UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Report on Form 6-K dated August 4, 2016
   
Commission File Number:  1-13546
 

  
STMicroelectronics N.V.
(Name of Registrant)
  
WTC Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Boulevard 265
1118 BH Schiphol Airport
The Netherlands
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
    

  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
 
Form 20-F Q                      Form 40-F £
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
 
Yes £                      No Q
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
 
Yes £                      No Q
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
 
Yes £                      No Q
 
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  82- __________
 
Enclosure:  STMicroelectronics N.V.’s Second Quarter and First Half 2016:
 
 
·
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects;
 
 
·
Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flow, and Statements of Equity and related Notes for the three months and six months ended July 2, 2016; and
 
 
·
Certifications pursuant to Sections 302 (Exhibits 12.1 and 12.2) and 906 (Exhibit 13.1) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, submitted to the Commission on a voluntary basis.
 
 


 
 
 
 
  
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
Overview
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows and Statements of Equity for the three months and six months ended July 2, 2016 and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 6-K, and our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or the “SEC”) on March 16, 2016 (the “Form 20-F”). The following discussion contains statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, particularly in the sections “Business Overview” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Outlook: Capital Investment”. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that might cause future actual results to differ materially from our recent results or those projected in the forward-looking statements in addition to the factors set forth below, see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors” included in the Form 20-F. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or such risk factors.
 
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided in addition to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (“Consolidated Financial Statements”) and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Our MD&A is organized as follows:
 
 
·
Critical Accounting Policies using Significant Estimates.
 
 
·
Business Overview, a discussion of our business and overall analysis of financial and other relevant highlights of the three months and six months ended July 2, 2016 designed to provide context for the other sections of the MD&A, including our expectations for selected financial items for the third quarter of 2016.
 
 
·
Other Developments in the second quarter of 2016.
 
 
·
Results of Operations, containing a year-over-year and sequential analysis of our financial results for the three months and six months ended July 2, 2016, as well as segment information.
 
 
·
Legal Proceedings.
 
 
·
Discussion of the impact of changes in exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices on our activity and financial results.
 
 
·
Liquidity and Capital Resources, presenting an analysis of changes in our balance sheets and cash flows, and discussing our financial condition and potential sources of liquidity.
 
 
·
Impact of Recently Issued U.S. Accounting Standards.
 
 
·
Backlog and Customers, discussing the level of backlog and sales to our key customers.
 
 
·
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
 
 
·
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
  
 
2

 
  
STMicroelectronics N.V. (“ST” or the “Company”) is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST’s products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies Using Significant Estimates
 
There were no material changes in the first half of 2016 to the information provided under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies Using Significant Estimates” included in our Form 20-F.
 
Fiscal Year
 
Under Article 35 of our Articles of Association, our fiscal year extends from January 1 to December 31. The first quarter of 2016 ended on April 2, 2016 and the second quarter ended on July 2. The third quarter will end on October 1 and the fourth quarter will end on December 31, 2016. Based on our fiscal calendar, the distribution of our revenues and expenses by quarter may be unbalanced due to a different number of days in the various quarters of the fiscal year and can also differ from equivalent prior years’ periods, as illustrated in the below table for the years 2015 and 2016.
 
 
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Days
2015
87
91
91
96
2016
93
91
91
91
Business Overview
 
Our results of operations for each period were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
% Variation
 
   
July 2,
2016
   
April 2,
2016
   
June 27,
2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions, except per share amounts)
             
Net revenues
  $ 1,703     $ 1,613     $ 1,760       5.6 %     (3.2 )%
Gross profit
    577       538       595       7.3       (3.0 )
Gross margin as percentage of net revenues
    33.9 %     33.4 %     33.8 %  
+50bps
   
+10bps
 
Operating income (loss)
    28       (33 )     12       -       -  
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
    23       (41 )     35       -       -  
Earnings per share
  $ 0.03     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.04       -       -  
 
The total available market is defined as the “TAM”, while the serviceable available market, the “SAM”, is defined as the market for products sold by us (which consists of the TAM and excludes major devices such as Microprocessors (MPUs), Dynamic random-access memories (DRAMs), optoelectronics devices, Flash Memories and the Wireless Application Specific market products such as Baseband and Application Processor).
 
Based on the data published by World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), semiconductor industry revenues increased in the second quarter of 2016 on a sequential basis by approximately 1% for the TAM and 4% for the SAM, to reach approximately $79 billion and $38 billion, respectively. On a year-over-year basis, the TAM decreased by approximately 6% while the SAM slightly increased by less than 1%.
 
Second quarter 2016 revenues amounted to $1,703 million, a 5.6% sequential increase, 10 basis points above the midpoint of our released guidance. Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG) revenues, representing our largest product group, increased 7.5% on a sequential basis driven by a strong recovery in demand for power discrete products and continued and broad-based strength in automotive products. Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG) increased 4.6% on a sequential basis driven by general purpose microcontrollers and ASICs for networking applications. Analog and MEMS Group (AMG) revenues increased sequentially 1.8% driven by analog products partially offset by lower sales of MEMS products. Specialized image sensors, reported in Others, registered a strong sequential revenue growth.
 
 
3

 
  
On a year-over-year basis, second quarter net revenues decreased 3.2%, or 1.7% excluding businesses undergoing a phase-out (mobile legacy products, camera modules and set-top box). As anticipated, automotive, including ADAS solutions, and microcontrollers led by general purpose, continued to be strong, growing revenues over 6% and 4%, respectively, compared to the year-ago period. In the second quarter, specialized image sensors posted a year-over-year growth over 14%. Power discretes, still impacted by weaker market conditions compared to the year-ago period, decreased over 7% and digital over 11% reflecting the discontinued product lines. AMG revenues decreased 15.4% compared to the year-ago period mainly due to lower sales in the wireless and computer peripheral applications.
 
Compared to the served market, our performance was below the SAM on a year-over-year basis but above the SAM on a sequential basis.
 
Our effective average exchange rate for the second quarter of 2016 was $1.12 for €1.00 compared to $1.10 for €1.00 in the first quarter of 2016 and $1.17 for €1.00 in the second quarter of 2015. For a more detailed discussion of our hedging arrangements and the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates, see “Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates” below.
 
Our second quarter 2016 gross margin was at 33.9% of revenues, 10 basis points below the mid-point of our guidance, including a negative impact of about 45 basis points from unused capacity charges. Gross margin increased sequentially by 50 basis points, favorably impacted by manufacturing efficiencies together with improved product mix (around 200 basis points) and lower unused capacity charges ($8 million compared to $10 million in the first quarter of 2016), partially offset by price pressure, less favorable currency effects, net of hedging and lower licensing revenues (around 180 basis points). Year-over-year, our second quarter 2016 gross margin improved by 10 basis points, benefitting from improved manufacturing efficiencies and favorable currency effects, net of hedging, partially offset by price pressure.
 
Our aggregated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and research and development (R&D) costs amounted to $565 million, decreasing compared to $571 million in the prior quarter benefitting from fewer calendar days and the initial benefits of the set-top box restructuring plan, partially offset by unfavorable currency effects, net of hedging. On a year-over-year basis, operating expenses decreased by about 5.7% compared to $599 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and the benefits of the set-top box restructuring plan and savings plan completed in 2015, partially offset by salary increases.
 
Other income and expenses, net, amounted to $28 million, flat compared to the previous quarter, and decreasing from $37 million in the year-ago quarter, which recorded a higher level of R&D grants.
 
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs in the second quarter of 2016 were $12 million, compared to $28 million and $21 million in the prior and year-ago quarters, respectively, and related principally to the initial phase of the set-top box restructuring plan.
   
In the second quarter of 2016, our operating income was $28 million, improving from a loss of $33 million in the first quarter of 2016 and from an income of $12 million in the year-ago quarter. Excluding restructuring and impairment charges, the second quarter of 2016 operating income was $40 million, compared to a loss of $5 million in the previous quarter and an income of $33 million in the year-ago period. Sequentially, the improvement of our operating result before impairment and restructuring charges was mainly due to higher revenues and higher gross profit. Compared to the year-ago period, the improvement of our operating result before impairment and restructuring charges was mainly due to favorable currency exchange rates, net of hedging, improved product mix, improved manufacturing efficiencies and lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower revenues and lower R&D grants.
 
Our net cash from operating activities was positive at $191 million and net cash used in investing activities was $144 million, allowing us to generate a positive free cash flow (non U.S GAAP measure) of $47 million for the second quarter of 2016. In the period, our net cash variation, including the net cash used in financial activities which includes the dividend, was negative $15 million.
 
