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10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)



þ	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015



o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 1-7819

Analog Devices, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Massachusetts		04-2348234
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Technology Way, Norwood, MA		02062-9106
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(781) 329-4700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

______________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Common Stock $0.16 2/3 Par Value		NASDAQ Global Select Market
Title of Each Class		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Title of Class

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES þ NO o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES o NO þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec. 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES þ NO o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Sec. 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o NO þ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $16,532,000,000 based on the last reported sale of the Common Stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on May 3, 2015. Shares of voting and non-voting stock beneficially owned by executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of the outstanding stock have been excluded from this calculation because such persons or institutions may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of October 31, 2015, there were 312,060,682 shares of Common Stock, $0.162/3 par value per share, outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference



Document Description		Form 10-K Part
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 9, 2016		III

Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbor created under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other safe harbors under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “may,” “could” and “will,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections regarding our future financial performance; our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses; our future liquidity, capital needs and capital expenditures; our future market position and expected competitive changes in the marketplace for our products; our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock; our ability to service our outstanding debt; our expected tax rate; the effect of new accounting pronouncements; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and technologies; and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, including to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the filing of this report, except to the extent required by law.

PART I


ITEM 1.	BUSINESS

Company Overview

Analog Devices, Inc. (we, Analog Devices or the Company) is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of a broad portfolio of solutions that leverage high-performance analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing technology, including integrated circuits (ICs), algorithms, software, and subsystems. Since our inception in 1965, we have focused on solving the engineering challenges associated with signal processing in virtually all types of electronic equipment. Our signal processing products play a fundamental role in converting, conditioning, and processing real-world phenomena such as temperature, pressure, sound, light, speed and motion into electrical signals to be used in a wide array of electronic devices. As new generations of applications, such as the Internet of Things, evolve, new needs for high-performance analog signal processing and digital signal processing (DSP) technology are generated. We focus on sensing, measurement, and connectivity challenges that apply to a diverse set of customers and markets. We combine data converters, amplifiers and linear products, radio frequency (RF) ICs, power management products, sensors based on micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology and other sensors, and processing products, including DSP, micro controllers and other processors, into technology platforms that we adapt to specific customer and market needs, leveraging our engineering investment across a broad base of customers.

We focus on key strategic markets where our signal processing technology is often a critical differentiator in our customers’ products, in particular, the industrial, automotive, consumer and communications markets. Used by over 100,000 customers worldwide, our products are embedded inside many different types of electronic equipment including:



• Industrial process control systems		• Medical imaging equipment
• Factory automation systems		• Patient monitoring devices
• Instrumentation and measurement systems		• Wireless infrastructure equipment
• Energy management systems		• Networking equipment
• Aerospace and defense electronics		• Optical systems
• Automobiles		• Portable electronic devices

We were incorporated in Massachusetts in 1965. Our headquarters are near Boston, in Norwood, Massachusetts. In addition, we have manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, Ireland, and the Philippines, and have more than thirty design facilities worldwide. Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ADI and is included in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Available Information

We maintain a website with the address www.analog.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (including exhibits), and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website our corporate governance guidelines, the charters for our audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and corporate governance committee, our equity award granting policies, our code of business conduct and ethics which applies to our directors, officers and employees, and our related person transaction policy, and such information is available in print and free of charge to any shareholder of Analog Devices who requests it. In addition, we intend to disclose on our website any amendments to, or waivers from, our code of business conduct and ethics that are required to be publicly disclosed pursuant to rules of the SEC or NASDAQ.

Industry Background

Semiconductor components are the electronic building blocks used in electronic systems and equipment. These components are classified as either discrete devices, such as individual transistors, or ICs, in which a number of transistors and other elements are combined to form a more complicated electronic circuit. ICs may be divided into two general categories, digital and analog. Digital circuits, such as memory devices and microprocessors, generally process on-off electrical signals, represented by binary digits, “1” and “0”. In contrast, analog ICs monitor, condition, amplify or transform continuous analog signals associated with physical properties, such as temperature, pressure, weight, light, sound or motion, and play an important role in bridging between real world phenomena and a variety of electronic systems. Analog ICs also provide voltage regulation and power control to electronic systems.

Organizational Structure

We are organized in two business groups: the Industrial and Healthcare Business Group and the Communications and Automotive Business Group. These two groups align our technology offerings with the predominant markets served in order to facilitate decision making throughout our organization. The Industrial and Healthcare Business Group is responsible for the industrial, healthcare and consumer markets and the precision converters, high-performance linear and sensor technology areas. The Communications and Automotive Business Group is responsible for the communications infrastructure and automotive electronics markets, as well as the radio frequency/microwave, high-speed converters and digital signal processing technology areas. Our sales and marketing operations are integrated within these groups and are chartered with unifying the customer experience across direct, distribution, and digital channels. Manufacturing, finance, legal, and human resources are managed as separate functional operations providing support across the Company.

Principal Products

We design, manufacture and market a broad line of high-performance ICs that incorporate analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing technologies. Our ICs are designed to address a wide range of real-world signal processing applications. We sell our ICs to tens of thousands of customers worldwide, many of whom use products spanning our core technologies in a wide range of applications. Our IC product portfolio includes both general-purpose products used by a broad range of customers and applications, as well as application-specific products designed for specific clusters of customers in key target markets. By using readily available, high-performance, general-purpose products in their systems, our customers can reduce the time they need to bring new products to market. Given the high cost of developing more customized ICs, our standard products often provide a cost-effective solution for many low to medium volume applications. We also focus on working with leading customers to design application-specific solutions. We begin with our existing core technologies, which leverage our data conversion, amplification, RF and microwave, MEMS, power management and DSP capabilities, and devise a solution to more closely meet the needs of a specific customer or group of customers. Because we have already developed the core technology platform for our general-purpose products, we can create application-specific solutions quickly.

We produce and market a broad range of ICs and operate in one reportable segment based on the aggregation of six operating segments. The ICs sold by each of our operating segments are manufactured using similar semiconductor manufacturing processes and raw materials in either our own production facilities or by third-party wafer fabricators using proprietary processes. Our ICs are sold to customers globally through a direct sales force, third-party distributors, independent sales representatives and via our website. Our ten highest revenue products, in the aggregate, accounted for approximately 16% of our revenue for our fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 (fiscal 2015).

Analog Products

Our analog and mixed signal IC technology has been the foundation of our business for over four decades, and we are one of the world’s largest suppliers of high-performance analog ICs. Our analog signal processing ICs are primarily high-performance devices, offering higher dynamic range, greater bandwidth, and other enhanced features. We believe that the principal advantages these products have as compared to competitors’ products include higher accuracy, higher speed, lower cost per function, smaller size, lower power consumption and fewer components, resulting in improved performance and reliability. Our product portfolio includes several thousand analog ICs, any one of which can have as many as several hundred customers. Our analog ICs typically have long product life cycles. Our analog IC customers include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers who build electronic subsystems for integration into larger systems.

Converters — We are a leading supplier of data converter products. Data converters translate real-world analog signals into digital data and also translate digital data into analog signals. Data converters remain our largest and most diverse product family and an area where we are continuously innovating to enable our customers to redefine and differentiate their products. Our converter products combine sampling rates and accuracy with the low noise, power, price and small package size required by industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications electronics.

Amplifiers/Radio Frequency — We are also a leading supplier of high-performance amplifiers. Amplifiers are used to condition analog signals. High performance amplifiers emphasize the performance dimensions of speed and precision. Within this product portfolio we provide precision, instrumentation, high speed, intermediate frequency/RF, broadband, and other amplifiers. We also offer an extensive portfolio of precision voltage references that are used in a wide variety of applications. Our analog product line also includes a broad portfolio of high performance RF ICs covering the entire RF signal chain, from industry-leading stand-alone RF function blocks such as phase locked loops, frequency synthesizers, mixers, modulators, demodulators, and power detectors, to highly integrated broadband and short-range single chip transceiver solutions. Our high performance RF ICs support the high performance requirements of cellular infrastructure and a broad range of applications in our target markets.

Other Analog — Also within our analog technology portfolio are products that are based on MEMS technology. This technology enables us to build extremely small sensors that incorporate an electromechanical structure and the supporting analog circuitry for conditioning signals obtained from the sensing element. Our MEMS product portfolio includes accelerometers used to sense acceleration, gyroscopes used to sense rotation and inertial measurement units used to sense multiple degrees of freedom combining multiple sensing types along multiple axes. The majority of our current revenue from MEMS products is derived from the automotive end market. In addition to our MEMS products, our other analog product category includes isolators that enable designers to implement isolation in designs without the cost, size, power, performance, and reliability constraints found with optocouplers. Our isolators have been designed into hundreds of applications, such as universal serial bus isolation in patient monitors, where it allows hospitals and physicians to adopt the latest advances in computer technology to supervise patient health and wirelessly transmit medical records. In smart metering applications, our isolators provide reliable electrostatic discharge performance that helps reduce meter tampering. Likewise, in satellites, where any malfunction can be catastrophic, our isolators help protect the power system while enabling designers to achieve small form factors.

Power Management & Reference — Power management and reference products make up the balance of our analog sales. Those products, which include functions such as power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing and energy management, are developed to complement analog signal chain components across core market segments from micro power, energy-sensitive battery applications to efficient, high performance power systems in infrastructure and industrial applications.

Digital Signal Processing Products

Digital Signal Processing products (DSPs) complete our product portfolio. DSPs are optimized for high-speed numeric calculations, which are essential for instantaneous, or real-time, processing of digital data generated, in most cases, from analog to digital signal conversion. Our DSPs are designed to be fully programmable and to efficiently execute specialized software programs, or algorithms, associated with processing digitized real-time, real-world data. Programmable DSPs are designed to provide the flexibility to modify the device’s function quickly and inexpensively using software. Our general-purpose DSP IC customers typically write their own algorithms using software development tools provided by us and third-party suppliers. Our DSPs are designed in families of products that share common architectures and therefore can execute the same software across a range of products. We support these products with easy-to-use development tools, which are designed to reduce our customers’ product development costs and time-to-market. Our customers use our products to solve a wide range of signal processing challenges across our core market and segment focus areas within the industrial, automotive, consumer and communications end markets. As an integrated part of our customers' signal chain, there are typically many other Analog Devices products connected to our processors, including converters, audio and video codecs and power management solutions.

Markets and Applications

The breakdown of our fiscal 2015 revenue by end market is set out in the table below.



		Percent of
		Fiscal 2015
End Market		Revenue
Industrial		44%
Automotive		15%
Consumer		21%
Communications		20%

The following describes some of the characteristics of, and customer products within, our major end markets:

Industrial — Our industrial market includes the following sectors:

Industrial and Instrumentation — Our industrial automation applications generally require ICs that offer performance greater than that available from commodity-level ICs but generally do not have production volumes that warrant custom ICs. There is a trend towards development of products focused on particular sub-applications, which incorporate combinations of analog, mixed-signal, and DSP ICs to achieve the necessary functionality. Our instrumentation customers differentiate themselves by using the highest performance analog and mixed-signal ICs available. Our industrial and instrumentation market includes applications such as:



• Process control systems		• Oscilloscopes
• Robotics		• Lab, chemical, and environmental analyzers
• Environmental control systems		• Weigh scales

Defense/Aerospace — The defense, commercial avionics and space markets all require high-performance ICs that meet rigorous environmental and reliability specifications. Many of our analog ICs can be supplied in versions that meet these standards. In addition, many products can be supplied to meet the standards required for broadcast satellites and other commercial space applications. Most of our products sold in this market are specially tested versions of products derived from our standard product offering. As end systems are becoming more complex many of our customers in this market also look for sub-systems. We supply sub-systems to many of these customers.

Customer products include:



• Navigation systems		• Radar systems
• Space and satellite communications		• Security devices
• Communication systems

Energy Management — The desire to improve energy efficiency, conservation, reliability, and cleanliness is driving investments in renewable energy, power transmission and distribution systems, electric meters, and other innovative areas. The common characteristic behind these efforts is the addition of sensing, measurement, and communication technologies to electrical infrastructure. Our offerings include both standard and application-specific products and are used in applications such as:



• Utility meters		• Wind turbines
• Meter communication modules		• Solar inverters
• Substation relays and automation equipment		• Building energy automation/control

Healthcare — Two significant trends in the healthcare market today are the increasing need for higher channel counts in medical imaging systems to improve resolution and throughput while achieving a lower cost per channel, and the movement of highly accurate patient monitoring devices from the hospital environment to the home, improving patient care and reducing overall healthcare costs. Our innovative technologies are designed into a variety of high performance imaging, patient monitoring, medical instrumentation, and home health devices. Our offerings include both standard and application-specific products and are used in applications such as:



• Ultrasound		• Infusion pumps
• CT scanners		• Clinical lab instrumentation
• Digital x-ray		• Surgical instrumentation
• Multi-parameter patient monitors		• Blood analyzers
• Pulse oximeters		• Activity monitors

Automotive — We develop differentiated high performance signal processing solutions that enable sophisticated automotive systems to be greener, safer and smarter. Through collaboration with manufacturers worldwide, we have achieved significant market share through a broad portfolio of analog, digital and MEMS ICs that increase fuel efficiency, enhance vehicle stability and safety and improve the in cabin audio/video experience. Specifically, we have developed products used in applications such as:



Greener		Safer		Smarter
•	Hybrid electric / electric vehicles	•	Crash sensors in airbag systems	•	Car audio, voice processing and connectivity
•	Battery monitoring and management systems	•	Electronic stability systems	•	Video processing and connectivity
		•	Advanced driver assistance systems (RADAR)	•	Car telematics

Consumer — To address the market demand for state of the art personal and professional entertainment systems and the consumer demand for high quality user interfaces, music, movies and photographs, we have developed analog, digital and mixed-signal solutions that meet the rigorous cost and time-to-market requirements of the consumer electronics market. The emergence of high-performance, feature-rich consumer products has created a market for our high-performance ICs with a high level of specific functionality that enables best in class user experience. These products include:



• Portable devices (smart phones, tablets and wearable devices) for media and vital signs motoring applications		• Prosumer audio/video equipment

Communications — The development of broadband, wireless and internet infrastructures around the world has created an important market for our communications products. Communications technology involves the processing of signals that are converted from analog to digital and digital to analog form during the process of transmitting and receiving data. The need for higher speed and reduced power consumption, coupled with more reliable, bandwidth-efficient communications, creates demand for our products, which are used in the full spectrum of signal processing for internet protocol, video streaming and voice communication. In wireless and broadband communication applications, our products are incorporated into:

See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about our products by end market.

