10-Q 1 goog10-qq32016.htm FORM 10-Q Document



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________________________________________
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file number: 001-37580
________________________________________________________________________________________
Alphabet Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Delaware
61-1767919
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(650) 253-0000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
________________________________________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
  
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of October 27, 2016, there were 296,087,212 shares of Alphabet’s Class A common stock outstanding, 48,060,629 shares of Alphabet's Class B common stock outstanding, and 345,090,748 Alphabet's Class C capital stock outstanding.




Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc.
Form 10-Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page No.
 
Item 1
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
 
 
 
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 6
 
 

i

Alphabet Inc.

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, among other things, statements regarding:
the growth of our business and revenues and our expectations about the factors that influence our success and trends in our business;
our plans to continue to invest in new businesses, products and technologies, systems, facilities, and infrastructure, to continue to hire aggressively and provide competitive compensation programs, as well as to continue to invest in acquisitions;
seasonal fluctuations in internet usage and advertiser expenditures, traditional retail seasonality and macroeconomic conditions, which are likely to cause fluctuations in our quarterly results;
the potential for declines in our revenue growth rate;
our expectation that growth in advertising revenues from our websites will continue to exceed that from our Google Network Members' websites, which will have a positive impact on our operating margins;
our expectation that we will continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads we deliver and to reduce the number of accidental clicks;
fluctuations in the rate of change in revenue and revenue growth, as well as the rate of change in paid clicks and average cost-per-click and various factors contributing to such fluctuations;
our expectation that our foreign exchange risk management program will not fully offset our net exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
the expected variability of costs related to hedging activities under our foreign exchange risk management program;
our expectation that our cost of revenues, research and development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses will increase in dollars and may increase as a percentage of revenues;
our potential exposure in connection with pending investigations, proceedings, and other contingencies;
our expectation that our traffic acquisition costs will increase in the future;
our expectation that our other income (loss), net, will fluctuate in the future as it is largely driven by market dynamics;
estimates of our future compensation expenses;
fluctuations in our effective tax rate;
the sufficiency of our sources of funding;
our payment terms to certain advertisers, which may increase our working capital requirements;
fluctuations in our capital expenditures;
our expectations related to the new operating structure implemented in October 2015 pursuant to the holding company reorganization;
the expected timing and amount of Alphabet Inc.'s stock repurchases;
as well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects, and business strategies. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including without limitation, Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016, and as updated in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "will be," "will continue," "may," "could," "will likely result," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in particular, the risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016, and those discussed in other documents we file with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
As used herein, "Alphabet," "the company," "we," "us," "our," and similar terms include Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

1

Alphabet Inc.

"Alphabet," "Google," and other trademarks of ours appearing in this report are our property. This report contains additional trade names and trademarks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies' trade names or trademarks to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of us by such companies, or any relationship with any of these companies.

2

Alphabet Inc.

PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Alphabet Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands and par value)
 
As of
December 31, 2015
 
As of
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
(unaudited)
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16,549

 
$
9,406

Marketable securities
56,517

 
73,650

Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (including securities loaned of $4,531 and $730)
73,066

 
83,056

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $296 and $398
11,556

 
11,979

Receivable under reverse repurchase agreements
450

 
0

Income taxes receivable, net
1,903

 
416

Inventory
491

 
559

Prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets
2,648

 
2,536

Total current assets
90,114

 
98,546

Prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets, non-current
3,181

 
3,276

Non-marketable investments
5,183

 
5,705

Deferred income taxes
251

 
273

Property and equipment, net
29,016

 
32,753

Intangible assets, net
3,847

 
3,367

Goodwill
15,869

 
16,028

Total assets
$
147,461

 
$
159,948

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
1,931

 
$
2,175

Short-term debt
3,225

 
0

Accrued compensation and benefits
3,539

 
3,672

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
4,768

 
4,840

Accrued revenue share
2,329

 
2,542

Securities lending payable
2,428

 
0

Deferred revenue
788

 
923

Income taxes payable, net
302

 
171

Total current liabilities
19,310

 
14,323

Long-term debt
1,995

 
3,938

Deferred revenue, non-current
151

 
169

Income taxes payable, non-current
3,663

 
4,461

Deferred income taxes
189

 
393

Other long-term liabilities
1,822

 
2,561

Total liabilities
27,130

 
25,845

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 100,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
0

 
0

Class A and Class B common stock, and Class C capital stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.001 par value per share: 15,000,000 shares authorized (Class A 9,000,000, Class B 3,000,000, Class C 3,000,000); 687,348 (Class A 292,297, Class B 50,295, Class C 344,756) and 689,136 (Class A 295,995, Class B 48,105, Class C 345,036) shares issued and outstanding
32,982

 
35,337

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,874
)
 
(1,032
)
Retained earnings
89,223

 
99,798

Total stockholders’ equity
120,331

 
134,103

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
147,461

 
$
159,948

See accompanying notes.

3

Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Revenues
$
18,675

 
$
22,451

 
$
53,660

 
$
64,208

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues
7,037

 
8,699

 
19,976

 
24,477

Research and development
3,230

 
3,596

 
8,772

 
10,326

Sales and marketing
2,223

 
2,565

 
6,368

 
7,367

General and administrative
1,477

 
1,824

 
4,564

 
4,961

Total costs and expenses
13,967

 
16,684

 
39,680

 
47,131

Income from operations
4,708

 
5,767

 
13,980

 
17,077

Other income (expense), net
183

 
278

 
471

 
216

Income before income taxes
4,891

 
6,045

 
14,451

 
17,293

Provision for income taxes
912

 
984

 
3,026

 
3,148

Net income
$
3,979

 
$
5,061

 
$
11,425

 
$
14,145

Less: Adjustment Payment to Class C capital stockholders
0

 
0

 
522

 
0

Net income available to all stockholders
$
3,979

 
$
5,061

 
$
10,903

 
$
14,145

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share of Class A and B common stock
$
5.80

 
$
7.36

 
$
15.95

 
$
20.59

Basic net income per share of Class C capital stock
$
5.80

 
$
7.36

 
$
17.47

 
$
20.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income per share of Class A and B common stock
$
5.73

 
$
7.25

 
$
15.77

 
$
20.26

Diluted net income per share of Class C capital stock
$
5.73

 
$
7.25

 
$
17.27

 
$
20.26

See accompanying notes.

4

Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Net income
$
3,979

 
$
5,061

 
$
11,425

 
$
14,145

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
(145
)
 
129

 
(850
)
 
166

Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)
(389
)
 
71

 
(504
)
 
627

Less: reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income
4

 
(46
)
 
(73
)
 
137

Net change (net of tax effect of $2, $7, $29, and $191)
(385
)
 
25

 
(577
)
 
764

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains
79

 
32

 
580

 
148

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(212
)
 
(67
)
 
(772
)
 
(236
)
Net change (net of tax effect of $58, $20, $68, and $29)
(133
)
 
(35
)
 
(192
)
 
(88
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(663
)
 
119

 
(1,619
)
 
842

Comprehensive income
$
3,316

 
$
5,180

 
$
9,806

 
$
14,987

See accompanying notes.

5

Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
11,425

 
$
14,145

Adjustments:
 
 
 
Depreciation and impairment of property and equipment
2,979

 
3,803

Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
680

 
654

Stock-based compensation expense
3,767

 
4,857

Deferred income taxes
(566
)
 
119

Loss on marketable and non-marketable investments, net
32

 
204

Other
157

 
117

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(336
)
 
(299
)
Income taxes, net
1,093

 
2,153

Prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets
204

 
114

Accounts payable
(168
)
 
238

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
820

 
338

Accrued revenue share
(69
)
 
138

Deferred revenue
(55
)
 
42

Net cash provided by operating activities
19,963

 
26,623

Investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(7,848
)
 
(7,134
)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment
33

 
226

Purchases of marketable securities
(56,217
)
 
(70,959
)
Maturities and sales of marketable securities
46,860

 
54,379

Purchases of non-marketable investments
(1,771
)
 
(673
)
Cash collateral related to securities lending
488

 
(2,428
)
Investments in reverse repurchase agreements
475

 
450

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and purchases of intangible assets
(244
)
 
(324
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(18,224
)
 
(26,463
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Net payments related to stock-based award activities
(1,610
)
 
(2,425
)
Adjustment Payment to Class C capital stockholders
(47
)
 
0

Repurchases of capital stock
0

 
(3,693
)
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of costs
10,332

 
8,729

Repayments of debt
(10,341
)
 
(10,051
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,666
)
 
(7,440
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(352
)
 
137

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(279
)
 
(7,143
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
18,347

 
16,549

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
18,068

 
$
9,406

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes
$
2,543

 
$
934

Cash paid for interest
$
66

 
$
66

See accompanying notes.


6

Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
We were incorporated in the State of Delaware in August 2015. We generate revenues primarily by delivering relevant, cost-effective online advertising.
On October 2, 2015, we implemented a holding company reorganization in which Alphabet became the successor issuer to Google Inc. (Google) that was accounted for as a merger under common control. Alphabet has recognized the assets and liabilities of Google at carryover basis. The consolidated financial statements of Alphabet present comparative information for the prior periods on a combined basis, as if both Alphabet and Google were under common control for all periods presented.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alphabet Inc., our subsidiaries, as well as all variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2016, the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 are unaudited. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). In our opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2016, our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016.
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016 as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the accounts receivable and sales allowances, fair values of financial instruments, intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, income taxes, and contingent liabilities, among others. We base our estimates on historical experience, future projections, market transactions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial assets and financial liabilities that include cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts, and non-marketable debt securities are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We measure certain financial assets at fair value for disclosure purposes, as well as, on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Our other current financial assets and our other current financial liabilities have fair values that approximate their carrying value.
Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market used to measure fair value:

7

Alphabet Inc.

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Include other inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and credit ratings.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activities.
The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of finished goods and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is computed using the first-in, first-out method.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (Topic 606) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Update Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and requires entities to recognize revenue when they transfer promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Topic 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, though early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of finalizing our accounting policies under Topic 606 and changes to our systems and internal control over financial reporting. We expect to make a determination as to the timing and method of adoption in the fourth quarter of 2016.
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 (ASU 2016-01) "Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-01 amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The most significant impact relates to the recognition and measurement of equity investments at fair value in the consolidated statement of income. While we continue to evaluate the effect of the standard, we anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will increase the volatility of our other income (expense), net resulting from the remeasurement of our equity investments.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (Topic 842) "Leases". Topic 842 supersedes the lease recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Update Topic 840, "Leases". Under Topic 842, lessees are required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases and provide enhanced disclosures. Leases will continue to be classified as either finance or operating. Topic 842 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Full retrospective application is prohibited and early adoption by public entities is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Revision of Previously Disclosed Information
During the third quarter of 2016, we identified an omission in our supplemental disclosure of cash paid for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We have evaluated the materiality of the impact quantitatively and qualitatively and concluded it was not material to any of the prior periods impacted. We elected to revise the supplemental disclosure for the comparable period presented. The revision only impacted our supplemental disclosures included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

8

Alphabet Inc.