The strategic choices we have made position us for a strong third quarter. Our backlog is currently underpinned by a healthy demand in the markets we serve. This makes us confident we can grow revenues sequentially and, in the second half of 2016, year-over-year. We expect that in the second half of 2016, power discretes and AMG (Analog and MEMS Group) will restart year-over-year growth and that automotive, microcontrollers and imaging will continue their positive revenue momentum. At the same time we remain vigilant due to the macro-economic uncertainties, especially in Europe, which could impact overall GDP and semiconductor demand. Based on these factors, we anticipate, for the third quarter of 2016, a sequential increase in net revenues by about 5.5% plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and the gross margin to be about 35.5% plus or minus 2.0 percentage points, including anticipated negative impact of unsaturation charges by about 65 basis points.
 
 
4

 
 
This outlook is based on an assumed effective currency exchange rate of approximately $1.12 = €1.00 for the 2016 third quarter and includes the impact of existing hedging contracts. The third quarter will close on October 1, 2016.
 
These are forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially; in particular, refer to those known risks and uncertainties described in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 3. “Key Information — Risk Factors” in our Form 20-F as may be updated from time to time in our SEC filings.
  
Other Developments in the second quarter of 2016
  
On May 25, 2016 all of the proposed resolutions were adopted at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, held in Amsterdam. The main resolutions, approved by the shareholders, were:
  
 
·
The adoption of the Company’s Statutory Annual Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2015, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in the European Union;
 
 
·
The distribution of a cash dividend of $0.24 per outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, to be distributed in quarterly installments of $0.06 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2016 and first quarter of 2017 to shareholders of record in the month of each quarterly payment;
 
 
·
The appointment of Mr. Salvatore Manzi as a member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term expiring at the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, in replacement of Mr. Alessandro Ovi whose mandate expired as of the 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders;
 
 
·
The reappointment of Ms. Janet Davidson as a member of the Supervisory Board for a three-year term, expiring at the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders;
 
 
·
The delegation to the Supervisory Board of the authority to issue new common and preference shares, to grant rights to subscribe for such shares and to limit and/or exclude existing shareholders’ pre-emptive rights on common shares for a period of eighteen months; and
 
 
·
The authorization to our Managing Board, for eighteen months following the 2016 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, to repurchase our shares, subject to the approval of our Supervisory Board.
 
On May 26, 2016 we announced the publication of our 2015 Sustainability Report.
 
On July 29, 2016, we announced the acquisition of ams’ (SIX: AMS) assets related to Near-Field Communication (NFC) and Radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader business. We acquired intellectual property, technologies, products and business highly complementary to our secure microcontroller solutions serving mobile devices, wearables, banking, identification, industrial, automotive and IoT markets. The ams’ assets were acquired in exchange for a (i) cash payment of $77.8 million (funded with available cash), and (ii) deferred earn-out contingent on future results for which we currently estimates will be about $13 million but which in any case will not exceed $37 million.
 
Results of Operations
 
Segment Information
 
We operate in two business areas: Semiconductors and Subsystems.
  
 
5

 
  
In the Semiconductors business area, we design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of products, including discrete and standard commodity components, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), full-custom devices and semi-custom devices and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) for analog, digital and mixed-signal applications. In addition, we further participate in the manufacturing value chain of Smartcard products, which include the production and sale of both silicon chips and Smartcards.
 
During the first quarter of 2016, our internal organization changed to align with our strategic focus on Smart Driving and on Internet of Things applications. Comparative numbers were restated accordingly.
 
Our reportable segments are as follows:
 
 
·
Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG), comprised of all automotive dedicated ICs, both digital and analog, and discrete products.
 
 
·
Analog and MEMS Group (AMG), comprised of low-power analog ICs, both general purpose and high-end, smart power products for industrial and power conversion, and micro-machinery activity.
 
 
·
Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG), comprised of general purpose and secure microcontrollers, EEPROM memories, and digital ICs outside of automotive.
 
“Others” includes all the financial values related to the Imaging Product Division, Subsystems and other products, as well as items not allocated to the segments such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, unused capacity charges, strategic or special research and development programs and other minor unallocated expenses such as: certain corporate-level operating expenses, patent claims and litigation, and other costs that are not allocated to the segments.
 
In the Subsystems business area, we design, develop, manufacture and market subsystems and modules for the telecommunications, automotive and industrial markets including mobile phone accessories, battery chargers, ISDN power supplies and in-vehicle equipment for electronic toll payment. Based on its immateriality to our business as a whole, the Subsystems business area does not meet the requirements for a reportable segment as defined in the U.S. GAAP guidance.
 
For the computation of the segments’ internal financial measurements, we use certain internal rules of allocation for the costs not directly chargeable to the segments, including cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and a part of research and development expenses. In compliance with our internal policies, certain costs are not allocated to the segments, including impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, unused capacity charges, phase-out and start-up costs of certain manufacturing facilities, certain one-time corporate items, strategic and special research and development programs or other corporate-sponsored initiatives, including certain corporate-level operating expenses and certain other miscellaneous charges. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense is part of the manufacturing costs allocated to the segments and is neither identified as part of the inventory variation nor as part of the unused capacity charges; therefore, it cannot be isolated in the costs of goods sold. Finally, R&D grants are allocated to our segments proportionally to the incurred R&D expenses on the sponsored projects.
 
Wafer costs are allocated to the segments based on actual cost. From time to time, with respect to specific technologies, wafer costs are allocated to segments based on market price.
 
 
6

 
  
Second Quarter 2016 vs. First Quarter 2016 and Second Quarter 2015
  
The following table sets forth certain financial data from our Unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
   
Three Months Ended
       
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
 
Net sales
  $ 1,698       99.7 %   $ 1,605       99.5 %   $ 1,754       99.7 %
Other revenues
    5       0.3       8       0.5       6       0.3  
Net revenues
    1,703       100.0       1,613       100.0       1,760       100.0  
Cost of sales
    (1,126 )     (66.1 )     (1,075 )     (66.6 )     (1,165 )     (66.2 )
Gross profit
    577       33.9       538       33.4       595       33.8  
Selling, general and administrative
    (229 )     (13.5 )     (229 )     (14.2 )     (226 )     (12.9 )
Research and development
    (336 )     (19.7 )     (342 )     (21.2 )     (373 )     (21.2 )
Other income and expenses, net
    28       1.6       28       1.7       37       2.1  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (12 )     (0.7 )     (28 )     (1.7 )     (21 )     (1.1 )
Operating income (loss)
    28       1.6       (33 )     (2.0 )     12       0.7  
Interest expense, net
    (6 )     (0.3 )     (5 )     (0.4 )     (6 )     (0.3 )
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
    9       0.5       -       -       (1 )     (0.1 )
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
    31       1.8       (38 )     (2.4 )     5       0.3  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (6 )     (0.4 )     (2 )     (0.1 )     31       1.7  
Net income (loss)
    25       1.4       (40 )     (2.5 )     36       2.0  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (2 )     -       (1 )     -       (1 )     -  
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
  $ 23       1.4 %   $ (41 )     (2.5 )%   $ 35       2.0 %
  
Net revenues
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
% Variation
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions)
             
Net sales
  $ 1,698     $ 1,605     $ 1,754       5.8 %     (3.1 )%
Other revenues
    5       8       6       (38.5 )     (18.6 )
Net revenues
  $ 1,703     $ 1,613     $ 1,760       5.6 %     (3.2 )%
  
Our second quarter 2016 net revenues increased sequentially by 5.6%, slightly above the 5.5% midpoint of our guidance. The sequential increase resulted from an increase in volume of approximately 12%, partially offset by a decrease of approximately 6% in average selling prices.
 
On a year-over-year basis, our net revenues decreased by 3.2% as a result of an approximate 5% decrease in volume, partially offset by a 2% increase in average selling prices, which was entirely due to an improved product mix. Excluding businesses undergoing a phase-out (mobile legacy products, camera modules and set-top box), our revenues decreased by 1.7%.
 
No customer exceeded 10% of our total net revenues in the second quarter of 2016 or in the prior and year-ago quarters.
 