Research and Development

Our markets are characterized by rapid technological changes and advances. Accordingly, we make substantial investments in the design and development of new products and manufacturing processes, and the improvement of existing products and manufacturing processes. We spent approximately $637 million during fiscal 2015 on the design, development and improvement of new and existing products and manufacturing processes, compared to approximately $560 million during the fiscal year ended November 1, 2014 (fiscal 2014) and approximately $513 million during the fiscal year ended November 2, 2013 (fiscal 2013).

Our research and development strategy focuses on building technical leadership in core technology platforms, which include converters, amplifiers and RF and microwave, MEMS, power management, and DSP. In support of our research and development activities, we employ thousands of engineers involved in product and manufacturing process development throughout the world.

Patents and Other Intellectual Property Rights

We seek to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our technology and products through the use of patents, copyrights, mask works, trademarks and trade secrets. We have a program to file applications for and obtain patents, copyrights, mask works and trademarks in the United States and in selected foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate. We also seek to maintain our trade secrets and confidential information by nondisclosure policies and through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements. We have obtained a substantial number of patents and trademarks in the United States and in other countries. As of October 31, 2015, we held approximately 2,280 U.S. patents and approximately 635 non-provisional pending U.S. patent applications with expiration dates ranging from 2015 through 2034. There can be no assurance, however, that the rights obtained can be successfully enforced against infringing products in every jurisdiction. While our patents, copyrights, mask works, trademarks and trade secrets provide some advantage and protection, we believe our competitive position and future success is largely determined by such factors as the system and application knowledge, innovative skills, technological expertise and management ability and experience of our personnel; the range and success of new products being developed by us; our market brand recognition and ongoing marketing efforts; and customer service and technical support. It is generally our policy to seek patent protection for significant inventions that may be patented, though we may elect, in certain cases, not to seek patent protection even for significant inventions, if we determine other protection, such as maintaining the invention as a trade secret, to be more advantageous. We also have trademarks that are used in the conduct of our business to distinguish genuine Analog Devices products and we maintain cooperative advertising programs to promote our brands and identify products containing genuine Analog Devices components.

Sales Channels

We sell our products globally through a direct sales force, third-party distributors, independent sales representatives and via our website. We have direct sales offices, sales representatives and/or distributors in over 40 countries outside North America.

We support our worldwide sales efforts through our website and with extensive promotional programs that include editorial coverage and paid advertising in online and printed trade publications, webinars, social media and communities, promotional and training videos, direct mail programs, technical seminars and participation in trade shows. We publish, share and distribute technical content such as data sheets, application guides and catalogs. We maintain a staff of field application engineers who aid customers in incorporating our products into their products. In addition, we offer a variety of web-based tools that ease product selection and aid in the design process for our customers.

We derived approximately 50% of our fiscal 2015 revenue from sales made through distributors. These distributors typically maintain an inventory of our products. Some of them also sell products that compete with our products, including those for which we are an alternate source. In all regions of the world, we defer revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers. We make sales to distributors under agreements that allow distributors to receive price adjustment credits and to return qualifying products for credit, as determined by us, in order to reduce the amounts of slow-moving, discontinued or obsolete product from their inventory. These agreements limit such returns to a certain percentage of our shipments to that distributor during the prior quarter. In addition, distributors are allowed to return unsold products if we terminate the relationship with the distributor. Additional information relating to our sales to distributors is set forth in Note 2n in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Segment Financial Information and Geographic Information

We operate and track our results in one reportable segment based on the aggregation of six operating segments.

Through subsidiaries and affiliates, we conduct business in numerous countries outside the United States. During fiscal 2015, we derived approximately 61% of our revenue from customers in international markets. Our international business is subject to risks customarily encountered in foreign operations, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and controls, import and export controls, and other laws, policies and regulations of foreign governments. Although we engage in hedging transactions to reduce our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations, our competitive position may be adversely affected by changes in the exchange rate of the United States dollar against other currencies.

Revenue by geographic region, based on the primary location of our customers' design activity for our products, for fiscal 2015 was as follow:



		Percent of
		Fiscal 2015
Geographic Area		Revenue
United States		39%
Rest of North/South America		3%
Europe		27%
Japan		9%
China		15%
Rest of Asia		7%

For further detail regarding revenue and other financial information about our industry, segment and geographic areas, see our Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 4 in the related Notes contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion of important risk factors that may materially affect us, see the Risk Factors contained in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Customers

We have over 100,000 customers worldwide. Our largest single customer represented approximately 13% of fiscal 2015 revenue. No sales to an individual customer accounted for more than 10% of fiscal 2014, or fiscal 2013 revenue. Our customers use hundreds of different types of our products in a wide range of applications spanning the industrial, automotive, consumer and communication markets. Our 20 largest customers accounted for approximately 39% of our fiscal 2015 revenue.

Seasonality

Sales to customers during our first fiscal quarter may be lower than other quarters due to plant shutdowns at some of our customers during the holiday season. In general, the seasonality for any specific period of time has not had a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, as explained in our risk factors contained in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our revenue is more likely to be influenced on a quarter to quarter basis by cyclicality in the semiconductor industry.

Production and Raw Materials

Monolithic IC components are manufactured in a sequence of semiconductor production steps that include wafer fabrication, wafer testing, cutting the wafer into individual “chips,” or dice, assembly of the dice into packages and electrical testing of the devices in final packaged form. The raw materials used to manufacture these devices include silicon wafers, processing chemicals (including liquefied gases), precious metals and ceramic and plastic used for packaging.

We develop and employ a wide variety of proprietary manufacturing processes that are specifically tailored for use in fabricating high-performance analog, DSP, mixed-signal and MEMS ICs. We also use bipolar and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, or CMOS, wafer fabrication processes.

Our IC products are fabricated both at our production facilities and by third-party wafer fabricators. Our products are manufactured in our own wafer fabrication facilities using proprietary processes and at third-party wafer-fabrication foundries using sub-micron digital CMOS processes. We currently source approximately 60% of our wafer requirements annually from third-party wafer fabrication foundries, primarily Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). We operate wafer fabrication facilities in Wilmington, Massachusetts and Limerick, Ireland. We also operate test facilities located in the Philippines and use third-party subcontractors for the assembly and testing of our products.

Capital spending was approximately $154 million in fiscal 2015, compared with approximately $178 million in fiscal 2014. We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2016 to be in the range of $140 million to $160 million.

Our products require a wide variety of components, raw materials and external foundry services, most of which we purchase from third-party suppliers. We have multiple sources for many of the components and materials that we purchase and incorporate into our products. However, a large portion of our external wafer purchases and foundry services are from a limited number of suppliers, primarily TSMC. If TSMC or any of our other key suppliers are unable or unwilling to manufacture and deliver sufficient quantities of components to us, on the time schedule and of the quality that we require, we may be forced to seek to engage additional or replacement suppliers, which could result in significant expenses and disruptions or delays in manufacturing, product development and shipment of product to our customers. Although we have experienced shortages of components, materials and external foundry services from time to time, these items have generally been available to us as needed.

Backlog

Backlog at the end of fiscal 2015 was approximately $626 million, up from approximately $538 million at the end of fiscal 2014. We define backlog as of a particular date to mean firm orders from a customer or distributor with a requested delivery date within thirteen weeks. Backlog is impacted by the tendency of customers to rely on shorter lead times available from suppliers, including us, in periods of depressed demand. In periods of increased demand, there is a tendency towards longer lead times that has the effect of increasing backlog and, in some instances, we may not have manufacturing capacity sufficient to fulfill all orders. As is customary in the semiconductor industry, we allow most orders to be canceled or deliveries to be delayed by customers without significant penalty. Accordingly, we believe that our backlog at any time should not be used as an indication of our future revenue.

We typically do not have long-term sales contracts with our customers. In some of our markets where end-user demand may be particularly volatile and difficult to predict, some customers place orders that require us to manufacture product and have it available for shipment, even though the customer is unwilling to make a binding commitment to purchase all, or even any, of the product. In other instances, we manufacture product based on forecasts of customer demand. As a result, we may incur inventory and manufacturing costs in advance of anticipated sales and are subject to the risk of cancellation of orders leading to a sharp reduction of sales and backlog. Further, those orders or forecasts may be for products that meet the customer’s unique requirements so that those canceled orders would, in addition, result in an inventory of unsaleable products, resulting in potential inventory write-offs. As a result of lengthy manufacturing cycles for some of our products that are subject to these uncertainties, the amount of unsaleable product could be substantial.

Government Contracts

We estimate that approximately 3% of our fiscal 2015 revenue was attributable to sales to the U.S. government and U.S. government contractors and subcontractors. Our government contract business is predominantly in the form of negotiated, firm, fixed-price subcontracts. Most of these contracts and subcontracts contain standard provisions relating to termination at the election of the U.S. government.

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments

An element of our business strategy involves expansion through the acquisition of businesses, assets, products or technologies that allow us to complement our existing product offerings, expand our market coverage, increase our engineering workforce or enhance our technological capabilities. From time to time, we consider acquisitions and divestitures that may strengthen our business.

Additional information relating to our acquisition and divestiture activities during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 is set forth in Note 6 and Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Competition

We believe that competitive performance in the marketplace for signal processing products depends upon multiple factors, including technological innovation, strength of brand, diversity of product portfolio, product performance, technical support, delivery capabilities, customer service quality, reliability and price, with the relative importance of these factors varying among products, markets, and customers.

We compete with a number of semiconductor companies in markets that are highly competitive. Our competitors include but are not limited to:



• Robert Bosch GmbH		• Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
• Broadcom Corporation		• Microchip Technology, Inc.
• Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.		• NXP Semiconductors
• Infineon Technologies		• Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Linear Technology Corporation

We believe that our technical innovation emphasizing product performance and reliability, supported by our commitment to strong customer service and technical support, enables us to make a fundamental difference to our customers’ competitiveness in our chosen markets.

Environment, Health and Safety

We are committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers and the public. We endeavor to adhere to applicable environmental, health and safety (EHS) regulatory and industry standards across all of our facilities, and to encourage pollution prevention, reduce our water and energy consumption, reduce waste generation, and strive towards continual improvement. We strive to achieve excellence in EHS management practices as an integral part of our total quality management system.

Our management systems are certified to ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001 and TS16949. We are a member of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC). Our Sustainability Report, first published in 2009, states our commitment to consuming less energy and applying fair labor standards, among other things. We are not including the information contained in our Sustainability Report in, or incorporating it by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our manufacturing facilities are subject to numerous and increasingly strict federal, state, local and foreign EHS laws and regulations, particularly with respect to the transportation, storage, handling, use, emission, discharge and disposal of certain chemicals used or produced in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Our products are subject to increasingly stringent regulations regarding chemical content in jurisdictions where we sell products, including the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive in the European Union and China and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) directive in the European Union. Contracts with many of our customers reflect these and additional EHS compliance standards. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material impact on our capital expenditures, earnings, financial condition or competitive position. There can be no assurance, however, that current or future environmental laws and regulations will not impose costly requirements upon us. Any failure by us to comply with applicable

environmental laws, regulations and contractual obligations could result in fines, suspension of production, the need to alter manufacturing processes and legal liability.

Employees

As of October 31, 2015, we employed approximately 9,700 individuals worldwide. Our future success depends in large part on the continued service of our key technical and senior management personnel, and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees, particularly those highly-skilled design, process, test and applications engineers involved in the design, support and manufacture of new and existing products and processes. We believe that relations with our employees are good; however, the competition for such personnel is intense, and the loss of key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the SEC are descriptions of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Disruptions in global credit and financial markets could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

There is significant continuing uncertainty regarding the stability of global credit and financial markets. These economic uncertainties may lead consumers and businesses to postpone spending, which may cause our customers to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders for our products and make it difficult for us to accurately forecast and plan our future business activities. Significant disruption to global credit and financial markets may also adversely affect our ability to access external financing sources on acceptable terms. Financial difficulties experienced by our customers could result in nonpayment or payment delays for previously purchased products, thereby increasing our credit risk exposure. Uncertainty regarding the future stability of the global credit and financial markets could cause the value of the currency in the affected markets to deteriorate, thus reducing the purchasing power of those customers. In addition, financial difficulties experienced by our suppliers or distributors could result in product delays, increased accounts receivable defaults and inventory challenges. During the past few years, many governments adopted stimulus or spending programs designed to ease the economic impact of the crisis. Some of our businesses benefited from these stimulus programs but there can be no assurance that such programs will continue in the future. If economic conditions deteriorate, we may record additional charges relating to restructuring costs or the impairment of assets and our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Our future revenue, gross margins, operating results, net income and earnings per share are difficult to predict and may materially fluctuate.