Prior Period Reclassifications
Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.
Note 2. Financial Instruments
We classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities within Level 1 or Level 2 because we use quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs to determine their fair value. We classify our foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts primarily within Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
 The following tables summarize our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities by significant investment categories as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 (in millions):
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Adjusted
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
 
Marketable
Securities
Cash
$
7,380

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
7,380

 
$
7,380

 
$
0

Level 1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market and other funds
5,623

 
0

 
0

 
5,623

 
5,623

 
0

U.S. government notes
20,922

 
27

 
(48
)
 
20,901

 
258

 
20,643

Marketable equity securities
692

 
155

 
0

 
847

 
0

 
847

 
27,237

 
182

 
(48
)
 
27,371

 
5,881

 
21,490

Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(1)
3,223

 
0

 
0

 
3,223

 
2,012

 
1,211

Money market and other funds(2)
1,140

 
0

 
0

 
1,140

 
1,140

 
0

Fixed-income bond funds(3)
219

 
0

 
0

 
219

 
0

 
219

U.S. government agencies
1,367

 
2

 
(3
)
 
1,366

 
0

 
1,366

Foreign government bonds
2,242

 
14

 
(23
)
 
2,233

 
0

 
2,233

Municipal securities
3,812

 
47

 
(4
)
 
3,855

 
0

 
3,855

Corporate debt securities
13,809

 
53

 
(278
)
 
13,584

 
136

 
13,448

Agency mortgage-backed securities
9,680

 
48

 
(57
)
 
9,671

 
0

 
9,671

Asset-backed securities
3,032

 
0

 
(8
)
 
3,024

 
0

 
3,024

 
38,524

 
164

 
(373
)
 
38,315

 
3,288

 
35,027

Total
$
73,141

 
$
346

 
$
(421
)
 
$
73,066

 
$
16,549

 
$
56,517


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Alphabet Inc.

 
As of September 30, 2016
 
Adjusted
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cash and
Cash
Equivalents
 
Marketable
Securities
 
(unaudited)
Cash
$
5,882

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
5,882

 
$
5,882

 
$
0

Level 1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market and other funds
3,043

 
0

 
0

 
3,043

 
3,043

 
0

U.S. government notes
32,525

 
180

 
(15
)
 
32,690

 
300

 
32,390

Marketable equity securities
160

 
115

 
0

 
275

 
0

 
275

 
35,728

 
295

 
(15
)
 
36,008

 
3,343

 
32,665

Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits(1)
155

 
0

 
0

 
155

 
153

 
2

Mutual funds(4)
214

 
8

 
0

 
222

 
0

 
222

U.S. government agencies
2,774

 
4

 
0

 
2,778

 
0

 
2,778

Foreign government bonds
3,448

 
60

 
(7
)
 
3,501

 
0

 
3,501

Municipal securities
4,625

 
73

 
(8
)
 
4,690

 
23

 
4,667

Corporate debt securities
14,854

 
268

 
(38
)
 
15,084

 
5

 
15,079

Agency mortgage-backed securities
12,464

 
148

 
(7
)
 
12,605

 
0

 
12,605

Asset-backed securities
2,127

 
4

 
0

 
2,131

 
0

 
2,131

 
40,661

 
565

 
(60
)
 
41,166

 
181

 
40,985

Total
$
82,271

 
$
860

 
$
(75
)
 
$
83,056

 
$
9,406

 
$
73,650

(1) 
The majority of our time deposits are foreign deposits.
(2) 
The balance relates to cash collateral received in connection with our securities lending program, which was invested in reverse repurchase agreements maturing within three months. See section titled "Securities Lending Program" below for further discussion of this program.
(3) 
Fixed-income bond funds consist of mutual funds that primarily invest in corporate and government bonds.
(4) 
The fair value option was elected for mutual funds with gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net.
We determine realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities on a specific identification method. We recognized gross realized gains of $54 million and $235 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $62 million and $221 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. We recognized gross realized losses of $60 million and $156 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $12 million and $347 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. We reflect these gains and losses as a component of other income (expense), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities, accounted for as available-for-sale securities and classified by the contractual maturity date of the securities (in millions, unaudited):
 
As of
September 30, 2016
Due in 1 year
$
11,205

Due in 1 year through 5 years
37,763

Due in 5 years through 10 years
10,383

Due after 10 years
13,802

Total
$
73,153


10

Alphabet Inc.

Impairment Considerations for Marketable Investments
The following tables present gross unrealized losses and fair values for those marketable investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position (in millions):
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government notes
$
13,757

 
$
(48
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
13,757

 
$
(48
)
U.S. government agencies
864

 
(3
)
 
0

 
0

 
864

 
(3
)
Foreign government bonds
885

 
(18
)
 
36

 
(5
)
 
921

 
(23
)
Municipal securities
1,116

 
(3
)
 
41

 
(1
)
 
1,157

 
(4
)
Corporate debt securities
9,192

 
(202
)
 
784

 
(76
)
 
9,976

 
(278
)
Agency mortgage-backed securities
5,783

 
(34
)
 
721

 
(23
)
 
6,504

 
(57
)
Asset-backed securities
2,508

 
(7
)
 
386

 
(1
)
 
2,894

 
(8
)
Total
$
34,105

 
$
(315
)
 
$
1,968

 
$
(106
)
 
$
36,073

 
$
(421
)
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(unaudited)
U.S. government notes
$
9,089

 
$
(15
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
9,089

 
$
(15
)
Foreign government bonds
$
766

 
$
(5
)
 
$
28

 
$
(2
)
 
$
794

 
$
(7
)
Municipal securities
1,743

 
(7
)
 
53

 
(1
)
 
1,796

 
(8
)
Corporate debt securities
2,675

 
(18
)
 
530

 
(20
)
 
3,205

 
(38
)
Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,384

 
(5
)
 
279

 
(2
)
 
2,663

 
(7
)
Total
$
16,657

 
$
(50
)
 
$
890

 
$
(25
)
 
$
17,547

 
$
(75
)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment loss. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment loss. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $87 million of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to our marketable equity securities. Those losses are included in gains (losses) on marketable securities, net, as a component of other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 for further details on other income (expense), net.
Securities Lending Program
From time to time, we enter into securities lending agreements with financial institutions to enhance investment income. We loan certain securities which are collateralized in the form of cash or securities. Cash collateral is usually invested in reverse repurchase agreements which are collateralized in the form of securities.
We classify loaned securities as cash equivalents or marketable securities and record the cash collateral as an asset with a corresponding liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We classify reverse repurchase agreements maturing within three months as cash equivalents and those longer than three months as receivable under reverse repurchase agreements in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For security collateral received, we do not record an asset or liability except in the event of counterparty default.

11

Alphabet Inc.

Our securities lending transactions were accounted for as secured borrowings with significant investment categories as follows (in millions):
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Securities Lending Transactions
Overnight and Continuous
 
Up to 30 days
 
30 - 90 Days
 
Greater Than 90 Days
 
Total
U.S. government notes
$
1,322

 
$
31

 
$
0

 
$
306

 
$
1,659

U.S. government agencies
504

 
77

 
0

 
0

 
581

Corporate debt securities
188

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
188

Total
$
2,014

 
$
108

 
$
0

 
$
306

 
$
2,428

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending in offsetting disclosure
 
$
2,428

Amounts related to agreements not included in securities lending in offsetting disclosure
 
$
0

As of September 30, 2016, there was no cash collateral received for our securities lending transactions.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We record changes in the fair value (i.e. gains or losses) of the derivatives in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as other income (expense), net, revenues, or accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, as discussed below.
We enter into foreign currency contracts with financial institutions to reduce the risk that our cash flows and earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We use certain interest rate derivative contracts to hedge interest rate exposures on our fixed income securities and debt issuances. Our program is not used for trading or speculative purposes.
We enter into master netting arrangements, which reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with the same counterparty. To further reduce credit risk, we enter into collateral security arrangements under which the counterparty is required to provide collateral when the net fair value of certain financial instruments fluctuates from contractually established thresholds. We can take possession of the collateral in the event of counterparty default. As of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, we received cash collateral related to the derivative instruments under our collateral security arrangements of $192 million and $91 million.
Cash Flow Hedges
We use options to hedge certain forecasted revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and at times we use interest rate swaps to effectively lock interest rates on anticipated debt issuances. These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges. The notional principal of these contracts was approximately $16.4 billion and $6.4 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively. These contracts have maturities of 36 months or less.
We reflect gains or losses on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassify cumulative gains and losses to revenues or interest expense when the hedged transactions are recorded. If the hedged transactions become probable of not occurring, the corresponding amounts in AOCI would be immediately reclassified to other income (expense), net. Further, we exclude the change in the time value of the options from our assessment of hedge effectiveness. We record the time value of an option on the date of purchase as an asset. Thereafter, we recognize changes to this time value in other income (expense), net.
As of September 30, 2016, the effective portion of our cash flow hedges before tax effect was $259 million, of which $214 million is expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings within the next 12 months.
Fair Value Hedges
We use forward contracts designated as fair value hedges to hedge foreign currency risks for our investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We exclude the difference between spot rates and forward rates for these forward contracts from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The notional principal of these contracts was $1.8 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
We have used interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to hedge interest rate risk for certain fixed rate securities. The notional principal of these contracts was $295 million and $0 million as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively.

12

Alphabet Inc.

Gains and losses on these forward contracts and interest rate swaps are recognized in other income (expense), net, along with the offsetting losses and gains of the related hedged items. Cash flows from these forward contracts and interest rate swaps are reported within investment activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, consistent with the impact of the hedged items.
Other Derivatives
Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments consist of forward contracts that we use to hedge intercompany transactions and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local currency of a subsidiary. We recognize gains and losses on these contracts, as well as the related costs in other income (expense), net, along with the foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities. The notional principal of foreign exchange contracts outstanding was $7.5 billion and $6.4 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
We also use exchange-traded interest rate futures contracts and “To Be Announced” (TBA) forward purchase commitments of mortgage-backed assets to hedge interest rate risks on certain fixed income securities. The TBA contracts meet the definition of derivative instruments in cases where physical delivery of the assets is not taken at the earliest available delivery date. Our interest rate futures and TBA contracts (together interest rate contracts) are not designated as hedging instruments. We recognize gains and losses on these contracts, as well as the related costs, in other income (expense), net. The gains and losses are generally economically offset by unrealized gains and losses in the underlying available-for-sale securities, which are recorded as a component of AOCI until the securities are sold or other-than-temporarily impaired, at which time the amounts are moved from AOCI into other income (expense), net. The total notional amounts of interest rate contracts outstanding were $50 million and $350 million as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
The fair values of our outstanding derivative instruments were as follows (in millions):
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
  
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives
Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Total Fair
Value
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets, current and non-current
 
$
626

 
$
2

 
$
628

Total
 
 
$
626

 
$
2

 
$
628

Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
$
1

 
$
13

 
$
14

Interest rate contracts
Accrued expenses and other liabilities, current and non-current
 
2

 
0

 
2

Total
 
 
$
3

 
$
13

 
$
16


13

Alphabet Inc.