 
7

 
  
Net revenues by product group
   
   
Three Months Ended
   
% Variation
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions)
             
Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG)
  $ 721     $ 671     $ 714       7.5 %     1.0 %
Analog and MEMS Group (AMG)
    376       369       445       1.8       (15.4 )
Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG)
    556       532       558       4.6       (0.3 )
Others
    50       41       43       23.0       16.6  
Total consolidated net revenues
  $ 1,703     $ 1,613     $ 1,760       5.6 %     (3.2 )%
   
Sequentially, all product groups experienced a revenue increase. ADG revenues increased 7.5%, driven by a strong recovery in demand for power discrete products and continued and broad-based strength in automotive products. Mainly as a consequence of the power discrete recovery, ADG registered higher volumes of 21% partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices of 14% due to the higher weight in the product mix of power discrete. MDG revenues increased 4.6% mainly due to higher average selling prices of 3%, driven by an improved product mix, and an increase in volumes of 2%. MDG performance was supported by general purpose microcontrollers and ASICs for networking applications. AMG revenues increased 1.8% due to higher volumes of 5%, partially offset by lower average selling prices of 3% and were driven by analog products, partially offset by weakness in MEMS products.
 
On a year-over-year basis, ADG revenues were higher by 1.0% supported by solid growth over 6% in automotive products, including ADAS solutions, offset to a large measure by lower power discrete sales, resulting in an increase of 10% of the average selling price, mainly due to a more favorable product mix, almost fully offset by lower volumes. MDG revenues remained substantially flat compared to the year-ago period. Microcontrollers continued to be strong, growing revenues over 4%, while digital decreased reflecting the discontinued product lines. As a result, MDG experienced an increase of 5% in volumes fully offset by a decrease in average selling prices. AMG decreased 15.4%, impacted by both lower volumes of 6% and a decrease in average selling prices of 10%, mainly as a consequence of lower sales in the wireless and computer peripheral applications.
 
In the second quarter of 2016, “Others” included revenues from our Imaging Product Division ($43 million), the sales of Subsystems ($5 million) and sales of materials and other products not allocated to segments.
  
Net Revenues by Market Channel (1)
  
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
                   
OEM
    66 %     67 %     67 %
Distribution
    34       33       33  
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
____________
(1) 
Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”) are the end-customers to which we provide direct marketing application engineering support, while Distribution customers refers to the distributors and representatives that we engage to distribute our products around the world.
 
By market channel, our second quarter revenues in Distribution amounted to 34% of our total revenues, slightly increasing sequentially and compared to the prior year quarter.
 
 
8

 
  
Net Revenues by Location of Shipment (1)
  
   
Three Months Ended
   
% Variation
       
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions)
 
EMEA
  $ 485     $ 464     $ 464       4.6 %     4.6 %
Americas
    270       246       280       9.6       (3.6 )
Asia Pacific(2)
    948       903       1,016       5.1       (6.7 )
Total
  $ 1,703     $ 1,613     $ 1,760       5.6 %     (3.2 )%
  
 
(1)
Net revenues by location of shipment are classified by location of customer invoiced or reclassified by shipment destination in line with customer demand. For example, products ordered by U.S.-based companies to be invoiced to Asia Pacific affiliates are classified as Asia Pacific revenues. Furthermore, the comparison among the different periods may be affected by shifts in shipment from one location to another, as requested by our customers.
 
(2)
As of the first quarter of 2016, we have three regional sales organizations: EMEA; Americas; and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific was created from the merger of the Japan & Korea and Greater China-South Asia regional sales organizations.
 
On a sequential basis, all regions experienced revenues increases. On a year-over-year basis, the Americas and Asia Pacific registered a drop in revenues of 3.6% and 6.7%, respectively, while EMEA grew revenues by 4.6%.
 
Gross profit
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Variation
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions)
             
Cost of sales
  $ (1,126 )   $ (1,075 )   $ (1,165 )     (4.8 )%     3.3 %
Gross profit
    577       538       595       7.3 %     (3.0 %)
Gross margin (as percentage of net revenues)
    33.9 %     33.4 %     33.8 %  
+50bps
   
+10bps
 
   
In the second quarter of 2016, gross margin was 33.9%, including a negative impact of about 45 basis points from unused capacity charges. Sequentially, gross margin increased by approximately 50 basis points, favorably impacted by manufacturing efficiencies together with improved product mix (around 200 basis points) and lower unused capacity charges ($8 million compared to $10 million in the first quarter of 2016), partially offset by lower selling prices, less favorable currency effects and lower licensing revenues (around 180 basis points).
 
On a year-over-year basis, gross margin improved by approximately 10 basis points, benefitting from improved manufacturing efficiencies and favorable currency effects, net of hedging, almost entirely offset by reductions in the sale prices. Unused capacity charges amounted to $9 million in the year-ago quarter.
 
Operating expenses
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Variation
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
Sequential
   
Year-Over-Year
 
   
(In millions)
             
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ (229 )   $ (229 )   $ (226 )     (0.3 )%     (1.1 )%
Research and development expenses
    (336 )     (342 )     (373 )     1.8 %     9.9 %
Total operating expenses
  $ (565 )   $ (571 )   $ (599 )     1.0 %     5.7 %
As percentage of net revenues
    (33.2 )%     (35.4 )%     (34.1 )%  
+220bps
 
+90bps
  
Second quarter 2016 operating expenses decreased sequentially mainly due to the shorter quarter (91 days compared to 93 days in the first quarter of 2016) and savings from the set-top box restructuring plan, partially offset by unfavorable currency effects, net of hedging. On a year-over-year basis, our operating expenses decreased mainly due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and the benefits of the set-top box restructuring plan and savings plan completed in 2015, partially offset by salary increases. As a percentage of revenues, our operating expenses amounted to 33.2%, decreasing sequentially mainly due to higher revenues and decreasing year-over-year mainly due to reduced amount of operating expenses.
 
R&D expenses were net of research tax credits, which amounted to $27 million in the second quarter 2016, compared to $26 million and $29 million in the prior and year-ago quarter, respectively.
  
 
9

 
  
Other income and expenses, net
  
   
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Research and development funding
  $ 26     $ 25     $ 35  
Phase-out and start-up costs
    -       (2 )     (1 )
Exchange gain (loss), net
    2       2       2  
Patent costs, net of reversal of unused provisions
    (1 )     (1 )     -  
Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets
    -       1       1  
Other, net
    1       3       -  
Other income and expenses, net
  $ 28     $ 28     $ 37  
As percentage of net revenues
    1.6 %     1.7 %     2.1 %
  
In the second quarter of 2016, we recognized other income, net of $28 million, stable sequentially.
 
On a year-over-year basis, we registered a decrease mainly due to lower income from R&D funding.
 
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
  $ (12 )   $ (28 )   $ (21 )
  
In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded $12 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $9 million of restructuring charges related to the set-top box restructuring plan; and (ii) $3 million of impairment charges of certain long-lived assets. See Note 7 Impairment, Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs.
 
In the first quarter of 2016, we recorded $28 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $26 million of restructuring charges related to the set-top box restructuring plan; (ii) $1 million of impairment charges of certain long-lived assets; and (iii) $1 million of other restructuring charges related to former restructuring plans.

In the second quarter of 2015, we recorded $21 million of restructuring charges, consisting of: (i) $20 million related to the former EPS restructuring plan and (ii) $1 million related to the closure of LongGang (China) following the discontinuation of its manufacturing activities, as part of the manufacturing consolidation plan.
 
Operating income (loss)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ 28     $ (33 )   $ 12  
In percentage of net revenues
    1.6 %     (2.0 )%     0.7 %
  
Second quarter of 2016 operating income was $28 million, compared to an operating loss of $33 million in the prior quarter and an operating income of $12 million in the year-ago quarter. Sequentially, the improvement in our operating results was mainly due to higher revenues, higher gross profit and lower impairment and restructuring charges. Compared to the year-ago period, the increase of our operating results was mainly due to favorable currency exchange rates, net of hedging, improved product mix, improved manufacturing efficiencies and lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower revenues and lower R&D grants.
 
 
10

 
 
Operating income (loss) by product group
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
 
Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG)
  $ 61       8.5 %   $ 39       5.7 %   $ 46       6.4 %
Analog and MEMS Group (AMG)
    1       0.2       2       0.5       30       6.8 %
Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG)
    9       1.5       (3 )     (0.6 )     (1 )     (0.1 )
Others(1)
    (43 )     -       (71 )     -       (63 )     -  
Total operating income (loss)
  $ 28       1.6 %   $ (33 )     (2.0 )%   $ 12       0.7 %
____________
 
(1)
Operating result of “Others” includes operating earnings of the Imaging Product Division, Subsystems and other products, as well as items not allocated to the segments such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, unused capacity charges, strategic or special research and development programs and other minor unallocated expenses such as: certain corporate-level operating expenses, patent claims and litigation, and other costs that are not allocated to the segments.
  