Our future revenue, gross margins, operating results, net income and earnings per share are difficult to predict and may be materially affected by a number of factors, including:


•	the effects of adverse economic conditions in the markets in which we sell our products;


•	changes in customer demand for our products and/or for end products that incorporate our products;


•	our ability to effectively manage our cost structure in both the short term and over a longer duration;


•	changes in geographic, product or customer mix;


•	changes in our effective tax rates in the United States, Ireland or worldwide;


•	the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us, our customers or our competitors;


•	competitive pricing pressures;


•	fluctuations in manufacturing yields, adequate availability of wafers and other raw materials, and manufacturing, assembly and test capacity;


•	the ability of our third-party suppliers, subcontractors and manufacturers to supply us with sufficient quantities of raw materials, products and/or components;


•	a decline in infrastructure spending by foreign governments, including China;


•	a decline in the U.S. Government defense budget, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, a prolonged U.S. Government shutdown or delays in contract awards;


•	any significant decline in our backlog;


•	the timing, delay, reduction or cancellation of significant customer orders and our ability to manage inventory;


•	our ability to recruit, hire, retain and motivate adequate numbers of engineers and other qualified employees to meet the demands of our customers;


•	the increasing costs of providing employee benefits, including health insurance, pension plan and retirement plan contributions and retirement benefits;


•	our ability to utilize our manufacturing facilities at efficient levels;


•	potential significant litigation-related costs or product warranty and/or indemnity claims, including those not covered by our suppliers or insurers;


•	the difficulties inherent in forecasting future operating expense levels, including with respect to costs associated with labor, utilities, transportation and raw materials;


•	the costs related to compliance with increasing worldwide government, environmental and social responsibility regulations; and


•	the effects of public health emergencies, natural disasters, widespread travel disruptions, security risks, terrorist activities, international conflicts, government sanctions and other events beyond our control.

In addition, the semiconductor market has historically been cyclical and subject to significant economic upturns and downturns. Our business and certain of the end markets we serve are also subject to rapid technological changes and material fluctuations in demand based on end-user preferences. There can be no assurance (i) that products stocked in our inventory will not be rendered obsolete before we ship them, or (ii) that we will be able to design, develop and produce products in a timely fashion to accommodate changing customer demand. As a result of these and other factors, we may experience material fluctuations in future revenue, gross margins, operating results, net income and earnings per share on a quarterly or annual basis. Our historical financial performance and results of operations should not be relied upon as indicators of future performance or results. In addition, if our revenue, gross margins, operating results, net income and earnings per share do not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, the market price of our common stock may decline.

Increases in our effective tax rate and exposure to additional tax liabilities may adversely impact our results of operations.

Our effective tax rate reflects the applicable tax rate in effect in the various tax jurisdictions around the world where our income is earned. Our effective tax rate in 2015 was below the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%, primarily due to lower statutory tax rates applicable to our operations in the foreign jurisdictions in which we earn income. A number of factors may increase our future effective tax rate, including: new or revised tax laws or legislation (including proposed revisions to Irish tax laws) or the interpretation of such laws or legislation by governmental authorities; increases in tax rates in various jurisdictions; variation in the mix of jurisdictions in which our profits are earned and taxed; repatriation of non-U.S. earnings; any adverse resolution of ongoing tax audits or adverse rulings from taxing authorities worldwide; changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including executive compensation subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and amortization of assets acquired in connection with strategic transactions; decreased availability of tax deductions for stock-based compensation awards worldwide; and changes in available tax credits. Any significant increase in our future effective tax rate could adversely impact our net income during future periods.

Long-term contracts are not typical for us and incorrect forecasts or reductions, cancellations or delays in orders for our products could adversely affect our operating results.

We typically do not have long-term sales contracts with our customers. In certain markets where end-user demand may be particularly volatile and difficult to predict, some customers place orders that require us to manufacture product and have it available for shipment, even though the customer is unwilling to make a binding commitment to purchase all, or even any, of the product. In other instances, we manufacture product based on forecasts of customer demands, which may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly or annual basis. Additionally, our U.S. government contracts and subcontracts may be funded in increments over a number of government budget periods and typically can be terminated by the government for its convenience. As a result, we may incur inventory and manufacturing costs in advance of anticipated sales, and we are subject to the risk of lower than expected orders or cancellations of orders, leading to a sharp reduction of sales and backlog. Further, orders or forecasts for products that meet the customer’s unique requirements and that are canceled or unrealized orders would, in addition, result in an inventory of unsaleable products, causing potential inventory write-offs, and we may be unable to recover all of our costs incurred or committed. As a result of lengthy manufacturing cycles for certain of the products that are subject to these uncertainties, the amount of unsaleable product could be substantial. Incorrect forecasts, or reductions, cancellations or delays in orders for our products could adversely affect our operating results.

Our future success depends upon our ability to execute our business strategy, continue to innovate, improve our existing products, design, develop, produce and market new products, and identify and enter new markets.

Our future success significantly depends on our continued ability to execute our business strategy, continue to improve our existing products and design, develop, produce and market innovative new products. Product design, development, innovation and enhancement is often a complex, time-consuming and costly process involving significant investment in research and development, with no assurance of return on investment. There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and introduce new and improved products in a timely or efficient manner or that new and improved products, if developed, will achieve market acceptance. Our products generally must conform to various evolving and sometimes

competing industry standards, which may adversely affect our ability to compete in certain markets or require us to incur significant costs. In addition, our customers generally impose very high quality and reliability standards on our products, which often change and may be difficult or costly to satisfy. Any inability to satisfy customer quality and reliability standards or comply with industry standards and technical requirements may adversely affect demand for our products and our results of operations. In addition, our growth is dependent on our continued ability to identify and penetrate new markets where we have limited experience and competition is intense. Some of our customers in these markets are less established, which could subject us to increased credit risk. There can be no assurance that the markets we serve and/or target based on our business strategy will grow in the future, that our existing and new products will meet the requirements of these markets, that our products, or the products in which our products are used, will achieve customer acceptance in these markets, that competitors will not force price reductions or take market share from us, or that we can achieve or maintain adequate gross margins or profits in these markets. Furthermore, a decline in demand in one or several of our end-user markets could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and our results of operations.

We may not be able to compete successfully in markets within the semiconductor industry in the future.

We face intense technological and pricing competition in the semiconductor industry, and we expect this competition to increase in the future, including from companies located outside of the United States. Many companies have sufficient financial, manufacturing, technical, sales and marketing resources to develop and market products that compete with our products. Some of our competitors may have more advantageous supply or development relationships with our current and potential customers or suppliers. Our competitors also include emerging companies selling specialized products in markets we serve and entities outside of the U.S., including entities associated with efforts by foreign governments to create indigenous semiconductor industries. Competition is generally based on design and quality of products, product performance, features and functionality, and product pricing, availability and capacity, with the relative importance of these factors varying among products, markets and customers. Existing or new competitors may develop products or technologies that more effectively address the demands of our customers and markets with enhanced performance, features and functionality, lower power requirements, greater levels of integration or lower cost. Increased competition in certain markets has resulted in and may continue to result in declining average selling prices, reduced gross margins and loss of market share in those markets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the future against existing or new competitors, or that our operating results will not be adversely affected by increased competition. In addition, the semiconductor industry has experienced significant consolidation over the past several years. Consolidation among our competitors could lead to a changing competitive landscape, which could negatively impact our competitive position and market share and harm our results of operations.

We rely on third-party suppliers, subcontractors and manufacturers for some industry-standard wafers, manufacturing processes, assembly and test services, and transportation, and we generally cannot control their availability or conditions of supply.

We rely, and plan to continue to rely, on suppliers, assembly and test subcontractors, freight carriers, and third-party wafer fabricators to supply most of our wafers that can be manufactured using industry-standard submicron processes. This reliance involves several risks, including reduced control over availability, capacity utilization, delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, and costs. We currently source approximately 60% of our wafer requirements annually from third-party wafer fabrication foundries, primarily Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC. In addition, these suppliers often provide manufacturing services to our competitors and therefore periods of increased industry demand may result in capacity constraints. In certain instances, the third-party supplier is the sole source of highly specialized processing services. If our suppliers are unable or unwilling to manufacture and deliver components to us on the time schedule and of the quality or quantity that we require or provide us with required manufacturing processes, we may be forced to seek to engage additional or replacement suppliers, which could result in additional expenses and delays in product development or shipment of product to our customers. If additional or replacement suppliers or manufacturing processes are not available, we may also experience delays in product development or shipment which could, in turn, result in the temporary or permanent loss of customers.

The markets for semiconductor products are cyclical, and increased production may lead to overcapacity and lower prices, and conversely, we may not be able to satisfy unexpected demand for our products.

The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry has resulted in periods when demand for our products has increased or decreased rapidly. If we expand our operations and workforce too rapidly or procure excessive resources in anticipation of increased demand for our products, and that demand does not materialize at the pace at which we expect, or declines, or if we overbuild inventory in a period of decreased demand, our operating results may be adversely affected as a result of increased operating expenses, reduced margins, underutilization of capacity or asset impairment charges. These capacity expansions by us and other semiconductor manufacturers could also lead to overcapacity in our target markets which could lead to price erosion that would adversely impact our operating results. Conversely, during periods of rapid increases in demand, our available capacity may not be sufficient to satisfy the demand. In addition, we may not be able to expand our workforce and

operations in a sufficiently timely manner, procure adequate resources and raw materials, or locate suitable third-party suppliers, to respond effectively to changes in demand for our existing products or to the demand for new products requested by our customers, and our current or future business could be materially and adversely affected.

Our semiconductor products are complex and we may be subject to product warranty and indemnity claims, which could result in significant costs and damage to our reputation and adversely affect the market acceptance of our products.

Semiconductor products are highly complex and may contain defects when they are first introduced or as new versions are developed. We generally warrant our products to our customers for one year from the date title passes from us. We invest significant resources in the testing of our products; however, if any of our products contain defects, we may be required to incur additional development and remediation costs, pursuant to warranty and indemnification provisions in our customer contracts and purchase orders. These problems may divert our technical and other resources from other product development efforts and could result in claims against us by our customers or others, including liability for costs associated with product recalls, which may adversely impact our operating results. We may also be subject to customer indemnity claims. Our customers have on occasion been sued, and may be sued in the future, by third parties alleging infringement of intellectual property rights, or damages resulting from use of our products. Those customers may seek indemnification from us under the terms and conditions of our sales contracts with them. In certain cases, our potential indemnification liability may be significant. If any of our products contains defects, or has reliability, quality or compatibility problems, our reputation may be damaged, which could make it more difficult for us to sell our products to existing and prospective customers and could also adversely affect our operating results.

We have manufacturing processes that utilize a substantial amount of technology as the fabrication of integrated circuits is a highly complex and precise process. Minute impurities, contaminants in the manufacturing environment, difficulties in the fabrication process, defects in the masks used in the wafer manufacturing process, manufacturing equipment failures, wafer breakage or other factors can cause a substantial percentage of wafers to be rejected or numerous dice on each wafer to be nonfunctional. While we have significant expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, it is possible that some processes could become unstable. This instability could result in manufacturing delays and product shortages, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

We are involved in frequent litigation, including claims regarding intellectual property rights, which could be costly to bring or defend and could require us to redesign products or pay significant royalties.

The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation involving patent and other intellectual property rights, including claims arising under our contractual obligations to indemnify our customers. Other companies or individuals have obtained patents covering a variety of semiconductor designs and processes, and we might be required to obtain licenses under some of these patents or be precluded from making and selling infringing products, if those patents are found to be valid and infringed by us. In the event a third party makes a valid intellectual property claim against us and a license is not available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we could be forced either to redesign or to stop production of products incorporating that intellectual property, and our operating results could be materially and adversely affected. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our patents or other of our intellectual property rights or to defend us against claims of infringement, and this litigation could be costly and divert the attention of our key personnel. We could also be subject to litigation or arbitration disputes arising under our contractual obligations, as well as indemnity, warranty or product liability claims that could lead to significant costs and expenses as we defend those claims or pay damage awards. There can be no assurance that we are adequately insured to protect against all claims and potential liabilities, and we may elect to self-insure with respect to certain matters. We may incur costs and expenses relating to a recall of our customers’ products due to an alleged failure of components we supply. An adverse outcome in litigation or arbitration could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or on our operating results or cash flows in the period in which the dispute is resolved.

We may be unable to adequately protect our proprietary intellectual property rights, which may limit our ability to compete effectively.

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property. We primarily rely on patent, mask work, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods, to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property, it is possible that competitors or other unauthorized third parties may obtain, copy, reverse engineer, use or disclose our technologies, products and processes. Moreover, the laws of foreign countries in which we design, manufacture, market and sell our products may afford little or no effective protection of our proprietary intellectual property.

There can be no assurance that the claims allowed in our issued patents will be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. In addition, any of our existing or future patents may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. As such, any rights granted under these patents may not provide us with adequate protection. We may not be able to obtain foreign patents or

pending applications corresponding to our U.S. patents and applications. Even if foreign patents are granted, effective enforcement in foreign countries may not be available. If our patents and mask works do not adequately protect our technology, our competitors may be able to offer products similar to ours. Our competitors may also be able to develop similar technology independently or design around our patents.