 
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
  
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives
Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Total Fair
Value
 
 
 
(unaudited)
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets, current and non-current
 
$
214

 
$
11

 
$
225

Total
 
 
$
214

 
$
11

 
$
225

Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
$
10

 
$
20

 
$
30

Total
 
 
$
10

 
$
20

 
$
30

The effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on income and other comprehensive income (OCI) is summarized below (in millions, unaudited):
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Before Tax Effect (Effective Portion)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
$
97

 
$
52

 
$
813

 
$
240

 
 
Gains Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Income Statement Location
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
Revenues
 
$
286

 
$
105

 
$
1,068

 
$
352

Interest rate contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
1

 
1

 
3

 
4

Total
 
 
$
287

 
$
106

 
$
1,071

 
$
356

 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (1)
(Amount Excluded from  Effectiveness Testing and Ineffective Portion)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
Income Statement Location
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(102
)
 
$
(230
)
 
$
(361
)
 
(1) 
Gains (losses) related to the ineffective portion of the hedges were not material in all periods presented.

14

Alphabet Inc.

The effect of derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited):
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives(2)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationship
Income Statement Location
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Foreign Exchange Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
$
72

 
$
1

 
$
139

 
$
26

Hedged item
Other income (expense), net
 
(73
)
 
1

 
(144
)
 
(24
)
Total
 
 
$
(1
)
 
$
2

 
$
(5
)
 
$
2

Interest Rate Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
$
(5
)
 
$
0

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(3
)
Hedged item
Other income (expense), net
 
5

 
0

 
6

 
3

Total
 
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

(2) 
Amounts excluded from effectiveness testing and the ineffective portion of the fair value hedging relationships were not material in all periods presented.
The effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on income is summarized below (in millions, unaudited):
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Income Statement Location
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
$
150

 
$
(67
)
 
$
241

 
$
(147
)
Interest rate contracts
Other income (expense), net
 
3

 
1

 
0

 
(12
)
Total
 
 
$
153

 
$
(66
)
 
$
241

 
$
(159
)

15

Alphabet Inc.

Offsetting of Derivatives, Securities Lending and Reverse Repurchase Agreements
We present our derivatives, securities lending and reverse repurchase agreements at gross fair values in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, our master netting and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. As of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, these offsetting arrangements were as follows (in millions):
Offsetting of Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset
 
 
Description
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
 Cash Collateral Received
 
Non-Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Assets Exposed
Derivatives
$
628

 
$
0

 
$
628

 
$
(13
)
(1) 
$
(189
)
 
$
(214
)
 
$
212

Reverse repurchase agreements
1,590

 
0

 
1,590

(2) 
0

 
0

 
(1,590
)
 
0

Total
$
2,218

 
$
0

 
$
2,218

 
$
(13
)
 
$
(189
)
 
$
(1,804
)
 
$
212

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset
 
 
Description
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
Non-Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Assets Exposed
 
(unaudited)
Derivatives
$
225

 
$
0

 
$
225

 
$
(9
)
(1) 
$
(33
)
 
$
(64
)
 
$
119

(1) 
The balances as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 were related to derivative liabilities which are allowed to be net settled against derivative assets in accordance with our master netting agreements.
(2) 
The balance as of December 31, 2015 included $1,140 million recorded in cash and cash equivalents, and $450 million recorded in receivable under reverse repurchase agreements.
Offsetting of Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset
 
 
Description
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
 Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Non-Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Net Liabilities
Derivatives
$
16

 
$
0

 
$
16

 
$
(13
)
(3) 
$
(3
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

Securities lending agreements
2,428

 
0

 
2,428

 
0

 
0

 
(2,401
)
 
27

Total
$
2,444

 
$
0

 
$
2,444

 
$
(13
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(2,401
)
 
$
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but Have Legal Rights to Offset
 
Description
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
 Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Non-Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Net Liabilities
 
(unaudited)
Derivatives
$
30

 
$
0

 
$
30

 
$
(9
)
(3) 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
21

(3) 
The balances as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 were related to derivative assets which are allowed to be net settled against derivative liabilities in accordance with our master netting agreements.

16

Alphabet Inc.

Note 3. Non-Marketable Investments
Our non-marketable investments include non-marketable equity investments and non-marketable debt securities.
Non-Marketable Equity Investments
Our non-marketable equity investments are investments we have made in privately-held companies accounted for under the equity or cost method and are not required to be consolidated under the variable interest or voting models. As of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, investments accounted for under the equity method had a carrying value of approximately $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Our share of gains and losses in equity method investments was a net loss of approximately $35 million and $124 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and a net loss of $61 million and $209 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. We reflect these losses as a component of other income (expense), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, investments accounted for under the cost method had a carrying value of $2.6 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, and a fair value of approximately $7.5 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively. The fair value of the cost method investments are primarily determined from data leveraging private-market transactions and are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We periodically review our non-marketable equity investments for impairment. No material impairments were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016.
Certain renewable energy investments included in our non-marketable equity investments are variable interest entities (VIEs). Our involvement with investments in renewable energy relate to our equity investments in entities whose activities involve power generation. We have determined that the governance structures of these entities do not allow us to direct the activities that would significantly impact the entity's economic performance such as setting operating budgets. Therefore, we do not consolidate these entities in our financial statements because we do not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance. We account for these investments under the equity method. The carrying value of our renewable energy investments accounted for under the equity method that are VIEs is $1.3 billion with the maximum exposure of $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and $1.3 billion with the maximum exposure of $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016, respectively.  The maximum exposure is based on current investments to date plus future funding commitments.  We have determined the single source of our exposure to these VIEs is our capital investment in these entities. We periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs and vice versa, based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes in contractual arrangements and capital structure.
Non-Marketable Debt Securities
Our non-marketable debt securities are primarily preferred stock that are redeemable at our option and convertible notes issued by private companies. The cost of these securities was $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively. These debt securities do not have readily determinable market values and are categorized accordingly as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. To estimate the fair value of these securities, we use a combination of valuation methodologies, including market and income approaches based on prior transaction prices; estimated timing, probability, and amount of cash flows; and illiquidity considerations. Financial information of private companies may not be available and consequently we will estimate the value based on the best available information at the measurement date. No material impairments were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016.

17

Alphabet Inc.

The following table presents a reconciliation for our non-marketable debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in millions, unaudited):
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
Beginning balance
$
90

 
$
1,024

Total net gains or losses
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income
0

 
100

Purchases
918

 
78

Sales
(5
)
 
(7
)
Settlements
(12
)
 
(16
)
Ending balance
$
991

 
$
1,179

Note 4. Debt
Short-Term Debt
Google had a short-term debt financing program of up to $3.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper and a $3.0 billion revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2015. In February 2016, we replaced this program with a new short-term debt financing program of up to $5.0 billion of commercial paper and a $4.0 billion revolving credit facility, which expires in February 2021. Net proceeds from these programs are used for general corporate purposes.
We had $2.0 billion of outstanding commercial paper recorded as short-term debt with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.2% as of December 31, 2015 and no commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2016. The estimated fair value of the short-term debt approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2015.
The interest rate for the credit facility is determined based on a formula using certain market rates. No amounts were outstanding under the credit facility as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016.
In August 2013, we entered into a capital lease obligation on certain property expiring in 2028. In September 2016, we exercised our option to purchase the property for approximately $220 million.
Long-Term Debt
Google issued $3.0 billion of unsecured senior notes in three tranches (collectively, the "2011 Notes") in May 2011, due in 2014, 2016, and 2021, as well as $1.0 billion of unsecured senior notes (the "2014 Notes") in February 2014 due 2024. We repaid $1.0 billion of the 2011 Notes in May 2016.
In April 2016, we completed an exchange offer with eligible holders of Google’s 2011 Notes due 2021 and 2014 Notes due 2024 (collectively, the "Google Notes"). An aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.7 billion of the Google Notes was exchanged for approximately $1.7 billion of Alphabet notes with identical interest rate and maturity. Because the exchange was between a parent and the subsidiary company and for substantially identical notes, the change was treated as a debt modification for accounting purposes with no gains or losses recognized.
In August 2016, Alphabet issued $2.0 billion of unsecured senior notes (the "2016 Notes") due 2026. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2016 Notes were used to repay the outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. The Alphabet notes due in 2021, 2024, and 2026 rank equally with each other and are structurally subordinated to the outstanding Google Notes.

18

Alphabet Inc.

The total outstanding long-term debt is summarized below (in millions):
 
As of
December 31, 2015
 
As of
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
(unaudited)
Short-Term Portion of Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
2.125% Notes due on May 19, 2016
$
1,000

 
$
0

Capital Lease Obligation
225

 
0

Total Short-Term Portion of Long-Term Debt
$
1,225

 
$
0

 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
3.625% Notes due on May 19, 2021
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

3.375% Notes due on February 25, 2024
1,000

 
1,000

1.998% Notes due on August 15, 2026
0

 
2,000

Unamortized discount for the Notes above
(5
)
 
(62
)
Total Long-Term Debt(1)
$
1,995

 
$
3,938

(1) 
Includes the outstanding (and unexchanged) Google Notes issued in 2011 and 2014 and the Alphabet notes exchanged in 2016.
The effective interest yields based on proceeds received from the outstanding notes due in 2021, 2024 and 2026 were 3.734%, 3.377% and 2.231% respectively with interest payable semi-annually. We may redeem these notes at any time in whole or in part at specified redemption prices. The total estimated fair value of all outstanding notes was approximately $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and $4.2 billion as of September 30, 2016. The fair value was determined based on observable market prices of identical instruments in less active markets and is categorized accordingly as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Note 5. Balance Sheet Components
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
 
As of
December 31, 2015
 
As of
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
(unaudited)
Land and buildings
$
16,518

 
$
19,209

Information technology assets
13,645

 
15,710

Construction in progress
7,324

 
7,790

Leasehold improvements
2,576

 
3,300

Furniture and fixtures
83

 
85

Property and equipment, gross
40,146

 
46,094

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
(11,130
)
 
(13,341
)
Property and equipment, net
$
29,016

 
$
32,753

As of September 30, 2016, assets under capital lease with a cost basis of $275 million were included in property and equipment. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we exchanged property that was previously classified as held for sale for property and gross cash proceeds of $186 million. These proceeds are included within proceeds from disposals of property and equipment in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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Alphabet Inc.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows (in millions, unaudited):
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments
 
Unrealized Gains on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
(980
)
 
$
421

 
$
586

 
$
27

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(850
)
 
(504
)
 
580

 
(774
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
0

 
(73
)
 
(772
)
 
(845
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(850
)
 
(577
)
 
(192
)
 
(1,619
)
Balance as of September 30, 2015
$
(1,830
)
 
$
(156
)
 
$
394

 
$
(1,592
)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Investments
 
Unrealized Gains on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
(2,047
)
 
$
(86
)
 
