjective and complex in a number of areas, including assumptions and estimates used in estimating the future profitability and cash flows of our businesses.
Restructuring events often give rise to decisions to dispose of or abandon certain assets or asset groups which, as a result, require impairment. We are required to carry assets to be sold or abandoned at the lower of cost or fair value. We must exercise judgment in assessing the fair value of the assets to be sold or abandoned.
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Income taxes
We are required to exercise judgment about our future results in assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Inherent in this estimation process is the requirement for us to estimate future book and taxable income and possible tax planning strategies. These estimates require us to exercise judgment about our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic environments in which we do business. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to allowances.
Corning accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. As required under FASB ASC Topic 740, we record tax benefits only for technical positions that we believe have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained on their technical merits and then only to the extent of the amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. In estimating these amounts, we must exercise judgment around factors such as the weighting of the tax law in our favor, the willingness of a tax authority to aggressively pursue a particular position, or alternatively, consider a negotiated compromise, and our willingness to dispute a tax authorities assertion to the level of appeal we believe is required to sustain our position. As a result, it is possible that our estimate of the benefits we will realize for uncertain tax positions may change when we become aware of new information affecting these judgments and estimates.
Equity method investments
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of our equity method investments was $5.5 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, with our two largest equity method investments, Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning, comprising approximately 93% of the balance. We review our equity method investments for indicators of impairment on a periodic basis or if an event or circumstances change to indicate the carrying amount may be other-than-temporarily impaired. When such indicators are present, we then perform an in-depth review for impairment. An impairment assessment requires the exercise of judgment related to key assumptions such as forecasted revenue and profitability, forecasted tax rates, foreign currency exchange rate movements, terminal value assumptions, historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we have not identified any instances where the carrying values of our equity method investments were not recoverable.
To extend Corning’s leadership in specialty glass and drive earnings growth, Corning announced in October 2013 that it is entering into a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display which will result in Corning obtaining full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As part of this agreement, in the fourth quarter of 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in Samsung Corning Precision Materials for $506 million, which includes payment for the transfer of non-operating assets and the pro-rata portion of cash on Samsung Corning Precision Materials balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The resulting transfer of shares to Corning increased Corning’s ownership percentage of Samsung Corning Precision Materials from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013. The remaining transactions were completed on January 15, 2014, which increased Corning’s ownership to 100% and will result in consolidation of the entity beginning in the first quarter of 2014. This organization will be integrated into Corning’s Display Technologies segment. Refer to Note 21 (Subsequent Events) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Fair value measures
As required, Corning uses two kinds of inputs to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources, while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, we prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value into one of three broad levels. Characterization of fair value inputs is required for those accounting pronouncements that prescribe or permit fair value measurement. In addition, observable market data must be used when available and the highest-and-best-use measure should be applied to non-financial assets. Corning’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value are short-term and long-term investments, certain pension asset investments and derivatives. These categories use observable inputs only and are measured using a market approach based on quoted prices in markets considered active or in markets in which there are few transactions.
Derivative assets and liabilities may include interest rate swaps and forward exchange contracts that are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities. In arriving at the fair value of Corning’s derivative assets and liabilities, we have considered the appropriate valuation and risk criteria, including such factors as credit risk of the relevant
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party to the transaction. Amounts related to credit risk are not material.
The Level 3 assets measured with unobservable inputs relate to certain pension asset investments and all long-lived assets fair valued on a nonrecurring basis related to the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. In 2012, we recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $44 million related to these ion exchange assets used in the production of large cover glass. Refer to Note 16 (Fair Value Measurements) of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
Probability of litigation outcomes
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters, we consider the evaluation of legal counsel knowledgeable about each matter, case law, and other case-specific issues. See Part II - Item 3. Legal Proceedings for a discussion of the material litigation matters we face. The most significant matter involving judgment is the liability for asbestos litigation. There are a number of factors bearing upon our potential liability, including the inherent complexity of a Chapter 11 filing, our history of success in defending asbestos claims, our assessment of the strength of our corporate veil defenses, and our continuing dialogue with our insurance carriers and the claimants’ representatives. The proposed asbestos resolution (Amended PCC Plan) is subject to a number of contingencies. The approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties. Any approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is subject to appeal. For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters. The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur. Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.
Other possible liabilities
We are required to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. In making determinations of likely outcomes of certain matters, including certain tax planning and environmental matters, these judgments require us to consider events and actions that are outside our control in determining whether probable or possible liabilities require accrual or disclosure. It is possible that actual results will differ from assumptions and require adjustments to accruals.
Pension and other postretirement employee benefits (OPEB)
Pension and OPEB costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, health care cost trend rates, benefits earned, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. For our OPEB plans, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded obligation in future periods. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect Corning’s employee pension and other postretirement obligations, and current and future expense.
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The following table presents our actual and expected return on assets, as well as the corresponding percentage, for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011:
As of December 31, 2013, the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) for U.S. pension plans was $2,844 million.
The following information illustrates the sensitivity to a change in certain assumptions for U.S. pension plans:
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear. These changes in assumptions would have no effect on Corning’s funding requirements.
In addition, at December 31, 2013, a 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate would decrease stockholders’ equity by $107 million before tax, and a 25 basis point increase in the discount rate would increase stockholders’ equity by $103 million. In addition, the impact of greater than a 25 basis point decrease in discount rate would not be proportional to the first 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate.
The following table illustrates the sensitivity to a change in the discount rate assumption related to Corning’s U.S. OPEB plans:
* Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO).
The above sensitivities reflect the impact of changing one assumption at a time. Note that economic factors and conditions often affect multiple assumptions simultaneously and the effects of changes in key assumptions are not necessarily linear.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. In certain instances, revenue recognition is based on estimates of fair value of deliverables as well as estimates of product returns, allowances, discounts, and other factors. These estimates are supported by historical data. While management believes that the estimates used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in estimates may affect Corning’s future results.
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Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, share-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be impacted.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in reports subsequently filed by Corning with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K, and related comments by management that are not historical facts or information and contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual outcome to be materially different. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
• global business, financial, economic and political conditions;
• tariffs and import duties;
• currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, primarily the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar, Euro, and Korean won;
• product demand and industry capacity;
• competitive products and pricing;
• availability and costs of critical components and materials;
• new product development and commercialization;
• order activity and demand from major customers;
• fluctuations in capital spending by customers;
• possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, cyber attack, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, or major health concerns;
• unanticipated disruption to equipment, facilities, or operations;
• facility expansions and new plant start-up costs;
• effect of regulatory and legal developments;
• ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand;
• credit rating and ability to obtain financing and capital on commercially reasonable terms;
• adequacy and availability of insurance;
• financial risk management;
• acquisition and divestiture activities;
• rate of technology change;
• level of excess or obsolete inventory;
• ability to enforce patents and protect intellectual property and trade secrets;
• adverse litigation;
• product and components performance issues;
• retention of key personnel;
• stock price fluctuations;
• trends for the continued growth of the Company’s businesses;
• the ability of research and development projects to produce revenues in future periods;
• a downturn in demand or decline in growth rates for LCD glass substrates;
• customer ability, most notably in the Display Technologies segment, to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund their ongoing operations and manufacturing expansions and pay their receivables when due;
• loss of significant customers;
• fluctuations in supply chain inventory levels;
• equity company activities, principally at Dow Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials;
• changes in tax laws and regulations;
• changes in accounting rules and standards;
• the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action and investigations;
• temporary idling of capacity or delaying expansion;
• the ability to implement productivity, consolidation and cost reduction efforts, and to realize anticipated benefits;
• restructuring actions and charges; and
• other risks detailed in Corning’s SEC filings.
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ITEM 9A Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive and principal financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
(a) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures and adequate internal control over financial reporting for Corning. Management is also responsible for the assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure controls and procedures mean controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Corning in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Corning’s management, including Corning’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or other persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Corning’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Corning’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of Corning’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that Corning’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Corning’s management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Corning’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting includes controls over recognition of equity earnings and equity investments by Corning. Internal control over financial reporting for Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning is the responsibility of Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Dow Corning management. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Corning’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013. The effectiveness of Corning’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
(b) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Refer to Part IV, Item 15.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused his report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Corning Incorporated
By /s/ Wendell P. Weeks
(Wendell P. Weeks)
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President
Date: February 10, 2014
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Corning Incorporated 2013 Annual Report Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges
3. Available-for-Sale Investments
4. Significant Customers
5. Inventories
6. Income Taxes
7. Investments
8. Acquisition
9. Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
11. Other Liabilities
Debt
13. Employee Retirement Plans
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
15. Hedging Activities
16. Fair Value Measurements
17. Shareholders’ Equity
18. Earnings Per Common Share
19. Share-based Compensation
20. Reportable Segments
21. Subsequent Events
Financial Statement Schedule
II. Valuation Accounts and Reserves
Quarterly Operating Results (unaudited)
Financial Statements of Dow Corning Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Financial Statements of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Corning Incorporated:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Corning Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension plans in 2013.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 10, 2014
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Consolidated Statements of Income
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Balance Sheets
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Corning Incorporated is a provider of high-performance glass for notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, LCD televisions, and other information display applications; carrier network and enterprise network products for the telecommunications industry; ceramic substrates for gasoline and diesel engines in automotive and heavy duty vehicle markets; laboratory products for the scientific community and specialized polymer products for biotechnology applications; advanced optical materials for the semiconductor industry and the scientific community; and other technologies. In these notes, the terms “Corning,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Corning Incorporated and subsidiary companies.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. and include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which Corning exercises control.
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by Corning and in which our interest is generally between 20% and 50% and we have significant influence over the entity. Our share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and we have significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in one of our affiliated companies, Samsung Corning Precision Materials, which increased Corning’s ownership percentage from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013.
We use the cost method to account for our investments in companies that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our results of operations, financial position, or changes in shareholders’ equity.
Employee Retirement Plans
In the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. Previously, we recognized the actuarial gains and losses as a component of Stockholders’ Equity on our consolidated balance sheets on an annual basis. These amounts were amortized into our operating results over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan, to the extent such gains and losses were outside of the corridor, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. In addition, we used a calculated market-related value of plan assets for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets that spread asset gains and losses over a 3-year period. We have elected to recognize the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor in pension costs annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever the plan is remeasured or valuation estimates are finalized. The remaining components of pension expense are recorded on a quarterly basis. While the historical policy of recognizing pension expense was considered acceptable, we believe that the new policy is preferable as it recognizes the change in the fair value of plan assets in full for purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets and eliminates the delay in recognition of net actuarial gains and losses outside of the corridor. We have applied these changes retrospectively, adjusting all prior periods, as if the new accounting methodology was in effect during those periods.
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Following are the changes to financial statement line items as a result of the accounting methodology change for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
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Consolidated Balance Sheets
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements include estimates of fair value associated with revenue recognition, restructuring charges, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests, estimates of fair value of investments, equity interests, environmental and legal liabilities, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, assumptions used in calculating pension and other postretirement employee benefit expenses and the fair value of stock based compensation. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be different from these estimates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Revenue Recognition
Revenue for sales of goods is recognized when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and sales price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. If customer acceptance of products is not reasonably assured, sales are recorded only upon formal customer acceptance. Sales of goods typically do not include multiple product and/or service elements.
At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns, allowances and price discounts based upon historical experience and related terms of customer arrangements. Where we have offered product warranties, we also establish liabilities for estimated warranty costs based upon historical experience and specific warranty provisions. Warranty liabilities are adjusted when experience indicates the expected outcome will differ from initial estimates of the liability.
Other Income, Net
“Other income, net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision Materials decreased in 2013, when compared to 2012, reflecting the decline in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision Materials. In 2012, royalty income was significantly lower when compared to 2011, due to the reduction of the applicable royalty rate by approximately 50% beginning in December 2011.
Included in the line item Foreign currency transaction and hedge gains (losses), net, for the year ended December 31, 2013, is the impact of the purchased collars and average rate forward contracts, which hedge our exposure to movements in the Japanese yen and its impact on our net earnings. We recorded a net gain relating to the changes in the fair value of these contracts, offset slightly by the premium expense, in the amount of $435 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $613 million in 2013, $651 million in 2012 and $561 million in 2011.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The determination of the functional currency for Corning’s foreign subsidiaries is made based on the appropriate economic factors. For most foreign operations, the local currencies are generally considered to be the functional currencies. Corning’s most significant exception is our Taiwanese subsidiary, which uses the Japanese yen as its functional currency. For all transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency, exchange rate gains and losses are included in income for the period in which the exchange rates changed.
Foreign subsidiary functional currency balance sheet accounts are translated at current exchange rates, and statement of operations accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The effects of remeasuring non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the functional currency are included in current earnings, except for those related to intra-entity foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature, which are recorded together with translation gains and losses in other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, the amount of net translation gains or losses that have been accumulated in other comprehensive income attributable to that investment are reported as a gain or loss for the period in which the sale or liquidation occurs.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Stock-Based Compensation
Corning’s stock-based compensation programs include employee stock option grants, time-based restricted stock awards, time-based restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock awards and performance-based restricted stock units, as more fully described in Note 19 (Share-based Compensation) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The cost of stock-based compensation awards is equal to the fair value of the award at the date of grant and compensation expense is recognized for those awards earned over the vesting period. Corning estimates the fair value of stock based awards using a multiple-point Black-Scholes option valuation model, which incorporates assumptions including expected volatility, dividend yield, risk-free rate, expected term and departure rates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. We consider securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows (in millions):
(1) Amounts represent credits applied to customer receivable balances for customers that made advance cash deposits under long-term purchase and supply agreements.
(2) Included in this amount are approximately $35 million, $74 million and $46 million of interest costs that were capitalized as part of property, net in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investments consist of available-for-sale securities that are stated at fair value. Consistent with Corning’s cash investment policy, our short-term investments consist primarily of fixed-income securities. Preservation of principal is the primary principle of our cash investment policy that is carried out by limiting interest rate, reinvestment, security, quality and event risk. Our investments are generally liquid and all are investment grade quality. The portfolio is invested predominantly in U.S. Treasury securities and high quality short term government security money market funds. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on a specific identification basis and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability of the related receivables, including length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history. In addition, in circumstances where the Company is made aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the above criteria.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Environmental Liabilities
The Company accrues for its environmental investigation, remediation, operating, and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential responsible parties, the Company considers its likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, the minimum amount is accrued. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded related to the insurance reimbursement when reimbursement is virtually certain.
The uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates may not reflect the final outcome could result in additional costs being recognized by the Company in future periods.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Land, buildings, and equipment, including precious metals, are recorded at cost. Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives of properties using the straight-line method. Except as described in Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to accelerated depreciation arising from restructuring programs and Note 9 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation) of the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the depletion of precious metals, the estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 20 years for equipment.
Included in the subcategory of equipment are the following types of assets (excluding precious metals):
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life. We treat the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and account for these losses as a period expense based on actual units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of our glass production processes. They are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill relates to and is assigned directly to a specific reporting unit. Reporting units are either operating segments or one level below the operating segment. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. Goodwill is reviewed for indicators of impairment quarterly or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Corning also performs a detailed, two-step process every three years if no indicators suggest a test should be performed in the interim. We use this calculation as quantitative validation of the step-zero qualitative process; this process does not represent an election to perform the two-step process in place of the step-zero review.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The qualitative process includes an extensive review of expectations for the long-term growth of our businesses and forecasting future cash flows. If we are required to perform the two-step impairment analysis, our valuation method is an “income approach” using a discounted cash flow model in which cash flows anticipated over several periods, plus a terminal value at the end of that time horizon, are discounted to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external information about future trends. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the fair value and carrying value.
Other intangible assets include patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Such intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 50 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as plant and equipment and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the carrying value of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. When impairment indicators are present, we compare estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including the eventual disposition of the asset group at market value, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset group is recoverable. For an asset group that fails the test of recoverability, the estimated fair value of long-lived assets is determined using an “income approach” that starts with the forecast of all the expected future net cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of long-lived assets, and also considers the fair market value of all precious metals. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If there is an impairment, a loss is recorded to reflect the difference between the assets’ fair value and carrying value. Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail.
Treasury Stock
Shares of common stock repurchased by us are recorded at cost as treasury stock and result in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, treasury shares may be reissued as contributions to our employee benefit plans and for the retirement or conversion of certain debt instruments. When shares are reissued, we use an average cost method for determining cost. The difference between the cost of the shares and the reissuance price is added to or deducted from additional paid-in capital.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and for differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
The effective income tax rate reflects our assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with our various tax filing positions, we record a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when new information becomes available. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued penalties and interest, is included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.
Discrete events such as audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are indefinitely reinvested in those companies. Provision for the tax consequences of distributions, if any, from consolidated foreign subsidiaries is recorded in the year in which the earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested in those subsidiaries.
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Equity Method Investments
Our equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors we consider include:
• Absence of our ability to recover the carrying amount;
• Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
• Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, we measure fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that we will not recover the carrying amount of our investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. We require our equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, adjustments for asset recoverability are included in equity earnings. We also utilize these financial statements in our recoverability assessment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Major categories of financial assets and liabilities, including short-term investments, other assets and derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities including long-lived assets, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and cost and equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
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 the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.