We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and strategic partners. We also try to control access to and distribution of our technologies, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these efforts, internal or external parties may attempt to copy, disclose, obtain or use our products or technology without our authorization. Also, former employees may seek employment with our business partners, customers or competitors, and there can be no assurance that the confidential nature of our proprietary information will be maintained in the course of such future employment.

A significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our information technology systems could materially and adversely affect our business or reputation.

We rely on information technology systems throughout our Company to keep financial records and customer data, process orders, manage inventory, coordinate shipments to customers, maintain confidential and proprietary information, assist in semiconductor engineering and other technical activities and operate other critical functions such as internet connectivity, network communications and email. Our information technology systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophes or other unforeseen events. If we were to experience a prolonged disruption in the information technology systems that involve our internal communications or our interactions with customers or suppliers, it could result in the loss of sales and customers and significant incremental costs, which could adversely affect our business. We may also be subject to security breaches caused by computer viruses, illegal break-ins or hacking, sabotage, or acts of vandalism by third parties. Our security measures or those of our third party service providers may not detect or prevent security breaches. In addition, we provide our confidential and proprietary information to our strategic partners in certain cases where doing so is necessary to conduct our business. While we employ confidentiality agreements to protect such information, nonetheless those third parties may also be subject to security breaches or otherwise compromise the protection of such information. Security breaches of our information technology systems or those of our partners could result in the misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of confidential and proprietary information belonging to us or to our employees, partners, customers or suppliers, which could result in our suffering significant financial or reputational damage.

If we do not retain our key personnel, our ability to execute our business strategy will be adversely affected.

Our continued success depends to a significant extent upon the recruitment, retention and effective succession of our executive officers and key management and technical personnel, particularly our experienced engineers. The competition for these employees is intense. The loss of the services of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In addition, there could be a material adverse effect on our business should the turnover rates for engineers and other key personnel increase significantly or if we are unable to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. We do not maintain any key person life insurance policy on any of our officers or employees.

To remain competitive, we may need to invest in or acquire other companies, purchase or license technology from third parties, or enter into other strategic transactions in order to introduce new products or enhance our existing products.

An element of our business strategy involves expansion through the acquisitions of businesses, assets, products or technologies that allow us to complement our existing product offerings, diversify our product portfolio, expand our market coverage, increase our engineering workforce or enhance our technological capabilities. We may not be able to find businesses that have the technology or resources we need and, if we find such businesses, we may not be able to invest in, purchase or license the technology or resources on commercially favorable terms or at all. Acquisitions, investments and technology licenses are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including the cost of potential transactions, competition among prospective buyers and licensees, the need for regulatory approvals, and difficulties related to integration efforts. Both in the U.S. and abroad, governmental regulation of acquisitions, including antitrust reviews and approvals, has become more complex, increasing the costs and risks of undertaking and consummating significant acquisitions. In order to finance a potential transaction, we may need to raise additional funds by issuing securities or borrowing money. We may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms, and the sale of our stock may result in the dilution of our existing shareholders or the issuance of securities with rights that are superior to the rights of our common shareholders.

Acquisitions also involve a number of risks, including:


•	difficulty or delay integrating acquired technologies, operations and personnel with our existing businesses;


•	diversion of management's attention in connection with both negotiating the transaction and integrating the assets;


•	strain on managerial and operational resources as management tries to oversee larger or more complex operations;


•	the future funding requirements for acquired companies, which may be significant;


•	potential loss of key employees;


•	exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies;


•	higher than expected or unexpected costs relating to or associated with an acquisition;


•	difficulty realizing synergies and growth prospects of an acquisition in a timely manner or at all; and


•	increased risk of costly and time-consuming litigation.

If we are unable to successfully address these risks, we may not realize some or all of the expected benefits of the acquisition, which may have an adverse effect on our business strategy, plans and operating results.

We rely on supplies, services and manufacturing capacity located in geologically unstable areas, which could affect our ability to produce products.

We, like many companies in the semiconductor industry, rely on supplies, services, internal manufacturing capacity, wafer fabrication foundries and other subcontractors in geologically unstable locations around the world. Earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding or other natural disasters may disrupt local semiconductor-related businesses and adversely affect manufacturing capacity, availability and cost of key raw materials, utilities and equipment, and availability of key services, including transport of our products worldwide. Our insurance may not adequately cover losses resulting from such disruptions. Any prolonged inability to utilize one of our manufacturing facilities, or those of our subcontractors or third-party wafer fabrication foundries, as a result of fire, flood, natural disaster, unavailability of utilities or otherwise, could result in a temporary or permanent loss of customers for affected products, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are exposed to business, economic, political, legal, regulatory and other risks through our significant worldwide operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have significant operations and manufacturing facilities outside the United States, including in Ireland and the Philippines. A significant portion of our revenue is derived from customers in international markets, and we expect that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenue in the future. Risks associated with our international business operations include the following:


•	political, legal and economic changes or instability and civil unrest in foreign markets;


•	currency conversion risks and exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations;


•	limitations on the repatriation of earnings;


•	economic disruption from terrorism and threats of terrorism and the response to them by the U.S. and its allies;


•	increased managerial complexities, including different employment practices and labor issues;


•	greater difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights and weaker laws protecting such rights;

•

complex and varying government regulations and legal standards, particularly with respect to price protection, competition practices, export control regulations, customs and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, data privacy, intellectual property, anti-corruption and environmental compliance, including U.S. customs and export regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;


•	natural disasters or pandemics;


•	transportation disruptions and delays and increases in labor and transportation costs;


•	changes to foreign taxes, tariffs and freight rates;


•	trade and travel restrictions or government sanctions, including restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on trading with parties in foreign countries;


•	fluctuations in raw material costs and energy costs;


•	greater difficulty in accounts receivable collections and longer collection periods; and


•	costs associated with our foreign defined benefit pension plans.

Any of these risks, or any other risks related to international business operations, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many of these risks are present in China. While we expect to continue to expand our business and operations in China, our success in the Chinese markets may be adversely affected by China’s continuously evolving policies, laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, currency controls, antitrust, the environment, indigenous innovation and the promotion of a domestic semiconductor industry, and intellectual property rights and enforcement and protection of those rights. Enforcement of existing laws or agreements may be inconsistent. In addition, changes in the political environment, governmental policies or U.S.-China relations could result in revisions to laws or regulations or their interpretation and enforcement, exposure of our proprietary intellectual property, increased taxation, and restrictions on imports, import duties or currency revaluations, which could have an adverse effect on our business plans and operating results.

At October 31, 2015, our principal source of liquidity was $3.0 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which approximately $657.8 million was held in the United States and the remaining balance was held outside the United States in various foreign subsidiaries. As we intend to reinvest our foreign earnings indefinitely, this cash held outside the United States is not readily available to meet our cash requirements in the United States. We require a substantial amount of cash in the United States for operating requirements, stock repurchases, cash dividends and acquisitions. If we are unable to address our U.S. cash requirements through operations, borrowings under our current credit facility, future debt or equity offerings or other sources of cash obtained at an acceptable cost, it may be necessary for us to consider repatriation of earnings that are permanently reinvested, and we may be required to pay additional taxes under current tax laws, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our operating results are dependent on the performance of independent distributors.

A significant portion of our sales are through independent distributors that are not under our control. These independent distributors generally represent product lines offered by several companies and thus could reduce their sales efforts applied to our products or they could terminate their representation of us. We generally do not require letters of credit from our distributors and are not protected against accounts receivable default or declarations of bankruptcy by these distributors. Our inability to collect open accounts receivable could adversely affect our operating results. Termination of a significant distributor or a group of distributors, whether at our initiative or the distributor’s initiative or through consolidation in the distribution industry, could disrupt our current business, and if we are unable to find suitable replacements, our operating results could be adversely affected.

We are subject to environmental, health and safety (EHS) regulations, which could increase our expenses and affect our operating results.

Our industry is subject to EHS requirements, particularly those environmental requirements that control and restrict the sourcing, use, transportation, emission, discharge, storage and disposal of certain chemicals, minerals, elements and materials used or produced in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Public attention to environmental, sustainability and social responsibility concerns continues to increase, and our customers routinely include stringent environmental and other standards in their contracts with us. Changes in EHS laws or regulations may require us to invest in costly equipment or alter the way our products are made and may adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. In addition, we use hazardous and other regulated materials that subject us to risks of strict liability for damages caused by potential or actual releases of such materials. Any failure to control such materials adequately or to comply with existing or future EHS statutory or regulatory standards, requirements or contractual obligations could result in liability for damages and remediation; the imposition of regulatory penalties and civil and criminal fines; the suspension or termination of the development, manufacture, sale or use of certain of our products; changes to our manufacturing processes or a need to substitute materials that may cost more or be less available; damage to our reputation; and/or increased expenses associated with compliance, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

If we fail to comply with government contracting regulations, we could suffer a loss of revenue or incur price adjustments or other penalties.

Some of our revenue is derived from contracts with agencies of the United States government and subcontracts with its prime contractors. As a United States government contractor or subcontractor, we are subject to federal contracting regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations, which govern the allowability of costs incurred by us in the performance of United States government contracts. Certain contract pricing is based on estimated direct and indirect costs, which are subject to change. Additionally, the United States government is entitled after final payment on certain negotiated contracts to examine all of our cost records with respect to such contracts and to seek a downward adjustment to the price of the contract if it determines that we failed to furnish complete, accurate and current cost or pricing data in connection with the negotiation of the price of the contract.

In connection with our United States government business, we are also subject to government audits and to review and approval of our policies, procedures, and internal controls for compliance with procurement regulations and applicable laws. In certain circumstances, if we do not comply with the terms of a contract or with regulations or statutes, we could be subject to downward contract price adjustments or refund obligations or could in extreme circumstances be assessed civil and criminal penalties or be debarred or suspended from obtaining future contracts for a specified period of time. Any such suspension or debarment or other sanction could have an adverse effect on our business.

Under some of our government subcontracts, we are required to maintain secure facilities and to obtain security clearances for personnel involved in performance of the contract, in compliance with applicable federal standards. If we were unable to comply with these requirements, or if personnel critical to our performance of these contracts were unable to obtain or maintain their security clearances, we might be unable to perform these contracts or compete for other projects of this nature, which could adversely affect our revenue.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we may not be able to service our debt obligations, including making payments on our outstanding senior unsecured notes.

In April 2011, we issued in a public offering $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2016 (the 2016 Notes). In June 2013, we issued in a public offering $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2023 (the 2023 Notes and together with the 2016 Notes, the Notes). Our ability to make payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness when due depends upon our future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, business and other factors affecting our consolidated operations, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our outstanding debt, we may be required to, among other things:


•	seek additional financing in the debt or equity markets;


•	refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the Notes;


•	borrow under our existing revolving credit facility;


•	divert funds that would otherwise be invested in our operations;


•	repatriate earnings at higher tax rates that are permanently reinvested in foreign locations;


•	sell selected assets; or


•	reduce or delay planned capital expenditures or operating expenditures.

Such measures might not be sufficient to enable us to service our debt, including the Notes, which could negatively impact our financial results. In addition, any such financing, refinancing or sale of assets might not be possible on economically favorable terms.

Restrictions in our revolving credit facility and outstanding debt instruments may limit our activities.

Our current revolving credit facility and the Notes impose, and future debt instruments to which we may become subject may impose, restrictions that limit our ability to engage in activities that could otherwise benefit our Company, including to undertake certain transactions, to create certain liens on our assets and to incur certain subsidiary indebtedness. Our ability to comply with these financial restrictions and covenants is dependent on our future performance, which is subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, including factors that are beyond our control such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, changes in technology and changes in the level of competition. In addition, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. If we breach any of the covenants under our revolving credit facility or the indentures governing the Notes and do not obtain appropriate waivers, then, subject to applicable cure periods, our outstanding indebtedness thereunder could be declared immediately due and payable or we may be restricted from further borrowing under our revolving credit facility.

Our stock price may be volatile.

The market price of our common stock has been volatile in the past and may be volatile in the future, as it may be significantly affected by factors including:


•	global economic conditions generally;


•	crises in global credit, debt and financial markets;


•	actual or anticipated fluctuations in our revenue and operating results;


•	changes in financial estimates or other statements made by securities analysts or others in analyst reports or other publications or our failure to perform in line with those estimates or statements or our published guidance;


•	changes in market valuations of other semiconductor companies;


•	rumors and speculation in the press, investment community or on social media about us or other companies in our industry;


•	announcements by us or our competitors of significant new products, technical innovations, material transactions, acquisitions or dispositions, litigation, capital commitments or revised earnings estimates;


•	departures of key personnel;


•	alleged noncompliance with laws, regulations or ethics standards by us or any of our employees, officers or directors; and


•	negative media publicity targeting us or our suppliers, customers or competitors.

The stock market has historically experienced volatility, especially within the semiconductor industry, that often has been unrelated to the performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may cause our stock price to fall regardless of our operating results.