$
259

 
$
(1,874
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
166

 
627

 
148

 
941

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
0

 
137

 
(236
)
 
(99
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
166

 
764

 
(88
)
 
842

Balance as of September 30, 2016
$
(1,881
)
 
$
678

 
$
171

 
$
(1,032
)
The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from AOCI were as follows (in millions, unaudited):
 
 
 
 
Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 AOCI Components
 
Location
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense), net
 
$
(6
)
 
$
46

 
$
79

 
$
(137
)
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
2

 
0

 
(6
)
 
0

 
 
Net of tax
 
$
(4
)
 
$
46

 
$
73

 
$
(137
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange contracts
 
Revenue
 
$
286

 
$
105

 
$
1,068

 
$
352

   Interest rate contracts
 
Other income (expense), net
 
1

 
1

 
3

 
4

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(75
)
 
(39
)
 
(299
)
 
(120
)
 
 
Net of tax
 
$
212

 
$
67

 
$
772

 
$
236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total amount reclassified, net of tax
 
 
 
$
208

 
$
113

 
$
845

 
$
99

Note 6. Acquisitions
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we completed various acquisitions and purchases of intangible assets for total consideration of approximately $331 million. In aggregate, $9 million was cash acquired, $105 million was attributed to intangible assets, $211 million was attributed to goodwill, and $6 million was attributed to net assets acquired. These acquisitions generally enhance the breadth and depth of our offerings and expand our expertise in

20

Alphabet Inc.

engineering and other functional areas. The amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes is approximately $46 million.
Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the consolidated results of operations, either individually or in aggregate.
For all intangible assets acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, patents and developed technology have a weighted-average useful life of 4.1 years, customer relationships have a weighted-average useful life of 5.3 years, and trade names and other have a weighted-average useful life of 6.4 years.
Apigee
In September 2016, we entered into an agreement to acquire Apigee Corp., a provider of application programming interface (API) management, for approximately $625 million, including amounts to be paid for future employee compensation. We expect the acquisition to accelerate our Google Cloud customers’ move to supporting their businesses with high quality digital interactions. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. We expect the transaction to close before the end of 2016.
Note 7. Calico
On September 18, 2013, we announced the formation of Calico, a life science company with a mission to harness advanced technologies to increase our understanding of the biology that controls lifespan. As of September 30, 2016, we have contributed $240 million to Calico in exchange for Calico convertible preferred units and are committed to fund an additional $490 million on an as-needed basis.
Calico is a VIE and its results of operations and statement of financial position are included in our consolidated financial statements as we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance.
In September 2014, AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie) and Calico announced a research and development collaboration intended to help both companies discover, develop, and bring to market new therapies for patients with age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. As of September 30, 2016, AbbVie has contributed $750 million to fund the collaboration pursuant to the agreement, which reflects its total commitment. As of September 30, 2016, Calico has contributed $250 million and committed up to an additional $500 million.
Calico has used its scientific expertise to establish a world-class research and development facility, with a focus on drug discovery and early drug development; and AbbVie provides scientific and clinical development support and its commercial expertise to bring new discoveries to market. Both companies share costs and profits equally. AbbVie's contribution has been recorded as a liability on Calico's financial statements, which is reduced and reflected as a reduction to research and development expense as eligible research and development costs are incurred by Calico over the next few years.
Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were as follows (in millions, unaudited):
 
Google
 
Other Bets
 
Total Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
15,456

 
$
413

 
$
15,869

Acquisitions
173

 
38

 
211

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments
(45
)
 
(7
)
 
(52
)
Balance as of September 30, 2016
$
15,584

 
$
444

 
$
16,028


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Alphabet Inc.

Other Intangible Assets
Information regarding our purchased intangible assets was as follows (in millions):
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
Patents and developed technology
$
6,592

 
$
3,213

 
$
3,379

Customer relationships
1,343

 
1,201

 
142

Trade names and other
795

 
469

 
326

Total
$
8,730

 
$
4,883

 
$
3,847

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
(unaudited)
Patents and developed technology
$
6,641

 
$
3,741

 
$
2,900

Customer relationships
1,359

 
1,239

 
120

Trade names and other
855

 
508

 
347

Total
$
8,855

 
$
5,488

 
$
3,367

Amortization expense relating to our purchased intangible assets was $218 million and $679 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $203 million and $629 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
As of September 30, 2016, expected amortization expense relating to purchased intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows (in millions, unaudited):
Remainder of 2016
$
199

2017
745

2018
659

2019
551

2020
460

Thereafter
753

 
$
3,367

Note 9. Other Income (Expense), Net
The components of other income (expense), net, were as follows (in millions, unaudited):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Interest income
$
259

 
$
318

 
$
725

 
$
895

Interest expense
(26
)
 
(29
)
 
(78
)
 
(91
)
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
(100
)
 
(123
)
 
(261
)
 
(437
)
Gain (loss) on marketable securities, net
(6
)
 
50

 
79

 
(126
)
Gain (loss) on non-marketable investments, net
7

 
40

 
(111
)
 
(78
)
Other
49

 
22

 
117

 
53

Other income (expense), net
$
183

 
$
278

 
$
471

 
$
216


22

Alphabet Inc.

Note 10. Contingencies
Legal Matters
Antitrust Investigations
On November 30, 2010, the European Commission's (EC) Directorate General for Competition opened an investigation into various antitrust-related complaints against us. On April 15, 2015, the EC issued a Statement of Objections (SO) regarding the display and ranking of shopping search results, to which we responded on August 27, 2015. On April 20, 2016, the EC issued an SO regarding certain Android distribution practices. On July 14, 2016, the EC issued a Supplementary SO regarding shopping search results and an SO regarding the syndication of AdSense for Search. We will respond to the SOs and Supplementary SO and will continue to cooperate with the EC.
The Comision Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia in Argentina, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Brazil's Council for Economic Defense (CADE), the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of the Russian Federation, and the Korean Fair Trade Commission have also opened investigations into certain of our business practices. In August 2015, we received the CCI Director General's report with interim findings of competition law infringements regarding search and ads. In September 2015, FAS found that there has been a competition law infringement in Android mobile distribution. We will respond to the CCI's report and are appealing the FAS decision.
The state attorney general from Mississippi issued subpoenas in 2011 and 2012 in an antitrust investigation of our business practices. We have responded to those subpoenas, and we remain willing to cooperate with them if they have any further information requests.
Patent and Intellectual Property Claims
We have had patent, copyright, and trademark infringement lawsuits filed against us claiming that certain of our products, services, and technologies infringe the intellectual property rights of others. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of substantial monetary damages, costly royalty or licensing agreements, or orders preventing us from offering certain features, functionalities, products, or services, and may also cause us to change our business practices, and require development of non-infringing products or technologies, which could result in a loss of revenues for us and otherwise harm our business. In addition, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has increasingly become an important forum to litigate intellectual property disputes because an ultimate loss for a company or its suppliers in an ITC action could result in a prohibition on importing infringing products into the U.S. Because the U.S. is an important market, a prohibition on importation could have an adverse effect on us, including preventing us from importing many important products into the U.S. or necessitating workarounds that may limit certain features of our products.
Furthermore, many of our agreements with our customers and partners require us to indemnify them for certain intellectual property infringement claims against them, which would increase our costs as a result of defending such claims, and may require that we pay significant damages if there were an adverse ruling in any such claims. Our customers and partners may discontinue the use of our products, services, and technologies, as a result of injunctions or otherwise, which could result in loss of revenues and adversely impact our business.
Oracle America, Inc. (Oracle) brought a copyright lawsuit against Google in the Northern District of California, alleging that Google's Android infringes Oracle's copyrights related to certain Java application programming interfaces. After trial, final judgment was entered by the district court in favor of Google on June 8, 2016, and the court decided post-trial motions in favor of Google. Oracle has filed a notice of appeal. We believe this lawsuit is without merit and are defending ourselves vigorously. Given the nature of this case, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, if any, arising from this matter.
Other
We are also regularly subject to claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings involving competition (such as the pending EC investigations described above), intellectual property, privacy, tax, labor and employment, commercial disputes, content generated by our users, goods and services offered by advertisers or publishers using our platforms, personal injury, consumer protection, and other matters. Such claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, or other adverse consequences.
Certain of our outstanding legal matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the possible loss. We evaluate, on a monthly basis, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued, and the matters and related reasonably possible

23

Alphabet Inc.

losses disclosed, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both likelihood of there being and the estimated amount of a loss related to such matters.
With respect to our outstanding legal matters, based on our current knowledge, we believe that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such legal matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties.
We expense legal fees in the period in which they are incurred.
Indirect Taxes
We are under audit by various domestic and foreign tax authorities with regards to indirect tax matters. The subject matter of indirect tax audits primarily arise from disputes on the tax treatment and tax rate applied to the sale of our products and services in these jurisdictions. We accrue indirect taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated agreements with, these tax authorities when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. For certain matters, while the loss is reasonably possible, the loss or range of loss cannot be estimated. We believe these matters are without merit and are defending ourselves vigorously. Due to the inherent complexity and uncertainty of these matters and judicial process in certain jurisdictions, the final outcome may be materially different from our expectations.
For information regarding income tax contingencies, see Note 13.
Note 11. Net Income Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock (in millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands, and per share amounts, unaudited):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
Basic net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings
1,683

 
298

 
1,998

 
2,171

 
357

 
2,533

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares used in per share computation
290,368

 
51,369

 
344,698

 
294,945

 
48,513

 
344,103

Basic net income per share
$
5.80

 
$
5.80

 
$
5.80

 
$
7.36

 
$
7.36

 
$
7.36

Diluted net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation
$
1,683

 
$
298

 
$
1,998

 
$
2,171

 
$
357

 
$
2,533

Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares
298

 
0

 
0

 
357

 
0

 
0

Reallocation of undistributed earnings
(10
)
 
(4
)
 
10

 
(25
)
 
(5
)
 
25

Allocation of undistributed earnings
$
1,971

 
$
294

 
$
2,008

 
$
2,503

 
$
352

 
$
2,558

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares used in basic computation
290,368

 
51,369

 
344,698

 
294,945

 
48,513

 
344,103

Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding
51,369

 
0

 
0

 
48,513

 
0

 
0

Employee stock options
1,342

 
0

 
1,300

 
1,466

 
0

 
1,403

Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares
835

 
0

 
4,407

 
457

 
0

 
7,553

Number of shares used in per share computation
343,914

 
51,369

 
350,405

 
345,381

 
48,513

 
353,059

Diluted net income per share
$
5.73

 
$
5.73

 
$
5.73

 
$
7.25

 
$
7.25

 
$
7.25


24

Alphabet Inc.