Derivative Instruments
We participate in a variety of foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange option contracts entered into in connection with the management of our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We also entered into interest rate forwards to reduce the risk of changes in a benchmark interest rate from the probable forecasted issuance of debt. These financial exposures are managed in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and hedges of net investments in foreign operations are not recognized in current operating results but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts related to cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income when the underlying hedged item impacts earnings. This reclassification is recorded in the same line item of the consolidated statement of operations as where the effects of the hedged item are recorded, typically sales, royalties, or cost of sales. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded currently in earnings offset, to the extent the derivative was effective, by the change in the fair value of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded currently in earnings in the other income line of the consolidated statement of operations.
We have issued foreign currency denominated debt that has been designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the debt is reflected as a component of other comprehensive income as part of the foreign currency translation adjustment.
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New Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. With certain exceptions, ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 on either a prospective or retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-10 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate. ASU 2013-10 permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligation of the United States government and the LIBOR. In addition, the guidance removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendments in ASU 2013-10 are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-05 Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU 2013-05 clarifies when to release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for transactions involving the disposition of some or all of an investment or a business combination achieved in stages (step acquisitions). The amendments are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04 Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure such obligations as the sum of the amount that the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement with co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required with early adoption permitted. Corning does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
2. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges
2013 Activity
To better align our 2014 cost position in several of our businesses, Corning implemented a global restructuring plan within several of our segments in the fourth quarter of 2013, consisting of workforce reductions, asset disposals and write-offs, and exit costs. We recorded charges of $67 million associated with these actions, with total cash expenditures expected to be approximately $40 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $40 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
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The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
Cash payments for employee-related and exit activity related to the 2013 corporate-wide restructuring plan are expected to be substantially completed in 2014.
The year-to-date cost of these plans for each of our reportable segments was as follows (in millions):
2012 Activity
Corning implemented a corporate-wide restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to uncertain global economic conditions, and the potential for slower growth in many of our businesses in 2013. We recorded charges of $89 million, before tax, which included costs for workforce reductions, asset write-offs and exit costs. Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $49 million. Annualized savings from these actions are estimated to be approximately $71 million and will be reflected largely in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
The Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2011 in the amount of $130 million related to certain assets used in the production of large cover glass due to sales that were significantly below our expectations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, after reassessing the large cover glass business, Corning concluded that the large cover glass market was developing differently in 2012 than our expectations, demand for larger-sized cover glass was declining, and the market for this type of glass was instead targeting smaller gen size products. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2012, our primary customer of large cover glass notified Corning of its decision to exit from this display market. Based on these events, we recorded an additional impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the amount of $44 million, before tax. This impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their fair market values, and includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process.
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The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
Cash payments for employee-related costs related to the 2012 corporate-wide restructuring plan were substantially completed in 2013. Cash payments for exit activities were substantially completed in 2012.
2011 Activity
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. Although sales of Corning Gorilla Glass used in our large cover glass products increased in 2011 when compared to 2010, gross margins continued to be weak and sales volumes were significantly below our expectations in 2011 and both sales and margins were expected to be lower than forecasted in 2012. As a result, certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass were written down to estimated fair value in the fourth quarter of 2011 and an impairment loss of $130 million was recognized. This asset group includes machinery and equipment used in the ion exchange process and facilities dedicated to the ion exchange process.
The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 (in millions):
Cash payments for exit activities and employee-related costs related to the 2011 corporate-wide restructuring plan were substantially completed in 2012.
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3.	Available-for-Sale Investments
The following is a summary of the fair value of available-for-sale securities (in millions):
We do not intend to sell, nor do we believe it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell, the long-term investment asset-backed securities (which are collateralized by mortgages) before recovery of their amortized cost basis. It is possible that a significant degradation in the delinquency or foreclosure rates in the underlying assets could cause further temporary or other-than-temporary impairments in the future.
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2013 (in millions):
(1) Included in the maturity table is $38 million of asset-based securities that mature over time and are being reported at their final maturity dates.
Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on a specific identification basis and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity until realized.
The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s investments and unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
(1) Unrealized losses in securities less than 12 months were not significant.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, for securities that have credit losses, an unrealized loss on other than temporary impaired securities of $6 million and $9 million, respectively, is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments totaled $2 billion, $2.3 billion and $3.2 billion in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
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4.	Significant Customers
For 2013, Corning’s sales to AU Optronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technology segment, represented 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. In 2012, no customers met or exceeded 10% of Corning’s consolidated net sales. For 2011, Corning’s sales to Sharp Electronics Corporation, a customer of our Display Technologies segment, represented 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
5.	Inventories
Inventories comprise the following (in millions):
6.	Income Taxes
Income before income taxes follows (in millions):
The current and deferred amounts of the provision (benefit) for income taxes follow (in millions):
Amounts are reflected in the preceding tables based on the location of the taxing authorities.
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Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follows:
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
(1) Primarily related to a subsidiary in Taiwan operating under tax holiday arrangements. The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of existing arrangements phase out in future years (through 2018). The impact of tax holidays on net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.02 in 2013, $0.02 in 2012 and $0.04 in 2011.
(2) Primarily related to research and development credits in U.S.
(3) Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates reported in the financials net of tax. The decrease from 2012 - 2013 was driven by significantly lower earnings from Samsung Corning Precision Materials.
(4) $74 million of tax benefit increase was due to $37 million expense recorded in 2012 that was reversed in the first quarter of 2013 as a result of the retroactive application of the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 3, 2013. Additional increase in the benefit was attributable to excess foreign tax credits realized in U.S.
(5) Includes benefit of amending 2006 U.S. Federal return to claim foreign tax credits.
(6) Primarily related to change in judgment on the realizability of Australia and certain state deferred tax assets.
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities follows (in millions):
The net deferred tax assets are classified in our consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions):
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Details on deferred tax assets for loss and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2013 follow (in millions):
The recognition of windfall tax benefits from stock-based compensation deducted on the tax return is prohibited until realized through a reduction of income tax payable. Cumulative tax benefits totaling $313 million will be recorded in additional paid-in-capital when the net operating loss and credit carry forwards are utilized and the windfall tax benefit can be realized.
Deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Corning has valuation allowances on certain shorter-lived deferred tax assets such as those represented by capital loss carry forwards and state tax net operating loss carry forwards, as well as other foreign net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state tax credits, because we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that we will earn income of the character required to utilize these assets before they expire. The amount of U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets that have remaining valuation allowances at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $286 million and $210 million, respectively.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
Included in the balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are $7 million and $11 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized.
We recognize accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as part of tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amounts recognized in interest expense and income were immaterial. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2013 and 2012 for the payment of interest and penalties were not significant.
While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.
Corning Incorporated, as the common parent company, and all 80%-or-more-owned of its U.S. subsidiaries join in the filing of consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns. All such returns for periods ended through December 31, 2004, have been audited by and settled with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The statute of limitations to audit the 2007, 2008 and 2009 U.S. federal income tax expired in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The statute for the 2005 tax return has closed except to the extent the loss generated in 2005 is utilized in future years. The statute for U.S. foreign tax and research and experimentation credit carryforwards generated through 2009 will remain open until the credits are utilized in future years.
Corning Incorporated and its U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns on a combined, unitary or stand-alone basis in multiple state and local jurisdictions, which generally have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 5 years. Various state income tax returns are currently in the process of examination or administrative appeal.
Our foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in the countries in which they have operations. Generally, these countries have statutes of limitations ranging from 3 to 7 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Japan (2008 onward) and Taiwan (2012 onward).
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Corning continues to indefinitely reinvest substantially all of its foreign earnings, with the exception of approximately $12 million of earnings that have very low or no tax cost associated with their repatriation. Our current analysis indicates that we have sufficient U.S. liquidity, including borrowing capacity, to fund foreseeable U.S. cash needs without requiring the repatriation of foreign cash. One time or unusual items that may impact our ability or intent to keep our foreign earnings and cash indefinitely reinvested include significant U.S. acquisitions, stock repurchases, shareholder dividends, changes in tax laws and/or a change in our circumstances or economic conditions that negatively impact our ability to borrow or otherwise fund U.S. needs from existing U.S. sources. As of December 31, 2013, taxes have not been provided on approximately $12.4 billion of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to remain invested indefinitely. While it remains impracticable to calculate the tax cost of repatriating our total unremitted foreign earnings, such cost could be material to the results of operations of Corning in a particular period.
7. Investments
Investments comprise the following (in millions):
(1) Amounts reflect Corning’s direct ownership interests in the respective affiliated companies. Corning does not control any of such entities.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Affiliated Companies at Equity
The results of operations and financial position of the investments accounted for under the equity method follow (in millions):
(1) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision Materials to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision Materials at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
(2) As a result of the series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display entered into on October 22, 2013, certain non-operating assets of Samsung Corning Precision Materials were held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and are reported as discontinued operations in Samsung Corning Precision Materials financial statements, which are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Previous period amounts have been conformed for comparative purposes.
We have contractual agreements with several of our equity affiliates which include sales, purchasing, licensing and technology agreements.
At December 31, 2013, approximately $4.7 billion of equity in undistributed earnings of equity companies was included in our retained earnings.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A discussion and summarized results of Corning’s significant affiliates at December 31, 2013 follows:
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision Materials)
Samsung Corning Precision Materials is a South Korea-based manufacturer of liquid crystal display glass for flat panel displays.
Samsung Corning Precision Materials’ financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
(1) Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision Materials to support its capital expansion initiatives. The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision Materials at our cost basis, resulting in no revenue or gain being recognized on the transaction.
(2) As a result of the series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display entered into on October 22, 2013, certain non-operating assets of Samsung Corning Precision Materials were held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and are reported as discontinued operations in Samsung Corning Precision Materials financial statements, which are attached in Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Previous period amounts have been conformed for comparative purposes.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, Corning’s equity earnings were negatively impacted by $54 million as a result of higher taxes due to the partial expiration of tax holidays in Korea.
Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $8 million at December 31, 2013. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $2 million at December 31, 2013. Balances due from Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $15 million at December 31, 2012. Balances due to Samsung Corning Precision Materials were $34 million at December 31, 2012.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Prior to December 2013, Corning owned 50% of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, Samsung Display Co., Ltd. owned 43% and three shareholders owned the remaining 7%. In the fourth quarter of 2013, in connection with a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display announced in October 2013, Corning acquired the minority interests of three shareholders in Samsung Corning Precision Materials for $506 million, which included payment for the transfer of non-operating assets and the pro-rata portion of cash on Samsung Corning Precision Materials balance sheet at September 30, 2013. The resulting transfer of shares to Corning increased Corning’s ownership percentage of Samsung Corning Precision Materials from 50% to 57%. Because this transaction did not result in a change in control based on the governing articles of this entity, Corning did not consolidate this entity as of December 31, 2013. On January 15, 2014, Corning completed the series of strategic and financial agreements to acquire the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials previously held by Samsung Display Co., Ltd. As a result of these transactions, Corning is now the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, which we will consolidate into our results beginning in the first quarter of 2014.
In April 2011, South Korean tax authorities completed a tax audit of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As a result, the tax authorities issued a pre-assessment of approximately $46 million for an asserted underpayment of withholding tax on dividends paid from September 2006 through March 2009. Our first level of appeal was denied on October 5, 2011 and a formal assessment was issued. The assessment was paid in full in the fourth quarter of 2011, allowing us to continue the appeal process. Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Corning believe we will maintain our position when all available appeal remedies have been exhausted.
On December 31, 2007, Samsung Corning Precision Materials acquired all of the outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning). After the transaction, Corning retained its 50% interest in Samsung Corning Precision Materials. Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision Materials and Samsung Corning were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement). The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea. Under the Agreement, it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc. In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach. On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.3 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum. The ruling was appealed. On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates to pay 600 billion won in principal and 20 billion won in delayed interest to SGI and Creditors. Samsung promptly paid those amounts, which approximated $550 million when translated to United States dollars, from a portion of an escrow account established upon completion of SLI’s initial public offering (IPO) on May 7, 2010. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Affiliates appealed the Appellate Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Korea and the appeal is currently in progress. Samsung Corning Precision Materials has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss should be reflected in its financial statements. Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Dow Corning
Dow Corning is a U.S.-based manufacturer of silicone products. Corning and Dow Chemical each own half of Dow Corning.
Dow Corning’s financial position and results of operations follow (in millions):
(1) Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes R&D cost of $248 million (2012: $281 million and 2011: $259 million) and selling expenses of $13 million (2012: $15 million and $2011: $25 million).
Beginning in the latter half of 2011, and continuing into 2012, Dow Corning began experiencing unfavorable industry conditions at Hemlock, a producer of high purity polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries, driven by over-capacity at all levels of the solar industry supply chain. This over-capacity led to significant declines in polycrystalline spot prices in the fourth quarter of 2011, and prices remained depressed throughout 2012. In 2013, markets stabilized, but prices remained significantly below historical levels.
Due to the conditions and uncertainties during 2012 described above, sales volume declined and production levels of certain operating assets were reduced. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2012, Dow Corning determined that a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion previously delayed since the fourth quarter of 2011 would no longer be economically viable and made the decision to abandon this expansion activity. The abandonment resulted in an impairment charge of $57 million, before tax, for Corning’s share of the write down in the value of these construction-in-progress assets. Further, the startup of another polycrystalline silicon plant expansion that was expected to begin production in 2013 was delayed and the assets remain idled. Production will only commence when sales volumes increase to levels necessary to support the plant’s capacity. The timing for startup of this expansion is uncertain and future adverse conditions may cause Dow Corning to re-evaluate the long-term viability of the idled assets.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2012, these negative events and circumstances at Dow Corning indicated that assets of Dow Corning’s polycrystalline silicon business might be impaired. In accordance with accounting guidance for impairment of long-lived assets, Dow Corning compared estimated undiscounted cash flows to the assets’ carrying value and determined that the asset group was recoverable as of December 31, 2012. Upon receiving the preliminary determination notices from MOFCOM in the third quarter of 2013, Dow Corning again evaluated whether the polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. The estimate of future undiscounted cash flows continued to indicate the assets were expected to be recovered. However, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value. Dow Corning’s estimate of cash flows might change as a result of continued pricing deterioration, ongoing oversupply in the market, or other adverse market conditions that result in non-performance by customers under long-term contracts. Corning’s share of the carrying value of this asset group is approximately $1.0 billion.
In July 2012, MOFCOM initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon products from the U.S. and Korea based on a petition filed by Chinese solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers. The petition alleged that producers within these countries exported solar-grade polycrystalline silicon to China at less than fair value and that production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon in the U.S. has been subsidized by the U.S. government. On July 18, 2013, MOFCOM announced its preliminary determination that China’s solar-grade polycrystalline silicon industry suffered material damage because of dumping by producers in the U.S. and Korea. The Chinese authorities imposed provisional antidumping duties on producers in the U.S. and Korea ranging from 2.4% to 57.0%, including duties of 53.3% on future imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon product from the Dow Corning subsidiary into China. On September 16, 2013, the Chinese authorities imposed provisional countervailing duties of 6.5%. On January 20, 2014, MOFCOM issued a final determination. The final determination resulted in no change to the antidumping duties, and the countervailing duties were reduced to 2.1%. The requirement for customers to pay provisional duties on imports from solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers became effective on July 24, 2013 for the antidumping duties and on September 20, 2013 for the countervailing duties, adjusted for the final determination. Dow Corning will not be subject to duties for previous sales, and is evaluating possible actions in response to the final determination.
In 1995, Corning fully impaired its investment in Dow Corning after it filed for bankruptcy protection. Corning did not recognize net equity earnings from the second quarter of 1995 through the end of 2002. Corning began recognizing equity earnings in the first quarter of 2003 when management concluded that Dow Corning’s emergence from bankruptcy was probable. Corning considers the $171 million difference between the carrying value of its investment in Dow Corning and its 50% share of Dow Corning’s equity to be permanent.
Corning and Dow Chemical each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning. In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits. On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims. The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.
Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims. Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.8 billion to the Settlement Trust. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion.
As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $94 million to $309 million. As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range. Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $94 million, net of applicable tax benefits. There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future. The remaining tort claims against Dow Corning are expected to be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and Asbestos Litigation. Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC). Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim. Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products.
PCC Plan of Reorganization
Corning, with other relevant parties, has been involved in ongoing efforts to develop a Plan of Reorganization that would resolve the concerns and objections of the relevant courts and parties. On November 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court issued a decision finally confirming an Amended PCC Plan of Reorganization (the “Amended PCC Plan” or the “Plan”).
Under this Plan, Corning is required to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute $290 million in a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning has the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability is fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Plan requires Corning to make: (1) one payment of $70 million one year from the date the Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met; and (2) five additional payments of $35 million, $50 million, $35 million, $50 million, and $50 million, respectively, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances.
The Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Plan must be affirmed by the District Court, and two objectors to the Plan have appealed the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Plan to the District Court. Assuming the District Court affirms the confirmation, that decision may be appealed. If that occurs, it could take many months for the confirmation of the Plan to be finally affirmed.
Non-PCC Asbestos Litigation
In addition to the claims against Corning related to its ownership interest in PCC, Corning is also the defendant in approximately 9,700 other cases (approximately 37,400 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos related to its Corhart business and similar amounts of monetary damages per case. When PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, the Court granted a preliminary injunction to suspend all asbestos cases against PCC, PPG and Corning - including these non-PCC asbestos cases (the “stay”). The stay remains in place as of the date of this filing. Under the Bankruptcy Court’s order confirming the Amended PCC Plan, the stay will remain in place until the Amended PCC Plan is finally affirmed. These non-PCC asbestos cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date. As of December 31, 2013, Corning had received for these cases approximately $19 million in insurance payments related to those claims. If and when the Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of the Amended PCC Plan is affirmed, these non-PCC asbestos claims would be allowed to proceed against Corning. Corning has recorded in its estimated asbestos litigation liability an additional $150 million for these and any future non-PCC asbestos cases.