Our directors and executive officers periodically sell shares of our common stock in the market, including pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. Regardless of the individual's reasons for such sales, securities analysts and investors could view such sales as a negative indicator and our stock price could be adversely affected as a result.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters is located in Norwood, Massachusetts. Manufacturing and other operations are conducted in several locations worldwide. The following tables provide certain information about our principal general offices and manufacturing facilities:



Principal Properties		Approximate
Owned:	Use	Total Sq. Ft.
Wilmington, MA	Wafer fabrication, testing, engineering, marketing and administrative offices	594,000 sq. ft.
Cavite, Philippines	Wafer probe and testing, warehouse, engineering and administrative offices	873,000 sq. ft.
Limerick, Ireland	Wafer fabrication, wafer probe and testing, engineering and administrative offices	491,000 sq. ft.
Chelmsford, MA	Final assembly of certain module and subsystem-level products, testing, engineering and administrative offices	174,000 sq. ft.
Greensboro, NC	Product testing, engineering and administrative offices	99,000 sq. ft.
San Jose, CA	Engineering, administrative offices	77,000 sq. ft.



Principal			Lease
Properties		Approximate	Termination
Leased:	Use	Total Sq. Ft.	(fiscal year)	Renewals

Norwood, MA	Corporate headquarters, engineering, sales and marketing offices	130,000 sq. ft.	2022	2, five-yr. periods
Bangalore, India	Engineering	75,000 sq. ft.	2018	1, five-yr. period
Greensboro, NC	Engineering and administrative offices	51,000 sq. ft.	2018	2, three-yr. periods
Shanghai, China	Engineering	59,000 sq. ft.	2018	2, 1 two-yr. period, 1 three-yr. period
Tokyo, Japan	Engineering	36,400 sq. ft.	2016	1, two-yr. period
Beijing, China	Engineering	33,000 sq. ft.	2016	1, two-yr. period

In addition to the principal leased properties listed in the above table, we also lease sales offices and other premises at 20 locations in the United States and 48 locations internationally under operating lease agreements. These leases expire at various dates through the year 2022. We do not anticipate experiencing significant difficulty in retaining occupancy of any of our manufacturing, office or sales facilities through lease renewals prior to expiration or through month-to-month occupancy, or in replacing them with equivalent facilities. For information concerning our obligations under all operating leases, see Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced against us arising from, or related to, contractual matters, patents, trademarks, personal injury, environmental matters, product liability, insurance coverage and personnel and employment disputes. As to such claims and litigation, we can give no assurance that we will prevail. We do not believe that any current legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following table sets forth (i) the name, age and position of each of our executive officers and (ii) the business experience of each person named in the table during at least the past five years. There is no family relationship among any of our executive officers.



Executive Officer	Age	Position(s)	Business Experience
Vincent T. Roche	55	President and Chief Executive Officer	Chief Executive Officer since May 2013; President since November 2012; Vice President, Strategic Segments Group and Global Sales from October 2009 to November 2012; Vice President, Worldwide Sales from March 2001 to October 2009; Vice President and General Manager, Silicon Valley Business Units and Computer & Networking from 1999 to March 2001; Product Line Director from 1995 to 1999; Product Marketing Manager from 1988 to 1995.
David A. Zinsner	46	Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer	Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer since November 2014; Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from January 2009 to November 2014; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Intersil Corporation from 2005 to December 2008; Corporate Controller and Treasurer, Intersil Corporation from 2000 to 2005. Corporate Treasurer, Intersil Corporation from 1999 to 2000.
Joseph (John) Hassett	57	Senior Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing	Senior Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing since May 2015; and Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing from 1994 to May 2015.
Rick D. Hess	62	Senior Vice President, Communications and Automotive Business Group	Senior Vice President, Communications and Automotive Business Group since November 2014; Vice President, Radio and Microwave Group from July 2014 to November 2014; President and Chief Executive Officer, Hittite Microwave Corporation, a semiconductor manufacturer from April 2013 to July 2014; Vice President to Superconductors, American Superconductor Corporation, an energy technology company, from 2010 to April 2013; President and Chief Executive Officer, Konarka Technologies from 2006 to 2010.
William Matson	56	Senior Vice President, Human Resources	Senior Vice President, Human Resources since November 2014; Vice President, Human Resources from November 2006 to November 2014; Chief Human Resource Officer of Lenovo from January 2005 to June 2006; General Manager of IBM Business Transformation Outsourcing from September 2003 to April 2005; Vice President, Human Resources of IBM Asia Pacific Region from December 1999 to September 2003.



Executive Officer	Age	Position(s)	Business Experience
Richard Meaney	58	Senior Vice President, Industrial and Healthcare Business Group	Senior Vice President, Industrial and Healthcare Business Group since November 2014; Vice President, Products and Technologies Group from November 2012 to November 2014; Vice President, Converters from August 2009 to November 2012; Vice President, Precision Signal Processing from October 1999 to August 2009; Product Line Director from August 1991 to September 1999; Engineering Manager from August 1988 to July 1991; Design Engineer Analog Devices B.V. Limerick, Ireland from August 1979 to July 1988.
Peter Real	55	Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer	Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since November 2014; Vice President, High Speed Product and Technology Group from November 2012 to November 2014; Vice President, Linear and Radio Frequency Group from August 2009 to November 2012; Vice President, Radio Frequency and Networking Group from January 2008 to August 2009; Product Line Director from 1999 to 2007; Engineering Manager from 1992 to 1999.
Margaret K. Seif	54	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 2014; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from January 2006 to November 2014; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of RSA Security Inc. from January 2000 to November 2005; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of RSA Security Inc. from June 1998 to January 2000.
Thomas Wessel	48	Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing	Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing since November 2014; Vice President, Worldwide Sales from March 2012 to November 2014; Vice President, Worldwide Automotive Segment from November 2009 to March 2012; Vice President, European Sales and Marketing from June 2008 to November 2009; Managing Director, European Sales and Marketing from June 2005 to June 2008.
Eileen Wynne	49	Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer	Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since April 2015; Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from May 2013 to April 2015; Corporate Controller from April 2011 to May 2013; Assistant Corporate Controller from February 2004 to April 2011.

PART II


ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ADI. The tables below set forth the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock on the applicable exchange and the dividends declared for each quarterly period within our two most recent fiscal years.

High and Low Sales Prices of Common Stock



	Fiscal 2015				Fiscal 2014
Period	High		Low		High		Low
First Quarter		$57.99		$49.18		$51.20		$46.12
Second Quarter		$64.94		$51.29		$54.40		$47.14
Third Quarter		$68.97		$57.16		$56.18		$49.47
Fourth Quarter		$64.16		$50.56		$52.95		$42.57

Dividends Declared Per Outstanding Share of Common Stock

In fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, we paid a cash dividend in each quarter as follows:



Period	Fiscal 2015		Fiscal 2014
First Quarter		$0.37		$0.34
Second Quarter		$0.40		$0.37
Third Quarter		$0.40		$0.37
Fourth Quarter		$0.40		$0.37

During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, on November 23, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per outstanding share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2015 to all shareholders of record at the close of business on December 4, 2015. The payment of future dividends, if any, will be based on several factors including our financial performance, outlook and liquidity.

Information regarding our equity compensation plans and the securities authorized for issuance thereunder is set forth in Item 12 below.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(a)	Average Price Paid Per Share(b)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(c)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
August 2, 2015 through August 29, 2015	590,166	$	57.24	577,490	$	620,820,501
August 30, 2015 through September 26, 2015	614,228	$	55.98	603,424	$	587,060,300
September 27, 2015 through October 31, 2015	758,994	$	57.36	742,743	$	544,516,818
Total	1,963,388	$	56.89	1,923,657	$	544,516,818

_______________________________________


(a)	Includes 39,731 shares withheld by us from employees to satisfy employee minimum tax obligations upon vesting of restricted stock units granted to our employees under our equity compensation plans.


(b)	The average price paid per share of stock repurchased under the stock repurchase program includes the commissions paid to the brokers. The average price paid for shares in connection with vesting of restricted stock are averages of the closing stock price at the vesting date which is used to calculate the number of shares to be withheld.

(c)

Shares repurchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program publicly announced on August 12, 2004. On February 17, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized our repurchase of an additional $570.0 million of our common stock, increasing the total amount of our common stock that we are authorized to repurchase under the program to $5.6 billion. Under the repurchase program, we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of our Board of Directors, the

repurchase program will expire when we have repurchased all shares authorized for repurchase under the repurchase program.

The number of holders of record of our common stock at November 20, 2015 was 2,056. This number does not include shareholders for whom shares are held in a “nominee” or “street” name. On October 30, 2015, the last reported sales price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $60.12 per share.

Comparative Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock since October 30, 2010 with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index and the S&P Semiconductors Index. This graph assumes the investment of $100 on October 30, 2010 in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Semiconductors Index and assumes all dividends are reinvested. Measurement points are the last trading day for each respective fiscal year.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table includes selected financial data for each of our last five fiscal years and includes the results of operations from the acquisition of Hittite from July 22, 2014. See Note 6. in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on this acquisition.



(thousands, except per share amounts)	2015		2014		2013		2012		2011
Statement of Operations data:
Total revenue from continuing operations	$	3,435,092	$	2,864,773	$	2,633,689	$	2,701,142	$	2,993,320
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	696,878		629,320		673,487		651,236		860,894
Total income from discontinued operations, net of tax	—		—		—		—		6,500
Net income	696,878		629,320		673,487		651,236		867,394
Income per share from continuing operations, net of tax:
Basic	2.23		2.01		2.19		2.18		2.88
Diluted	2.20		1.98		2.14		2.13		2.79
Net income per share
Basic	2.23		2.01		2.19		2.18		2.90
Diluted	2.20		1.98		2.14		2.13		2.81
Cash dividends declared per common share	1.57		1.45		1.32		1.15		0.94
Balance Sheet data:
Total assets	$	7,062,178	$	6,859,690	$	6,381,750	$	5,620,347	$	5,277,635
Debt	$	873,336	$	872,789	$	872,241	$	821,598	$	886,376


ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (all tabular amounts in thousands except per share amounts)

Results of Operations

Overview



	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change			% Change
Revenue	$	3,435,092		$	2,864,773		$	2,633,689		$	570,319	20	%	$	231,084		9	%
Gross Margin %	65.8		%	63.9		%	64.3		%
Net income	$	696,878		$	629,320		$	673,487		$	67,558	11	%	$	(44,167	)	(7	)%
Net income as a % of Revenue	20.3		%	22.0		%	25.6		%
Diluted EPS	$	2.20		$	1.98		$	2.14		$	0.22	11	%	$	(0.16	)	(7	)%

On July 22, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Hittite Microwave Corporation (Hittite), a company that designed and developed high performance integrated circuits, modules, subsystems and instrumentation for radio frequency, microwave and millimeterwave applications. The total consideration paid to acquire Hittite was approximately $2.4 billion, financed through a combination of existing cash on hand and a 90-day term loan facility of $2.0 billion. The acquisition of Hittite is referred to as the Acquisition. See Note 6, Acquisitions, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on From 10-K for further discussion related to the Acquisition.

Revenue Trends by End Market

The following table summarizes revenue by end market. The categorization of revenue by end market is determined using a variety of data points including the technical characteristics of the product, the “sold to” customer information, the “ship to” customer information and the end customer product or application into which our product will be incorporated. As data systems for capturing and tracking this data evolve and improve, the categorization of products by end market can vary over time. When this occurs, we reclassify revenue by end market for prior periods. Such reclassifications typically do not materially change the sizing of, or the underlying trends of results within, each end market.



	2015						2014				2013
	Revenue		% of Total Product Revenue		Y/Y%		Revenue		% of Total Product Revenue*		Revenue		% of Total Product Revenue*
Industrial	$	1,496,198	44	%	11	%	$	1,343,255	47	%	$	1,220,141	46	%
Automotive	526,124		15	%	—	%	525,712		18	%	483,771		18	%
Consumer	729,965		21	%	123	%	327,223		11	%	401,368		15	%
Communications	682,805		20	%	2	%	668,583		23	%	528,409		20	%
Total Revenue	$	3,435,092	100	%	20	%	$	2,864,773	100	%	$	2,633,689	100	%



*	The sum of the individual percentages does not equal the total due to rounding.

The year-over-year increase in the industrial and communications end market revenue in fiscal 2015 was the result of the Acquisition. Consumer end market revenue increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 as a result of increased demand for products sold into the portable sector of this end market.

The year-to-year increase in communications end market revenue in fiscal 2014 was primarily a result of increased wireless base station deployment activity and, to a lesser extent, an increase in revenue as a result of the Acquisition. Industrial end market revenue increased in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 as a result of an increase in demand in this end market, which was most significant for products sold into the instrumentation and automation sectors and, to a lesser extent, an increase in revenue as a result of the Acquisition. The year-to-year increase in automotive end market revenue in fiscal 2014 was primarily a result of increasing electronic content in vehicles and higher demand for new vehicles. The year-to-year decrease in revenue in the consumer end market in fiscal 2014 was primarily the result of the sale of our microphone product line in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Revenue Trends by Geographic Region

Revenue by geographic region, based upon the primary location of our customers' design activity for its products, for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:



							Change
	Fiscal Year						2015 over 2014					2014 over 2013
	2015		2014		2013		$ Change			% Change		$ Change			% Change
United States	$	1,325,279	$	821,554	$	821,269	$	503,725		61	%	$	285		—	%
Rest of North and South America	97,189		96,957		99,215		232			—	%	(2,258		)	(2	)%
Europe	939,230		924,477		840,585		14,753			2	%	83,892			10	%
Japan	319,569		308,054		292,804		11,515			4	%	15,250			5	%
China	511,365		459,260		349,575		52,105			11	%	109,685			31	%
Rest of Asia	242,460		254,471		230,241		(12,011		)	(5	)%	24,230			11	%
Total Revenue	$	3,435,092	$	2,864,773	$	2,633,689	$	570,319		20	%	$	231,084		9	%

In fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the predominant countries comprising “Rest of North and South America” are Canada and Mexico; the predominant countries comprising “Europe” are Germany, Sweden, France and the United Kingdom; and the predominant countries comprising “Rest of Asia” are South Korea and Taiwan.