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
Basic net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustment Payment to Class C capital stockholders
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
522

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Allocation of undistributed earnings
4,604

 
831

 
5,468

 
6,047

 
1,013

 
7,085

Total
$
4,604

 
$
831

 
$
5,990

 
$
6,047

 
$
1,013

 
$
7,085

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares used in per share computation
288,686

 
52,108

 
342,862

 
293,723

 
49,214

 
344,162

Basic net income per share
$
15.95

 
$
15.95

 
$
17.47

 
$
20.59

 
$
20.59

 
$
20.59

Diluted net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustment Payment to Class C capital stockholders
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
522

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation
$
4,604

 
$
831

 
$
5,468

 
$
6,047

 
$
1,013

 
$
7,085

Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares
831

 
0

 
0

 
1,013

 
0

 
0

Reallocation of undistributed earnings
(24
)
 
(9
)
 
24

 
(68
)
 
(16
)
 
68

Allocation of undistributed earnings
$
5,411

 
$
822

 
$
5,492

 
$
6,992

 
$
997

 
$
7,153

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares used in basic computation
288,686

 
52,108

 
342,862

 
293,723

 
49,214

 
344,162

Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding
52,108

 
0

 
0

 
49,214

 
0

 
0

Employee stock options
1,527

 
0

 
1,484

 
1,587

 
0

 
1,518

Restricted stock units and other contingently issuable shares
893

 
0

 
4,005

 
617

 
0

 
7,378

Number of shares used in per share computation
343,214

 
52,108

 
348,351

 
345,141

 
49,214

 
353,058

Diluted net income per share
$
15.77

 
$
15.77

 
$
17.27

 
$
20.26

 
$
20.26

 
$
20.26

In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Class C Adjustment Payment was allocated to the numerator for calculating net income per share of Class C capital stock from net income available to all stockholders and the remaining undistributed earnings were allocated on a pro rata basis to Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock based on the number of shares used in the per share computation for each class of stock. The weighted-average share impact of the Class C Adjustment Payment is included in the denominator of both basic and diluted net income per share computations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the net income per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B common stock and Class C capital stock because the holders of each class are entitled to equal per share dividends or distributions in liquidation in accordance with the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alphabet Inc.

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Alphabet Inc.

Note 12. Stockholders’ Equity
Stock-Based Compensation
The following table presents our aggregate stock-based compensation (SBC) expense by type of costs and expenses per the Consolidated Statements of Income (in millions, unaudited):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Cost of revenues
$
231

 
$
325

 
$
554

 
$
821

Research and development
741

 
933

 
1,939

 
2,424

Sales and marketing
250

 
297

 
651

 
777

General and administrative
210

 
347

 
623

 
890

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
1,432

 
$
1,902

 
$
3,767

 
$
4,912

SBC expense associated with awards expected to be ultimately settled in cash was $0 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $42 million and $55 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Awards which we expect to be ultimately settled in cash are classified as liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Beginning in Q1 2016, we account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. The net cumulative effect of this change was recognized as a $133 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2016.
Stock-Based Award Activities
The following table summarizes the activities for our stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:
 
Options Outstanding
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
 (1)
 
(unaudited)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
4,898,983

 
$
221.31

 
 
 
 
Granted
0

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(1,100,676
)
 
$
200.64

 
 
 
 
Forfeited/canceled
(6,322
)
 
$
236.77

 
 
 
 
Balance as of September 30, 2016
3,791,985

 
$
227.25

 
3.0
 
$
2,138

Exercisable as of September 30, 2016
3,665,565

 
$
224.19

 
2.9
 
$
2,078

(1) 
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the closing stock price of $804.06 and $777.29 for our Class A common stock and Class C capital stock, respectively, on September 30, 2016.

26

Alphabet Inc.

The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:
 
Unvested Restricted Stock Units
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
(unaudited)
Unvested as of December 31, 2015
25,741,186

 
$
531.74

Granted
12,525,216

 
$
709.36

 Vested
(8,933,154
)
 
$
518.23

 Forfeited/canceled
(1,036,560
)
 
$
544.13

Unvested as of September 30, 2016
28,296,688

 
$
613.97

As of September 30, 2016, there was $15.9 billion of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested employee RSUs. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.
Share Repurchases
In October 2015, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to $5,099,019,513.59 of its Class C capital stock, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015. In January 2016, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase an additional amount of approximately 514 thousand shares. The repurchases were executed subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans. In the six months ended June 30, 2016, we repurchased and subsequently retired approximately 5.2 million shares of Alphabet Class C capital stock for an aggregate amount of approximately $3.7 billion. We completed all authorized share repurchases under this repurchase program as of June 30, 2016.
In October 2016, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to $7,019,340,976.83 of its Class C capital stock. The repurchases are expected to be executed from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through Rule 10b5-1 plans.
Note 13. Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. Our total gross unrecognized tax benefits were $4.2 billion and $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate were $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Our existing tax positions will continue to generate an increase in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.
Our effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of more earnings realized in countries that have lower statutory tax rates. Our effective tax rate in the future will depend on the portion of our profits earned within and outside the United States.
In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other domestic and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing discussions with tax authorities and the impact, if any, of the expected expiration of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, we could be required to adjust the provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. Although timing of the resolution and/or closure of audits is not certain, we do not believe it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will materially change in the next 12 months.
We have received tax assessments in multiple foreign jurisdictions asserting transfer pricing adjustments or permanent establishment. We continue to defend against any and all such claims as presented. While we believe it is more likely than not that our tax position will be sustained, it is reasonably possible that we will have future obligations related to these matters.

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Alphabet Inc.

For information regarding indirect taxes, see Note 10.
Note 14. Information about Segments and Geographic Areas
We operate our business in multiple operating segments. Google is our only reportable segment. None of our other segments meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these operating segments are combined and disclosed below as Other Bets.
Our reported segments are described below:
Google – Google includes our main internet products such as Search, Ads, Commerce, Maps, YouTube, Apps, Cloud, Android, Chrome, Google Play as well as hardware products we sell, such as Chromecast, Chromebooks and Nexus devices. Our technical infrastructure and some newer efforts like Virtual Reality are also included in Google. Google generates revenues primarily from advertising, sales of digital content, apps and cloud offerings for enterprise, and sales of hardware.
Other Bets – Other Bets is a combination of multiple operating segments that are not individually material. Other Bets includes businesses such as Access/Google Fiber, Calico, Google Capital, GV, Nest, Verily, X, and other initiatives. Revenues from the Other Bets are derived primarily through the sales of Nest hardware products, internet and TV services through Google Fiber, and licensing and R&D services through Verily.
Revenue, cost of revenue, and operating expenses are generally directly attributed to our segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information. Prior period segment information has been recast to conform to the current period segment presentation.
Information about segments during the periods presented were as follows (in millions, unaudited):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google
$
18,534

 
$
22,254

 
$
53,365

 
$
63,661

Other Bets
141

 
197

 
295

 
547

Total revenues
$
18,675

 
$
22,451

 
$
53,660

 
$
64,208

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google
$
5,807

 
$
6,778

 
$
16,584

 
$
20,021

Other Bets
(980
)
 
(865
)
 
(2,252
)
 
(2,502
)
Reconciling items(1)
(119
)
 
(146
)
 
(352
)
 
(442
)
Total income from operations
$
4,708

 
$
5,767

 
$
13,980

 
$
17,077

(1) 
Reconciling items are primarily related to corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google
$
2,340

 
$
2,434

 
$
7,081

 
$
6,529

Other Bets
271

 
324

 
657

 
881

Reconciling items(2)
(228
)
 
(204
)
 
110

 
(276
)
Total capital expenditures as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$
2,383

 
$
2,554

 
$
7,848

 
$
7,134


28

Alphabet Inc.

(2) 
Reconciling items are primarily related to timing differences of payments as segment capital expenditures are on accrual basis while total capital expenditures shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are on cash basis and other miscellaneous differences.
Stock-based compensation and depreciation, amortization, and impairment are included in segment operating income (loss) as below (in millions, unaudited):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
Stock-based compensation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google
$
1,275

 
$
1,628

 
$
3,329

 
$
4,270

Other Bets
128

 
200

 
347

 
489

Reconciling items(3)
29

 
32

 
91

 
98

Total stock based compensation(4)
$
1,432

 
$
1,860

 
$
3,767

 
$
4,857

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google
$
1,200

 
$
1,488

 
$
3,526

 
$
4,214

Other Bets
48

 
104

 
133

 
239

 Reconciling items(5)
0

 
4

 
0

 
4

Total depreciation, amortization, and impairment as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$
1,248

 
$
1,596

 
$
3,659

 
$
4,457

(3) 
Reconciling items represent corporate administrative costs that are not allocated to individual segments.
(4) 
For purposes of segment reporting, we define SBC as awards accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 718 that we expect to settle in stock. SBC for segment reporting does not include expenses related to awards that we expect to ultimately settle in cash.
(5) 
Reconciling items are primarily related to corporate administrative costs and other miscellaneous items that are not allocated to individual segments.
Revenues by geography are based on the billing addresses of our customers. The following tables set forth revenues and long-lived assets by geographic area (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
8,748

 
$
10,649

 
$
24,517

 
$
30,065

United Kingdom
1,792

 
1,890

 
5,145

 
5,725

Rest of the world
8,135

 
9,912

 
23,998

 
28,418

Total revenues
$
18,675

 
$
22,451

 
$
53,660

 
$
64,208

 
As of
December 31, 2015
 
As of
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
(unaudited)
Long-lived assets:
 
 
 
United States
$
43,686

 
$
46,985

International
13,661

 
14,417

Total long-lived assets
$
57,347

 
$
61,402


29

Alphabet Inc.

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Please read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Executive Overview of Results
Here are our key financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2016:
Revenues of $22.5 billion and revenue growth of 20% year over year, constant currency revenue growth of 23% year over year.
Google segment revenues of $22.3 billion with revenue growth of 20% year over year and Other Bets revenues of $0.2 billion.
Revenues from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Rest of the world were $10.7 billion, $1.9 billion, and $9.9 billion, respectively.
Cost of revenues was $8.7 billion, consisting of traffic acquisition costs of $4.2 billion and other cost of revenues of $4.5 billion. Traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues was 21%.
Operating expenses (excluding cost of revenues) were $8.0 billion.
Income from operations was $5.8 billion.
Effective tax rate was 16%.
Net income was $5.1 billion with diluted net income per share for Class A and B common stock and Class C capital stock of $7.25.
Operating cash flow was $9.8 billion.
Capital expenditures were $2.6 billion.
Headcount increased to 69,953 as of September 30, 2016.
Information about Segments
We operate our business in multiple operating segments. Google is our only reportable segment. None of our other segments meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these operating segments are combined and disclosed below as Other Bets.
Our reported segments are described below:
Google – Google includes our main internet products such as Search, Ads, Commerce, Maps, YouTube, Apps, Cloud, Android, Chrome, Google Play as well as hardware products we sell, such as Chromecast, Chromebooks and Nexus devices. Our technical infrastructure and some newer efforts like Virtual Reality are also included in Google. Google generates revenues primarily from advertising, sales of digital content, apps and cloud offerings for enterprise, and sales of hardware.
Other Bets – Other Bets is a combination of multiple operating segments that are not individually material. Other Bets includes businesses such as Access/Google Fiber, Calico, Google Capital, GV, Nest, Verily, X, and other initiatives. Revenues from the Other Bets are derived primarily through the sales of Nest hardware products, internet and TV services through Google Fiber, and licensing and R&D services through Verily.
Please refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information about our segments. Prior period segment information has been recast to conform to the current period segment presentation.