Total Estimated Liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the Non-PCC Asbestos Claims
The liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the non-PCC asbestos claims was estimated to be $690 million at December 31, 2013, compared with an estimate of liability of $671 million at December 31, 2012. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Corning recorded asbestos litigation expense of $19 million and $14 million, respectively. The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and the PCE portion of the obligation will be fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).
Non-PCC Asbestos Cases Insurance Litigation
Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above. Corning is vigorously contesting these cases, and management is unable to predict the outcome of the litigation.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of PCE significantly exceeded its carrying value of $167 million and $149 million, respectively. There have been no impairment indicators for our investment in PCE and we continue to recognize equity earnings of this affiliate. PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on April 16, 2000. At that time, Corning determined it lacked the ability to recover the carrying amount of its investment in PCC and its investment was other than temporarily impaired. As a result, we reduced our investment in PCC to zero.
8. Acquisition
On January 15, 2014, Corning completed a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, previously announced on October 22, 2013, to acquire the remaining 50% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. As a result of these transactions, Corning is the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials. We have not completed our accounting for the acquisition by the date of the filing of our 2013 Form 10-K, and, therefore, have not included detailed disclosure in this note. Refer to Note 21 (Subsequent Events) for additional details on the transaction.
There were no significant acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2013.
On October 31, 2012, Corning acquired all of the shares of Discovery Labware, Inc. and Plasso Technology Limited and certain other assets (collectively referred to as “Purchased Assets”) from Becton Dickinson and Company for approximately $739 million. The Purchased Assets constitute a business; therefore, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The business, referred to as Discovery Labware, designs, manufactures, markets and supplies cell culture, other laboratory reagents, core and advanced consumables for basic and applied research for life scientists, clinical researchers, and laboratory professionals globally.
The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired, with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of fair value as follows (in millions):
(1) 	The goodwill recognized is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Life Sciences segment.
Goodwill is primarily related to the value of the Discovery Labware product portfolio and distribution network and its combination with Corning’s existing life sciences platform, as well as synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. Other intangible assets consist mainly of distributor relationships, trademark and trade names and are amortized over a useful life of 20 years. Acquisition-related costs of $22 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 included costs for legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services and were included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Supplemental pro forma information was not provided because the purchased assets are not material to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.
9. Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation
Property, net follows (in millions):
Approximately $35 million, $74 million and $46 million of interest costs were capitalized as part of property, net in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the recorded value of precious metals totaled $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Depletion expense related to the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 totaled $20 million, $20 million and $21 million, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Specialty Materials segment recorded an impairment charge of $44 million related to certain assets located in Japan used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass. The large cover glass impairment charge represents a write-down of assets specific to the glass-strengthening process for large size cover glass to their relative fair market values as of the date of impairment. As a result of the impairment, assets included in the category of equipment decreased by approximately $44 million.
10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in millions):
(1) The Company recorded the acquisition of the Discovery Labware business of Becton Dickinson and Company in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, Corning recorded measurement period adjustments. Refer to Note 8 (Acquisition) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) The company recorded a small acquisition and consolidated an equity company due to a change in control in the second quarter of 2013.
Corning’s gross goodwill balance for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $7.5 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively. Accumulated impairment losses were $6.5 billion for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were generated entirely through goodwill impairments related to the Optical Communications segment.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets follow (in millions):
Amortized intangible assets are primarily related to the Optical Communications and Life Sciences segments. The net carrying amount of intangible assets increased $18 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a small acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2013, and the consolidation of an equity company due to a change in control. This was offset by amortization of $31 million and foreign currency translation adjustments of $6 million.
Amortization expense related to these intangible assets is estimated to be $32 million annually from 2014 to 2018.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
11. Other Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities follow (in millions):
Asbestos Litigation
The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan would have required Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value. Corning would have had the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability would have been fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares. The Amended PCC Plan would, originally, have required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances. Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each. In return, Corning would relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.
The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning. Corning has recorded in its estimated asbestos litigation liability an additional $150 million for the approximately 9,700 current non-PCC cases alleging injuries from asbestos, and for any future non-PCC cases. The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court. The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years. The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available. Refer to Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the asbestos litigation.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
12. Debt
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted-average interest rate on current portion of long-term debt was 2.6% and 5.3%, respectively.
Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt was $3.5 billion at December 31, 2013 and $3.7 billion at December 31, 2012. The measurement of the fair value of long term debt was determined using Level 2 inputs.
The following table shows debt maturities by year at December 31, 2013 (in millions)*:
* Excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Debt Issuances and Retirements
• In the first quarter of 2013, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility. The amended facility provides a $1.0 billion unsecured multi-currency line of credit that expires in March 2018. The facility includes a leverage test (debt to capital ratio) financial covenant. As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with this covenant. The proceeds of this credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including support for our commercial paper program.
• In the first quarter of 2013, Corning repaid the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding on the credit facility entered into in the second quarter of 2011 that allowed Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion. The total amount repaid was approximately $500 million. Upon repayment, this facility was terminated.
• In the second quarter of 2013, the Company established a commercial paper program on a private placement basis, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. Under this program, the Company may issue the notes from time to time and will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the notes will vary, but may not exceed 390 days from the date of issue. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. The Company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to support obligations under the commercial paper program, if needed. At December 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding commercial paper.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we issued $250 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2023. The net proceeds of approximately $248 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
• In the first quarter of 2012, we issued $500 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2042 and $250 million of 4.70% senior unsecured notes that mature on March 15, 2037. The net proceeds of $742 million were used for general corporate purposes.
• In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
- We issued $250 million of 1.45% senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2017. The net proceeds of $248 million from the offering were used for general corporate purposes.
- We repurchased $13 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013. Additionally, we redeemed $100 million of our 5.90% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and $74 million of our 6.20% senior unsecured notes due 2016. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $26 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
• In 2012, we borrowed the equivalent of approximately $377 million from a Chinese Renminbi credit facility that a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into in the second quarter of 2011.
• In the second quarter of 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary entered into a credit facility that allows Corning to borrow up to Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 4.0 billion, or approximately $642 million when translated to United States Dollars. Corning was able to request advances during the eighteen month period beginning on June 30, 2011 (the “Availability Period”). The time period for Corning to draw under the RMB facility expired at the end of 2012. Our financing agreement requires us to repay the aggregate principal amount and accrued interest outstanding at the end of the Availability Period in six installments, with the final payment due in August 2016, five years from the date of the first advance. Corning also has the right to repay this loan in full at pre-determined dates with no pre-payment penalty. In 2011, Corning borrowed approximately $120 million under this credit facility.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
13. Employee Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic and international employees. Our funding policy has been to contribute, as necessary, an amount in excess of the minimum requirements in order to achieve the Company’s long-term funding targets. In 2013, we did not contribute to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and contributed $5 million to our international pension plans. In 2012, we made voluntary cash contributions of $75 million to our domestic defined benefit pension plan and $30 million to our international pension plans. Although we will not be subject to any mandatory contributions in 2014, we anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of up to $85 million to our U.S. pension plan and up to $8 million to our international pension plans in 2014.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in the first quarter of 2013, we elected to change our method of recognizing actuarial gains and losses for our defined benefit pension plans. We did not make this change in accounting for our OPEB plans, and continue to defer all actuarial gains and losses and amortize those amounts outside of the corridor over future periods.
Corning offers postretirement plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for retirees and eligible dependents. Certain employees may become eligible for such postretirement benefits upon reaching retirement age. For current retirees (including surviving spouses) and active employees eligible for the salaried retiree medical program, we have placed a “cap” on the amount we will contribute toward retiree medical coverage in the future. The cap is equal to 120% of our 2005 contributions toward retiree medical benefits. Once our contributions toward salaried retiree medical costs reach this cap, impacted retirees will have to pay the excess amount in addition to their regular contributions for coverage. This cap was attained for post-65 retirees in 2008 and has impacted their contribution rate in 2009 and going forward. The pre-65 retirees triggered the cap in 2010, which has impacted their contribution rate in 2011 and going forward. Furthermore, employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2007 will be eligible for Corning retiree medical benefits upon retirement; however, these employees will pay 100% of the cost.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Obligations and Funded Status
The change in benefit obligation and funded status of our employee retirement plans follows (in millions):
(1) Amounts for prior years were revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans was $3.2 billion and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following information is presented for pension plans where the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 exceeded the fair value of plan assets (in millions):
In 2013, the fair value of plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation for the United States and the United Kingdom pension plans.
The components of net periodic benefit expense for our employee retirement plans follow (in millions):
(1) Amounts for prior years were revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
The Company expects to recognize $4 million of net prior service cost as components of net periodic pension cost in 2014 for its defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects to recognize $1 million of net loss and $6 million of net prior service credit as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014.
Corning uses a hypothetical yield curve and associated spot rate curve to discount the plan’s projected benefit payments. Once the present value of projected benefit payments is calculated, the suggested discount rate is equal to the level rate that results in the same present value. The yield curve is based on actual high-quality corporate bonds across the full maturity spectrum, which also includes private placements as well as Eurobonds that are denominated in U.S. currency. The curve is developed from yields on approximately 350-375 bonds from four grading sources, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and the Dominion Bond Rating Service. A bond will be included if at least half of the grades from these sources are Aa, non-callable bonds. The very highest 10% yields and the lowest 40% yields are excluded from the curve to eliminate outliers in the bond population.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Measurement of postretirement benefit expense is based on assumptions used to value the postretirement benefit obligation at the beginning of the year.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 follow:
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31 follow:
The assumed rate of return was determined based on the current interest rate environment and historical market premiums relative to fixed income rates of equities and other asset classes. Reasonableness of the results is tested using models provided by the plan actuaries.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):
Plan Assets
Corning’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We based this rate on asset/liability forecast modeling, which is based on our current asset allocation, the return and standard deviation for each asset class, current market conditions and transitions from current conditions to long-term returns.
The Company’s overall investment strategy is to obtain sufficient return to offset or exceed inflation and provide adequate liquidity to meet the benefit obligations of the pension plan. Investments are made in public securities to ensure adequate liquidity to support benefit payments. Domestic and international stocks and bonds provide diversification to the portfolio. The target allocation range for domestic equity investment is 10.0%-12.5% which includes large, mid and small cap companies. The target allocation range of international equities is 10.0%-12.5%, which includes investments in both developed and emerging markets. The target allocation for bond investments is 60%, which predominately includes both government and corporate bonds. Long duration fixed income assets are utilized to mitigate the sensitivity of funding ratios to changes in interest rates. The target allocation range for non-public investments in private equity and real estate is 5%-15%, and is used to enhance returns and offer additional asset diversification. The target allocation range for commodities is 0%-5%, which provides some inflation protection to the portfolio.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of defined benefit plan assets:
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; comparable sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
(1) This category includes venture capital, leverage buyouts and distressed debt limited partnerships invested primarily in U.S. companies. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and comparable sale analysis.
(2) This category includes industrial, office, apartments, hotels, infrastructure, and retail investments which are limited partnerships predominately in the U.S. The inputs are valued by internally generated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis; comparable sale analysis and periodic external appraisals.
(3) This category includes investments in energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agricultural and livestock primarily through futures, options, swaps, and exchange traded funds.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the defined benefit plans Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
Credit Risk
59% of plan assets are invested in long duration bonds. The average rating for these bonds is A. These bonds are subject to credit risk, such that a decline in credit ratings for the underlying companies, countries or assets (for asset-backed securities) would result in a decline in the value of the bonds. These bonds are also subject to default risk.
Currency Risk
11% of assets are valued in non-U.S. dollar denominated investments that are subject to currency fluctuations. The value of these securities will decline if the U.S. dollar increases in value relative to the value of the currencies in which these investments are denominated.
Liquidity Risk
12% of the securities are invested in Level 3 securities. These are long-term investments in private equity and private real estate investments that may not mature or be sellable in the near-term without significant loss.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of Corning common stock included in equity securities was not significant.
Cash Flow Data
We anticipate making voluntary cash contributions of approximately $93 million to our domestic and international defined benefit plans in 2014.
The following reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid for the domestic and international plans and the gross amount of annual Medicare Part D federal subsidy expected to be received (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Other Benefit Plans
We offer defined contribution plans covering employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. Total consolidated defined contribution plan expense was $63 million, $50 million and $44 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
14. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
The amounts of our obligations follow (in millions):
(1) At December 31, 2013, $41 million of the $61 million was included in other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2) Capital expenditure obligations primarily reflect amounts associated with our capital expansion activities.
(3) Total debt above is stated at maturity value, and excludes interest rate swap gains and bond discounts.
(4) The estimate of interest payments assumes interest is paid through the date of maturity or expiration of the related debt, based upon stated rates in the respective debt instruments.
(5) At December 31, 2013, $5 million was included on our balance sheet related to uncertain tax positions. Of this amount, we are unable to estimate when $2 million of that amount will become payable.
(6) Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations which primarily consist of raw material and energy-related take-or-pay contracts.
We are required, at the time a guarantee is issued, to recognize a liability for the fair value or market value of the obligation it assumes. In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees. Generally, third-party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones. These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a financing obligation in the approximate amount of $230 million for a new LCD glass substrate facility in China.
We have agreed to provide up to a $25 million credit facility to Dow Corning. The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan.
We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Minimum rental commitments under leases outstanding at December 31, 2013 follow (in millions):
Total rental expense was $85 million for 2013, $80 million for 2012 and $84 million for 2011.
A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty liability for the year ended December 31 follows (in millions):
Corning is a defendant in various lawsuits, including environmental, product-related suits, the Dow Corning and PCC matters discussed in Note 7 (Investments) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and is subject to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the likelihood that the ultimate disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Corning’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, is remote. Other than certain asbestos related claims, there are no other material loss contingencies related to litigation.
Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 15 active hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise. It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Corning had accrued approximately $15 million (undiscounted) and $21 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation. Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.
The ability of certain subsidiaries and affiliated companies to transfer funds is limited by provisions of foreign government regulations, affiliate agreements and certain loan agreements. At December 31, 2013, the amount of equity subject to such restrictions for consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies was not significant. While this amount is legally restricted, it does not result in operational difficulties since we have generally permitted subsidiaries to retain a majority of equity to support their growth programs.
15. Hedging Activities
Corning is exposed to interest rate and foreign currency risks due to the movement of these rates.
The areas in which exchange rate fluctuations affect us include:
• Financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, which impact earnings; and
• The translation of net assets in foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impacts our net equity.
Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Japanese yen, South Korean won, New Taiwan dollar, Chinese Renminbi, and the Euro. We seek to mitigate the impact of exchange rate movements in our income statement by using over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments including foreign exchange forward and option contracts typically with durations of 36 months or less. In general, these hedges expire coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by our counterparties to these derivative contracts. However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships. We do not expect to record any losses as a result of such counterparty default. Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments. In July 2013, the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors approved the Company’s qualification for and election of the end-user exception to the mandatory swap clearing requirement of the Dodd-Frank Act.
Cash Flow Hedges
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize OTC foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates will adversely affect the net cash flows resulting from the sale of products to foreign customers and purchases from foreign suppliers. Our cash flow hedging activity also uses interest rate swaps to reduce the risk of increases in benchmark interest rates on the probable issuance of debt and associated interest payments. Corning uses a regression analysis to monitor the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges both prospectively and retrospectively. Through December 31, 2013, the hedge ineffectiveness related to these instruments is not material. Corning defers net gains and losses related to effective portion of cash flow hedges into accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings. At December 31, 2013, the amount of net gain expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is $5 million.
Fair Value Hedges
In October of 2012, we entered into two interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedges and economically exchange a notional amount of $550 million of previously issued fixed rate long-term debt to floating rate debt. Under the terms of the swap agreements, we pay the counterparty a floating rate that is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate.
Corning utilizes the long haul method for effectiveness analysis, both retrospectively and prospectively. The analysis excludes the impact of credit risk from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The amount recorded in current period earnings in the other income, net component, relative to ineffectiveness, is nominal for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no outstanding fair value hedges in 2012 or 2011.
Net gains and losses from fair value hedges and the effects of the corresponding hedged item are recorded on the same line item of the consolidated statement of operations.
Undesignated Hedges
Corning also uses OTC foreign exchange forward and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The undesignated hedges limit exposures to foreign functional currency fluctuations related to certain subsidiaries’ monetary assets, monetary liabilities and net earnings in foreign currencies.
A significant portion of the Company’s non-U.S. revenues are denominated in Japanese yen. When these revenues are translated back to U.S. dollars, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate movements in the Japanese yen. To protect translated earnings against movements in the Japanese yen, the Company has entered into a series of purchased collars and average rate forwards.
The Company also uses these types of contracts to reduce the potential for unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates to decrease the U.S. dollar value of translated earnings. With a purchased collar structure, the Company writes a local currency call option and purchases a local currency put option. The purchased collars offset the impact of translated earnings above the put price and below the call strike price and that offset is reported in other income, net. The Company entered into a series of purchased collars, settling quarterly, to hedge the effect of translation impact for each respective quarter, and span up to the fourth quarter of 2014. Due to the nature of the instruments, only either the put option or the call option can be exercised at maturity. As of December 31, 2013, the U.S. dollar net notional value of the purchased collars is $3 billion. The Company entered into a series of average rate forwards with no associated premium, which will partially hedge the impact of Japanese yen translation on the Company’s projected 2015 net income. These forwards have a notional value of $0.9 billion and will settle net without obligation to deliver Japanese yen.