ADG’s operating income improved sequentially to $61 million as a combination of the increased level of revenues and an improved level of gross profit. Power discretes were the main drivers of the increase while automotive remained strong. After posting a small loss in the prior quarter, MDG registered an operating income of $9 million mainly due to improvements in digital as a result of our cost savings initiatives and lower sales of low margin set-top box products. AMG posted an operating profit of $1 million with MEMS recording a loss, due to the still suboptimal level of revenues, and analog recording a positive operating margin.
  
On a year-over-year basis, ADG improved operating profit with both automotive and power discrete contributing to the improvement. MDG’s operating income increased by $10 million due to improvements in digital as a result of our cost savings initiatives, while AMG deteriorated, impacted by reduction in revenues in both MEMS and Analog.
  
Reconciliation to consolidated operating income (loss)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Total operating income of product groups
  $ 71     $ 38     $ 75  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (12 )     (28 )     (21 )
Manufacturing results
    (8 )     (13 )     (10 )
Operating results of other businesses
    (25 )     (24 )     (29 )
Strategic and other research and development programs and other non-allocated provisions
    2       (6 )     (3 )
Total operating loss Others
    (43 )     (71 )     (63 )
Total consolidated operating income (loss)
  $ 28     $ (33 )   $ 12  
 
Interest expense, net
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Interest expense, net
  $ (6 )   $ (5 )   $ (6 )
  
In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a net interest expense of $6 million, substantially flat both sequentially and on a year-over-year basis. Interest expense recorded in the second quarter of 2016 included a $6 million charge on the senior unsecured convertible bonds issued in July 2014, of which $5 million was a non-cash interest expense resulting from the accretion of the discount on the liability component.
 
 
11

 
  
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
  $ 9       -     $ (1 )
  
During the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a $9 million income mainly due to a partial reverse of a reserve associated with our indemnity obligation undertaken when selling Numonyx, amid a better than anticipated actual outcome of certain tax items.

In the second quarter of 2015, we recorded a $1 million loss on our equity investment in Incard do Brazil (IdB).

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
  $ (6 )   $ (2 )   $ 31  
  
During the second quarter of 2016, we registered an income tax expense of $6 million, reflecting the discrete effective tax rate estimated in each of our jurisdictions, applied to the first half of 2016 consolidated result before taxes, as opposed to an estimated effective tax rate due to significant uncertainty in estimating the effective tax rate. In addition, our income tax included the estimated impact of provisions related to potential tax positions which have been considered uncertain.

In the second quarter of 2015, we registered an income tax benefit of $31 million including a one-time income of $32 million associated with the remeasurement of a local tax provision.

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
April 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
  $ 23     $ (41 )   $ 35  
As percentage of net revenues
    1.4 %     (2.5 )%     2.0 %
  
For the second quarter of 2016, we reported a net income attributable to parent company of $23 million, compared to a $41 million loss in the prior quarter and a $35 million income in the year-ago quarter.
 
Earnings per share for the second quarter of 2016 was $0.03 compared to $(0.05) in the prior quarter and $0.04 in the year-ago quarter.
 
In the second quarter of 2016, the impact per share after tax of impairment, restructuring charges and one-time charges, a non U.S. GAAP measure, was estimated to be approximately $(0.01) per share, compared to approximately $(0.03) per share in the prior quarter and $(0.02) per share in the year-ago quarter.
  
 
12

 
  
First Half of 2016 vs. First Half of 2015
 
The following table sets forth consolidated statements of operations data for the periods indicated:
    
   
Six Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
 
Net sales
  $ 3,303       99.6 %   $ 3,447       99.5 %
Other revenues
    13       0.4       18       0.5  
Net revenues
    3,316       100.0       3,465       100.0  
Cost of sales
    (2,201 )     (66.4 )     (2,305 )     (66.5 )
Gross profit
    1,115       33.6       1,160       33.5  
Selling, general and administrative
    (457 )     (13.8 )     (448 )     (12.9 )
Research and development
    (678 )     (20.5 )     (742 )     (21.4 )
Other income and expenses, net
    55       1.7       73       2.1  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (40 )     (1.2 )     (50 )     (1.5 )
Operating income (loss)
    (5 )     (0.2 )     (7 )     (0.2 )
Interest expense, net
    (11 )     (0.3 )     (11 )     (0.3 )
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
    9       0.3       3       0.1  
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
    (7 )     (0.2 )     (15 )     (0.4 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (8 )     (0.3 )     30       0.8  
Net income
    (15 )     (0.5 )     15       0.4  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (3 )     -       (3 )     -  
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
  $ (18 )     (0.5 )%   $ 12       0.4 %
  
Net revenues
  
   
Six Months Ended
       
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
% Variation
 
   
(In millions)
       
Net sales
  $ 3,303     $ 3,447       (4.2 )%
Other revenues
    13       18       (31.5 )
Net revenues
  $ 3,316     $ 3,465       (4.3 )%

Our first half 2016 net revenues decreased compared to the year-ago period by 4.3% as a result of an approximate 6% decrease in volume, partially offset by a 2% increase in average selling prices, which was entirely due to an improved product mix. Excluding businesses undergoing a phase-out (mobile legacy products, camera modules and set-top box), our revenues decreased by 2.5%.
 
Net revenues by product group
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
% Variation
 
   
(In millions)
 
Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG)
  $ 1,392     $ 1,388       0.3 %
Analog and MEMS Group (AMG)
    745       890       (16.2 )
Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG)
    1,089       1,088       0.0  
Others
    90       99       (8.9 )
Total consolidated net revenues
  $ 3,316     $ 3,465       (4.3 )%
   
 
13

 
  
By product group, ADG revenues increased by 0.3% on solid growth in automotive products offset to a large measure by lower power discrete sales, resulting in an increase of the average selling price of 12%, mainly due to a more favorable product mix, almost fully offset by lower volumes. MDG revenues were flat compared to the year-ago period, experiencing an increase of 5% in volumes fully offset by a decrease in average selling prices. AMG revenues decreased 16.2%, impacted by both lower volumes of 5% and a decrease in average selling prices of 11%, mainly as a consequence of lower sales of MEMS.
 
Net Revenues by Market Channel (1)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
OEM
    67 %     68 %
Distribution
    33       32  
Total
    100 %     100 %
____________
(1) 
Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”) are the end-customers to which we provide direct marketing application engineering support, while Distribution customers refers to the distributors and representatives that we engage to distribute our products around the world.
 
By market channel, in the first half of 2016, Distribution reached 33% share of total revenues compared to approximately 32% in the first half of 2015.
 
Net Revenues by Location of Shipment (1)
  
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
% Variation
 
   
(In millions)
 
EMEA
  $ 949     $ 914       3.8 %
Americas
    516       547       (5.7 )
Asia Pacific(2)
    1,851       2,004       (7.6 )
Total
  $ 3,316     $ 3,465       (4.3 )%
____________
 
(1)
Net revenues by location of shipment are classified by location of customer invoiced or reclassified by shipment destination in line with customer demand. For example, products ordered by U.S.-based companies to be invoiced to Asia Pacific affiliates are classified as Asia Pacific revenues. Furthermore, the comparison among the different periods may be affected by shifts in shipment from one location to another, as requested by our customers.
 
(2)
As of the first quarter of 2016, we have three regional sales organizations: EMEA; Americas; and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific was created from the merger of the Japan & Korea and Greater China-South Asia regional sales organizations.
 
By location of shipment, the Americas and Asia Pacific registered a drop in revenues of 5.7% and 7.6%, respectively, while EMEA grew revenues by 3.8%.
 
Gross profit
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
% Variation
 
   
(In millions)
 
Cost of sales
  $ (2,201 )   $ (2,305 )     4.5 %
Gross profit
    1,115       1,160       (3.9 )%
Gross margin (as percentage of net revenues)
    33.6 %     33.5 %  
+10bps
    
Gross margin was 33.6% for the first half of 2016, increasing by approximately 10 basis points compared to the year-ago period due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, improved manufacturing efficiencies and lower unused capacity charges, almost fully offset by decreasing selling prices. Unused capacity charges amounted to $18 million in the first half of 2016 compared to $28 million in the year-ago period.
  
 
14

 
  
Operating expenses
 
 
   
Six Months Ended
     
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
   
% Variation
 
   
(In millions)
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ (457 )   $ (448 )     (2.1 )%
Research and development expenses
    (678 )     (742 )     8.6 %
Total operating expenses
  $ (1,135 )   $ (1,190 )     4.6 %
As percentage of net revenues
    (34.3 %)     (34.3 %)     -  

Our operating expenses decreased mainly driven by favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and the benefit of our restructuring plans, partially offset by salary and variable incentive increases and longer first half (184 days compared to 178 days in the first half of 2015).
 