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Alphabet Inc.

Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table presents our operating results as a percentage of revenues for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues
37.7

 
38.7

 
37.2

 
38.1

Research and development
17.3

 
16.0

 
16.3

 
16.1

Sales and marketing
11.9

 
11.5

 
11.9

 
11.5

General and administrative
7.9

 
8.1

 
8.5

 
7.7

Total costs and expenses
74.8

 
74.3

 
73.9

 
73.4

Income from operations
25.2

 
25.7

 
26.1

 
26.6

Other income (expense), net
1.0

 
1.2

 
0.9

 
0.3

Income before income taxes
26.2

 
26.9

 
27.0

 
26.9

Provision for income taxes
4.9

 
4.4

 
5.7

 
4.9

Net income
21.3
%
 
22.5
%
 
21.3
%
 
22.0
%
Consolidated Revenues
The following table presents our consolidated revenues, by segment and revenue source, for the periods presented (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Google segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Google websites
$
13,087

 
$
16,089

 
$
37,421

 
$
45,817

Google Network Members' websites
3,694

 
3,732

 
10,891

 
11,167

Google advertising revenues
16,781

 
19,821

 
48,312

 
56,984

Google other revenues
1,753

 
2,433

 
5,053

 
6,677

Google segment revenues
18,534

 
22,254

 
53,365

 
63,661

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Bets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Bets revenues
141

 
197

 
295

 
547

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated revenues
$
18,675

 
$
22,451

 
$
53,660

 
$
64,208


31

Alphabet Inc.

Google segment
The following table presents our Google segment revenues (in millions) and changes in our aggregate paid clicks and cost-per-click (expressed as a percentage) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Google segment revenues
$
18,534

 
$
22,254

 
$
53,365

 
$
63,661

Google segment revenues as a percentage of consolidated revenues
99.2
%
 
99.1
 %
 
99.5
%
 
99.1
 %
Aggregate paid clicks change
 
 
33
 %
 
 
 
30
 %
Aggregate cost-per-click change
 
 
(11
)%
 
 
 
(9
)%
Use of Monetization Metrics
When assessing our advertising revenue performance, we present information regarding the number of "paid clicks" and "cost-per-click" for our Google websites and Google Network Members websites. Management views these as important metrics for understanding our business. We periodically review, refine and update our methodologies for monitoring, gathering, and counting the number of paid clicks and for identifying the revenues generated by click activity.
Paid clicks for our Google websites represent engagement by users and include clicks on advertisements by end-users related to searches on Google.com, clicks related to advertisements on other owned and operated properties including Gmail, Finance, Maps, and Google Play; and viewed YouTube engagement ads like TrueView (counted as an engagement when the user chooses not to skip the ad) and certain trial ad formats. Paid clicks for our Google Network Members' websites include clicks by end-users related to advertisements served on Google Network Members' properties participating in our AdSense for Search, AdSense for Content, and AdMob businesses. In some cases, such as programmatic and reservation based advertising buying, we charge advertisers by impression; while growing, this represents a small part of our advertising revenue base.
Cost-per-click is defined as click-driven revenue divided by our total number of paid clicks and represents the average cost we charge advertisers for each engagement by users.
The rate of change in revenue and revenue growth, as well as the rate of change in paid clicks and cost-per-click on Google websites and Google Network Members' websites and their correlation with the rate of change in revenues, has fluctuated and may fluctuate in the future because of various factors, including:
growth rates of our revenues from Google websites, including YouTube, compared to those of our revenues from Google Network Members' websites;
advertiser competition for keywords;
changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
seasonality;
the fees advertisers are willing to pay based on how they manage their advertising costs;
changes in advertising quality or formats;
traffic growth in emerging markets compared to more mature markets and across various advertising verticals and channels;
a shift in the proportion of non-click based revenue generated in Google websites and Google Network Members' websites, including an increase in programmatic and reservation based advertising buying; and
general economic conditions.
Our advertising revenue growth rate has fluctuated over time as a result of a number of factors, including increasing competition, query growth rates, challenges in maintaining our growth rate as our revenues increase to higher levels, the evolution of the online advertising market, our investments in new business strategies, changes in our product mix, and shifts in the geographic mix of our revenues. We also expect that our advertising revenue growth rate will continue to be affected by evolving user preferences, the acceptance by users of our products and services as they are delivered on diverse devices, our ability to create a seamless experience for both users and advertisers, and movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

32

Alphabet Inc.

Google websites
The following table presents our Google websites revenues (in millions) and changes in our paid clicks and cost-per-click (expressed as a percentage) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Google websites
$
13,087

 
$
16,089

 
$
37,421

 
$
45,817

Google websites as a percentage of Google segment revenues
70.6
%
 
72.3
 %
 
70.1
%
 
72.0
 %
Paid clicks change
 
 
42
 %
 
 
 
39
 %
Cost-per-click change
 
 
(13
)%
 
 
 
(11
)%
Google websites revenues consist primarily of:
AdWords revenue that is generated on Google.com. This includes revenue from traffic generated by search distribution partners who use Google.com as their default search in browsers, toolbars, etc.;
Advertising revenue generated on YouTube, including, but not limited to YouTube TrueView and Google Preferred; and
Advertising revenue generated from other Google owned and operated properties like Gmail, Finance, Maps, and Google Play.
Our Google websites revenues increased $3,002 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased $8,396 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our Google websites revenues also increased as a percentage of Google segment revenues. Our Google websites revenue growth was primarily driven by increases in mobile search most notably due to the improvements in ad formats and delivery launched during 2016. We also experienced growth in YouTube revenue driven primarily by video advertising across TrueView with a growing contribution from ads buying on DoubleClick Bid Manager, as well as growth in desktop and tablet search due to improvements in ad formats. The growth was partially offset by the general strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies.
The number of paid clicks through our advertising programs on Google websites increased due to growth in the adoption of YouTube engagement ads and trial ad formats, improvements we have made in ad formats and delivery, and continued global expansion of our products, advertisers and user base across all platforms, particularly mobile. The positive impact on our revenues from paid clicks was partially offset by a decrease in the cost-per-click paid by our advertisers. The decrease in cost-per-click was primarily driven by continued growth in YouTube engagement ads and trial ad formats where cost-per-click remains lower than on our other platforms, and also impacted by changes in device mix, property mix, product mix, geographic mix, and ongoing product changes, and the general strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies.
Google Network Members' websites
The following table presents our Google Network Members' websites revenues (in millions) and changes in our paid clicks and cost-per-click (expressed as a percentage) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Google Network Members' websites
$
3,694

 
$
3,732

 
$
10,891

 
$
11,167

Google Network Members' websites revenues as a percentage of Google segment revenues
19.9
%
 
16.8
 %
 
20.4
%
 
17.5
 %
Paid clicks change
 
 
1
 %
 
 
 
1
 %
Cost-per-click change
 
 
(14
)%
 
 
 
(10
)%
Google Network Members' websites revenues consist primarily of:
AdSense (such as AdSense for Search, AdSense for Content, etc.);
AdMob; and

33

Alphabet Inc.

All DoubleClick-related revenues including AdExchange and DoubleClick Bid Manager revenues.
Our Google Network Members' websites revenues increased $38 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased $276 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The growth was primarily driven by strength in programmatic display advertising buying and AdMob, offset by our traditional network businesses and the general strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies. The decrease in Network Members' websites revenues as a percentage of Google segment revenues is due to slower growth of Network Members' websites revenues compared to that of Google websites revenues and Google other revenues.
The slight change in paid clicks and the decrease in cost-per-click paid by our advertisers resulted from ongoing product and policy changes, changes in property and device mix, product mix, and geographic mix, and relative fluctuations of the U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies.
Google other revenues
The following table presents our Google other revenues (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Google other revenues
$
1,753

 
$
2,433

 
$
5,053

 
$
6,677

Google other revenues as a percentage of Google segment revenues
9.5
%
 
10.9
%
 
9.5
%
 
10.5
%
Google other revenues consist primarily of:
Sales of apps and media content in the Google Play store;
Sales of certain hardware, such as Chromecast;
Service fees received for our Google Cloud offerings; and
Licensing-related revenue.
Our Google other revenues increased $680 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased $1,624 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Google other revenues increased as a percentage of Google segment revenues. These increases were primarily due to the growth in revenues from Google Play, primarily relating to apps (revenues which we recognize net of payout to developers), and Google Cloud offerings. In addition, there was an increase in revenues from hardware sales.
Other Bets
The following table presents our Other Bets revenues (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Other Bets revenues
$
141

 
$
197

 
$
295

 
$
547

Other Bets revenues as a percentage of consolidated revenues
0.8
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.9
%
Other Bets revenues consist primarily of:
Sales of Nest branded hardware;
Revenues from internet and TV services; and
Revenues from licensing and R&D services.
Our Other Bets revenues increased $56 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased $252 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our Other Bets revenues increased as a percentage of consolidated revenues. These increases were primarily driven by sales of Nest branded hardware and revenues from internet and

34

Alphabet Inc.

TV services. There was also an increase in revenues from licensing and R&D services from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Due to the early stage of our Other Bets businesses and because our Other Bets revenues aggregates the revenues from a number of businesses operating in different industries, our Other Bets revenues may fluctuate for the remainder of 2016 and in future periods. Additionally, our Other Bets revenues may fluctuate due to one-time items.
Consolidated Revenues by Geography
The following table presents our domestic and international revenues as a percentage of consolidated revenues, determined based on the billing addresses of our customers:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
United States
47
%
 
47
%
 
45
%
 
47
%
United Kingdom
10
%
 
8
%
 
10
%
 
9
%
Rest of the world
43
%
 
45
%
 
45
%
 
44
%
For the amounts of revenues by geography, please refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Use of Constant Currency and Constant Currency Growth
The impact of exchange rates on our business is an important factor in understanding period to period comparisons. Our international revenues are favorably impacted as the U.S. dollar weakens relative to other foreign currencies, and unfavorably impacted as the U.S dollar strengthens relative to other foreign currencies. We believe the presentation of results on a constant currency basis in addition to GAAP results helps improve the ability to understand our performance because they exclude the effects of foreign currency volatility that are not indicative of our core operating results.
Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period over period. We define constant currency revenues as total revenues excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and hedging activities, and use it to determine the constant currency revenue growth on a year-on-year basis. Constant currency revenues are calculated by translating current period revenues using prior period exchange rates, as well as excluding any hedging gains realized in the current period.
Constant currency revenue growth (expressed as a percentage) is calculated by determining the increase in current period revenues over prior period revenues where current period foreign currency revenues are translated using prior period exchange rates and hedging benefits are excluded from revenues of both periods.
These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with GAAP. Results on a constant currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not a measure of performance presented in accordance with GAAP.

35

Alphabet Inc.