The Company benefits from the increase in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its foreign currency earnings in translation. The purchased collar, within other income, would cap the benefit at the strike price of the written call or offset the decline from translation above the strike price of the purchased put.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain position) or liabilities (loss position) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in the fair value of the derivative contracts are recorded currently in earnings in the other income line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts and respective fair values of Corning’s derivative financial instruments on a gross basis for December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 121
The following tables summarize the effect on the consolidated financial statements relating to Corning’s derivative financial instruments (in millions):
(1) The amount of hedge ineffectiveness for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $24 million related to interest rate swaps settled in the fourth quarter. The amount of ineffectiveness for 2012 and 2011 was insignificant.
(2) Certain amounts for prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts is now disclosed in two categories, Foreign exchange contracts - balance sheet, and Foreign exchange contracts - loans.
16. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value standards under U.S. GAAP define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels (provided in the table below) used to measure fair value.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured on a recurring basis using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 122
The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2) Other assets include asset-backed securities which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2) Other assets include asset-backed securities which are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.
There were no significant financial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Long-lived assets held and used related to certain assets used in the ion exchange process for the production of large cover glass, with a carrying amount of $82 million at December 31, 2012, were written down to their fair value of $38 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $44 million in 2012. The impairment charge was determined using a market value approach to fair value the asset base after indicators of impairment were identified. The valuation methodology determined fair value by comparing market transactions of similar assets as well as an evaluation of the fair value of the underlying assets through the application of the cost approach and income approach. The cost approach determines current replacement cost adjusted for physical deterioration and the income approach starts with the forecasts of all expected future cash flows including the eventual disposition at market value of the long-lived assets and applies a risk adjusted discount rate. The key assumptions used in these approaches, which requires significant management judgment, include business assumptions, growth rate, terminal value, physical deterioration, and discount rate. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates of the impairment are reasonable.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 123
17. Shareholders’ Equity
The following table presents changes in capital stock for the period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 (in millions):
On October 31, 2013, as part of the previously authorized share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013, Corning entered into an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch (“JPMC”). Under the ASR, Corning agreed to purchase $1 billion of its common stock, in total, with an initial delivery by JPMC of 47.1 million shares based on the current market price, and payment of $1 billion made by Corning to JPMC. The payment to JPMC was recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity, consisting of an $800 million increase in treasury stock, which reflects the value of the initial 47.1 million shares received upon execution, and a $200 million decrease in other-paid-in capital, which reflects the value of the stock held back by JPMC pending final settlement. On January 28, 2014, the ASR was completed. Corning received an additional 10.5 million shares on January 31, 2014 to settle the ASR. In total, Corning purchased 57.6 million shares based on the average daily volume weighted-average price of Corning’s common stock during the term of the ASR, less a discount.
In addition to the ASR, during 2013, we repurchased 35 million shares of common stock on the open market for approximately $500 million as part of the share repurchase program announced on April 24, 2013. During 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 56 million and 55 million shares of common stock on the open market for $719 million and $779 million, respectively, as part of the share repurchase program announced on October 5, 2011.
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A summary of changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including our proportionate share of equity method investee’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), is as follows (in millions)(1):
(1) All amounts are after tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive income.
(2) Amounts are net of total tax benefit of $49 million, including $23 million related to the hedges component and $26 million related to the retirement plans component.
(3) Tax effects of reclassifications are disclosed separately in this Note 17.
(4) Tax effects related to equity method affiliates are not significant.
(5) Amounts are net of total tax benefit of $56 million, including $(37) million related to the hedges component, $99 million related to the retirement plans component and $(6) million related to the investments component.
(6) Amounts are net of total tax expense of $(197) million, including $(33) million related to the hedges component and $(164) million related to the retirement plans component.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 125
(in millions)
(1) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the statement of income.
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in net periodic pension cost. See Note 13 - Employee Retirement Plans for additional details.
18. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
The following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in millions):
19. Share-based Compensation
Stock Compensation Plans
We maintain long-term incentive plans (the Plans) for key team members and non-employee members of our Board of Directors. The Plans allow us to grant equity-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards or a combination of awards (collectively, share-based awards). At December 31, 2013, there were approximately 78 million unissued common shares available for future grants under the Plans.
The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values.
The fair value of awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 that are expected to ultimately vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The number of options expected to vest equals the total options granted less an estimation of the number of forfeitures expected to occur prior to vesting. The forfeiture rate is calculated based on 15 years of historical data and is adjusted if actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimates. The effect of any change in estimated forfeitures would be recognized through a cumulative adjustment that would be included in compensation cost in the period of the change in estimate.
Total share-based compensation cost of $54 million, $70 million and $86 million was disclosed in operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Stock Options
Our stock option plans provide non-qualified and incentive stock options to purchase authorized but unissued, or treasury shares, at the market price on the grant date and generally become exercisable in installments from one to five years from the grant date. The maximum term of non-qualified and incentive stock options is 10 years from the grant date.
The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding including the related transactions under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2013:
The aggregate intrinsic value (market value of stock less option exercise price) in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2013, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their “in-the-money” options as of that date. The total number of “in-the-money” options exercisable on December 31, 2013, was approximately 14 million.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value for options granted for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $5.02, $4.95 and $9.22, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $29 million, $47 million and $57 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $25 million, $37 million and $48 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $19 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options were $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which were included in financing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $55 million, $51 million and $77 million, respectively, which is currently deductible for tax purposes. However, these tax benefits were not fully recognized due to net operating loss carryforwards available to the Company. Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
An award is considered vested when the employee’s retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service (the “non-substantive vesting period approach”). Awards to retirement eligible employees are earned ratably each month that the employee provides service over the twelve months following the grant date, and the related compensation expense is recognized over this twelve month service period or over the period from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility for employees that become age 55 during the vesting period.
Corning uses a multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants. Corning utilizes a blended approach for calculating the volatility assumption used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model defined as the weighted average of the short-term implied volatility, the most recent volatility for the period equal to the expected term, and the most recent 15-year historical volatility. The expected term assumption is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding, and is calculated using a combination of historical exercise experience adjusted to reflect the current vesting period of options being valued, and partial life cycles of outstanding options. The risk-free rates used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes valuation model are the implied rates for a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the option’s expected term. The ranges given below reflect results from separate groups of employees exhibiting different exercise behavior.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The following inputs were used for the valuation of option grants under our Stock Option Plans:
Incentive Stock Plans
The Corning Incentive Stock Plan permits restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants, either determined by specific performance goals or issued directly, in most instances, subject to the possibility of forfeiture and without cash consideration. Restricted stock and restricted stock units under the Incentive Stock Plan are granted at the closing market price on the grant date, contingently vest over a period of generally one to ten years, and generally have contractual lives of one to ten years. The fair value of each restricted stock grant or restricted stock unit awarded under the Incentive Stock Plan was estimated on the date of grant.
Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
Time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are issued by the Company on a discretionary basis, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The fair value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.
The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2012, and changes which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013:
As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $27 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of time-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $29 million, $13 million and $15 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $29 million, $31 million and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:
The performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit compensation program was terminated in 2010. All performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units were fully vested in the first quarter of 2012.
Performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units were earned upon the achievement of certain targets, and were payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting, typically over a three-year period. The fair value was based on the closing market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date and assumed that the target payout level will be achieved. Compensation cost was recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting. During the performance period, compensation cost was adjusted based on changes in the expected outcome of the performance-related target.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
As of December 31, 2013, there is no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The total fair value of performance-based restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $45 million and $10 million, respectively. Compensation cost related to performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $2 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
20. Reportable Segments
Our reportable segments are as follows:
• Display Technologies - manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays.
• Optical Communications - manufactures carrier network and enterprise network components for the telecommunications industry.
• Environmental Technologies - manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications.
• Specialty Materials - manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
• Life Sciences - manufactures glass and plastic labware, equipment, media and reagents to provide workflow solutions for scientific applications.
All other reportable segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other.” This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.
We prepared the financial results for our reportable segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our reportable segments in the respective segment’s net income. We have allocated certain common expenses among reportable segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information. Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following provides historical segment information as described above:
Segment Information
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
(1) Depreciation expense for Corning’s reportable segments includes an allocation of depreciation of corporate property not specifically identifiable to a segment.
(2) Research, development and engineering expenses include direct project spending that is identifiable to a segment.
(3) In 2012, Corning recorded a $44 million impairment charge in the Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used for the production of large cover glass. In 2011, Corning recorded a $130 million impairment charge in the Specialty Materials segment related to certain assets located in Japan used for the production of large cover glass.
(4) In 2013, equity in earnings of affiliated companies in the Display Technologies segment included a $28 million restructuring charge for our share of costs for headcount reductions and asset write-offs. In 2012, equity in earnings of affiliated companies in the Display Technologies segment included a $18 million restructuring charge for our share of costs for headcount reductions and asset write-offs.
(5) Many of Corning’s administrative and staff functions are performed on a centralized basis. Where practicable, Corning charges these expenses to segments based upon the extent to which each business uses a centralized function. Other staff functions, such as corporate finance, human resources and legal are allocated to segments, primarily as a percentage of sales.
(6) Segment assets include inventory, accounts receivable, property and associated equity companies and cost investments.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the following number of customers, which individually accounted for 10% or more of each segment’s sales, represented the following concentration of segment sales:
• In the Display Technologies segment, four customers accounted for 94% of total segment sales.
• In the Optical Communications segment, one customer accounted for 10% of total segment sales.
• In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 87% of total segment sales.
• In the Specialty Materials segment, three customers accounted for 47% of total segment sales.
• In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 44% of total segment sales.
A significant amount of specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in Asia. It is at least reasonably possible that the use of a facility located outside of an entity’s home country could be disrupted. Due to the specialized nature of the assets, it would not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly. Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact to our display business and the Company as a whole.
A reconciliation of reportable segment net income (loss) to consolidated net income (loss) follows (in millions):
(1) Net financing costs include interest expense, interest income, and interest costs and investment gains and losses associated with benefit plans.
(2) Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, is primarily equity in earnings of Dow Corning, which includes the following items:
• In 2013, gains in the amount of approximately $30 million for the resolution of contract disputes against customers relating to enforcement of long-term supply agreements and $16 million for the positive impact of the settlement of a derivative, along with a charge of $4 million related to the impact of a tax valuation allowance. Also included are restructuring charges in the amount of $11 million.
• In 2012, restructuring and impairment charges in the amount of $87 million for our share of a charge related to workforce reductions and asset write-offs at Dow Corning, and a $10 million credit for Corning’s share of Dow Corning’s settlement of a dispute related to long term supply agreements.
• In 2011, a $89 million credit for our share of Dow Corning’s settlement of a dispute related to long term supply agreements.
(3) In 2013, 2012 and 2011, Corning recorded charges of $19 million, $14 million and $24 million to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of the components of the Amended PCC Plan.
(4) In 2013, Corning recorded a net gain of $435 million, related to its purchased collars and average rate forward contracts.
(5) Other corporate items include the tax impact of the unallocated amounts and the following significant items:
• In 2013, Corning recorded a $54 million tax benefit for the impact of the American Taxpayer Relief Act enacted on January 3, 2013 and made retroactive to 2012.
• In 2012, Corning recorded a $52 million translation gain on the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary; a loss of $26 million ($17 million after tax) from the repurchase of $13 million principal amount of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021, $11 million of our 8.875% senior unsecured notes due 2016, and $51 million principal amount of our 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013; and a $37 million tax expense resulting from the delay of the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 until January 2013, that was reversed in the first quarter of 2013.
• In 2011, Corning recorded a $41 million tax benefit from the filing of an amended 2006 U.S. Federal Tax return to claim foreign tax credits.
(6) As revised for the change in our method of recognizing pension expense. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the change and the impacts of the change.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A reconciliation of reportable segment net assets to consolidated net assets follows (in millions):
(1) Includes current corporate assets, primarily cash, short-term investments and deferred taxes.
(2) Represents corporate investments in affiliated companies, at both cost and equity (primarily Dow Corning).
(3) Represents corporate property not specifically identifiable to an operating segment.
(4) Includes non-current corporate assets, pension assets and deferred taxes.
Selected financial information concerning the Company’s product lines and reportable segments follow (in millions):
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Information concerning principal geographic areas was as follows (in millions):
(1) Long-lived assets primarily include investments, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. Assets in the U.S. and Korea include investments in Dow Corning and Samsung Corning Precision Materials.
(2) Net sales are attributed to countries based on location of customer.
21. Subsequent Events
Acquisitions
On January 15, 2014, Corning completed the series of strategic and financial agreements previously announced on October 22, 2013, to acquire the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials previously held by Samsung Display Co., Ltd. As a result of these transactions, Corning is now the owner of 100% of the common shares of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, giving us greater flexibility in asset use, improved operational efficiencies, and better positioning for new specialty-glass market opportunities. A summary of the series of transactions follow:
• Corning obtained full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials on January 15, 2014;
• After redemption of Samsung Display’s 43% interest in Samsung Corning Precision Materials, Corning issued its Fixed Rate Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (“Preferred Stock”), to Samsung Display in an aggregate face amount of $1.9 billion;
• Samsung Display invested an additional $400 million in Corning’s Preferred Stock; and
• A new long-term LCD display glass supply agreement between Corning and Samsung Display through 2023.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 134
As part of the acquisition process, Corning hired a third-party valuation firm to assist it in estimating the fair value of the acquired business. Included in this process is the valuation of pre-existing arrangements, which could result in a gain or loss which will be recognized in the first quarter of 2014. We have not completed our accounting for the acquisition by the date of the filing of our 2013 Form 10-K, and, therefore, have not included detailed purchase accounting in this note.
In addition, Corning’s Board of Directors has authorized an additional $2 billion of share repurchases through December 31, 2015.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
In February 2014, the Company obtained authorization from the Board of Directors to execute a series of foreign exchange contracts over a three year period to hedge our exposure to movements in the Japanese yen and its impact on our earnings. The Company’s execution of these contracts will be dependent upon market conditions. The foreign exchange contracts will not be designated derivatives and will be marked to market through the other income line of the consolidated statements of income.
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Corning Incorporated and Subsidiary Companies Schedule II - Valuation Accounts and Reserves
(in millions)
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Quarterly Operating Results
(Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
* Includes impact of defined benefit pension plan methodology change implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and retrospectively applied to prior periods.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 137
DOW CORNING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period Ended December 31, 2013
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Dow Corning Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Dow Corning Corporation and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013.
Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dow Corning Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 4, 2014
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 140
Consolidated Statements of Income
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 141
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(1) Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“OCI”)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 142
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 143
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 144
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 145
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(1) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (“AOCI”)
(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 146
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dow Corning Corporation And Subsidiaries
Note Page
1. Business and Basis of Presentation
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3. Gains on Long-Term Sales Agreements
4. Polycrystalline Silicon Market Conditions and China Trade Matters
5. Restructuring
6. Investments
7. Inventories
8. Income Taxes
9. Derivatives
10. Variable Interest Entities
11. Property, Plant and Equipment
12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
13. Notes Payable And Credit Facilities
14. Deferred Revenue
15. Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
17. Commitments And Contingencies
18. Changes In Ownership Of Consolidated Subsidiaries
19. Related Party Transactions
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dow Corning Corporation and Subsidiaries
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except where noted)
NOTE 1 Business and Basis of Presentation
Dow Corning Corporation (“Dow Corning”) was incorporated in 1943 and is equally owned by Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) and The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow Chemical”). Its main purpose is to develop and produce polymers and other materials based on silicon chemistry. Dow Corning operates in various countries around the world through numerous wholly owned or majority owned subsidiary corporations (hereinafter, the consolidated operations of Dow Corning and its subsidiaries may be referred to as the “Company”).
Dow Corning built its business based on silicon chemistry. Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in the world. Most of Dow Corning’s products are based on polymers known as silicones, which have a siliconoxygen-silicon backbone. Through various chemical processes, Dow Corning manufactures silicones that have an extremely wide variety of characteristics, in forms ranging from fluids, gels, greases and elastomeric materials to resins and other rigid materials. Silicones combine the temperature and chemical resistance of glass with the versatility of plastics. Regardless of form or application, silicones generally possess such qualities as electrical resistance, resistance to extreme temperatures, resistance to deterioration from aging, water repellency, lubricating characteristics, relative chemical and physiological inertness and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
The Company engages primarily in the discovery, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of silicon-based materials and offers related services. Since its inception, Dow Corning has been engaged in a continuous program of basic and applied research on silicon-based materials to develop new products and processes, to improve and refine existing products and processes and to develop new applications for existing products. The Company manufactures over 7,000 products and serves approximately 25,000 customers worldwide, with no single customer accounting for more than five percent of the Company’s sales in any of the past three years. Dow Corning’s silicon-based materials are used in a broad range of products and applications across multiple sectors such as electronics, automotive, construction, textiles and healthcare. The Company, through its Hemlock Semiconductor Group subsidiaries, is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in semiconductor and solar applications. Principal United States manufacturing plants are located in Kentucky and Michigan. Principal foreign manufacturing plants are located in Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The Company operates research and development facilities and/or technical service centers in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Management has evaluated subsequent events through February 4, 2014, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Certain prior period items have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
NOTE 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dow Corning and all of its wholly owned and majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s interests in 20% to 50% owned subsidiaries are carried on the equity basis and are included in “Other noncurrent assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s policy is to include the accounts of entities in which the Company holds a controlling interest based on exposure to economic risks and potential rewards (variable interests), and for which it is the primary beneficiary, in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices, not included in Level 1, that are either directly or indirectly observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs and include the Company’s assumptions that may be used by market participants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less. The carrying amounts for cash equivalents approximate their fair values. Cash equivalents are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs.