The sales increase in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 in the United States was primarily the result of increased demand for consumer products sold into the portable sector and the Acquisition. The sales increase in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 in Europe was primarily the result of the Acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in demand for products used in wireless base stations. The sales increase in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 in Japan was primarily a result of the Acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in demand for products used in home entertainment. The sales increase in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 in China was primarily a result of the Acquisition. The sales decrease in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 in the Rest of Asia was primarily the result of a decrease in demand in most end markets, partially offset by the Acquisition.

On a regional basis, the year-over-year sales increases for fiscal 2014 in most regions were the result of an increase in demand in the communications, industrial and automotive end markets and an increase in revenue as a result of the Acquisition, partially offset by a lower demand for products used in consumer applications.

Gross Margin



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change		% Change
Gross Margin	$	2,259,262		$	1,830,188		$	1,692,411		$	429,074	23	%	$	137,777	8	%
Gross Margin %	65.8		%	63.9		%	64.3		%

Gross margin percentage in fiscal 2015 increased 190 basis points compared to fiscal 2014 primarily as a result of lower amortization expense of purchased inventory recognized in fiscal 2014 as a result of the Acquisition.

Gross margin percentage decreased by 40 basis points compared to fiscal 2013, primarily as a result of recording approximately $53.6 million of additional cost related to the sale of acquired inventory written up to fair value as a result of the Acquisition. This expense was partially offset by the improved utilization levels in our manufacturing facilities and, to a lesser extent, a mix shift in favor of higher margin products being sold as a result of the Acquisition.

Research and Development (R&D)



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change		% Change
R&D Expenses	$	637,459		$	559,686		$	513,035		$	77,773	14	%	$	46,651	9	%
R&D Expenses as a % of Revenue	18.6		%	19.5		%	19.5		%

R&D expenses increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 primarily as a result of increases in operational spending resulting from the Acquisition, variable compensation expense linked to our overall profitability and revenue growth and R&D employee and related benefit expenses.

R&D expenses increased in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to an increase in variable compensation expense linked to our overall profitability and revenue growth, higher R&D employee and related benefit expenses, and a general increase in other operational spending. Approximately $15.0 million of the overall increase year-over-year was a result of the Acquisition.

R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue will fluctuate from year-to-year depending on the amount of revenue and the success of new product development efforts, which we view as critical to our future growth. We have hundreds of R&D projects underway, none of which we believe are material on an individual basis. We expect to continue the development of innovative technologies and processes for new products. We believe that a continued commitment to R&D is essential to maintain product leadership with our existing products as well as to provide innovative new product offerings, and therefore, we expect to continue to make significant R&D investments in the future.

Selling, Marketing, General and Administrative (SMG&A)



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change		% Change
SMG&A Expenses	$	478,972		$	454,676		$	396,233		$	24,296	5	%	$	58,443	15	%
SMG&A Expenses as a % of Revenue	13.9		%	15.9		%	15.0		%

SMG&A expenses increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 as a result of increases in variable compensation expense linked to our overall profitability and revenue growth, SMG&A employee and related benefit expenses, as well as operational spending resulting from the Acquisition. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Acquisition-related transition costs and other activity.

SMG&A expenses increased in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 primarily due to Acquisition-related transaction costs and other activity of approximately $33.3 million. The remainder of the increases were primarily due to higher variable compensation expense linked to our overall profitability and revenue growth, higher SMG&A employee and related benefit expenses as a result of an increased headcount attributable to the Acquisition and, to a lesser extent, increases in other operational spending. The increases in SMG&A employee and related benefit expenses were partially offset by a lower stock-based compensation expense as fiscal 2013 included $6.3 million related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units following the death of the Company's then-CEO in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

Amortization of Intangibles

During fiscal 2015, we recognized approximately $88.3 million of amortization expense within operating expense. Approximately $87.8 million of this expense related to the $665.5 million of amortizable intangible assets acquired as a result of the Acquisition. These intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

During fiscal 2014, we recognized approximately $26.0 million of amortization expense within operating expenses of which approximately $25.9 million related to the $665.5 million of amortizable intangible assets acquired as a result of the Acquisition. These intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Special Charges

We monitor global macroeconomic conditions on an ongoing basis, and continue to assess opportunities for improved operational effectiveness and efficiency and better alignment of expenses with revenues. As a result of these assessments, we have undertaken various restructuring actions over the past several years. The expense reductions relating to ongoing actions are described below.

During fiscal 2014, we recorded special charges of approximately $37.3 million. These special charges included $37.9 million for severance and fringe benefit costs in accordance with our ongoing benefit plan or statutory requirements at foreign locations for 341 manufacturing, engineering and SMG&A employees; $0.5 million for lease obligations costs for facilities that we ceased using during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014; and $0.4 million for the impairment of assets that have no future use located at closed facilities. We reversed approximately $1.4 million of our severance accrual related to charges taken in fiscal 2013, primarily due to severance costs being lower than our estimates. We terminated the employment of all employees associated with this action. We expect this action will result in estimated annual cost savings of approximately $46.2 million, once fully implemented.

During fiscal 2013, we recorded special charges of approximately $29.8 million for severance and fringe benefit costs in accordance with our ongoing benefit plan or statutory requirements at foreign locations for 235 engineering and SMG&A employees. We terminated the employment of all employees associated with this action. This action resulted in annual cost savings of approximately $32.6 million.

We expect that annual cost savings resulting from these actions will be used to make additional investments in products that we expect will drive revenue growth in the future.

Other Operating Expense

During fiscal 2015, we converted the benefits provided to participants in our Irish defined benefits pension plan to benefits provided under our Irish defined contribution plan. Retired pension plan participants received an annuity. As a result, in fiscal 2015 we recorded settlement charges, legal, accounting and other professional fees totaling $223.7 million to settle all existing and future Irish pension plan liabilities.

Operating Income



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change			% Change
Operating income	$	830,841		$	752,484		$	753,075		$	78,357	10	%	$	(591	)	—	%
Operating income as a % of Revenue	24.2		%	26.3		%	28.6		%

The increase in operating income in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 was primarily the result of an increase in revenue of $570.3 million, a 190 basis point increase in gross margin percentage and a $37.3 million decrease in special charges, partially offset by a $223.7 million increase in other operating expense, a $77.8 million increase in R&D expenses, a $24.3 million increase in SMG&A expenses and a $62.3 million increase in amortization of intangibles more fully described above under the headings Research and Development (R&D), Selling, Marketing, General and Administrative (SMG&A), Amortization of Intangibles, Special Charges and Other Operating Expense.

The decrease in operating income in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of an increase in revenue of $231.1 million , which was offset by a 40 basis point decrease in gross margin percentage, a $46.7 million increase in R&D expenses, a $58.4 million increase in SMG&A expenses, a $25.8 million increase in amortization of intangibles, and a $7.5 million increase in special charges as more fully described above under the headings Research and Development (R&D), Selling, Marketing, General and Administrative (SMG&A), Amortization of Intangibles and Special Charges.

Nonoperating (Income) Expense



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014			2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change			$ Change
Interest expense	$	27,030		$	34,784		$	27,102		$	(7,754	)	$	7,682
Interest income	(8,625		)	(12,173		)	(12,753		)	3,548			580
Other, net	2,322			528			(76,597		)	1,794			77,125
Total nonoperating (income) expense	$	20,727		$	23,139		$	(62,248	)	$	(2,412	)	$	85,387

The decrease in nonoperating expense in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 was primarily the result of the repayment of the 90-day term loan facility used to fund the Acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, partially offset by a decrease in interest income primarily as a result of lower cash balances throughout fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014.

The change in nonoperating expense in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of recognizing other income of $85.4 million from the sale of a product line in fiscal 2013, as more fully described below under the heading Divestitures, partially offset by the net loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $10.2 million in conjunction with the redemption of our $375 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior unsecured notes in fiscal 2013 as more fully described below under the heading Liquidity and Capital Resources. Interest and fees related to the 90-day term loan facility used to fund the Acquisition caused our interest expense to increase year-over-year from fiscal 2013.

Provision for Income Taxes



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change			% Change
Provision for Income Taxes	$	113,236		$	100,025		$	141,836		$	13,211	13	%	$	(41,811	)	(29	)%
Effective Income Tax Rate	14.0		%	13.7		%	17.4		%

Our effective tax rate reflects the applicable tax rate in effect in the various tax jurisdictions around the world where our income is earned.

The tax rate for all periods presented was below the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%, primarily due to lower statutory tax rates applicable to our operations in the foreign jurisdictions in which we earn income. Income from non-U.S. jurisdictions accounted for approximately 86% of our total revenues for fiscal 2015, resulting in a material portion of our pretax income being earned and taxed outside the U.S., primarily in Bermuda and Ireland, at rates ranging from 0% to 35%. The impact on our provision for income taxes of income earned in foreign jurisdictions being taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate was a benefit of approximately $198.1 million and a foreign effective tax rate of approximately 10.6% in fiscal 2015, compared to a benefit of approximately $179.3 million and a foreign effective tax rate of approximately 7.7% in fiscal 2014. A reduction in the ratio of domestic taxable income to worldwide taxable income effectively lowers the overall tax rate, due to the fact that the tax rates in the majority of foreign jurisdictions where we earn income are significantly lower than the U.S. statutory rate. In addition, our effective income tax rate can be impacted each year by discrete factors or events. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 was reduced as a result of $13.0 million recorded as a result of the reversal of certain prior period tax liabilities, a tax benefit of $7.0 million from the reinstatement of the U.S. federal research and development tax credit in December 2014 retroactive to January 1, 2014 and a tax benefit of $3.8 million as a result of an acquisition accounting adjustment. In addition our effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 included $2.0 million of discrete tax expense items associated with the U.S. provision to return adjustments. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was not significantly impacted by discrete items.

Income from non-U.S. jurisdictions accounted for approximately 78% of our total revenues for fiscal 2014, resulting in a material portion of our pretax income being earned and taxed outside the U.S., primarily in Bermuda and Ireland, at rates ranging from 0% to 35%. The impact on our provision for income taxes of income earned in foreign jurisdictions being taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate was a benefit of approximately $179.3 million and a foreign effective tax rate of approximately 7.7% in fiscal 2014 compared to a benefit of approximately $162.3 million and a foreign effective tax rate of approximately 10.0% for fiscal 2013. A reduction in the ratio of domestic taxable income to worldwide taxable income effectively lowers the overall tax rate, due to the fact that the tax rates in the majority of foreign jurisdictions where we earn income are significantly lower than the U.S. statutory rate. In addition, our effective income tax rate can be impacted each year by discrete factors or events. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was not significantly impacted by discrete items. Our

effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was lower by approximately 3% due to $6.6 million recorded as a result of the reversal of certain prior period tax liabilities and a tax benefit of $6.3 million from the reinstatement of the U.S. federal research and development tax credit in January 2013 retroactive to January 1, 2012.

Net Income



										Change
	Fiscal Year									2015 over 2014				2014 over 2013
	2015			2014			2013			$ Change		% Change		$ Change			% Change
Net Income	$	696,878		$	629,320		$	673,487		$	67,558	11	%	$	(44,167	)	(7	)%
Net Income, as a % of Revenue	20.3		%	22.0		%	25.6		%
Diluted EPS	$	2.20		$	1.98		$	2.14		$	0.22	11	%	$	(0.16	)	(7	)%

The increase in net income in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 was primarily a result of the $78.4 million increase in operating income partially offset by the $13.2 million increase in provision for income taxes.

The decrease in net income in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 was primarily a result of the $85.4 million decrease in nonoperating income partially offset by the $41.8 million decrease in provision for income taxes.

The impact of inflation and foreign currency exchange rate movement on our results of operations during the past three fiscal years has not been significant.

Divestitures

On October 31, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and intellectual property related to our microphone product line to InvenSense, Inc. (InvenSense). We received $100.0 million in cash for the assets and intellectual property and after providing for the write-off of inventory, fixed assets and other costs incurred to complete the transaction, recorded a net gain of $85.4 million in nonoperating income during fiscal 2013. The sale of the assets and intellectual property related to the microphone product line did not qualify as a discontinued operation as it was not considered to be a component of the Company per the applicable guidance.

Acquisitions

On July 22, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Hittite (the Acquisition), a company that designed and developed high performance integrated circuits, modules, subsystems and instrumentation for radio frequency, microwave and millimeterwave applications. The total consideration paid to acquire Hittite was approximately $2.4 billion, financed through a combination of existing cash on hand and a 90-day term loan facility of $2.0 billion. We recognized assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, resulting in the recognition of $1.4 billion of goodwill and $666.4 million of intangible assets, including $0.9 million of in-process research and development intangible assets. We recognized approximately $50.9 million of transaction-related costs, including legal, accounting, severance, debt financing, interest and other related fees of which approximately $9.7 million were expensed in fiscal 2015 and $41.2 million in fiscal 2014. These costs are included in the consolidated statements of income in operating expenses within SMG&A expenses as well as non-operating expenses. The Acquisition resulted in the creation of a new operating segment. We continue to operate and track our results in one reportable segment based on the aggregation of six operating segments.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information presents our combined results of operations after giving effect to the Acquisition and assumes that the Acquisition, which closed on July 22, 2014, was completed on November 4, 2012 (the first day of the Company’s 2013 fiscal year). The pro forma consolidated financial information has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and includes adjustments for amortization expense of acquired intangible assets, transaction-related costs, increase in cost of sales for inventory acquired and depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and interest expense for the debt incurred to fund the Acquisition, together with the consequential tax effects. These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of our operating results that would have been achieved had the Acquisition actually taken place on November 4, 2012. In addition, these results are not intended to be a projection of future results and do not reflect events that may occur after the Acquisition, including but not limited to revenue enhancements, cost savings or operating synergies that the combined Company may achieve as a result of the Acquisition.