The following table presents our foreign exchange impact on United Kingdom revenues, Rest of the world revenues, and total consolidated revenues for the current period (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
United Kingdom revenues
$
1,792

 
$
1,890

 
$
5,145

 
$
5,725

Exclude: Foreign exchange impact on current year revenues using prior period rates
N/A

 
277

 
N/A

 
477

Exclude: Hedging (gains) recognized
(20
)
 
(84
)
 
(94
)
 
(163
)
Constant currency United Kingdom revenues
$
1,772

 
$
2,083

 
$
5,051

 
$
6,039

United Kingdom revenue growth rate
 
 
5
%
 
 
 
11
%
United Kingdom constant currency revenue growth rate
 
 
18
%
 
 
 
20
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rest of the world revenues
$
8,135

 
$
9,912

 
$
23,998

 
$
28,418

Exclude: Foreign exchange impact on current year revenues using prior period rates
N/A

 
(81
)
 
N/A

 
594

Exclude: Hedging (gains) recognized
(266
)
 
(21
)
 
(974
)
 
(189
)
Constant currency Rest of the world revenues
$
7,869

 
$
9,810

 
$
23,024

 
$
28,823

Rest of the world revenue growth rate
 
 
22
%
 
 
 
18
%
Rest of the world constant currency revenue growth rate
 
 
25
%
 
 
 
25
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States revenues
$
8,748

 
$
10,649

 
$
24,517

 
$
30,065

United States revenue growth rate
 
 
22
%
 
 
 
23
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consolidated revenues
$
18,675

 
$
22,451

 
$
53,660

 
$
64,208

Constant currency total consolidated revenues
$
18,389

 
$
22,542

 
$
52,592

 
$
64,927

Total consolidated revenue growth rate
 
 
20
%
 
 
 
20
%
Constant currency total consolidated revenue growth rate
 
 
23
%
 
 
 
23
%
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our revenues from the United Kingdom were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as the U.S. dollar strengthened relative to the British pound.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016 our revenues from the Rest of the world (excluding the United Kingdom) were favorably impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily because the U.S. dollar weakened relative to the Japanese Yen, partially offset by the impact of the U.S. dollar strengthening relative to certain currencies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 our revenues from the Rest of the world (excluding the United Kingdom) were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily because the U.S. dollar strengthened relative to certain currencies including the Euro and Brazilian Real, partially offset by the impact of the U.S. dollar weakening relative to the Japanese Yen.
Consolidated Costs and Expenses
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of traffic acquisition costs (TAC) which are the advertising revenues shared with our Google Network Members and amounts paid to our distribution partners. TAC paid to our Google Network Members are the revenue share payments we make to those parties that allow us to place ads on their websites. TAC paid to our distribution partners includes amounts paid to make available our access points and services. Our distribution partners include software developers, browser providers, mobile carriers, and original equipment manufacturers.

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Additionally, other cost of revenues (which is the cost of revenues excluding traffic acquisition costs) includes the following:
The expenses associated with the operation of our data centers (including depreciation, labor, energy, and bandwidth costs);
Content acquisition costs primarily related to payments to certain content providers from whom we license their video and other content for distribution on YouTube and Google Play (we share the fees these sales generate with content providers or pay a fixed fee to these content providers);
Credit card and other transaction fees related to processing customer transactions;
Stock-based compensation expense;
Inventory costs for hardware we sell; and
Amortization of certain intangible assets.
The following tables present our cost of revenues, including traffic acquisition costs, for the periods presented (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Traffic acquisition costs
$
3,566

 
$
4,182

 
$
10,288

 
$
11,945

Other cost of revenues
3,471

 
4,517

 
9,688

 
12,532

Total cost of revenues
$
7,037

 
$
8,699

 
$
19,976

 
$
24,477

Total cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues
37.7
%
 
38.7
%
 
37.2
%
 
38.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Traffic acquisition costs to distribution partners
$
1,052

 
$
1,559

 
$
2,910

 
$
4,128

Traffic acquisition costs to distribution partners as a percentage of Google websites revenues
8.0
%
 
9.7
%
 
7.8
%
 
9.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traffic acquisition costs to Google Network Members
$
2,514

 
$
2,623

 
$
7,378

 
$
7,817

Traffic acquisition costs to Google Network Members as a percentage of Google Network Members' websites revenues
68.1
%
 
70.3
%
 
67.7
%
 
70.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traffic acquisition costs
$
3,566

 
$
4,182

 
$
10,288

 
$
11,945

Traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues
21.3
%
 
21.1
%
 
21.3
%
 
21.0
%
The cost of revenues that we incur related to revenues generated from ads placed through our Network program on the websites of our Google Network Members are significantly higher than the costs of revenues we incur related to revenues generated from ads placed on Google websites because most of the advertiser fees from ads served on Google Network Members’ websites are shared with our Google Network Members. For the past five years, growth in advertising revenues from Google websites has generally exceeded that from our Google Network Members’ websites. This had a positive impact on our income from operations during this period.
Cost of revenues increased $1,662 million and increased slightly as a percentage of revenues from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Cost of revenues increased $4,501 million and increased as a percentage of revenue from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. These increases in dollar amounts were primarily driven by increases in traffic acquisition costs of $616 million and $1,657 million, respectively, resulting from more fees paid to our distribution partners and Network Members driven primarily by increases in advertising revenues.
The decrease in aggregate TAC as a percentage of advertising revenues was primarily a result of a shift of mix from Google Network Members' websites revenue to Google websites revenue. This was partially offset by the impact of the increase in mobile and programmatic advertising buying, which generally carry overall higher TAC. The increases

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Alphabet Inc.

in TAC to distribution partners as a percentage of Google websites revenues were primarily driven by a shift to mobile because more mobile searches are subject to TAC. The increases in TAC to Google Network Members as a percentage of Google Network Members' websites revenues were primarily driven by the shift in advertising buying from our traditional network business to programmatic advertising buying.
The remaining increase in cost of revenues was due to increases in data center costs, content acquisition costs as a result of increased activities related to YouTube and digital content, and stock based compensation costs.
We expect cost of revenues, including TAC, to increase in dollar amount and as a percentage of total revenues for the remainder of 2016 and may fluctuate in future periods based on a number of factors, including the following:
The relative revenue growth rates of Google websites and our Google Network Members’ websites;
Traffic acquisition costs paid to our distribution partners, which are affected by changes in:
device mix between mobile, desktop, and tablet,
partner mix,
partner agreement terms such as revenue share arrangements, and
the percentage of queries channeled through paid access points;
Traffic acquisition costs paid to Google Network Members, which are affected by ongoing adoption of programmatic advertising buying and changes in partner agreement terms;
The growth rates of expenses associated with our data center operations, content acquisition costs, as well as our hardware inventory and related costs; and
Increased proportion of non-advertising revenues as part of our total revenues.
Research and Development
The following table presents our R&D expenses (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Research and development expenses
$
3,230

 
$
3,596

 
$
8,772

 
$
10,326

Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues
17.3
%
 
16.0
%
 
16.3
%
 
16.1
%
R&D expenses consist primarily of:
Labor and facilities-related costs for employees responsible for R&D of our existing and new products and services;
Depreciation and equipment-related expenses; and
Stock-based compensation expense.
R&D expenses increased $366 million and decreased as a percentage of revenues from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollar amount was primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $192 million, largely as a result of a 20% increase in R&D headcount. In addition, there was an increase in professional service fees of $74 million primarily due to additional expenses incurred for consulting, outsourced services, and temporary services, and an increase in depreciation and equipment-related expenses of $74 million.
R&D expenses increased $1,554 million and remained relatively flat as a percentage of revenues from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollar amount was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities-related costs of $578 million and an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $485 million, both largely as a result of a 16% increase in R&D headcount. In addition, there was an increase in depreciation and equipment-related expenses of $274 million and an increase in professional service fees of $203 million primarily due to additional expenses incurred for consulting, temporary services, and outsourced services.
We expect that R&D expenses will increase in dollar amount and may fluctuate as a percentage of revenues for the remainder of 2016 and future periods.

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Alphabet Inc.

Sales and Marketing
The following table presents our sales and marketing expenses (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Sales and marketing expenses
$
2,223

 
$
2,565

 
$
6,368

 
$
7,367

Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues
11.9
%
 
11.5
%
 
11.9
%
 
11.5
%
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of:
Labor and facilities-related costs for employees engaged in sales and marketing, sales support, and certain customer service functions;
Advertising and promotional expenditures related to our products and services; and
Stock-based compensation expense.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $342 million and decreased slightly as a percentage of revenues from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollar amount was primarily due to an increase in advertising and promotion expense of $160 million as well as increases in labor and facilities-related costs of $113 million and stock-based compensation expense of $47 million, both largely resulting from a 9% increase in sales and marketing headcount.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $999 million and decreased slightly as a percentage of revenues from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollar amount was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities-related costs of $369 million, an increase in advertising and promotion expense of $350 million, and an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $126 million, largely resulting from a 10% increase in sales and marketing headcount. There was also an increase in professional service fees of $79 million due to additional expenses incurred for temporary services, consulting, and outsourced services.
We expect that sales and marketing expenses will increase in dollar amount and may fluctuate as a percentage of revenues for the remainder of 2016 and future periods.
General and Administrative
The following table presents our general and administrative expenses (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
General and administrative expenses
$
1,477

 
$
1,824

 
$
4,564

 
$
4,961

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
7.9
%
 
8.1
%
 
8.5
%
 
7.7
%
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of:
Labor and facilities-related costs for employees in our facilities, finance, human resources, information technology, and legal organizations;
Depreciation and equipment-related expenses;
Professional services fees primarily related to outside legal, audit, information technology consulting, and outsourcing services;
Amortization of certain intangible assets; and
Stock-based compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses increased $347 million and remained relatively flat as a percentage of revenues from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollars was primarily due to increases in stock-based compensation expense of $137 million and labor and facilities-related costs of $125 million, both largely resulting from a 16% increase in general and administrative headcount, as well as an increase in other miscellaneous expenses.

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Alphabet Inc.