Accounts Receivable
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance, management considers factors such as current overall geographic and industry-specific economic conditions, statutory requirements, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts. Changes in these conditions may result in additional allowances. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed and local legal requirements are met, the receivable is written off against the allowance.
Inventories
The value of inventories is determined using the lower of cost or market as the basis. Produced goods are valued using a first-in, first-out cost flow methodology, while purchased materials and supplies are valued using an average cost flow methodology.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less any impairment and are depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Engineering and other costs directly related to the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized as construction-in-progress until construction is complete and such property, plant and equipment is ready and available to perform its specifically assigned function. Upon retirement or other disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less any proceeds, is charged or credited to income.
The Company reviews the recoverability of property, plant and equipment when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. The recoverability of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment is assessed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. When impairment indicators are present, the Company compares estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including estimated proceeds from the eventual disposition of the asset, to the assets’ carrying value to determine if the asset (or asset group) is recoverable. For an asset that fails the test of recoverability, the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment is determined and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its fair value and the difference is charged to income in the period incurred.
The Company capitalizes the costs of internal-use software and includes the costs in “Property, Plant and Equipment.” The amounts capitalized and subsequently amortized do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. Expenditures that significantly increase asset value, extend useful asset lives or adapt property to a new or different use are capitalized.
The Company capitalizes interest as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for its own use. The Company includes interest expense incurred on all liabilities, including interest related to commercial creditor obligations, in the amount of interest expense subject to capitalization. See Note 17 for additional details on interest payable to the Company’s commercial creditors.
The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations by recording an asset and related liability for the costs associated with the retirement of long-lived tangible assets when a legal liability to retire the assets exists. These obligations may result from acquisition, construction, or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company records asset retirement obligations at fair value in the period in which they are incurred. The Company’s asset retirement obligations do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In addition, the Company has identified conditional asset retirement obligations, such as for the removal of asbestos and records such obligations when there are plans in place to undertake major renovations or plans to exit a facility. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, the Company believes that there is an indeterminate settlement date for the existing conditional asset retirement obligations as the range of time over which the Company may settle the obligation is unknown or cannot be estimated. Therefore, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the liability.
Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for investments in debt and equity securities at fair value for trading or available for sale securities. The amortized cost method is used to account for investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Investments in debt and equity securities are included in “Marketable securities” in the current or noncurrent sections of the consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate. All such investments are considered to be available for sale. The Company regularly evaluates whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not it will be forced to sell its available for sale securities to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates available evidence to determine whether or not it will be able to recover the cost of these securities. If the Company is unable to recover the cost of the securities, an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred and credit losses are charged to income in the period incurred. Temporary declines in the fair value of investments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” For the purpose of computing realized gain or loss on the disposition of investments, the specific identification method is used. The Company’s policy is to purchase investment grade securities.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, investments, derivative financial instruments and trade receivables. The Company’s policies limit the amount of credit exposure to any single counterparty for cash and investments. The Company uses major financial institutions with high credit ratings to engage in transactions involving investments and derivative financial instruments. The Company minimizes credit risk in its receivables from customers through its sale of products to a wide variety of customers and markets in locations throughout the world. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, and historically such losses have been within expectations.
Intangibles
Intangible assets of the Company include goodwill, patents and licenses and other assets acquired by the Company that are separable and measurable apart from goodwill. Goodwill, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired, is tested at least annually for impairment. The Company completed its annual test for impairment of goodwill during the three month period ended September 30, 2013. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Revenue
The Company recognizes revenue only when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer to the customer for products and as work is performed for professional services. Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping costs are classified as revenue. The Company reduces revenue for product returns, allowances and price discounts at the time the sale is recognized. Amounts billed to customers in excess of amounts recognized as revenue are reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead costs associated with the manufacture and shipment of the Company’s products, as well as research and development costs. Shipping costs are primarily comprised of payments to third party freight carriers. Research and development costs are primarily comprised of labor costs, outside services and depreciation. Research and development costs were $247.6, $281.2 and $259.4 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Income Taxes
The income tax provision includes federal, state and foreign income taxes that are both currently payable and deferred. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amount and tax base of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the expected future tax benefits will not be realized. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, certain judgments are made relating to recoverability of deferred tax assets, use of tax loss carryforwards, level of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. These judgments are routinely reviewed by management. Further, the Company recognizes the financial statement effects of uncertain tax liabilities stemming from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that those positions will not be sustained upon examination.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Interest and penalties were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Foreign Currency Translation
The value of the U.S. dollar fluctuates against foreign currencies. Because the Company conducts business in many countries, these fluctuations affect the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
For foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities, stated in their functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the current period. The resulting gains or losses are reflected in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The revenues and expenses of these foreign subsidiaries, stated in their functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period.
For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, inventories, property, plant and equipment and other non-monetary assets, together with their related elements of expense, are translated at historical exchange rates. All monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at current exchange rates with gains and losses recognized in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” in the consolidated statements of income. All other revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Therefore, the reported U.S. dollar results included in the consolidated statements of income fluctuate from period to period, depending on the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on its earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company may use derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact of changes in natural gas and other commodity prices on its earnings and cash flows.
The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Where an instrument is designated as a hedge, the Company formally documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.
The Company measures derivative financial instruments at fair value and classifies them as “Other current assets,” “Other noncurrent assets,” “Other current liabilities,” or “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses related to the Company’s derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” These gains and losses are reclassified from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. Realized derivative gains and losses related to cash flow hedges, foreign exchange contracts and commodity contracts are recognized in the Company’s income statement in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” or “Cost of sales,” as appropriate. Both unrealized and realized gains and losses related to derivative instruments used to hedge the economic exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” and “Income tax provision.”
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are classified in the same category of the consolidated statements of cash flows as the items being hedged. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Litigation
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue and an analysis of historical claims experience for incurred but not reported matters. The Company expenses legal costs, including those related to loss contingencies, as incurred. The Company has an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers. These policies provide coverage that is utilized to mitigate the impact, if any, of certain of the legal proceedings. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter.
Environmental Matters
The Company determines the costs of environmental remediation for its facilities, facilities formerly owned by the Company and third party waste disposal facilities based on evaluations of current law and existing technologies. Inherent uncertainties exist in these evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability and evolving technologies. The Company records a charge to earnings for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The liabilities recorded are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available.
Warranties
In the normal course of business to facilitate sales of its products, the Company has issued product warranties, and it has entered into contracts and purchase orders that often contain standard terms and conditions that typically include a warranty. The Company’s warranty activities do not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Guarantees
Guarantees arise in the normal course of business from relationships with customers, employees and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others (via delivery of cash or other assets) if specified triggering events occur. Non-performance under a contract by the guaranteed party triggers the obligation of the Company. The Company’s potential obligation under its guarantees is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
New Accounting Standards
In December 2011, and as clarified in January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that amended the disclosure requirements for offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The guidance was effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial statement disclosures.
In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance that amended the requirements for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The guidance permits the Company to assess qualitative factors to determine necessity of further quantitative calculations. The guidance was effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is intended to help entities improve the transparency of changes in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and items reclassified out of AOCI in their financial statements. The guidance does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or OCI in the financial statements. The guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Refer to Note 16 for the Company’s financial statement disclosures related to the adoption of this guidance.
In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the requirements for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance that resolves the diversity in practice about whether consolidation accounting guidance or foreign currency accounting guidance applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or a certain group of assets within a foreign entity. In addition, the guidance also resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In April 2013, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent and disclose the entity’s plan for liquidation, the methods and significant assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities, the type and amount of costs and income accrued and the expected duration of the liquidation process. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to use the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the U.S. Treasury Rate and LIBOR. The guidance was effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption did not impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance around the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance for the period ended September 30, 2013. The adoption did not materially impact the Company’s financial position.
NOTE 3 Gains on Long-Term Sales Agreements
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain associated with the termination of a long-term sales agreement with a customer. The Company received a cash payment of $183.2, of which, $176.5 was recognized in the current period and reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. The remaining amount was applied to outstanding receivables or was deferred. The Company considered the settlement to be a triggering event for a held-and-used impairment test as production assets were dedicated solely to supplying this customer contract. As such, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that the long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $122.2 were impaired, and as a result, were written down to their estimated fair value of $8.3. Fair value was based on the liquidation value of these assets. As the liquidation value exceeded the fair value based on future cash flows, the assets were written down to the liquidation value. The impairment charge was reflected in “Asset impairment” within the consolidated statement of income. As a result of the gain and impairment, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $40.7, after income taxes.
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a gain associated with the termination of multiple long-term sales agreements with a customer. The long-term sales agreements required the customer to make initial non-refundable advanced cash payments, which were recorded as deferred revenue. During the term of the contract, the customer ceased taking its contractually required minimum supply of product resulting in a decision by the Company to terminate the contracts and initiate legal actions to recover damages associated with the customer’s failure to perform. The termination and related actions resulted in recognition of $52.0 of previously recorded deferred revenue. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $23.1.
In the third quarter of 2012, the Company resolved a contract dispute related to certain long-term sales agreements. The resolution was mainly comprised of a cash payment of $18.5, which was received by the Company in September 2012, and recognition of previously recorded deferred revenue of $24.7. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased by $19.7.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company resolved a contract dispute related to certain long-term sales agreements. The resolution was mainly comprised of a cash payment of $195.2, which was received by the Company in January 2012, and recognition of previously recorded deferred revenue of $229.9. The Company has no remaining obligation to perform under the agreements. The pre-tax impact of the resolution was reflected in “Gains on long-term sales agreements” within the consolidated statement of income. After income taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by $182.9.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
NOTE 4 Polycrystalline Silicon Market Conditions and China Trade Matters
The Company is a provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Pricing for these products declined sharply beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 through 2012. Markets stabilized in 2013 at prices well below historical levels. These products account for a significant portion of the Company’s operating results.
In July 2012, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon products from the U.S. and Korea based on a petition filed by Chinese solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers. The petition alleged that producers within these countries exported solar-grade polycrystalline silicon to China at less than fair value and that production of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon in the U.S. has been subsidized by the U.S. government. On July 18, 2013, MOFCOM announced its preliminary determination that China’s solar-grade polycrystalline silicon industry suffered material damage because of dumping by producers in the U.S. and Korea. The Chinese authorities imposed provisional antidumping duties on producers in the U.S. and Korea ranging from 2.4% to 57.0%, including duties of 53.3% on future imports of solar-grade polycrystalline silicon product from the Company into China. On September 16, 2013, the Chinese authorities imposed provisional countervailing duties of 6.5%. On January 20, 2014, MOFCOM issued a final determination, which resulted in no change to the antidumping duties and reduced the countervailing duties to 2.1%. The requirement for customers to pay provisional duties on imports from solar-grade polycrystalline silicon producers became effective July 24, 2013 for the antidumping duties and September 20, 2013 for the countervailing duties (adjusted for the final determination). The Company will not be subject to duties for previous sales. The Company is evaluating possible actions in response to the final determination.
During the fourth quarter of 2011, management made a decision to temporarily delay ongoing construction activities associated with a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion. Additional capital spending incurred on this expansion during 2012 was limited to activities necessary to stabilize and protect the assets already constructed. As a result of the market conditions and uncertainties described above, solar-grade polycrystalline sales volumes declined during 2012. In response, the production levels of certain of the Company’s existing operating assets were reduced. During the fourth quarter of 2012, management determined the plant expansion was no longer economically viable due to the market conditions and made the decision to abandon the partially constructed assets. The construction-in-progress assets were written down to scrap values, resulting in a charge of $283.2 on assets that had a carrying value of $312.4. Further, the startup of another polycrystalline silicon plant expansion that was expected to begin production in 2013 has been delayed and the assets remain idled. Production will only commence when sales volumes increase to levels necessary to support the plant’s capacity. The timing for startup of this expansion is uncertain. The Company is continuing to monitor market conditions and regulatory developments. Future adverse conditions may cause the Company to re-evaluate the long-term viability of its idled assets. The carrying value of the idled assets was $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2013.
Accounting standards require that if an impairment indicator is present, the Company must assess whether the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable by estimating the sum of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge must be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the events and circumstances described above required the Company to assess whether $4.0 billion of polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. However, the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows indicated the polycrystalline silicon assets were expected to be recovered. After write-down for the abandonment discussed above, the total carrying value of polycrystalline silicon assets was $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2012. As a result of the preliminary determination notices received from MOFCOM during the third quarter of 2013, the Company reassessed whether the carrying value of the polycrystalline silicon assets might be impaired. The Company’s estimates of future undiscounted cash flows continued to indicate the assets are expected to be recovered.
The Company’s estimates of cash flows might change in a future period as a result of continued pricing deterioration, ongoing oversupply in the market or other adverse market conditions that result in non-performance by customers under long-term contracts. Due to these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimate of undiscounted cash flows could change in the near term resulting in the need to write down those assets to fair value. The carrying value of the polycrystalline silicon assets, including the idled assets discussed above, was $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2013.
NOTE 5 Restructuring
In December 2012, the Company initiated a plan of restructuring that primarily included the involuntary termination of professional employees worldwide and capital asset disposals. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $67.5 for employee-related costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements and $297.5 for asset disposals, including charges for the polycrystalline silicon asset abandonments discussed in Note 4. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an additional $11.2 for asset charges and decreased employee-related costs by $1.2. As of December 31, 2013, this restructuring liability was $14.3.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
In March 2013, the Company initiated a separate plan of restructuring that included the involuntary termination of professional and production employees, primarily in domestic manufacturing locations where operations have declined. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $9.0 for employee-related costs and recognized a charge of $30.5 associated with the termination of a long-term supply contract. As of December 31, 2013, this restructuring liability was zero.
Restructuring liabilities are reflected in “Other current liabilities” of the consolidated balance sheets. All restructuring liabilities are expected to be substantially settled by March 31, 2014.
NOTE 6 Investments
Investments reflected in “Marketable securities” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $96.3 and $89.9, respectively. These investments have been classified as available for sale.
The cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of the investments by classification were as follows:
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no securities were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.
Level 3 Assets
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets were as follows:
Level 3 available for sale securities with a cost basis of $113.9 were redeemed or sold during the year ended December 31, 2012. Realized gains for the redemptions and sales were included in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net.” These redemptions were related to securities backed by student loans and were redeemed or sold at a weighted average price of 103.0% of the cost basis.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a loss of $11.7 ($7.4 net of the noncontrolling interests’ share) due to an other-than-temporary impairment of auction rate securities backed by student loans. The loss was reflected in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reached a settlement relating to losses incurred by the Company associated with its auction rate securities portfolio and the failure of the auction market. The total settlement reached was a $29.5 gain and was reflected in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income.
The Company held the following securities classified as Level 3 assets based upon valuation using significant unobservable inputs:
Auction Rate Preferred Securities
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held auction rate preferred securities valued at $69.0 and $75.7, respectively. The interest rates reset on these variable rate instruments quarterly through an auction process. Since the auctions have failed, default dividend allocation methods are in effect. While 84% of the securities were rated below investment grade as of December 31, 2013, all of the issuers of the underlying preferred equity securities have continued to remit dividends consistent with historical practices.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company was not actively marketing, had no intent to sell, nor was it expected to be required to sell, its auction rate preferred securities before the anticipated recovery in market value. In determining that the unrealized losses related to these securities were not other-than-temporary, the Company considered several other factors. These factors included the financial condition and prospects of the issuers, continuation of dividend payments, the magnitude of losses compared with the cost of the investments, the length of time the investments have been in an unrealized loss position and the credit rating of the security. Management believes the decline in fair value is primarily related to the current interest rate environment and market inefficiencies and not to the credit deterioration of the individual issuers. Unrealized losses of $7.0 related to auction rate preferred securities were included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
Note 7 Inventories
The components of inventories were as follows:
Produced goods include both work-in-process and finished goods. Due to the nature of the Company’s operations, it is not practical to classify inventory between work-in-process and finished goods as such classifications can be interchangeable for certain inventoriable items. Purchased materials primarily consist of the Company’s raw material inventories. Maintenance and supplies included in inventory primarily represent spare component parts that are critical to the Company’s manufacturing processes.
NOTE 8 Income Taxes
The components of income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The components of the income tax provision were as follows:
The tax effects of the principal temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
During 2013, the Company purchased additional interest in a majority owned subsidiary, bringing the total ownership interest to over eighty percent. Due to this increase, the subsidiary will now be included in the U.S. federal consolidated tax return. The 2013 balance sheet reflects this change by properly netting the subsidiary’s deferred taxes within the U.S. filing group. If the 2012 balance sheet were to be presented comparably, the noncurrent deferred tax asset would decrease from $970.1 to $372.7 and the noncurrent deferred tax liability would decrease from $614.0 to $16.6. The noncurrent deferred tax asset and noncurrent deferred tax liability presented on the 2013 balance sheet is $362.1 and $20.3, respectively.
The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The criteria that management considered in making this determination were historical and projected operating results, the ability to utilize tax planning strategies and the period of time over which the tax benefits can be utilized.
Tax effected operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2013 were $143.8. Of the tax effected operating loss carryforwards, $111.2 are subject to an indefinite carryforward period and were generated by the Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil and the United Kingdom.
The Company has tax credit carryforwards of $159.2 as of December 31, 2013 attributable to foreign tax credits in the U.S. and state investment tax of $75.0 and $84.2, respectively. The foreign tax credits expire in 2019 through 2021. The state investment credit expires in 2028.