(thousands, except per share data)	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013
Revenue	$	3,075,468	$	2,907,504
Net income	$	778,049	$	641,217
Basic net income per common share	$	2.48	$	2.08
Diluted net income per common share	$	2.44	$	2.04

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At October 31, 2015, our principal source of liquidity was $3.0 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which approximately $657.8 million was held in the United States. The balance of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was held outside the United States in various foreign subsidiaries. As we intend to reinvest our foreign earnings indefinitely, this cash held outside the United States is not available to meet certain aspects of our cash requirements in the United States, including cash dividends and common stock repurchases. If these funds are needed for U.S. operations or can no longer be permanently reinvested outside the United States, we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition, including money market funds, and our short-term investments consist primarily of corporate obligations, such as commercial paper and floating rate notes, bonds and bank time deposits. We maintain these balances with high credit quality counterparties, continually monitor the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and diversify our investments in order to minimize our credit risk.

We believe that our existing sources of liquidity and cash expected to be generated from future operations, together with existing and anticipated available long-term financing, will be sufficient to fund operations, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, dividend payments (if any) and repurchases of our stock (if any) under our stock repurchase program in the immediate future and for at least the next twelve months.



	Fiscal Year
	2015			2014			2013
Net Cash Provided by Operations	$	907,798		$	871,602		$	912,345
Net Cash Provided by Operations as a % of Revenue	26.4		%	30.4		%	34.6		%
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	$	(17,125	)	$	(114,751	)	$	(949,926	)
Net Used for Financing Activities	$	(571,603	)	$	(576,610	)	$	(100,557	)

At October 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $884.4 million. The following changes contributed to the net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $315.1 million in fiscal 2015.

Operating Activities

During fiscal 2015, we generated cash from operating activities of $907.8 million, an increase of $36.2 million compared to the $871.6 million generated in fiscal 2014. Results of operations, after non-cash adjustments to net income, contributed $917.8 million compared to a contribution of $726.6 million in fiscal 2014. The contribution by results of operations was offset by changes in net cash inflows from working capital changes.

Investing Activities

During fiscal 2015, cash used for investing activities included $154.0 million for property, plant and equipment additions, and $7.1 million for payments for acquisitions. We received $152.2 million in proceeds from the net sales of available-for-sale short term investments and s.

Financing Activities

During fiscal 2015, cash used for financing activities included, proceeds of $122.6 million from employee stock option exercises. We distributed $491.1 million to our shareholders in dividend payments and paid $227.0 million for the repurchase of 4.1 million shares of our common stock.

Working Capital



	Fiscal Year
	2015		2014		$ Change		% Change
Accounts Receivable	$	466,527	$	396,605	$	69,922	18	%
Days Sales Outstanding	46		46
Inventory	$	412,314	$	367,927	$	44,387	12	%
Days Cost of Sales in Inventory	121		115

The increase in accounts receivable was primarily the result of higher product shipments in the final month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to the final month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Overall, our days in sales outstanding remained consistent year-over-year.

Inventory as of October 31, 2015 increased as compared to the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily as a result of increased manufacturing production to support anticipated higher sales demand. Our inventory levels are impacted by our need to support forecasted sales demand and variations between those forecasts and actual demand. Days cost of sales in inventory increased from 115 days at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to 121 days at the end of fiscal 2015 as a result of recognizing approximately $53.6 million of additional cost related to the sale of acquired inventory written up to fair value as a result of the Acquisition in fiscal 2014.

Current liabilities increased to $1.1 billion at October 31, 2015 from $709.1 million recorded at the end of fiscal 2014. The increase was primarily the result of the classification of our $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% senior

unsecured notes due April 15, 2016 as current and, to a lesser extent, increases in accounts payable, deferred income on shipments to distributors as more fully described below and accrued liabilities. These increases were partially offset by decreases in income taxes payable.

As of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, we had gross deferred revenue of $379.9 million and $349.7 million, respectively, and gross deferred cost of sales of $79.8 million and $71.3 million, respectively. Deferred income on shipments to distributors increased in fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of higher demand for products sold into the channel. Sales to distributors are made under agreements that allow distributors to receive price-adjustment credits and to return qualifying products for credit, as determined by us, in order to reduce the amounts of slow-moving, discontinued or obsolete product from their inventory. Given the uncertainties associated with the levels of price-adjustment credits to be granted to distributors, the sales price to the distributors is not fixed or determinable until the distributors resell the products to their customers. Therefore, we defer revenue recognition from sales to distributors until the distributors have sold the products to their customers. The amount of price-adjustments is dependent on future overall market conditions, and therefore the levels of these adjustments could fluctuate significantly from period to period. To the extent that we experience a significant increase in the amount of credits we issue to our distributors, there could be a material impact on the ultimate revenue and gross margin recognized relating to these transactions.

Debt

As of October 31, 2015, we had $873.3 million of carrying value outstanding on our debt. The difference in the carrying value of the debt and the principal amount of the debt is due to the unamortized discount on these instruments that will accrete to the face value of the debt over the term of the debt. Our debt obligations consist of the following:

$375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% senior unsecured notes

On April 4, 2011, we issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2016 (the 2016 Notes) with semi-annual fixed interest payments due on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing October 15, 2011.

$500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior unsecured notes

On June 3, 2013, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2023 (the 2023 Notes) with semi-annual fixed interest payments due on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 2013.

The indentures governing the 2016 Notes and the 2023 Notes contain covenants that may limit our ability to: incur, create, assume or guarantee any debt for borrowed money secured by a lien upon a principal property; enter into sale and lease-back transactions with respect to a principal property; and consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to, any other party. As of October 31, 2015, we were compliant with these covenants. See Note 16

in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our outstanding debt.

Revolving Credit Facility

On July 10, 2015, we amended and restated our existing senior unsecured revolving credit facility with certain institutional lenders (the Credit Agreement) dated as of December 19, 2012. The Credit Agreement expires on July 10, 2020, and provides that we may borrow up to $750.0 million. To date, we have not borrowed under this credit facility, but we may borrow in the future and use the proceeds for repayment of existing indebtedness, stock repurchases, acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and other lawful corporate purposes. The terms of the facility impose restrictions on our ability to undertake certain transactions, to create certain liens on assets and to incur certain subsidiary indebtedness. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a consolidated leverage ratio covenant of total consolidated funded debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of not greater than 3.0 to 1.0. As of October 31, 2015, we were compliant with these covenants.

$2.0 billion term loan facility

On July 22, 2014, we entered into a 90-day term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion with Credit Suisse AG, as Administrative Agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto (the Term Loan Agreement) to finance the Acquisition. On August 29, 2014, we repaid in full the outstanding principal balance due under the Term Loan Agreement.

Stock Repurchase Program

Our common stock repurchase program has been in place since August 2004. In the aggregate, our Board of Directors have authorized us to repurchase $5.6 billion of our common stock under the program. Under the program, we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of our Board of Directors, the repurchase program will expire when we have repurchased all shares authorized under the program. As of October 31, 2015, we had repurchased a total of approximately 140.7 million shares of our common stock for approximately $5.0 billion under this program. As of October 31, 2015, an additional $544.5 million worth of shares remains available for repurchase under the current authorized program. The repurchased shares are held as authorized but unissued shares of common stock. We also from time to time repurchase shares in settlement of employee minimum tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Any future common stock repurchases will be based on several factors, including our financial performance, outlook, liquidity and the amount of cash we have available in the United States.

Capital Expenditures

Net additions to property, plant and equipment were $154.0 million in fiscal 2015 and were funded with a combination of cash on hand and cash generated from operations. We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2016 to be in the range of $140 million to $160 million. These capital expenditures will be funded with a combination of cash on hand and cash generated from operations.

Dividends

On November 23, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per outstanding share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on December 15, 2015 to all shareholders of record at the close of business on December 4, 2015 and is expected to total approximately $124.8 million. We currently expect quarterly dividends to continue at $0.40 per share, although they remain subject to determination and declaration by our Board of Directors. The payment of future dividends, if any, will be based on several factors, including our financial performance, outlook and liquidity.

Contractual Obligations

The table below summarizes our contractual obligations and the amounts we owe under these contracts in specified periods as of October 31, 2015:



			Payment due by period
			Less than						More than
(thousands)	Total		1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		5 Years
Contractual obligations:
Operating leases (a)	$	59,488	$	21,780	$	24,975	$	7,470	$	5,263
Debt obligations	875,000		375,000		—		—		500,000
Interest payments associated with debt obligations	120,625		20,000		28,750		28,750		43,125
Deferred compensation plan (b)	24,124		—		—		—		24,124
Pension funding (c)	4,236		4,236		—		—		—
Purchase Orders (d)	10,000		10,000		—		—		—
Total	$	1,093,473	$	431,016	$	53,725	$	36,220	$	572,512

_______________________________________


(a)	Certain of our operating lease obligations include escalation clauses. These escalating payment requirements are reflected in the table.

(b)

These payments relate to obligations under our deferred compensation plan. The deferred compensation plan allows certain members of management and other highly-compensated employees and non-employee directors to defer receipt of all or any portion of their compensation. The amount in the “More than 5 Years” column of the table represents the remaining total balance under the deferred compensation plan to be paid to participants who have not terminated employment. Since we cannot reasonably estimate the timing of withdrawals for participants who have not yet terminated employment, we have included the future obligation to these participants in the “More than 5 Years” column of the table.

(c)

Our funding policy for our foreign defined benefit plans is consistent with the local requirements of each country. The payment obligations in the table are estimates of our expected contributions to these plans for fiscal year 2016. The actual future payments may differ from the amounts presented in the table and reasonable estimates of payments beyond one year are not practical because of potential future changes in variables, such as plan asset performance, interest rates and the rate of increase in compensation levels.

(d)

Represents a non-cancelable inventory purchase obligation for certain raw materials though March 31, 2016 as part of a planned transition from a principal foundry supplier. We generally do not have significant agreements for the purchase of raw materials or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our expected short-term requirements. Other purchase orders for the purchase of raw materials and other goods and services are not included in the table above. We are not able to determine the total amount of these purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. In addition, our purchase orders generally allow for cancellation without significant penalties.

Certain of our acquisitions involve the potential payment of contingent consideration. The table above does not reflect any such obligations, which could be up to $3.0 million, as the timing and amounts are uncertain.

As of October 31, 2015, our total liabilities associated with deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions was $81.0 million, which are included in “Other non-current liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Due to the complexity associated with our deferred taxes and tax uncertainties, we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period in which we expect to settle the non-current liabilities associated with these deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions. Therefore, we have not included these deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions in the above contractual obligations table.

The expected timing of payments and the amounts of the obligations discussed above are estimated based on current information available as of October 31, 2015.

Off-balance Sheet Financing

As of October 31, 2015, we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards will not have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations. See Note 2t, New Accounting Pronouncements, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements, including the dates of adoption and impact on our historical financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year, and as a result, public entities would apply the new revenue standard to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein, which is the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The guidance allows for the amendment to be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and beliefs of what could occur in the future based on available information. We consider the following accounting policies to be both those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and those that require the most subjective judgment. If actual results differ significantly from management’s estimates and projections, there could be a material effect on our financial statements. We also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as our policy for revenue recognition, including the deferral of revenue on sales to distributors until the products are sold to the end user; however, the application of these policies does not require us to make significant estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales to customers is generally recognized when title passes, which is upon shipment in the U.S. and for certain foreign counties. Revenue from product sales to other foreign countries is subsequent to product shipment. Title for these shipments to these other foreign countries ordinarily passes within a week of shipment. Accordingly, we defer the revenue recognized relating to these other foreign countries until title has passed. For multiple element arrangements, we allocate arrangement consideration among the elements based on the relative fair values of those elements as determined using vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence. We use our best estimate of selling price to allocate arrangement consideration between the deliverables in cases where neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence is available. A reserve for sales returns and allowances for customers is recorded based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve.

Revenue from contracts with the United States government, government prime contractors and some commercial customers is generally recorded on a percentage of completion basis, using either units delivered or costs incurred as the measurement basis for progress toward completion. The output measure is used to measure results directly and is generally the best measure of progress toward completion in circumstances in which a reliable measure of output can be established. Estimated revenue in excess of amounts billed is reported as unbilled receivables. Contract accounting requires judgment in estimating costs and assumptions related to technical issues and delivery schedule. Contract costs include material, subcontract costs, labor and an allocation of indirect costs. The estimation of costs at completion of a contract is subject to numerous variables involving contract costs and estimates as to the length of time to complete the contract. Changes in contract performance, estimated gross margin, including the impact of final contract settlements, and estimated losses are recognized in the period in which the changes or losses are determined.