Total R&D expenses were net of research tax credits, which amounted to $53 million in the first half of 2016 and $55 million in the year-ago period.
 
Other income and expenses, net
 
   
Six Months Ended
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Research and development funding
  $ 51     $ 71  
Phase-out and start-up costs
    (3 )     (2 )
Exchange gain (loss), net
    4       (1 )
Patent costs
    (2 )     -  
Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets
    1       2  
Other, net
    4       3  
Other income and expenses, net
  $ 55     $ 73  
As percentage of net revenues
    1.7 %     2.1 %

In the first half of 2016, we recognized other income, net, of $55 million, decreasing compared to $73 million in the first half of 2015. The decrease is mainly due to lower income from R&D funding.
 
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
 
   
Six Months Ended
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
  $ (40 )   $ (50 )

In the first half of 2016, we recorded $40 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, primarily consisting of: (i) $35 million of restructuring charges related to the set-top box restructuring plan; (ii) $4 million of impairment charges of certain long-lived assets; and (iii) $1 million of other restructuring charges related to former restructuring plans. See Note 7 Impairment, Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs.
 
In the first half of 2015, we recorded $50 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, primarily consisting of: (i) $38 million of restructuring charges related to the former EPS restructuring plan; and (ii) $12 million of restructuring charges related to the manufacturing consolidation plans. See Note 7 Impairment, Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs.
 
Operating income (loss)
 
     Six Months Ended
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ (5 )   $ (7 )
As percentage of net revenues
    (0.2 )%     (0.2 )%

 
Our operating results were flat at (0.2)% of net revenues in both first half of 2015 and 2016.

 
15

 
 
Operating income (loss) by product group
 
 
 
Six Months Ended (unaudited)
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
   
$ million
   
% of net revenues
 
Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG)
  $ 100       7.2 %   $ 82       5.9 %
Analog and MEMS Group (AMG)
    3       0.3       68       7.6  
Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG)
    5       0.5       (29 )     (2.7 )
Others(1) 
    (113 )     -       (128 )     -  
Total consolidated operating income (loss)
  $ (5 )     (0.2 )%   $ (7 )     (0.2 )%
____________
 
(1)
Operating result of “Others” includes operating earnings of the Imaging Product Division, Subsystems and other products, as well as items not allocated to the segments such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, unused capacity charges, strategic or special research and development programs and other minor unallocated expenses such as: certain corporate-level operating expenses, patent claims and litigation, and other costs that are not allocated to the segments.
 
ADG’s operating income increased due to improvements in both revenue and product mix compared to the year-ago period. MDG’s operating performance turned positive due to lower sales of low margin set-top box products and the savings from the set-top box restructuring plan while AMG operating results decreased mainly due to lower sales.
 
Reconciliation to consolidated operating income (loss)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Total operating income of product groups
  $ 108     $ 121  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (40 )     (50 )
Manufacturing results
    (21 )     (28 )
Operating results of other businesses
    (49 )     (48 )
Strategic and other research and development programs and other non-allocated provisions
    (3 )     (2 )
Total operating loss Others
    (113 )     (128 )
Total consolidated operating income (loss)
  $ (5 )   $ (7 )

Interest expense, net
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Interest expense, net
  $ (11 )   $ (11 )

In the first half of 2016, interest expense on our borrowings and banking fees was $20 million, of which $12 million was interest expense, mainly non-cash, related to the Senior Bonds issued on July 3, 2014, partially balanced by $9 million of interest income. In the first half of 2015, interest expense on our borrowings and banking fees was $20 million, partially balanced by $9 million in interest income.
 
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
  $ 9     $ 3  

 
16

 
 
During the first half of 2016, we recorded a $9 million income mainly due to a partial reverse of a reserve associated with our indemnity obligation undertaken when selling Numonyx, amid a better than anticipated actual outcome of certain tax items.

In the first half of 2015, we recorded income of $3 million due to the sale of our participation in 3Sun to Enel Green Power realized on more favorable conditions than originally expected, partially balanced by a loss in Incard do Brazil (IdB).
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
  $ (8 )   $ 30  

During the first half of 2016, we registered an income tax expense of $8 million, reflecting a discrete effective tax method as opposed to an estimated effective tax rate due to significant uncertainty in estimating the effective tax rate. Income tax benefit includes one-time income of $2 million associated with the remeasurement of a local tax provision. Our income tax also included the estimated impact of provisions related to potential tax positions which have been considered uncertain.
 
In the first half of 2015, we registered an income tax benefit of $30 million including a one-time income of $32 million associated with the remeasurement of a local tax provision.

Our tax rate is variable and depends on changes in the level of operating results within various local jurisdictions and on changes in the applicable taxation rates of these jurisdictions, as well as changes in estimations of our tax provisions. Our income tax amounts and rates also depend on our loss carry-forwards and their relevant valuation allowances, which are based on estimated projected plans and available tax planning strategies. In the case of material changes in these plans, the valuation allowances could be adjusted accordingly with an impact on our tax charges. We currently enjoy certain tax benefits in some countries. Such benefits may not be available in the future due to changes in the local jurisdictions; our estimated tax rate could be different in future quarters and may increase in the coming years. In addition, our yearly income tax charges include the estimated impact of provisions related to potential tax positions which have been considered uncertain.
 
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
  $ (18 )   $ 12  
As percentage of net revenues
    (0.5 )%     0.4 %

For the first half of 2016, we reported net loss of $18 million, representing earnings per share of $(0.02), compared to income of $12 million in the year-ago period, representing earnings per share of $0.01.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Note 24 Contingencies, Claims and Legal Proceedings to our Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates
 
Our results of operations and financial condition can be significantly affected by material changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the Euro.
 
As a market practice, the reference currency for the semiconductor industry is the U.S. dollar and the market prices of semiconductor products are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars. However, revenues for some of our products (primarily certain of our products sold in Europe) are quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and as such are directly affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar. As a result of currency variations, the appreciation of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar could increase our level of revenues when reported in U.S. dollars or the depreciation of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar could decrease our level of revenues when reported in U.S. dollars.
 
 
17

 
 
Over time the prices in the industry tend to align to the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars, except that there is a lag between the changes in the currency rate and the adjustment in the price paid in local currency, which is proportional to the amplitude of the currency swing, and such adjustment could be only partial. Furthermore, certain significant costs incurred by us, such as manufacturing costs, SG&A expenses, and R&D expenses, are largely incurred in the currency of the jurisdictions in which our operations are located. Given that most of our operations are located in the Euro zone and other non-U.S. dollar currency areas, including Singapore, our costs tend to increase when translated into U.S. dollars when the dollar weakens or to decrease when the U.S. dollar strengthens.
 
In summary, as our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, exchange rate fluctuations affect our results of operations: in particular, if the U.S. dollar weakens, our results are negatively impacted since we receive only a limited part of our revenues, and more importantly, we incur a significant part of our costs, in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. On the other hand, our results are favorably impacted when the dollar strengthens. The impact on our accounts could therefore be material, in the case of a material variation of the U.S. dollar exchange rate.
 
Our principal strategy to reduce the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations has been to balance as much as possible the proportion of sales to our customers denominated in U.S. dollars with the amount of materials, purchases and services from our suppliers denominated in U.S. dollars, thereby reducing the potential exchange rate impact of certain variable costs relative to revenues. Moreover, in order to further reduce the exposure to U.S. dollar exchange fluctuations, we have hedged certain line items on our Interim Consolidated Statements of Income, in particular with respect to a portion of the costs of goods sold, most of the R&D expenses and certain SG&A expenses, located in the Euro zone, which we account for as cash flow hedging contracts. We use two different types of hedging contracts: forward and options (including collars).
 
Our Interim Consolidated Statements of Income for the six months ended July 2, 2016 included income and expense items translated at the average U.S. dollar exchange rate for the period, plus the impact of the hedging contracts expiring during the period. Our effective exchange rate was $1.12 for €1.00 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $1.10 for €1.00 in the first quarter of 2016 and $1.17 for €1.00 in the second quarter of 2015. These effective exchange rates reflect the actual exchange rates combined with the impact of cash flow hedging contracts that matured in the period.
 
The time horizon of our cash flow hedging for manufacturing costs and operating expenses may run up to 24 months, for a limited percentage of our exposure to the Euro, depending on currency market circumstances. As of July 2, 2016, the outstanding hedged amounts were €666 million to cover manufacturing costs and €460 million to cover operating expenses, at an average exchange rate of about $1.14 for €1.00 (considering the collars at upper strike), maturing over the period from July 5, 2016 to August 8, 2017. As of July 2, 2016, measured with respect to the exchange rate at period closing of about $1.11 to €1.00, these outstanding hedging contracts and certain expiring contracts covering manufacturing expenses capitalized in inventory resulted in a nil deferred result before tax, recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity, compared to a deferred loss of approximately $21 million before tax at December 31, 2015.
 