Valuation allowances of $169.7 have been recorded as of December 31, 2013 where the Company believes it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Of this amount, $38.0 is attributable to realized and unrealized capital losses on marketable securities; $83.4 to a state investment tax credit; $17.0 to net operating losses in Brazil; and $13.7 to state net operating losses in the United States.
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, was $155.8, $160.8 and $225.9 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The effective rate of the income tax provision may differ from the United States federal statutory tax rate. A reconciliation of the tax rate was as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company was approved to receive Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits of approximately $169.0 that resulted in a $15.8 reduction in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2011.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, management determined a polycrystalline silicon plant expansion would no longer be economically viable due to challenging market conditions and abandoned this activity. The impact of the abandonment write-down was $36.3, included in Noncontrolling interest losses within the table above. The impact of the write-down increases the effective tax rate as the Company does not receive the full tax benefit from the portion of tax losses attributable to the noncontrolling shareholders. In future years, noncontrolling interest losses will not affect the effective tax rate due to the Company acquiring the remaining interest in the majority owned subsidiary.
As of December 31, 2013, income and remittance taxes have not been recorded on $748.2 of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. If the Company did not intend to reinvest those earnings indefinitely, the Company would have a deferred tax liability of $17.5 related to the outside basis difference of its foreign subsidiaries.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2006.
The following table indicates, for each significant jurisdiction, the earliest tax year that remains subject to examination:
The Company has been participating in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process since the 2011 tax year. In addition, certain foreign jurisdictions and certain states have commenced examinations of returns filed by the Company and some of its foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013, no jurisdiction has proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s tax returns that management believes would be sustained and would materially affect the Company’s financial position. In addition, the Company does not anticipate that any material adjustments will result from settlements, closing of tax examinations or expiration of applicable statutes of limitation in various jurisdictions within the next 12 months.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received proposed adjustments from the IRS related to the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Company filed protests and appeals in response to the proposed adjustments for the years 2006 through 2010. The Company also made voluntary protective bond deposits of $145.0 in 2010 and subsequently redeemed $112.2 of the deposits in 2012 due to management’s belief that the IRS assertions would not be sustained. Certain proposed adjustments relating to the 2006 and 2007 tax years were settled in 2012, which resulted in a return of $17.9 of the bond deposits and retention of the remaining $14.9 by the IRS as part of the settlement. Due to the temporary nature of the proposed adjustments on the 2006 and 2007 federal tax returns, the settlement did not materially impact income tax expense. Additional tax payments of $57.9 were made for the 2008 through 2010 tax years for respective anticipated adjustments. These additional tax payments were made to alleviate the potential for interest expense and penalties. Certain proposed adjustments related to the 2008 through 2010 tax years were settled in 2013, which will result in an expected refund of $29.0 and retention of the remaining $28.9 by the IRS. Due to the temporary nature of the adjustments on the 2008, 2009 and 2010 federal tax returns, the settlement did not materially impact income tax expense. Management believes that the remaining deficiencies asserted by the IRS will not be sustained and is vigorously contesting the IRS claims. If the IRS prevails on the proposed adjustments for the remaining years under audit, the resulting tax deficiency will be $115.3. Management believes that the resolution of the remaining issues will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits, excluding the federal benefit of state items, interest, and penalties, was as follows:
The Company had approximately $89.5 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013. Of this total, $12.6 (including interest, penalties and net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate in any future period.
NOTE 9 Derivatives
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized a favorable long-term supply contract at fair value. The contract provides for the supply of electricity, which is expected to be used in the normal course of business. The contract requires the purchase of minimum volumes and any unused volumes are liquidated on a net basis when minimum volumes are not taken. The contract is a derivative, but was previously unrecognized under the normal purchase normal sale scope exception within the derivative accounting guidance. Due to operational matters and uncertainty regarding the level of future physical deliveries and net settlements under the contract, the Company determined that the normal purchase normal sale scope exception could no longer be applied. Income and a derivative asset of $61.6 were recorded in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” and “Other noncurrent assets,” respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
Under a discounted cash flow method, the fair value of the supply contract was determined by using market prices from the Brazilian Intercontinental Exchange (“BRIX”) for the years 2013 through 2016 and extrapolating them over the remaining periods where market prices are not observable. Since the BRIX curve only provides forward pricing until December 2016, the inputs used in the valuation of the contract were considered Level 3. Electricity prices used in the valuation ranged from $57 to $104 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour for the years 2013 through 2016. The Company used the observable price from 2016 of $57 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour as the basis for prices in the final years, 2017 and 2018. Changes in the fair value of the contract will be recorded in earnings in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” in future periods. Cash flows related to this derivative are reflected in the “Cash flows from operating activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Other derivative balances and hedging activities were not material to the financial position and results of operations of the Company.
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NOTE 10 Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds minority voting interests in certain joint ventures that produce key raw material inputs for the Company. These joint ventures operate under supply agreements that sell inventory to the equity owners using pricing mechanisms that guarantee a return, therefore shielding the joint ventures from the right or ability to absorb expected gains or losses. As a result of the pricing mechanisms of these agreements, these entities are determined to be variable interest entities. As the Company does not hold the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, it is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate the results of these entities.
The Company accounts for its investment in these entities under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these variable interest entities is determined to be the carrying value of the investment in these entities plus the maximum amount of potential future payments under the Company’s guarantees of nonconsolidated subsidiaries’ debt. As of December 31, 2013, the maximum exposure to loss was $154.8.
NOTE 11 Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
The Company recorded depreciation expense of $484.0, $391.5 and $357.2 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
The amount of interest capitalized as a component of the cost of capital assets constructed for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $16.5, $94.5 and $68.9, respectively.
NOTE 12 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had gross goodwill of $70.3 and $68.7, respectively. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to currency translation. The gross and net amounts of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 160
The Company recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $6.1, $7.1 and $10.1 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense to be recorded in each of the next five years is as follows: 2014 - $5.5, 2015 - $5.5, 2016 - $5.5, 2017 - $5.6, 2018 - $5.6.
NOTE 13 Notes Payable and Credit Facilities
Short-Term Borrowings
The Company had outstanding short-term debt of $73.8 and $71.6 in Asia as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The borrowings in Asia were primarily denominated in Renminbi with an interest rate generally set by the People’s Bank of China at the time of borrowing. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding short-term borrowings was 5.4% as of December 31, 2013. Since the interest rates for the borrowings in Asia are reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates its fair value for these borrowings and would be classified as a Level 2 measurement due to use of valuation inputs based on similar liabilities in the market. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants related to the short-term borrowings.
Amounts reflected in “Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt” in the consolidated balance sheets also contain current maturities of the long-term debt instruments disclosed below when repayment is due within the next 12 months. Such amounts were
$5.5 and $137.5 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Credit Facilities
In March 2011, the Company entered into a five-year $1,000.0 revolving credit facility agreement with various U.S. and foreign banks. In November 2013, the facility was extended through 2018. The facility allows for borrowing in multiple currencies for working capital needs and general corporate purposes of the Company. Borrowings bear interest at a LIBOR-plus rate or an alternate rate based on LIBOR, the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective rate plus various spreads based on the terms of the agreement. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding balance on the facility.
In addition, the Company had unused and committed credit facilities with various U.S. and foreign banks totaling $67.9 and $188.4 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These credit facilities may require the payment of commitment fees. The Company intends to renew these facilities at their respective maturities. These facilities are available to support working capital requirements.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 161
In February 2013, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured term loan with a U.S. branch of a Japanese bank. The amount of the loan was $150.0 and is due February 2016. Since the interest rate for the borrowing under the loan agreement is reset regularly based on market conditions, management believes the carrying value of the debt approximates the fair value of the borrowing and is classified as a Level 2 measurement due to use of valuation inputs based on similar liabilities in the market.
In March 2011, the Company issued senior unsecured fixed rate notes at par with an aggregate principal amount of $700.0, including $350.0 of 4.1% Series A Notes due March 2018 and $350.0 of 4.8% Series B notes due March 2021. Valuation of the senior notes is conducted on a quarterly basis using the benchmark risk-free interest rate with a credit spread based on comparable companies with similar credit risk profiles and considering business-specific risks. Because the fixed rate notes were valued using inputs based on similar liabilities observed in the market, the Company’s fixed rate notes were classified as a Level 2 measurement. As of December 31, 2013, the fair values of Series A Notes and Series B Notes were $358.4 and $367.9, respectively.
In April 2009, a majority owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured five-year term loan facility with a syndicate of commercial banks in China. The amount of the facility was 4.2 billion Renminbi ($688.9 U.S. dollars). The facility permitted borrowing in U.S. dollars and Renminbi with required repayments commencing two years after the drawdown date. The subsidiary had $198.1 outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2012. The full amount was repaid as of December 31, 2013. No further borrowings are available under this facility.
The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with its debt covenants, including leverage ratios and interest coverage ratios.
Annual aggregate maturities of the long-term debt of the Company are: 2014 - $5.5, 2015 - $5.6, 2016 - $154.7, 2017 - $4.3, and $772.5 for 2018 and beyond.
Cash paid for interest during the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $57.8, $95.4 and $91.8, respectively.
Sales of Receivables
The Company maintains an accounts receivable facility with a bank in Japan which expires in March 2014. The discount rate under this facility is the equivalent of TIBOR plus 0.25%. The Company sold receivables in the amount of $244.7 and $179.8 to this bank in exchange for cash proceeds of $244.6 and $179.8 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Under the facility, the Company continues to collect the receivables from the customer but retains no interest in the receivables. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables. The transfer of receivables provides additional liquidity to the Company. The counterparty for the receivables facility is a financial institution that specializes in receivables securitization transactions and is financed through the issuance of commercial paper.
Additionally, the Company has access to a short term borrowing facility securitized by receivables in the U.S. which expires in October 2014. The interest rate under this facility is based on LIBOR. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding amounts under this facility. The facility agreement does not permit the Company to transfer the receivables to any other institution and the Company is not permitted to repurchase the transferred receivables.
Letters of Credit
The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $52.8 and $32.6 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Note 14 Deferred Revenue
The Company has historically entered into long-term product sales agreements with certain customers. Under certain agreements, customers are obligated to purchase minimum quantities of product and make specified payments. Most of these product sales agreements extend over various periods and prior to 2012 the revenue associated with the agreements had been recognized using the average sales price over the life of the agreements. Under the average price methodology, differences between amounts invoiced to customers under the agreements and amounts recognized using the average price methodology were reported as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. After a series of amendments to the agreements in 2012, the Company concluded that future sales prices were no longer fixed and determinable and discontinued the use of the average price methodology. For the year ended December 31, 2012 and periods thereafter, the revenue associated with these product sales agreements is recognized using invoice-based pricing with a ratable recognition of existing deferred revenue amounts.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 162
Under certain agreements, customers were required to make initial non-refundable advanced cash payments. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, advanced payments of $111.2 and $95.3, respectively, were received by the Company. The Company expects to receive advanced payments of $65.8 in the next twelve months. Advanced cash payments received are recorded as deferred revenue and are typically applied ratably on a per kilogram basis as products are shipped over the life of the agreements. Modification to terms of the agreements may alter the timing of future advanced payments receipts or their application to future purchases. In the event that certain product delivery timelines are not met, subject to specific conditions outlined in the agreements, customers may be entitled to damages up to the amount of the advanced cash payments. The advanced payments received are reflected in the “Cash flows from operating activities” section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Total deferred revenue reflected in “Current deferred revenue” and “Deferred revenue” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $3,442.6 and $3,572.3, respectively. The changes in deferred revenue were as follows:
Current deferred revenue of $305.2 and $120.2 was recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The current portion was determined based on the Company’s estimate of advanced payments to be applied to customer purchases in the next 12 months.
NOTE Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company maintains defined benefit employee retirement plans covering most domestic and certain non-U.S. employees. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. plans were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 163
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income as of December 31 were as follows:
The Company’s defined benefit employee retirement plans have a measurement date of December 31 of the applicable year. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31 were as follows:
The reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation, beginning and ending balances of the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the plans as of December 31 were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 164
The assets by category and fair value level of the U.S and non-U.S. defined benefit employee retirement plans were as follows:
The changes in fair value of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
Level 1 assets were valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 assets were primarily comprised of assets held in investment funds. The value of these funds was determined based on quoted prices in active markets for assets that are identical to the underlying assets held by the funds.
Level 3 assets were investments in a long term property lease fund. Due to the absence of observable prices in an active market for the same or similar securities, the fair value of the securities was based on the last available market price for the underlying assets.
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 165
The Company expects to recognize $43.4 of net loss and $3.3 of net prior service cost as a component of net periodic pension cost in 2014 for its defined benefit pension plans.
The expected return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on projected returns for assets and the approved asset allocations of the plan. For the purpose of pension expense recognition, the Company uses a market-related value of assets that amortizes the difference between the expected return and the actual return on plan assets over a three-year period. The Company had approximately $10.9 of net unrecognized asset gains associated with its U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2013 that will be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets and subject to amortization in future periods.
For the U.S. defined benefit plan, as of December 31, 2013, the fair value of plan assets included 40% of equity securities and 60% of debt securities. The plan targets an asset allocation of 40% equity securities and 60% debt securities. The plan’s expected long-term rate of return is determined by the asset allocation and expected future rates of return on equity and fixed income securities.
Given the relatively long horizon of the Company’s aggregate obligation, its investment strategy is to improve and maintain the funded status of its U.S. and non-U.S. plans over time without exposure to excessive asset value volatility. The Company manages this risk primarily by maintaining actual asset allocations between equity and fixed income securities for the plans within a specified range of its target asset allocation. In addition, the Company ensures that diversification across various investment subcategories within each plan are maintained within specified ranges.
All of the Company’s pension assets are managed by outside investment managers and held in trust by third-party custodians. The selection and oversight of these outside service providers is the responsibility of investment committees. The selection of specific securities is at the discretion of the investment manager and is subject to the provisions set forth by written investment management agreements and related policy guidelines regarding permissible investments and risk control practices.
The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to defined benefit plans when pension laws and economics either require or encourage funding. Contributions of approximately $85.9 are planned for the U.S. plans in 2014. Contributions of approximately $16.5 are planned for non-U.S. plans in 2014.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and to determine the net benefit costs are shown in the following table. Discount rates and rates of increase in future compensation are weighted based upon the projected benefit obligations of the respective plans. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is weighted based on total plan assets for each plan at year end. The long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is determined considering historical returns and expected future asset allocation and returns for each plan.
The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. defined benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate. The discount rates for non-U.S. defined benefit plans are based on benchmark rate indices specific to the respective countries and durations similar to those of the plans’ liabilities.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 166
The Company expects to pay benefits under its defined benefit plans in future periods as detailed in the following table. The expected benefits have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013 and include benefits attributable to future employee service.
Other Postretirement Plans
In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care benefits for most retired employees, primarily in the U.S. The cost of providing these benefits to retirees outside the U.S. is not significant; therefore, this discussion relates to the U.S. plans only. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following components:
Other changes in benefit obligations that were recognized in or reclassified from other comprehensive income included:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 167
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was as follows:
The Company expects to recognize $4.6 of net loss and $0.7 of net prior service credit as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014.
The health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 8.0% and 8.2% in 2013 and 2012, respectively. In both 2013 and 2012, the health care cost trend rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% in 2033 and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts reported, but is offset by plan provisions that limit the Company’s share of the total postretirement health care benefits cost for the vast majority of participants. The Company’s portion of the total annual health care benefits cost is capped at specified dollar amounts for participants who retired in 1994 or later and such limits are expected to be reached in all subsequent years. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 1.6% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2013 by 1.2%. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by 1.2% and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2013 by 0.9%.
The discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 4.5%, 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. The discount rate used to determine net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 3.8%, 4.3% and 5.3%, respectively. The Company uses the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and matches points along the curve to the estimated future benefit payments of the U.S. postretirement health care benefit plans to arrive at an effective discount rate.
The Company funds most of the cost of the postretirement health care as incurred. Benefit payments to retirees were $19.9 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Reimbursements received under Medicare Part D were $1.7 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company expects to pay future benefits under its postretirement health care plans and expects to receive reimbursements from annual Medicare Part D subsidies as detailed in the following table. The expected payments have been estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2013.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 168
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has various defined contribution and savings plans covering certain employees. The Company made matching contributions under defined contribution plans of $17.8, $19.5 and $22.9 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The U.S. plan is the largest of the defined contribution and savings plans maintained by the Company. Employer matching contributions for the U.S. defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $15.8. The Company expects to make additional contributions of $17.8 to all defined contribution plans during 2014.
NOTE 16 	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
A summary of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, included the following components:
(1) Net of tax effect of $(2.1), $(2.4) and $1.1 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax effects of gains and losses arising during the period and reclassifications for gains included in income are included in the table below.
(2) Net of tax effect of $(128.0), $(37.9) and $136.3 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax effects of gains and losses arising during the period and amortization in net income are included in the table below.
(3) The unamortized pension losses and prior service costs are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 15 for additional details).
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
NOTE 17 Commitments And Contingencies
Chapter 11 Related Matters
On May 15, 1995 (the “Filing Date”), the Company voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Northern Division in order to resolve the Company’s breast implant liabilities and related matters (the “Chapter 11 Proceeding”). The Joint Plan of Reorganization was confirmed in November 1999 and provides funding for the resolution of breast implant and other products liability litigation covered by the Chapter 11 Proceeding through several settlement options or through litigation and for the satisfaction of commercial creditor claims in the Chapter 11 Proceeding. The Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceeding on June 1, 2004 (the “Effective Date”) and is implementing its Joint Plan of Reorganization.