General and administrative expenses increased $397 million and decreased as a percentage of revenues from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in dollars was primarily due to increases in labor and facilities-related costs of $289 million and stock-based compensation expense of $267 million, both largely resulting from a 15% increase in general and administrative headcount, as well as an increase in other miscellaneous expenses. This was offset by a decrease in professional services fees of $294 million due to lower legal-related costs.
We expect general and administrative expenses will increase in dollar amount and may fluctuate as a percentage of revenues for the remainder of 2016 and in future periods.
Stock-Based Compensation
The following table presents stock-based compensation expense for awards we expect to settle in equity (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Stock-based compensation
$
1,432

 
$
1,860

 
$
3,767

 
$
4,857

Stock-based compensation as a percentage of revenues
7.7
%
 
8.3
%
 
7.0
%
 
7.6
%
Stock-based compensation related to awards we expect to settle in equity increased $428 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016 and increased $1,090 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. These increases were driven by headcount growth as well as our annual equity refresh grants made in the third quarter of both years.
We estimate stock-based compensation expense related to awards we expect to settle in equity to be approximately $6.7 billion in 2016 and $14.1 billion thereafter related to stock-based awards outstanding as of September 30, 2016. These estimates do not include expenses to be recognized related to stock-based awards granted after September 30, 2016.
Consolidated Other Income (Expense), Net
The following table presents other income (expense), net, (in millions) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Other income (expense), net
$
183

 
$
278

 
$
471

 
$
216

Other income (expense), net, as a percentage of revenues
1.0
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.3
%
Other income (expense), net, increased $95 million from the three months ended September 30, 2015 to the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily related to an increase in interest income and increased gains on marketable securities and non-marketable investments. These gains were partially offset by increased losses from our foreign currency hedging program.
Other income (expense), net, decreased $255 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily driven by increased losses on marketable securities and increased losses from our foreign currency hedging program, partially offset by an increase in interest income.
The costs of our foreign exchange hedging activities recognized in other income (expense), net, are primarily a function of the notional amount of the option and forward contracts and their related duration, the movement of the foreign exchange rates relative to the strike prices of the contracts, and the volatility of foreign exchange rates.
We expect that other income (expense), net, will fluctuate in dollar amount for the remainder of 2016 and future periods as it is largely driven by market dynamics.

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Alphabet Inc.

Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes
The following table presents our provision for income taxes (in millions) and effective tax rate for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Provision for income taxes
$
912

 
$
984

 
$
3,026

 
$
3,148

Effective tax rate
18.6
%
 
16.3
%
 
20.9
%
 
18.2
%
Our effective tax rate decreased from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the recognition of excess tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation as a component of the provision for income taxes. The decrease was also due to the recognition of the federal research and development credit which became permanent in the fourth quarter of 2015 and was not reflected in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015, partially offset by changes in estimates associated with filed tax returns in both periods. Our provision for income taxes increased from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase in taxable income year over year.
Our effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in countries that have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher statutory rates. Our effective tax rate could also fluctuate due to the net gains and losses recognized by legal entities on certain hedges and related hedged intercompany and other transactions under our foreign exchange risk management program, tax effects related to stock-based compensation, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles, as well as certain discrete items.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
As of September 30, 2016, we had $83.1 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Cash equivalents and marketable securities are comprised of time deposits, money market and other funds, highly liquid debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies, debt instruments issued by foreign governments, debt instruments issued by municipalities in the U.S., corporate debt securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities. From time to time, we may hold marketable equity securities obtained through acquisitions or strategic investments in private companies that subsequently go public.
As of September 30, 2016, $49.7 billion of the $83.1 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If these funds were needed for our operations in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds. However, our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, as well as the cash flow that we generate from our operations. We have a short-term debt financing program of up to $5.0 billion through the issuance of commercial paper. Net proceeds from this program are used for general corporate purposes. We had no commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2016. In conjunction with this program, we have a $4.0 billion revolving credit facility expiring in February 2021. The interest rate for the credit facility is determined based on a formula using certain market rates. As of September 30, 2016, no amounts were outstanding under the credit facility. We believe that our sources of funding will be sufficient to satisfy our currently anticipated cash requirements including capital expenditures, working capital requirements, potential acquisitions and other liquidity requirements through at least the next 12 months.
As of September 30, 2016, we have unsecured senior notes outstanding due in 2021, 2024 and 2026 with a total carrying value of $3.9 billion and a total estimated fair value of $4.2 billion.
In August 2013, we entered into a capital lease obligation on certain property expiring in 2028. In September 2016, we exercised our option to purchase the property for approximately $220 million.
In October 2015, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to $5,099,019,513.59 of its Class C capital stock, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015. In January 2016, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase an additional amount of approximately 514 thousand shares. In the six months ended June 30, 2016, we repurchased and subsequently retired approximately 5.2 million shares of Alphabet

41

Alphabet Inc.

Class C capital stock for an aggregate amount of approximately $3.7 billion, which completed all authorized share repurchases under this repurchase program.
In October 2016, the board of directors of Alphabet authorized the company to repurchase up to $7,019,340,976.83 of its Class C capital stock. The repurchases are expected to be executed from time to time, subject to general business and market conditions and other investment opportunities, through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through Rule 10b5-1 plans.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, our cash flows were as follows (in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2016
 
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
19,963

 
$
26,623

Net cash used in investing activities
(18,224
)
 
(26,463
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,666
)
 
(7,440
)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Our largest source of cash provided by our operations are advertising revenues generated by Google websites and Google Network Members' websites. Additionally, we generate cash through sales of apps and digital content, hardware products, licensing arrangements, and service fees received for Google Cloud offerings.
Our primary uses of cash from our operating activities include payments to our Google Network Members and distribution partners, and payments for content acquisition costs. In addition, uses of cash from operating activities include compensation and related costs, other general corporate expenditures, and income taxes.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to increases in net income adjusted for non cash adjustments and changes in working capital.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash provided by or used in investing activities primarily consists of purchases of property and equipment, purchases, maturities, and sales of marketable securities in our investment portfolio, investments in reverse repurchase agreements and the cash collateral received or returned from our securities lending program, as well as acquisitions and divestitures of businesses and intangible assets.
Cash used in investing activities increased from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This was primarily due to increases in purchases of marketable securities and increases in cash collateral paid related to securities lending partially offset by increases in maturities and sales of marketable securities, decreases in purchases of non-marketable investments, and decreases in purchases of property and equipment.
Cash Used in Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities consists primarily of net proceeds or payments from issuance or repayments of debt, repurchases of capital stock, and net proceeds or payments from stock-based award activities.
Cash used in financing activities increased from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily driven by repurchases of capital stock, decreases in proceeds from issuance of debt, and an increase in net payments related to stock-based award activities.
Contractual Obligations
We had long-term taxes payable of $4.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 primarily related to uncertain tax positions. At this time, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In some

42

Alphabet Inc.

cases, we could reasonably have used different accounting policies and estimates. In some cases, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations will be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies and estimates, which we discuss further below. We have reviewed our critical accounting policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.
Please see Note 1 of Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the summary of significant accounting policies. In addition, please see Part I, Item 7, "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016.
Available Information
Our website is located at www.abc.xyz, and our investor relations website is located at www.abc.xyz/investor. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our Proxy Statements are available through our investor relations website, free of charge, after we file them with the SEC. We also provide a link to the section of the SEC's website at www.sec.gov that has all of the reports that we file or furnish with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can get information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We webcast via our investor relations website our earnings calls and certain events we participate in or host with members of the investment community. Our investor relations website also provides notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events, press and earnings releases, and blogs. Further corporate governance information, including our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, governance guidelines, board committee charters, and code of conduct, is also available on our investor relations website under the heading "Other." The content of our websites are not incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.


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Alphabet Inc.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We transact business globally in multiple currencies. Our international revenues, as well as costs and expenses denominated in foreign currencies, expose us to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the US dollar. Our most significant currency exposures are the Euro, British Pound, and Japanese yen. We are a net receiver of foreign currencies and therefore benefit from a weakening of the U.S. dollar and are adversely affected by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency.
We use foreign exchange option contracts to protect our forecasted U.S. dollar-equivalent earnings from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These hedging contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate the impact of adverse currency exchange rate movements. We designate these option contracts as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  The fair value of the option contract is separated into its intrinsic and time values. Changes in the time value are recorded in other income (expense), net. Changes in the intrinsic value are recorded as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassified into revenues to offset the hedged exposures as they occur.
We considered the historical trends in currency exchange rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that changes in exchange rates of 20% for our foreign currency options could be experienced in the near term. If the U.S. dollar weakened by 20%, the amount recorded in AOCI before tax effect would have been approximately $155 million lower as of September 30, 2016, and the total amount of expense recorded as other income (expense), net, would have been approximately $31 million higher as of September 30, 2016. If the U.S. dollar strengthened by 20%, the amount recorded in accumulated AOCI before tax effect would have been approximately $1.0 billion higher as of September 30, 2016, and the total amount of expense recorded as other income (expense), net, would have been approximately $52 million higher as of September 30, 2016. The impact in AOCI would offset our hedged foreign currency denominated revenues as they occur.
In addition, we use foreign exchange forward contracts to offset the foreign exchange risk on our assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local currency of the subsidiary. These forward contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate the impact of currency exchange rate movements on our assets and liabilities. The foreign currency gains and losses on the assets and liabilities are recorded in other income (expense), net, which are offset by the gains and losses on the forward contracts.
We considered the historical trends in currency exchange rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that adverse changes in exchange rates of 20% for all currencies could be experienced in the near term. These changes would have resulted in an adverse impact on income before income taxes of approximately $69 million as of September 30, 2016. The adverse impact as of September 30, 2016 is after consideration of the offsetting effect of approximately $915 million from foreign exchange contracts in place for the month of September 30, 2016. These reasonably possible adverse changes in exchange rates of 20% were applied to total monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the local currencies at the balance sheet dates to compute the adverse impact these changes would have had on our income before income taxes in the near term.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment strategy is to achieve a return that will allow us to preserve capital and maintain liquidity requirements. We invest primarily in U.S. government and its agency securities, money market and other funds, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed securities, debt instruments issued by foreign governments, municipal securities, time deposits, and asset backed securities. By policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Our investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning securities carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than predicted if interest rates fall. We account for both fixed and variable rate securities at fair value with changes on gains and losses recorded in AOCI until the securities are sold. We use interest rate derivative contracts to hedge realized gains and losses on our securities. These derivative contracts are accounted for at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net.
We considered the historical volatility of interest rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that an adverse change of 100 basis points could be experienced in the near term. A hypothetical 1.00% (100 basis points) increase in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease in the fair values of our marketable securities and interest rate derivative contracts of approximately $1.8 billion as of September 30, 2016.

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Alphabet Inc.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

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Alphabet Inc.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of our material pending legal proceedings, please refer to Note 10 “Contingencies - Legal Matters” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS                
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the trading price of our common and capital stock. There have been no material changes to our risk factors since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as updated by the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2016.
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
See the Exhibit Index following the signature page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a list of exhibits filed or furnished with this report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

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Alphabet Inc.

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
ALPHABET INC.
November 2, 2016
By:
/s/    RUTH M. PORAT        
 
 
Ruth M. Porat
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
ALPHABET INC.
November 2, 2016
By:
/s/    JAMES G. CAMPBELL        
 
 
James G. Campbell
 
 
Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer


47

Alphabet Inc.

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
Incorporated by reference herein
 
Form
 
Date
4.01
 
Form of Alphabet Inc.'s 1.998% Note due 2026
 
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-37580)
 
August 9, 2016
10.01
*
Amendment to the Alphabet Inc. 2012 Stock Plan
 
 
 
 
10.02
*
Alphabet Inc. 2012 Stock Plan - Form of Alphabet Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
 
 
 
 
12
*
Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charge Ratios
 
 
 
 
31.01
*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
31.02
*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
32.01
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
____________________ 
*
Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.

48