We also hedge certain manufacturing costs denominated in Singapore dollars (SGD); as of July 2, 2016, the outstanding hedged amounts were SGD 91 million at an average exchange rate of about SGD 1.39 to $1.00 maturing over the period from July 7, 2016 to June 1, 2017. As of July 2, 2016, these outstanding hedging contracts and certain expiring contracts covering manufacturing expenses capitalized in inventory resulted in a deferred profit of approximately $2 million before tax, recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity, compared to a deferred loss of approximately $2 million before tax at December 31, 2015.
 
Our cash flow hedging policy is not intended to cover our full exposure and is based on hedging a portion of our exposure in the next four quarters and a declining percentage of our exposure in each quarter thereafter. In the second quarter of 2016, as a result of our cash flow hedging, we recorded a net gain of $7 million, consisting of a gain of about $1 million to selling, general and administrative expenses, $2 million to research and development and a gain of about $4 million to costs of goods sold, while in the comparable quarter in 2015, we recorded a net loss of $57 million.
 
 
18

 
 
In addition to our cash flow hedging, in order to mitigate potential exchange rate risks on our commercial transactions, we purchase and enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency options to cover foreign currency exposure in payables or receivables at our affiliates, which we account for as fair value instruments. We may in the future purchase or sell similar types of instruments. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Form 20-F. Furthermore, we may not predict in a timely fashion the amount of future transactions in the volatile industry environment. No assurance may be given that our hedging activities will sufficiently protect us against declines in the value of the U.S. dollar. Consequently, our results of operations have been and may continue to be impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. The net effect of our consolidated foreign exchange exposure resulted in a net gain of $2 million recorded in “Other income and expenses, net” in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter of 2016.
 
The assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are, for consolidation purposes, translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate. Income and expenses, as well as cash flows, are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The balance sheet impact, as well as the income statement and cash flow impact, of such translations have been, and may be expected to be, significant from period to period since a large part of our assets and liabilities and activities are accounted for in Euros as they are located in jurisdictions where the Euro is the functional currency. Adjustments resulting from the translation are recorded directly in equity, and are shown as “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity. At July 2, 2016, our outstanding indebtedness was denominated mainly in U.S. dollars and in Euros.
 
For a more detailed discussion, see Item 3. “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations” in our Form 20-F, which may be updated from time to time in our public filings.
 
Impact of Changes in Interest Rates
 
Interest rates may fluctuate upon changes in financial market conditions and material changes can affect our results of operations and financial condition, since these changes can impact the total interest income received on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, as well as the total interest expense paid on our financial debt.
 
Our interest income (expense), net, as reported in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Income, is the balance between interest income received from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities investments and interest expense paid on our financial liabilities (including the sale without recourse of receivables), non-cash interest expense on the Senior Convertible Bonds and bank fees (including fees on committed credit lines). Our interest income is dependent upon fluctuations in interest rates, mainly in U.S. dollars and Euros, since we invest primarily on a short-term basis; any increase or decrease in the market interest rates would mean a proportional increase or decrease in our interest income. Our interest expenses are also dependent upon fluctuations in interest rates, since our financial liabilities include European Investment Bank Floating Rate Loans at Libor and Euribor plus variable spreads.
 
At July 2, 2016, our total financial resources, including cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, generated an average interest income rate of 0.90%. At the same date, the average interest rate on our outstanding debt was 2.18% including the non-cash effective interest of the bonds, while the average cash interest rate was only 0.83%.
 
Impact of Changes in Equity Prices
 
As of July 2, 2016, we did not hold any significant equity participations, which could be subject to a material impact in changes in equity prices. However, we hold equity participations whose carrying value could be reduced due to further losses or impairment charges of our equity-method investments. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Treasury activities are regulated by our policies, which define procedures, objectives and controls. The policies focus on the management of our financial risk in terms of exposure to currency rates and interest rates. Most treasury activities are centralized, with any local treasury activities subject to oversight from our head treasury office. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. dollars and are placed with financial institutions rated at least a single A long-term rating, meaning at least A3 from Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and A- from Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or better. Marginal amounts are held in other currencies. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Form 20-F, which may be updated from time to time in our public filings.
 
 
19

 
 
Cash flow
 
We maintain a significant cash position and a low debt-to-equity ratio, which provide us with adequate financial flexibility. As in the past, our cash management policy is to finance our investment needs mainly with net cash generated from operating activities.
 
During the first six months of 2016, our net cash decreased by $89 million, due to the net cash used in financing and investing activities exceeding the net cash from operating activities.
 
The components of our cash flow for the comparable periods are set forth below:
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 332     $ 372  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (254 )     (298 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (167 )     (196 )
Effect of changes in exchange rates
    -       (8 )
Net cash decrease
  $ (89 )   $ (130 )

Net cash from operating activities. Net cash from operating activities is the sum of (i) net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash items and (ii) changes in net working capital. The net cash from operating activities for the first six months of 2016 was $332 million, slightly decreasing compared to $372 million in the prior-year period mainly due to less favorable changes in net working capital.
 
Net cash used in investing activities. Investing activities used $254 million of cash in the first six months of 2016, decreasing compared to $298 million in the prior-year period. This decrease is mainly due to lower payments for purchase of tangible and intangible assets. Payments for purchase of tangible assets, net of proceeds, totaled $236 million, compared to $250 million registered in the prior year period.
 
Net cash used in financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $167 million for the first six months of 2016, compared to $196 million used for the first six months of 2015 and consisted mainly of a $21 million repayment of long-term debt and $145 million of dividends paid to stockholders.
 
Free Cash Flow (non U.S. GAAP measure).
 
We also present Free Cash Flow, which is a non U.S. GAAP measure, defined as (i) net cash from operating activities plus (ii) net cash used in investing activities, excluding payment for purchases (and proceeds from the sale) of marketable securities, which are considered as temporary financial investments. The result of this definition is ultimately net cash from operating activities plus payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of tangible, intangible and financial assets and proceeds received in the sale of businesses. We believe Free Cash Flow provides useful information for investors and management because it measures our capacity to generate cash from our operating and investing activities to sustain our operations. Free Cash Flow is not a U.S. GAAP measure and does not represent total cash flow since it does not include the cash flows generated by or used in financing activities. Free Cash Flow reconciles with the total cash flow and the net cash increase (decrease) by including the payment for purchases (and proceeds from the sale) of marketable securities and net cash variation from joint ventures deconsolidation, the net cash from (used in) financing activities and the effect of changes in exchange rates. In addition, our definition of Free Cash Flow may differ from definitions used by other companies. Free Cash Flow is determined as follows from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
 
20

 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2016
   
July 2, 2016
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net cash from operating activities                                                                        
  $ 191     $ 332     $ 372  
Net cash used in investing activities                                                                        
    (144 )     (254 )     (298 )
Excluding:
                       
Payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of marketable securities, change in short term deposits, restricted cash, net and net variation for JV deconsolidation
    -       -       20  
Payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of tangible and intangible assets (1)
    (144 )     (254 )     (278 )
Free Cash Flow (non U.S. GAAP measure)
  $ 47     $ 78     $ 94  
_____________
 
(1)
Reflects the total of the following line items reconciled with our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows relating to the investing activities: Payment for purchase of tangible assets, Proceeds from sale of tangible assets, Payment for purchase of intangible assets, Payment for purchase of financial assets, Proceeds from sale of financial assets, Proceeds received in sale of businesses.
 
Free Cash Flow was positive $78 million for the first half of of 2016, compared to positive $94 million for the first half of 2015.
 
Net Financial Position (non U.S. GAAP measure).
 