Breast Implant and Other Products Liability Claims
Products liability claims to be resolved by settlement are administered by a settlement facility (the “Settlement Facility”), and products liability claims to be resolved by litigation are defended by a litigation facility (the “Litigation Facility”). Products liability claimants choosing to litigate their claims are required to pursue their claims through litigation against the Litigation Facility. Under the Joint Plan of Reorganization, the total amount of payments by the Company committed to resolve products liability claims will not exceed a net present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7%. Of this amount, no more than a net present value of $400.0 determined as of the Effective Date will be used to fund the Litigation Facility.
Funding the Settlement and Litigation Facilities
The Company has an obligation to fund the Settlement Facility and the Litigation Facility (collectively, the “Facilities”) over a 16-year period, commencing at the Effective Date. The Company anticipates that it will be able to meet its remaining payment obligations to the Facilities utilizing cash flow from operations, insurance proceeds and/or prospective borrowings. If the Company is unable to meet its remaining obligations to fund the Facilities, the Company will also have access to a ten-year unsecured revolving credit commitment, established by Dow Chemical and Corning, in an original maximum aggregate amount of $300.0. Beginning June 1, 2009, the amount available decreases by $50.0 per year and will fully expire June 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2013 the maximum aggregate amount available to the Company under this revolving credit commitment was $50.0. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had not drawn any amounts against the revolving credit commitment.
Funds are paid by the Company (a) to the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims, as such claims are processed and allowed by the Settlement Facility and (b) via the Settlement Facility with respect to products liability claims processed through the Litigation Facility, as such claims are resolved. Insurance settlements are paid by the Company directly to the Settlement Facility or by the Company’s insurers on behalf of the Company. The amount of funds paid by or on behalf of the Company is subject to annual and aggregate funding limits. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized a $24.2 gain in “Other nonoperating income (expenses), net” on the consolidated statements of income in connection with recently concluded insurance settlements. The Company has made payments of $1,752.8 to the Settlement Facility through December 31, 2013.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
In accordance with the Joint Plan of Reorganization, and subject to the annual and aggregate funding limits, future payments to the Settlement Facility will be made on a periodic basis as necessary to preserve the liquidity of the Settlement Facility until such payment obligations cease as provided for in the Plan. Based on these funding agreements, the recorded liability is adjusted to maintain the present value of $2.35 billion determined as of the Effective Date using a discount rate of 7% (“Time Value Adjustments”). The Company has made early payments to the Settlement Facility in advance of their due dates and has recognized Time Value Adjustments for certain of those early payments consisting primarily of insurance proceeds. Time Value Adjustments are also recognized for periods when sufficient liquidity exists in the Settlement Facility, such that full payments from the Company are not required to be made within the annual funding period.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s “Implant reserve” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets was $1,616.4 and $1,609.4, respectively. These amounts reflect the Company’s estimated remaining obligation to fund the resolution of breast implant and other medical device claims pursuant to the Company’s Joint Plan of Reorganization and other breast implant litigation related matters. The actual amounts payable and the timing of payments by the Company to the Settlement Facility are uncertain and will be affected by, among other things, (a) the rate at which claims are resolved by the Facilities, (b) future claim filing deadlines, (c) the rate at which insurance proceeds are received by the Company from its insurers, (d) the timing of second priority payments, if any, to claimants, (e) the outcome of legal determinations on various claim categories and (f) the degree to which Time Value Adjustments are recognized.
In December 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, acting upon the recommendation and motion of the court-appointed Finance Committee and over the objection of the Company, authorized the Finance Committee to disburse a portion (50%) of second priority payments to claimants. The plan documents provide that second priority payments, in full or in part, may be paid only upon a showing that adequate funding for first priority payments is assured. The Company believes the required level of assurance has not been reached and is in the process of appealing the ruling. The Company will continue to monitor outcomes of this action and will continue to evaluate available information regarding expected levels of future funding under the Plan.
It is reasonably possible the Company’s estimate of the remaining obligation could materially change in future periods as a result of management’s assessment of the expected amounts to be paid by the Company to the Settlement Facility through the end of the 16-year period that commenced at the Effective Date.
Insurance Allocation Agreement between the Company and Dow Chemical
A number of the products liability insurance policies relevant to claims against the Company name the Company and Dow Chemical as co-insureds (the “Shared Insurance Assets”). In order to resolve issues related to the amount of the Shared Insurance Assets that would be available to the Company for resolution of its products liability claims, the Company and Dow Chemical entered into an insurance allocation agreement. Under this agreement, 25% of certain of the Shared Insurance Assets were paid by the Company to Dow Chemical subsequent to the Effective Date. The maximum amount payable under the agreement was $285.0. As of December 31, 2013, $284.1 had been paid to Dow Chemical and $0.9 was reflected in “Other noncurrent liabilities.”
In accordance with the agreement, a portion of any such amounts paid to Dow Chemical, to the extent not offset by certain qualifying product liability claims paid by Dow Chemical, will be paid over to the Company after the expiration of a 17.5-year period commencing on the Effective Date. As of December 31, 2013, Dow Chemical had given notice to the Company that it has thus far incurred $174.0 of potentially qualifying claims.
Commercial Creditor Issues
The Joint Plan of Reorganization provides that each of the Company’s commercial creditors (the “Commercial Creditors”) would receive in cash the sum of (a) an amount equal to the principal amount of their claims and (b) interest on such claims. The actual amount of interest that will ultimately be paid to these Commercial Creditors is uncertain due to pending litigation between the Company and the Commercial Creditors regarding the appropriate interest rates to be applied to outstanding obligations from the Filing Date through the Effective Date (the “Pendency Interest”) as well as the presence of any recoverable fees, costs and expenses.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
The Company’s position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be (i) an amount determined by applying non-default rates of interest for floating rate obligations in accordance with the formulas in the relevant contracts, except that the aggregate amount of interest cannot be less than that resulting from the application of a fixed rate of 6.28% through the Effective Date and (ii) the higher of the relevant contract rates or 6.28% for all other obligations to the Commercial Creditors through the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) default interest rates should not apply (the “Company’s Position”). The Commercial Creditors’ position is that (a) Pendency Interest should be an amount determined by applying default rates of interest with respect to amounts overdue under the terms of the relevant debt and commercial agreements until the Effective Date, (b) interest payable to the Commercial Creditors for periods following the Effective Date should be computed at 5% and (c) certain of the Commercial Creditors are entitled to unspecified fees, costs and expenses. The Company has paid to the Commercial Creditors an amount of interest that the Company considers to be undisputed, which was calculated by application of the Company’s Position (the “Undisputed Portion”).
In July 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit concluded that there is a general presumption that contractually specified default interest should be paid by a solvent debtor to unsecured creditors (the “Interest Rate Presumption”) and permitting the Company’s Commercial Creditors to recover fees, costs and expenses where allowed by relevant loan agreements and state law. The matter was remanded to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan for further proceedings, including rulings on the facts surrounding specific claims and consideration of any equitable factors that would preclude the application of the Interest Rate Presumption.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has paid approximately $1.5 billion to the Commercial Creditors, representing principal and the Undisputed Portion. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has estimated its liability payable to the Commercial Creditors to be within a range of $94.2 to $308.9. However, no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range. Therefore, the Company has recorded the minimum liability within the range. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of interest included in “Accrued interest” recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s potential obligation to pay additional interest to its Commercial Creditors in the Chapter 11 Proceeding was $92.7 and $88.3, respectively. The actual amount of interest that will be paid to these creditors is uncertain and will ultimately be resolved through continued proceedings in the District Court.
Risks and Uncertainties
As additional facts and circumstances develop related to Chapter 11 matters, it is at least reasonably possible that amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements may be revised. Future revisions, if required, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the period or periods in which such revisions are recorded. Since any specific future developments, and the impact such developments might have on amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, are unknown at this time, an estimate of possible future adjustments cannot be made.
Environmental Matters
The Company was previously advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or by similar state and non-U.S. national regulatory agencies that the Company, together with others, is a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) with respect to a portion of the cleanup costs and other related matters involving a number of waste disposal sites. Management believes that there are 25 sites at which the Company may have some liability, although management expects to settle the Company’s liability for 11 of these sites for amounts that are not material.
Based upon preliminary estimates by the EPA or the PRP groups formed with respect to these sites, the aggregate liabilities for all PRP’s at those sites at which management believes the Company may have more than a de minimis liability is $30.3. Management cannot estimate the aggregate liability for all PRP’s at all of the sites at which management expects the Company has a de minimis liability. The Company records accruals for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company’s costs can be reasonably estimated. The amount accrued for environmental matters was $3.6 and $4.8 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
As additional facts and circumstances develop, it is at least reasonably possible that the accrued liability related to environmental matters may be revised. While there are a number of uncertainties with respect to the Company’s estimate of its ultimate liability for cleanup costs at these waste disposal sites, management believes that any costs incurred in excess of those accrued will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This opinion is based upon the number of identified PRP’s at each site, the number of such PRP’s that are believed by management to be financially capable of paying their share of the ultimate liability, and the portion of waste sent to the sites for which management believes the Company might be held responsible based on available records.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Other Regulatory Matters
Companies that manufacture and sell chemical products may experience risks under current or future laws and regulations which may result in significant costs and liabilities. The Company routinely conducts health, toxicological and environmental tests of its products. The Company cannot predict what future regulatory or other actions, if any, may be taken regarding the Company’s products or the consequences of their production and sale. Such actions could result in significant losses, and there can be no assurance that significant losses would not be incurred. However, based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that any such actions would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Other Legal Matters
The Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits that arise during the normal course of business, including matters relating to commercial disputes, product liability, governmental regulation and other actions. The Company believes that the possibility is remote that resolution of all presently pending matters would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Leases
The Company leases certain real and personal property under agreements that generally require the Company to pay for maintenance, insurance and taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 lease expense was $51.4, $53.9 and $55.9, respectively. The minimum future lease payments required under noncancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 in the aggregate are $244.2, including the following amounts due in each of the next five years: 2014 - $47.7, 2015 - $31.9, 2016 - $26.9, 2017 - $20.7 and 2018 - $18.4.
NOTE 18 	Changes in Ownership of Consolidated Subsidiaries
In the first quarter of 2013, the Company acquired additional ownership interests in two majority owned consolidated subsidiaries within the polycrystalline silicon industry in exchange for total consideration of $24.0. The consideration was primarily in the form of a promissory note that was paid in April 2013. The Company adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest by $38.3 to reflect the change in ownership of the subsidiaries.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company acquired additional ownership interests in three majority owned consolidated subsidiaries within the polycrystalline silicon industry in exchange for total cash consideration of $242.0. The Company adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest by $149.4 to reflect the change in ownership of the subsidiaries.
The acquisitions were accounted for as equity transactions.
NOTE 19 Related Party Transactions
The Company has transactions in the normal course of business with its shareholders, Dow Chemical and Corning and their affiliates. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances with the Company’s shareholders:
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
Amounts shown as payables to Dow Chemical exclude the balance owed under the insurance allocation agreement disclosed in Note 17. In addition, the Company has transactions in the normal course of business with nonconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling shareholders. The following tables summarize related party transactions and balances with nonconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling shareholders:
In addition, the Company loans excess funds to Toray Industries, Inc., which is the noncontrolling shareholder of one of the Company’s non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries. The amount of loans receivable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $46.7 and $39.6, respectively. These balances are included in “Notes and other receivables” in the consolidated balance sheets.
In November 2012, a majority owned subsidiary received a loan from the noncontrolling shareholder, Wacker Chemie AG. The loan bears interest at 4.5% and is due in November 2021. In December 2012, the majority owned subsidiary received an additional loan from Wacker Chemie AG, which also bears interest at 4.5% and is due in November 2020. The outstanding balance of these loans, including accumulated interest, was 740.1 and 707.5 Renminbi ($121.4 and $112.6 U.S. dollars, respectively) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The loan balances are included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.
CORNING INCORpORated - 2013 Form 10-K
SAMSUNG CORNING PRECISION MATERIALS CO., LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012
and for the years ended
December 31, 2013, 2012 and
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. Index
December 31, 2013 and 2012
and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Page(s)
Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
183-199
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 176
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013.
Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers
Seoul, Korea
February 8, 2014
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 177
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Commitments and Contingencies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 178
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 179
Consolidated Statements of Income
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 180
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 181
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
Certain amounts for prior periods were reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K 182
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
1. Organization and Nature of Operations
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) are providers of flat glass substrates which are used to manufacture TFT-LCD (Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) panels for notebook computers, LCD monitors, LCD TVs and other handheld devices. The Company’s major customers are Korean LCD panel makers such as Samsung Display Co., Ltd. (“Samsung Display”) and LG Display Co., Ltd. The Company’s current market is primarily companies incorporated in Korea.
The Company was incorporated on April 20, 1995 under the laws of the Republic of Korea in accordance with a joint venture agreement between Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) located in the U.S.A. and domestic companies in Korea. On December 31, 2007, the Company acquired all of outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (“SSC”) which owned 70% interest in Samsung Corning (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“SCM”), 60% interest in SSH Limited (“SSH”) and 51% interest in Global Technology Video Co., Ltd. (“GTV”). These SSC investments were accounted for as consolidated subsidiaries. SCM purchased 30% shares owned by Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. in SCM for $ 26,074 thousand and retired the treasury stock in September 2011.
As of December 31, 2013, the issued and outstanding number of common shares of the Company is 17,617,462, of which are owned 50% by Corning Hungary Data Services Limited Liability Company, 7.4% by Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l., which are subsidiaries of Corning and 42.6% by Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 8, 2014, the date the financial statements are available to be issued.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, including its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not control are accounted for using the equity method.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company operates primarily in Korean Won, its local and functional currency. The Company has chosen the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency. In accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation gain or loss are recorded directly as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains or losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the income statement as incurred. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date and the related exchange gains or losses are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements of Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial position and results of operations of SCM are measured using its functional currency of the U.S. dollar. All other subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into Korean won, the Korean parent company’s functional currency, using the current exchange rate method. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates and the resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholder’s equity.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the products have been delivered and all risks of ownership have been transferred to the customers, the sale price is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Utilizing these criteria, product revenue is recognized upon delivery of the product at customer’s location or upon customer acceptance, depending on the terms of the arrangements. At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated product returns and price discounts based upon historical experience and the related terms of customer arrangements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The most significant estimates and assumptions relate to the useful life of property, plant and equipment, estimates of fair value of available for sale securities, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, contingent liabilities, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and allocated expenses, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may be different from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash. The Company considers securities with contractual maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information follows:
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash mainly represents time deposits with local Korean banks who support small-size companies. Deposits are kept with these banks as part of the Company’s corporate responsibility program. The Company has included the restricted cash in the other non-current assets and short-term financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Short-Term Financial Instruments
The Company’s short-term financial instruments are time deposits with financial institutions. These time deposits have original maturities of twelve months or less, and their carrying values approximate fair value.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The Company’s other non-current assets include available-for-sale securities that are recorded at fair value. These securities are equity securities that have readily determinable fair values. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity until realized.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Available-for sale securities reflected in “other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $5,835 thousand and $6,366 thousand, respectively. The cost, gross unrealized gains and fair value of the available-for-sale securities were as follows:
There were no realized gains during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method. The cost of inventories is determined based on the normal capacity of the production facility. In case the capacity utilization is lower than a level that management believes to be normal, the fixed overhead costs per production unit which exceeds those under normal capacity, are charged to cost of sales rather than capitalized as inventories.
Property and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, including precious metals, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives except for the depreciation of precious metals.
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals. These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in the Company’s manufacturing process over a very long useful life. The Company treats the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and accounts for these losses as a period expense based on reasonably estimated units lost. Precious metals are integral to many of the Company’s glass production processes. Precious metals are only acquired to support the Company’s operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group against future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset or asset group. The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value.
Accrued Severance Benefits
Employees and directors with one or more years of service are entitled to severance benefits upon the termination of their employment based on their length of service and rate of pay. As of December 31, 2013, approximately all employees of the Company were eligible for severance benefits. Accrued severance benefits represent the amount which would be payable assuming eligible employees and directors were to terminate their employment with the Company as of the balance sheet date.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Changes in accrued severance benefits for each period are as follows:
(1) The balance included in other current assets as of December 31, 2013.
During 2010, under new tax and labor laws, the Company elected to fund the accrued severance benefits through severance plan assets for which Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., has guaranteed a certain rate of return to the Company. The severance plan assets are classified as a reduction from the accrued severance benefits. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the accrued severance benefits are approximately 101% and 94% funded.
Also, in accordance with the National Pension Act of the Republic of Korea, a portion of accrued severance benefits was deposited with the National Pension Fund and deducted from the accrued severance benefits. The contributed amount is paid to employees from the National Pension Fund upon their separation from the Company.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development expenditures, which include costs in relation to new product, development, research, process improvement and product use technology, are expensed as incurred and included in operating expenses.
Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credit
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for anticipated future tax consequences resulting from temporary differences between amounts reported for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed on the temporary differences by applying the enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the years when such differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax assets are recognized when it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The total income tax provision includes the current income tax expense under the applicable tax regulation and the change in the balance of deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year.
The Company is eligible to use investment tax credits that are temporarily allowed for qualified plant and equipment expenditures. The investment tax credit is recognized as a reduction of tax expense in the year in which the qualified plant and equipment expenditure is incurred.
In determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company uses annual effective income tax rates. The effective tax rate also reflects the Company’s assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, the Company assesses its income tax positions and records a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Adjustments are made to the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which the Company determines the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the return containing the tax position or when more information becomes available. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line item in the consolidated statements of income.
Discrete events such as tax audit settlements or changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Valuation allowances are established when management is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will ultimately be realized.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Equity Method Investments
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliated companies that are not controlled by the Company and in which the Company’s interest is generally between 20% and 50% and the Company has significant influence over the entity. The Company’s share of earnings or losses of affiliated companies, in which at least 20% of the voting securities is owned and the Company has significant influence but not control over the entity, is included in consolidated operating results.
The Company uses the cost method to account for the Company’s investments in companies that the Company does not control and for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. In accordance with the cost method, these investments are recorded at cost or fair value, as appropriate.
All material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company’s equity method investments are reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis or if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. This assessment is based on a review of the equity investments’ performance and a review of indicators of impairment to determine if there is evidence of a loss in value of an equity investment. Factors the Company considers include:
• Absence of the Company’s ability to recover the carrying amount;
• Inability of the equity affiliate to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment; and
• Significant litigation, bankruptcy or other events that could impact recoverability.
For an equity investment with impairment indicators, the Company measures fair value on the basis of discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods, depending on the nature of the company involved. If it is probable that the Company will not recover the carrying amount of their investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in earnings, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly. The Company requires their equity method affiliates to provide audited financial statements. Consequently, required assessments of asset recoverability are included in their results. The Company also includes these financial statements in their recoverability assessment.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. With certain exceptions, ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 on either a prospective or retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-05 Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU 2013-05 clarifies when to release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for transactions involving the disposition of some or all of an investment or a business combination achieved in stages (step acquisitions). The amendments are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04 Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure such obligations as the sum of the amount that the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement with co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative period presented is required with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, on February 5, 2013. The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2012. Non-public companies will adopt the standard one year later, but would be exempt from certain interim disclosure requirements.
The standard is intended to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income of various components. Among other things, an entity is required to present either parenthetically on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. However, an entity would not need to show the income statement line item affected for certain components that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, such as amounts amortized into net periodic pension cost. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 does not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
3. Discontinued Operation
As specified in the Framework Agreement by and among Samsung Display, Corning, solely for the purposes of Sections 1.5, 6.1 and 11 thereof, Corning Hungary Data Services Limited Liability Company, Corning Holding Japan, G.K., and Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l., dated October 22, 2013 (“Framework Agreement”) to which SCP and Samsung Corning Advanced Glass LLC. (“SCG”) became parties pursuant to the SCP Joinder Agreement and the SCG Joinder Agreement, respectively.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, on December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to sell the Target Business, which is a core material that ensures conductivity and transparency by coating a flat panel display, to SCG. The Business Transfer Agreement was signed on January 17, 2014, stipulates that the sale occur on February 1, 2014. The net proceeds are expected to be $158,341 thousand.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, on December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to sell all facilities within the Company’s Gumi plant but excluding any assets comprising the Target Business. Accordingly, the Real Property Sale and Purchase Agreement was entered with SCG on January 23, 2014, stipulates that the sale occur on February 1, 2014. The net proceeds are expected to be $83,998 thousand.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, the Company shall dispose precious metals and the disposal are expected to occur on February 17, 2014 under the management plan. The net proceeds expected to be calculated based on the market price at the date of transactions.
In connection with the Framework Agreement, SCP shall shut down its existing photovoltaic glass business (“PV Business”) within one year following the agreement date and, no later than one year after the general completion of such shut-down of the PV Business, operated by SCM. Accordingly, the Company plans to market the remaining assets of PV Business and complete the disposition of PV Business to comply with the Framework Agreement. An impairment charge of $62,722 thousand was recognized by fully written down of the net book value of long-lived assets in the year ended December 31, 2013.
As a result, the operating results of Target Business and PV Business to be sold are reported as discontinued operations in all periods presented. Amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to this presentation in accordance with ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, to allow for meaningful comparison of continuing operations. The Company’s historical financial results, except for disclosures related to cash flows, have been restated to account for Target Business and PV Business as discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities of Target Business, PV Business, precious metals and Gumi facilities to be sold are classified as held for sale and have been aggregated and reported on separate lines of the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
The following table discloses the results of operations reported as discontinued operations for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
The following table reflects the summary of assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, for Target Business and PV Business reported as discontinued operations and precious metals and Gumi facilities to be disposed within one year from December 31, 2013.
(1) As of December 31, 2013, SCM’s term loan debt was $32,059 thousand, and variable interest rate is contracted. As of December 31, 2013, the weighted average rate was 2.08%. Due to the decision to shut down PV business, the term loan is immediately due and payable.
4. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
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5. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
6. Equity Method Investments
Equity method investments comprise the following:
(1) This reflects the Company’s direct ownership interests in the affiliated company. The Company does not have control of the entity.
During September 2009, the Company entered into an operating agreement with Corning. Pursuant to the operating agreement, the parties established Corsam Technologies LLC (“Corsam”), a new equity affiliate established to provide glass technology research for future product applications. The Company contributed $124,000 thousand in cash and Corning contributed intellectual property with a corresponding value. In 2012, the Company and Corning each contributed an additional $7,000 thousand. The Company and Corning each own 50% of the common stock of Corsam and Corning has agreed to provide research and development services to Corsam. The Company does not control Corsam as Corning maintains participating voting rights. In addition, Corsam has sufficient equity to finance its activities, the voting rights of investors in Corsam are considered substantive, and the risks and rewards of Corsam’s research are shared only by those investors noted. As a result, the Company accounts for its investment in Corsam under the equity method of accounting for investments.
The Company’s share of Corsam net losses of $5,198 thousand, $39,366 thousand and $ 27,758 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, has been recognized in equity losses of affiliated companies.
On December 31, 2013 and 2012, because of slow down of the photovoltaic industry, Corsam recorded $7,697 thousand and $49,719 thousand, respectively, of impairment loss related to its intellectual property which was initially contributed by Corning. The Company recorded its 50% share of such impairment charge totaling $3,848 thousand and $24,860 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment comprise the following:
Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed with precious metals. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the recorded amount of precious metals totaled $939,692 thousand and $942,187 thousand, respectively. Depletion expense for precious metals in the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $11,049 thousand and $18,862 thousand, respectively.
8. Other Non-current Assets
Other non-current assets consist of the following:
9. Impairment Charges
In response to economic challenges and strategic alternatives, certain assets used for the production of glasses were committed to be abandoned before the end of their previously estimated useful lives based on management’s decision to reduce the manufacturing capacity. As a result, a group of unusable assets was fully written off in 2012, and another group in 2013. Before their respective write-offs, the group of assets written off in 2012 had a net book value of $27,294 thousand, while the group of assets written off in 2013 had a net book value of $20,945 thousand. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
In December 2013, the Company discontinued development of Willow coater technology, a technology for touch panel. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $11,569 thousand for related long-lived assets associated with the development of Willow coating technology. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company agreed with SCG to execute demolition and clean-up activities of a LCD processing building and certain office premises in Gumi plant. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $31,960 thousand to fully write-down the subject assets of demolition and clean-up in 2013. These amounts are included as part of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
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On December 2, 2011, the Company decided to exit from the CRT glass business operated in SCM, and the manufacturing of the CRT glass was ceased in December 2011 in response to anticipated lower sales in 2012. An impairment charge was needed for asset dismantling and restoration costs and costs for special termination benefits. Total cash payments with this plan were expected to be approximately $14,461 thousand with the majority of spending made in 2012. Accordingly, the Company recorded restructuring costs totaling $14,461 thousand in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, in the year ended December 31, 2011. These amounts are included as part of selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
10. Transactions with Related Parties
A summary of related party transactions and related receivable and payable balances as of December 31 is as follows:
(1) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, related parties sales of $83,525 thousand, purchases of $19 thousand and services expenses of $1,653 thousand and related receivables of $14,791 thousand and payables of $1,567 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
(2) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, related parties sales of $98,271 thousand, purchases of $195 thousand and services expenses of $1,029 thousand and related receivables of $12,692 thousand and payables of $89 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
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(3) As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, related parties sales of $84,379 thousand, purchases of $8,885 thousand and services expenses of $1,327 thousand and related receivables of $18,165 thousand and payables of $96 thousand for discontinued operations are included in the above table.
(4) Transfers of machinery and equipment to related parties including SCG, Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDS and Samsung Fine Chemicals are included.
(5) Purchases of property, plant and equipment are included.
In the normal course of business, the Company sells its products to Samsung Display and Corning, purchases semi-finished goods from Corning and purchases property, plant and equipment from Samsung affiliates and Corning. The Company also obtains services from Samsung affiliated companies. In addition, the Company paid a 3% royalty on net sales amounts of certain products to Corning. The royalty rate has been lowered from 6% to 3% under the revised royalty agreement effective from December 1, 2011.
Samsung Display was established on April 1, 2012 through a spin-off of Samsung Electronics’ LCD division. As a result, the Company’s shareholder has been changed to Samsung Display and the existing contractual relationship with Samsung Electronics was fully succeeded to Samsung Display. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, Samsung Display represents the sum of transactions and balances with Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company deposited the severance plan assets to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. of $100,800 thousand and $71,885 thousand, respectively.
Effective in January 2012, the Company signed a five-year renewal of its long term LCD supply contract with Samsung Electronics.
In April 2012, Corning and Samsung Display formed SCG, a new affiliate of the Company established to manufacture organic light emitting diode glasses. The Company entered into a Shared Service Agreement and a Leasing Agreement with SCG and charges relevant fees on a cost basis with a reasonable mark-up to SCG. In addition, the Company sold certain inventories, machinery and equipment to SCG amounting to $49,795 thousand and $52,900 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In December 2013, the Company and Samsung Electronics signed a sales and purchase agreement over Suwon R&D center at the amount of $138,076 thousand. The transaction completed on December 13, 2013. There was no gains or losses incurred as a result of the transaction.
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11. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value accounting standards define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements. The accounting standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable. Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s market assumptions. Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels used to measure fair value as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liabilities, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s financial assets consisted of available-for-sale securities. These financial assets are measured at fair value and are classified within the Level 1 valuation hierarchy.
The Company’s available for sale investments include equity investments with a fair value of $5,835 thousand and $6,366 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively that are traded in active market. They are measured at fair value using closing stock prices from active markets.
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the balance sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, severance plan assets, accounts and notes receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and short-term borrowing.
12. Income Taxes
The Company’s income tax expenses are composed of domestic and foreign income taxes depending on the relevant tax jurisdiction.
Income tax expense consists of the following:
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The following table reconciles the expected amount of income tax expense based on consolidated statutory rates to the actual amount of taxes recorded by the Company:
The statutory income tax rate of the Company, including tax surcharges, is approximately 24.2%, but the effective income tax rate on continuing operation is 23.8%, 18.06% and 18.44% for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily due to tax exemption benefits for a foreign invested company under the Korean Tax Preference Control Law (“TPCL”). In accordance with the TPCL and the approval of the Korean government, the Company was fully exempt from the corporate income taxes on the taxable income arising from the sales of manufactured goods in proportion to the percentage of qualified foreign shareholder’s equity until 2003 and 50% exemption for the subsequent two years. In 2006, the Company issued additional shares to extend the tax exemption period. As a result, the Company was fully exempt from corporate income taxes until 2010, and thereafter was subject to a 50% tax exemption for a period of 2 years to 2012.
In November 2010, the NTS commenced a review of the Company’s 2008 tax year and a review of the SSC 2006 tax year. In April 2011, the tax review by the NTS was closed without claiming additional taxes for adjustment.
The corporate income tax rates including resident tax surcharge is a) 11% on the taxable income of up to 0.2 billion won, b) 22% over taxable income exceeding 0.2 billion won up to 20 billion won, and c) 24.2% for the taxable income exceeding 20 billion won. The Company recognized its deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 based on the enacted future tax rates.
The primary components of the temporary differences that gave rise to the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
A valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets is recognized when it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Realization of the future tax benefit related to the deferred income tax assets is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the period during which the temporary differences reverse, the outlook for the economic environment in which the Company operates, and the overall future industry outlook.
The Company applies the provisions of ASC 740, Income taxes. The Company believes that it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of a tax position, that the Company is entitled to economic benefits resulting from positions taken in its income tax returns.
The Company files income tax return in Korea and various other jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Years open to examination by tax authorities in Korea are 2009 and subsequent tax years.
13. Shareholders’ Equity
The components of and changes in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
Preferred Stock
There were 41,107 shares of non-voting preferred stock with a par value of $8.51 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Each share is entitled to non-cumulative dividends at the rate of 5% on par value. In addition, if the dividend ratio of common stock exceeds that of preferred stock, the additional dividend on preferred stock may be declared by a resolution of the general shareholders’ meeting.
CORNING INCORPORATED - 2013 Form 10-K
Retained Earnings
Retained earnings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 comprised of the following:
Legal Reserve
The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a legal reserve equal to a minimum of 10% of its cash dividends until such reserve equals 50% of its capital stock. The reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Business Development
Pursuant to the Corporate Income Tax Law of Korea, the Company is allowed to appropriate a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for business development. This reserve is not available for dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, through resolution by the Company’s shareholders.
Reserve for Research and Manpower Development
Pursuant to the former Korean Tax Exemption and Reduction Control Law and the Korean Tax Preference Control Law, the Company appropriates a portion of the retained earnings as a reserve for research and manpower development. This reserve is not available for dividends until it is used for the specified purpose or reversed.
Voluntary Reserve
The Company appropriates a certain portion of retained earnings pursuant to shareholder resolution as a voluntary reserve. This reserve may be reversed and transferred to unappropriated retained earnings by the resolution of shareholders and may be distributed as dividends after reversal.
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14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A summary of changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, is as follows:
A summary of reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows:
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Credit Facilities
The Company has an unused credit facility totaling $161,568 thousand and $148,209 thousand at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under this facility as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Business and Credit Risk Concentration
The Company sells its products on a credit basis to its customers including certain related parties. Management estimates the collectability of accounts receivable based on the financial condition of the customers and prevailing economic trends. Based on management’s estimates, the Company established allowances for doubtful accounts receivable which management believes are adequate. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited to the credit worthiness of the Company’s customers. Major customers of the Company are domestic TFT-LCD makers incorporated in Korea. Trade accounts receivables from these three major customers are 96% and 93% of total trade accounts receivable of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and revenues from these three major customers constitute 92%, 91% and 93% of total revenues of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
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Pending Litigation
Based on the agreement entered on August 24, 1999 with respect to Samsung Motor Inc.’s (“SMI”) bankruptcy proceedings, Samsung Motor Inc.’s creditors (“the Creditors”) filed a civil action against Mr. Kun Hee Lee, former chairman of the Company, and 28 Samsung Group affiliates including the Company under joint and several liability for failing to comply with such agreement. Under the suit, the Creditors have sought 2,450 billion won (approximately $1.95 billion) for loss of principal on loans extended to SMI, a separate amount for breach of the agreement, and an amount for default interest. Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“SLI”) completed its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) on May 7, 2010. After disposing 2,277,787 shares and paying the principal balance owed to the Creditors, 878 billion won (approximately $ 0.80 billion) was deposited in to an escrow account. That remaining balance was to be used to pay the Creditors interest due to the delay in the SLI IPO. On January 11, 2011, the Seoul High Court ordered Samsung Group affiliates to pay 600 billion won (approximately $ 0.53 billion) to the Creditors and pay 5% annual interest for the period between May 8, 2010 and January 11, 2011, and pay 20% annual interest for the period after January 11, 2011 until the amounts owed to the Creditors are paid. In accordance with the Seoul High Court order, 620.4 billion won (which includes penalties and interest owed) was paid to the Creditors from the funds held in escrow during January 2011. On February 7, 2011, the Samsung Group affiliates and the Creditors appealed the Seoul High Court’s ruling to the Korean Supreme Court and the appeal is currently in progress. The Company has not contributed to any payment related to these disputes, and has concluded that no provision for loss related to this matter should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013.
16. Subsequent Event
On October 22, 2013, Corning announced that it has signed a series of strategic and financial agreements with Samsung Display, to strengthening the product and technology collaborations between the two companies. On January 15, 2014, the deal transactions closed and resulted in:
• On January 15, 2014, the Company entered into a 15 year $1,902,359 thousand borrowing from Corning Luxembourg S.ar.l. and the interest rate is 8.0% per annum.
• On January 15, 2014, the Company repurchased shares of $1,902,359 thousand from Samsung Display. As a result, Corning obtained full ownership of the Company, formerly an unconsolidated equity venture with Samsung Display.
• Amendment to the agreement on a long-term LCD display glass pricing was signed between Corning and Samsung Display on January 15, 2014. The amendment is effective for ten years, accordingly, the term of the TFT-LCD glass substrate long-term supply agreement, effective as of January 1, 2012 will also be extended from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2023.
• On January 17, 2014, the Company has entered into the Business Transfer Agreement with SCG to transfer the Target business at Gumi. On February 1, 2014, the transaction closed. The expected proceeds from this transaction are $158,341 thousand and the expected pre-tax gains are $16,786 thousand.
• On January 21, 2014, the Company has entered into the Interest Transfer Agreement of Corsam with SCG to transfer investment in equity of Corsam. The transaction closed on February 1, 2014. No gain and loss expected.
• On January 23, 2014, the Company has entered into the Real Property Sale and Purchase Agreement with SCG to transfer the Gumi facilities. On February 1, 2014, the transaction closed. The expected proceeds from this transaction are $83,998 thousand and the expected pre-tax gains are $16,530 thousand.
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