Inventory Valuation

We value inventories at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Because of the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, changes in inventory levels, obsolescence of technology, and product life cycles, we write down inventories to net realizable value. We employ a variety of methodologies to determine the net realizable value of inventory. While a portion of the calculation is determined via reference to the age of inventory and lower of cost or market calculations, an element of the calculation is subject to significant judgments made by us about future demand for our inventory. If actual demand for our products is less than our estimates, additional adjustments to existing inventories may need to be recorded in future periods. To date, our actual results have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not expect them to be materially different in the future.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts, when appropriate, for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, our actual losses may exceed our estimates, and additional allowances would be required. To date, our actual results have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not expect them to be materially different in the future.

Long-Lived Assets

We review property, plant, and equipment and finite lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparison of their carrying value to future undiscounted cash flows that the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic lives. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized in earnings equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value determined by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow technique. Although we have recognized no material impairment adjustments related to our property, plant, and equipment and identified intangible assets during the past three fiscal years, except those made in conjunction with restructuring actions, deterioration in our business in the future could lead to such impairment adjustments in future periods. Evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets requires estimates of future operating results that are used in the preparation of the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of our long-lived assets could differ from the estimates used in assessing the recoverability of these assets. These differences could result in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, in certain instances, assets may not be impaired but their estimated useful lives may have decreased. In these situations, we amortize the remaining net book values over the revised useful lives. We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, on the first day of the fourth quarter (on or about August 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We perform a qualitative assessment on its indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine whether it is more likely-than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is determined that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value, we would compare the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount and recognize into earnings any amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value.

Goodwill

Goodwill is subject to annual impairment tests or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist and suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable from estimated discounted future cash flows. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis in the fourth quarter (on or about August 1) or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. For our latest annual impairment assessment which occurred on August 2, 2015, we identified our reporting units to be our six operating segments. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies, which requires significant judgment by management. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. These impairment tests may result in impairment losses that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Business Combinations

Under the acquisition method of accounting, we recognize tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. We record the excess of the fair value of the purchase consideration

over the value of the net assets acquired as goodwill. The accounting for business combinations requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and the fair value of contingent payment obligations. Critical estimates in valuing purchased technology, customer lists and other identifiable intangible assets include future cash flows that we expect to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, we could experience impairment charges which could be material. In addition, we have estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If our estimates of the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be accelerated or slowed.

We record contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. We generally determine the fair value of the contingent consideration using the income approach methodology of valuation. Each reporting period thereafter, we revalue these obligations and record increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to operating expenses within the consolidated statement of income. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, and from changes pertaining to the achievement of the defined milestones. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period.

Accounting for Income Taxes

We must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties relating to these uncertain tax positions. We assessed the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and concluded that a valuation allowance is needed to reserve the amount of the deferred tax assets that may not be realized due to the uncertainty of the timing and amount of the realization of certain state credit carryovers. In reaching our conclusion, we evaluated certain relevant criteria including the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize deferred tax assets, the taxable income in prior carryback years in the impacted state jurisdictions that can be used to absorb net operating losses and taxable income in future years. Our judgments regarding future profitability may change due to future market conditions, changes in U.S. or international tax laws and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets, resulting in a reduction in net income or an increase in net loss in the period when such determinations are made, which in turn, may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period.

We account for uncertain tax positions by determining if it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained by the appropriate taxing authorities prior to recording any benefit in the financial statements. An uncertain income tax position is not recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in known facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. A change in these factors would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

In the ordinary course of global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of cost reimbursement and royalty arrangements among related entities. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. In the event our assumptions are incorrect, the differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such determination is made. In addition to the factors described above, our current and expected effective tax rate is based on then-current tax law. Significant changes during the year in enacted tax law could affect these estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options and related awards is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Determining the amount of stock-based compensation to be recorded requires us to develop estimates to be used in calculating the grant-date fair value of stock options and market-based restricted stock units. We calculate the grant-date fair values of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The use of valuation models requires us to make estimates of key assumptions such as expected option term and stock price volatility to determine the fair value of a stock

option. The estimate of these key assumptions is based on historical information and judgment regarding market factors and trends. As it relates to our market-based restricted stock units, we utilize the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model to value these awards. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the performance conditions stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair market value for the market-based restricted stock units granted. The Monte Carlo simulation model also uses stock price volatility and other variables to estimate the probability of satisfying the performance conditions, including the possibility that the market condition may not be satisfied, and the resulting fair value of the award. We recognize the expense related to these on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is generally five years for stock options and three years for restricted stock units. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information related to stock based compensation.

Contingencies

From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced against us arising from, or related to, contractual matters, patents, trademarks, personal injury, environmental matters, product liability, insurance coverage and personnel and employment disputes. We periodically assess each matter to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, we may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. Based on the information we obtain, combined with our judgment regarding all the facts and circumstances of each matter, we determine whether it is probable that a contingent loss may be incurred and whether the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. If a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, we record a contingent loss. In determining the amount of a contingent loss, we consider advice received from experts in the specific matter, current status of legal proceedings, settlement negotiations that may be ongoing, prior case history and other factors. If the judgments and estimates made by us are incorrect, we may need to record additional contingent losses that could materially adversely impact our results of operations.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Exposure

Our interest income and expense are sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates. In this regard, changes in interest rates affect the interest earned on our marketable securities and short term investments, as well as the fair value of our investments and debt.

Based on our marketable securities and short-term investments outstanding as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, our annual interest income would change by approximately $27 million and $29 million, respectively, for each 100 basis point increase in interest rates.

To provide a meaningful assessment of the interest rate risk associated with our investment portfolio, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact a change in interest rates would have on the value of our investment portfolio assuming a 100 basis point parallel shift in the yield curve. Based on investment positions as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities would result in a $5 million and $7 million decline, respectively in the fair market value of the portfolio. Such losses would only be realized if we sold the investments prior to maturity.

As of October 31, 2015, we had $875 million in principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding, which consisted of $375 million 3% senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2016 (the 2016 Notes) and $500 million 2.875% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2023 (the 2023 Notes). As of October 31, 2015, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would reduce the fair value of our 2016 Notes outstanding by approximately $2 million. As of October 31, 2015, a similar increase in market interest rates would reduce the fair value of our 2023 Notes by $32 million.

Foreign Currency Exposure

As more fully described in Note 2i in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we regularly hedge our non-U.S. dollar-based exposures by entering into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The terms of these contracts are for periods matching the duration of the underlying exposure and generally range from one to twelve months. Currently, our largest foreign currency exposure is the Euro, primarily because our European operations have the highest proportion of our local currency denominated expenses. Relative to foreign currency exposures existing at October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, a 10% unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates over the course of the year would result in approximately $8 million of losses and $8 million of gains, respectively, in changes in earnings or cash flows.

The market risk associated with our derivative instruments results from currency exchange rates that are expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. The counterparties to the agreements relating to our foreign exchange instruments consist of a number of major international financial institutions with high credit ratings. Based on the credit ratings of our counterparties as of October 31, 2015, we do not believe that there is significant risk of nonperformance by them. While the contract or notional amounts of derivative financial instruments provide one measure of the volume of these transactions, they do not represent the amount of our exposure to credit risk. The amounts potentially subject to credit risk (arising from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts) are generally limited to the amounts, if any, by which the counterparties’ obligations under the contracts exceed our obligations to the counterparties.

The following table illustrates the effect that a 10% unfavorable or favorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates, relative to the U.S. dollar, would have on the fair value of our forward exchange contracts as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:



	October 31, 2015			November 1, 2014
Fair value of forward exchange contracts liability	$	(3,083	)	$	(10,093	)
Fair value of forward exchange contracts after a 10% unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates asset	$	13,595		$	7,918
Fair value of forward exchange contracts after a 10% favorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates liability	$	(18,736	)	$	(27,051	)

The calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition to the direct effects of changes in exchange rates, such changes typically affect the volume of sales or the foreign currency sales price as competitors’ products become more or less attractive. Our sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency selling prices.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Analog Devices, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Analog Devices, Inc. as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(b). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Analog Devices, Inc. at October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Analog Devices, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated November 24, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

November 24, 2015


ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

ANALOG DEVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years ended October 31, 2015, November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013



(thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014			2013
Revenue
Revenue	$	3,435,092		$	2,864,773		$	2,633,689
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales(1)	1,175,830			1,034,585			941,278
Gross margin	2,259,262			1,830,188			1,692,411
Operating expenses:
Research and development(1)	637,459			559,686			513,035
Selling, marketing, general and administrative(1)	478,972			454,676			396,233
Amortization of intangibles	88,318			26,020			220
Special charges	—			37,322			29,848
Other operating expense	223,672			—			—
	1,428,421			1,077,704			939,336
Operating income	830,841			752,484			753,075
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	27,030			34,784			27,102
Interest income	(8,625		)	(12,173		)	(12,753		)
Other, net	2,322			528			(76,597		)
	20,727			23,139			(62,248		)
Earnings
Income before income taxes	810,114			729,345			815,323
Provision for income taxes:
Payable currently	165,450			177,736			159,535
Deferred	(52,214		)	(77,711		)	(17,699		)
	113,236			100,025			141,836
Net Income	$	696,878		$	629,320		$	673,487

Shares used to compute earnings per share — Basic	312,660			313,195			307,763
Shares used to compute earnings per share — Diluted	316,872			318,027			314,041

Basic Earnings Per Share	$	2.23		$	2.01		$	2.19
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	2.20		$	1.98		$	2.14
Dividends declared and paid per share	$	1.57		$	1.45		$	1.32
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
Cost of sales	$	8,983		$	7,069		$	6,593
Research and development	$	26,617		$	20,707		$	21,901
Selling, marketing, general and administrative	$	33,319		$	23,036		$	28,392

See accompanying Notes.

ANALOG DEVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended October 31, 2015, November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013



(thousands)	2015			2014			2013
Net Income	$	696,878		$	629,320		$	673,487
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes of $1,479 in 2015, $2,379 in 2014 and $1,404 in 2013)	(12,925		)	(5,615		)	(499		)
Change in unrecognized gains/losses on marketable securities:
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities classified as short-term investments (net of taxes of $55 in 2015, $186 in 2014 and $67 in 2013)	(540		)	(306		)	497
Total change in unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, net of tax	(540		)	(306		)	497
Change in unrecognized gains/losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Changes in fair value of derivatives (net of taxes of $10,889 in 2015, $916 in 2014 and $4,242 in 2013)	(28,798		)	(9,350		)	9,708
Adjustment for realized gain/loss reclassified into earnings (net of taxes of $1,064 in 2015, $148 in 2014 and $354 in 2013)	10,447			912			(1,776		)
Total change in derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax	(18,351		)	(8,438		)	7,932
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — pension plans:
Change in transition asset (net of taxes of $0 in 2015, $0 in 2014 and $4 in 2013)	19			22			20
Change in actuarial loss/gain (net of taxes of $23,500 in 2015, $12,139 in 2014 and $4,146 in 2013)	153,953			(74,049		)	(24,099		)
Change in prior service cost/income (net of taxes of $640 in 2015, $58 in 2014 and $3 in 2013)	(4,481		)	406			(3		)
Total change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — pension plans, net of tax	149,491			(73,621		)	(24,082		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	117,675			(87,980		)	(16,152		)
Comprehensive income	$	814,553		$	541,340		$	657,335

See accompanying Notes.

ANALOG DEVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014



(thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	884,353		$	569,233
Short-term investments	2,144,575			2,297,235
Accounts receivable less allowances of $2,081 ($2,919 in 2014)	466,527			396,605
Inventories(1)	412,314			367,927
Deferred tax assets	129,241			128,934
Prepaid income tax	1,941			6,633
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,597			45,319
Total current assets	4,079,548			3,811,886
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
Land and buildings	559,660			495,738
Machinery and equipment	1,932,727			1,880,351
Office equipment	54,099			51,477
Leasehold improvements	55,609			50,782
	2,602,095			2,478,348
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,957,985			1,855,926
Net property, plant and equipment	644,110			622,422
Other Assets
Deferred compensation plan investments	23,753			21,110
Other investments	17,482			13,397
Goodwill	1,636,526			1,642,438
Intangible assets, net	583,517			671,402
Deferred tax assets	33,280			27,249
Other assets	43,962			49,786
Total other assets	2,338,520			2,425,382
	$	7,062,178		$	6,859,690
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	174,247		$	138,967
Deferred income on shipments to distributors, net	300,087			278,435
Income taxes payable	15,062			62,770
Debt, current	374,839			—
Accrued liabilities	249,595			228,884
Total current liabilities	1,113,830			709,056
Non-current Liabilities
Long-term debt	498,497			872,789
Deferred income taxes	227,376			235,791
Deferred compensation plan liability	23,753			21,110
Other non-current liabilities	125,763			263,047
Total non-current liabilities	875,389			1,392,737
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 471,934 shares authorized, none outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $0.16 2/3 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized, 312,060,682 shares issued and outstanding (311,204,926 on November 1, 2014)	52,011			51,869
Capital in excess of par value	634,484			643,058
Retained earnings	4,437,315			4,231,496
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(50,851		)	(168,526		)
Total shareholders’ equity	5,072,959			4,757,897
	$	7,062,178		$	6,859,690

_______________________________________


(1)	Includes $2,923 and $3,291 related to stock-based compensation at October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

See accompanying Notes.

ANALOG DEVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years ended October 31, 2015, November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013



				Capital in				Accumulated Other
	Common Stock			Excess of		Retained		Comprehensive
(thousands)	Shares	Amount		Par Value		Earnings		(Loss) Income
BALANCE, NOVEMBER 3, 2012	301,389	$	50,233	$	390,651	$	3,788,869	$	(64,394	)
Activity in Fiscal 2013
Net Income — 2013