Our Net Financial Position, which is a non U.S. GAAP measure, represents the balance between our total financial resources and our total financial debt. Our total financial resources include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, short-term deposits and restricted cash, and our total financial debt includes bank overdrafts, short-term debt and long-term debt, as represented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net Financial Position is not a U.S. GAAP measure but we believe it provides useful information for investors because it gives evidence of our global position either in terms of net indebtedness or net cash by measuring our capital resources based on cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities and the total level of our financial indebtedness. Our Net Financial Position for each period has been determined as follows from our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

   
As at
 
 
June 2, 2016
   
December 31, 2015
   
June 27, 2015
 
   
(In millions)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,682     $ 1,771     $ 1,887  
Restricted cash
    -       -       20  
Marketable securities
    345       335       334  
Total financial resources
    2,027       2,106       2,241  
Short-term debt
    (171 )     (191 )     (201 )
Long-term debt
    (1,430 )     (1,421 )     (1,581 )
Total financial debt
    (1,601 )     (1,612 )     (1,782 )
Net Financial Position (non U.S. GAAP measure)
  $ 426     $ 494     $ 459  
 
Our Net Financial Position as of July 2, 2016 was a net cash position of $426 million, decreasing compared to the net financial position of $494 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to two quarterly dividend payments for an aggregate amount of $145 million.
 
Cash and cash equivalents amounted to $1,682 million as at July 2, 2016, as a result of our cash flow evolution as presented above.
 
Marketable securities amounted to $345 million as at July 2, 2016. Compared to December 31, 2015, the increase of $10 million is entirely due to the positive change of value of the U.S. Treasury Bonds available for sale.
 
 
21

 
 
Financial debt was $1,601 million as at July 2, 2016, composed of: (i) $171 million of current portion of long-term debt and (ii) $1,430 million long-term debt. The breakdown of our total financial debt included: (i) $678 million in European Investment Bank loans (the “EIB Loans”), (ii) $915 million in the Senior Bonds, and (iii) $8 million in other long-term loans and loans from other funding programs.
 
The EIB Loans are comprised of four long-term amortizing credit facilities as part of our R&D funding programs. The first, for R&D in France, drawn for a total amount of $341 million, was fully amortized in the first half of 2016. The second, for R&D projects in Italy, was drawn for a total amount of $380 million, of which $54 million remained outstanding as of July 2, 2016. The third, a €350 million multi-currency loan to support our industrial and R&D programs, was drawn mainly in U.S. dollars for an amount of $321 million and only partially in Euros for an amount of €100 million, of which the equivalent of $271 million remained outstanding as of July 2, 2016. The fourth, a €350 million multi-currency loan supporting our R&D programs, was drawn in U.S. dollars for an amount of $471 million, of which $353 million is outstanding as of July 2, 2016. At July 2, 2016, the amounts available under our back-up and uncommitted credit facilities were unutilized.
 
The Senior Bonds were issued on July 3, 2014, for a principal amount of $1,000 million (Tranche A for $600 million and Tranche B for $400 million), due 2019 and 2021, respectively, for net proceeds of approximately $994 million. Tranche A bonds were issued as zero-coupon bonds while Tranche B bonds bear a 1% per annum nominal interest, payable semi-annually. The conversion price at issuance was approximately $12 on each tranche. The Senior Bonds are convertible by the bondholders if certain conditions are satisfied on a net-share settlement basis, except if an alternative settlement is elected by us. We can also redeem the Senior Bonds prior to their maturity in certain circumstances. Upon initial recognition, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity by determining the fair value of the liability component using an income approach. The liability component will accrete to par value until maturity based on the effective interest rate (Tranche A: 2.40% and Tranche B: 3.22%, including 1% p.a. nominal interest). In the computation of diluted EPS, the Senior Bonds will be dilutive only for the portion of net-share settlement underlying the conversion premium when the conversion option is in the money.

Our long-term debt contains standard conditions, but does not impose minimum financial ratios.
 
Our current ratings with the three major rating agencies that report on us on a solicited basis, are as follows: S&P: “BBB-” with stable outlook; Fitch: “BBB-” with stable outlook; Moody’s: “Ba1” with stable outlook.
 
As of July 2, 2016, debt payments at redemption value by period were as follows:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Total
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
   
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt (including current portion)
  $ 1,686     $ 169     $ 116     $ 114     $ 714     $ 114     $ 459  

 
Financial Outlook: Capital Investment
 
 
Our policy is to modulate our capital spending according to the evolution of the semiconductor market. Based on market recovery forecast and ongoing strategic initiatives, our capital expenditure is estimated to be within the range of $600 million to $670 million for 2016, to be adjusted based on demand thereafter. The most important of our 2016 capital expenditure projects are expected to be : (a) for our front end facilities: (i) in our 300 mm fab in Crolles, R&D, technology evolution and, based on demand of new products, new specialized capacity to support the production ramp up of new technologies; (ii) mix evolution, and a few selected programs of capacity growth and infrastructure preparation, mainly in the area of mixed signal and discrete processes, in particular in the Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology; (iii) qualification and ramp-up of technologies in 200 mm in Singapore, Agrate, Italy and expansion of the 200 mm fab in Catania, Italy; and (iv) quality, safety, maintenance, and productivity and cost savings investments in both 150 mm and 200 mm front end fabs; (b) for our back end facilities: (i) capacity growth on certain package families, to sustain market demand and secure service and ramp up of specialty products for strategic customers; (ii) modernization and rationalization of package lines targeting cost savings benefits; and (iii) specific investments in the areas of factory automation, quality, environment and energy savings; and (c) an overall capacity adjustment in final testing and wafers probing (EWS) to meet increased demand and a changed product mix.
 
 
22

 

We will continue to monitor our level of capital spending by taking into consideration factors such as trends in the semiconductor industry and capacity utilization. We expect to need significant financial resources in the coming years for capital expenditures and for our investments in manufacturing and R&D. We plan to fund our capital requirements from cash provided by operating activities, available funds and support from third parties, and may have recourse to borrowings under available credit lines and, to the extent necessary or attractive based on market conditions prevailing at the time, the issuance of debt, convertible bonds or additional equity securities. A substantial deterioration of our economic results, and consequently our profitability, could generate a deterioration of the cash generated by our operating activities. Therefore, there can be no assurance that, in future periods, we will generate the same level of cash as in prior years to fund our capital expenditure plans for expanding/upgrading our production facilities, our working capital requirements, our R&D and manufacturing costs.
 
In support of our R&D activities, we signed the Nano2017 program with the French government, which was approved by the European Union in the second quarter of 2014 and, in our role as Coordinator and Project Leader of Nano2017, we have been allocated an overall funding budget of about €400 million for the period 2013-2017, subject to the conclusion of agreements every year with the public authorities and linked to the achievement of technical parameters and objectives. Based on the activity of each sponsored project, from the beginning of the program to the end of the second quarter of 2016, we have recognized grants for an aggregate amount of €315 million. The Nano2017 contract contains certain covenants which, in the event they are not fulfilled, may affect our ability to access such funding.
 
As a result of our exit from the ST-Ericsson joint venture, our exposure is limited to covering 50% of ST-Ericsson’s needs to complete the wind-down, which are estimated to be negligible, based on our current visibility of the ST-Ericsson liquidation balance.
 
We believe that we have the financial resources needed to meet our currently projected business requirements for the next twelve months, including capital expenditures for our manufacturing activities, working capital requirements, approved dividend payments and the repayment of our debts in line with their maturity dates.
 
Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Contingencies
 
Our contractual obligations, commercial commitments and contingencies are mainly comprised of: operating leases for land, buildings, plants and equipment; purchase commitments for equipment, outsourced foundry wafers and related purchase obligations and for software licenses; long-term debt obligations; pension obligations and other long-term liabilities.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements at July 2, 2016.
 
Impact of Recently Issued U.S. Accounting Standards
 
See Note 5 Recent Accounting Announcements to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Backlog and Customers
 
During the second quarter of 2016, our booking plus net frames orders decreased compared to the first quarter of 2016, mainly as an effect of a shorter calendar in the second quarter and automotive seasonality. We entered the third quarter 2016 with a backlog higher than the level we had when entering in the second quarter 2016. Backlog (including frame orders) is subject to possible cancellation, push back and lower ratio of frame orders being translated into firm orders and, thus, it is not necessarily indicative of the amount of billings or growth to be registered in subsequent periods.
 
In the second quarter of 2016, no customer accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues. There is no guarantee that any customer will continue to generate revenues for us at the same levels as in prior periods. If we were to lose one or more of our key customers, or if they were to significantly reduce their bookings, not confirm planned delivery dates on frame orders in a significant manner or fail to meet their payment obligations, our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
 
 
23

 
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation
 
Our management, including the CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this periodic report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our quarterly evaluation of Disclosure Controls includes an evaluation of some components of our internal control over financial reporting, and internal control over financial reporting is also separately evaluated on an annual basis.
 
The evaluation of our Disclosure Controls included a review of the controls’ objectives and design, our implementation of the controls and their effect on the information generated for use in this periodic report. In the course of the controls evaluation, we reviewed identified data errors, control problems or acts of fraud and sought to confirm that appropriate corrective actions, including process improvements, were being undertaken. This type of evaluation is performed at least on a quarterly basis so that the conclusions of management, including the CEO and CFO, concerning the effectiveness of the Disclosure Controls can be reported in our periodic reports on Form 6-K and Form 20-F. The components of our Disclosure Controls are also evaluated on an ongoing basis by our Internal Audit Department, which reports directly to our Audit Committee. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our Disclosure Controls, and to modify them as necessary. Our intent is to maintain the Disclosure Controls as dynamic systems that change as conditions warrant.
 
Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this periodic report, our Disclosure Controls were effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
 
No system of internal control over financial reporting, including one determined to be effective, may prevent or detect all misstatements. It can provide only reasonable assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of the results of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting into future periods are subject to inherent risk that the relevant controls may become inadequate due to changes in circumstances or that the degree of compliance with the underlying policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Other Reviews
 
We have sent this report to our Audit Committee, which had an opportunity to raise questions with our management and independent auditors before we submitted it to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
Some of the statements contained in this Form 6-K that are not historical facts, particularly in “Business Overview” and in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Outlook: Capital Investment”, are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended) that are based on management’s current views and assumptions, and are conditioned upon and also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated by such statements due to, among other factors:
 
 
24

 
 
 
·
Uncertain macro-economic and industry trends, which may impact end-market demand for our products;
 
 
·
Customer demand that differs from projections;
 
 
·
The ability to design, manufacture and sell innovative products in a rapidly changing technological environment;
 
 
·
Unanticipated events or circumstances, which may impact our ability to execute the planned reductions in our net operating expenses and / or meet the objectives of our R&D Programs, which benefit from public funding;
 
 
·
Changes in economic, social, labor, political, or infrastructure conditions in the locations where we, our customers, or our suppliers operate, including as a result of macro-economic or regional events, military conflicts, social unrest, labor actions, or terrorist activities;
 
 
·
The Brexit vote and the perceptions as to the impact of the withdrawal of the U.K. may adversely affect business activity, political stability and economic conditions in the U.K., the Eurozone, the EU and elsewhere. While we do not have material operations in the U.K. and have not experienced any material impact from Brexit on our underlying business to date, we cannot predict its future implications;
 
 
·
Financial difficulties with any of our major distributors or significant curtailment of purchases by key customers;
 
 
·
The loading, product mix, and manufacturing performance of our production facilities;
 
 
·
The functionalities and performance of our IT systems, which support our critical operational activities including manufacturing, finance and sales, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers or suppliers;
 
 
·
Variations in the foreign exchange markets and, more particularly, the U.S. dollar exchange rate as compared to the Euro and the other major currencies we use for our operations;
 
 
·
The impact of intellectual property (“IP”) claims by our competitors or other third parties, and our ability to obtain required licenses on reasonable terms and conditions;
 
 
·
The ability to successfully restructure underperforming business lines and associated restructuring charges and cost savings that differ in amount or timing from our estimates;
 
 
·
Changes in our overall tax position as a result of changes in tax laws, the outcome of tax audits or changes in international tax treaties which may impact our results of operations as well as our ability to accurately estimate tax credits, benefits, deductions and provisions and to realize deferred tax assets;
 
 
·
The outcome of ongoing litigation as well as the impact of any new litigation to which we may become a defendant;
 
 
·
Product liability or warranty claims, claims based on epidemic or delivery failure, or other claims relating to our products, or recalls by our customers for products containing our parts;
 
 
·
Natural events such as severe weather, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruptions or other acts of nature, health risks and epidemics in locations where we, our customers or our suppliers operate; and
 
 
·
Availability and costs of raw materials, utilities, third-party manufacturing services and technology, or other supplies required by our operations.
 

 
25

 
 
Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of our business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “are expected to”, “should”, “would be”, “seeks” or “anticipates” or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Some of these risk factors are set forth and are discussed in more detail in “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” in our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in our Form 20-F as anticipated, believed or expected. We do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this Form 6-K to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
 
Unfavorable changes in the above or other factors listed under “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” from time to time in our SEC filings, could have a material adverse effect on our business and/or financial condition.
 
 
 
 
26

 
 

 
STMICROELECTRONICS N.V.
 
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Pages
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 (unaudited)
F-1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 (unaudited)
F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 2, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015 (audited)
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 (unaudited)
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)
F-7
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
F-8
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27

 
 
STMicroelectronics N.V.
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           
             
   
Three months ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
July 02,
   
June 27,
 
In million of U.S. dollars except per share amounts
 
2016
   
2015
 
             
Net sales
    1,698       1,754  
Other revenues
    5       6  
Net revenues
    1,703       1,760  
Cost of sales
    (1,126 )     (1,165 )
Gross profit
    577       595  
Selling, general and administrative
    (229 )     (226 )
Research and development
    (336 )     (373 )
Other income and expenses, net
    28       37  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (12 )     (21 )
Operating income
    28       12  
Interest expense, net
    (6 )     (6 )
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
    9       (1 )
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
    31       5  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (6 )     31  
Net income
    25       36  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (2 )     (1 )
Net income attributable to parent company
    23       35  
                 
Earnings per share (Basic) attributable to parent company stockholders
    0.03       0.04  
Earnings per share (Diluted) attributable to parent company stockholders
    0.03       0.04  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
 
F-1

 
 
 
STMicroelectronics N.V.
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           
             
   
Six months ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
July 02,
   
June 27,
 
In million of U.S. dollars except per share amounts
 
2016
   
2015
 
             
Net sales
    3,303       3,447  
Other revenues
    13       18  
Net revenues
    3,316       3,465  
Cost of sales
    (2,201 )     (2,305 )
Gross profit
    1,115       1,160  
Selling, general and administrative
    (457 )     (448 )
Research and development
    (678 )     (742 )
Other income and expenses, net
    55       73  
Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs
    (40 )     (50 )
Operating loss
    (5 )     (7 )
Interest expense, net
    (11 )     (11 )
Income (loss) on equity-method investments
    9       3  
Loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
    (7 )     (15 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (8 )     30  
Net income (loss)
    (15 )     15  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (3 )     (3 )
Net income (loss) attributable to parent company
    (18 )     12  
                 
Earnings per share (Basic) attributable to parent company stockholders
    (0.02 )     0.01  
Earnings per share (Diluted) attributable to parent company stockholders
    (0.02 )     0.01  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
 
F-2

 
 
STMicroelectronics N.V.
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
   
Three months ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
July 02,
   
June 27,
 
In million of U.S. dollars
 
2016
   
2015
 
             
             
Net income
    25       36  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
               
  Currency translation adjustments arising during the period
    (52 )     54  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (52 )     54  
  Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
    2       (4 )
    Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
    2       (4 )
  Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
    (23 )     45  
  Less : reclassification adjustment for (income) losses included in net income
    (7 )     57  
    Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
    (30 )     102  
  Net gains (losses) arising during the period
    2       2  
    Defined benefit pension plans
    2       2  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (78 )     154  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    (53 )     190  
  Less : comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2       1  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the company's stockholders
    (55 )     189  
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
 
F-3

 

STMicroelectronics N.V.
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
   
Six months ended
   
(Unaudited)
   
July 02,
   
June 27,
 
In million of U.S. dollars
 
2016
   
2015
 
             
             
Net income (loss)
    (15 )     15  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
               
  Currency translation adjustments arising during the period
    37       (150 )
  Less : reclassification adjustment for gains on disposal of equity investment
    -       (10 )
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
    37       (160 )
  Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
    9       -  
    Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
    9       -  
  Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
    20       (84 )
  Less : reclassification adjustment for (income) losses included in net income (loss)
    5       114  
    Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
    25       30  
  Net gains (losses) arising during the period
    3       2  
    Defined benefit pension plans
    3       2  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    74       (128 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
    59       (113 )
  Less : comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    3       2  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the company's stockholders
    56       (115 )
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
 
F-4

 
 
STMicroelectronics N.V.
           
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
   
As at
   
July 02,
   
December 31,
 
In million of U.S. dollars
 
2016
   
2015
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
             
Assets
           
Current assets :
           
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,682       1,771  
Restricted cash
    -       4  
Marketable securities
    345       335  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    886       820  
Inventories
    1,266       1,251  
Deferred tax assets
    78       91  
Assets held for sale
    -       1  
Other current assets
    424       407  
Total current assets
    4,681       4,680  
Goodwill
    77       76  
Other intangible assets, net
    153       166  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,290       2,321  
Non-current deferred tax assets
    465       436  
Long-term investments
    57       57  
Other non-current assets
    394       459