Edgar Filing: ILLUMINA INC

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K



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

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018



o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-35406

Illumina, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		33-0804655
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5200 Illumina Way San Diego, California		92122
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 202-4500

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



Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value		The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13a of the Exchange Act. o

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

As of February 8, 2019, there were 147 million shares (excluding 45 million shares held in treasury) of the registrant’s common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 1, 2018 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), based on the closing price for the common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 29, 2018 (the last trading day before July 1, 2018), was $35.9 billion. This amount excludes an aggregate of approximately 18 million shares of common stock held by officers and directors and each person known by the registrant to own 10% or more of the outstanding common stock. Exclusion of shares held by any person should not be construed to indicate that such person possesses the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of the registrant, or that the registrant is controlled by or under common control with such person.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Items 10 through 14 of Part III of this Report.

ILLUMINA, INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page
PART I
Item 1	Business	4
Item 1A	Risk Factors	10
Item 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	23
Item 2	Properties	23
Item 3	Legal Proceedings	23
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	23

PART II
Item 5	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	24
Item 6	Selected Financial Data	26
Item 7	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
Item 7A	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	39
Item 8	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	41
Item 9	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	74
Item 9A	Controls and Procedures	74
Item 9B	Other Information	77

PART III
Item 10	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	77
Item 11	Executive Compensation	77
Item 12	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	77
Item 13	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	77
Item 14	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	78

PART IV
Item 15	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	78
Signatures		80

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report on Form 10-K contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” or the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:


•	our expectations as to our future financial performance, results of operations, or other operational results or metrics;


•	our expectations regarding the launch of new products or services;


•	the benefits that we expect will result from our business activities and certain transactions we have completed, such as product introductions, increased revenue, decreased expenses, and avoided expenses and expenditures;


•	our expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, contingent liabilities, and governmental investigations, proceedings, and regulations;


•	our strategies or expectations for product development, market position, financial results, and reserves; and


•	other expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, anticipated developments, and other matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:


•	challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, and launching new products and services, including expanding manufacturing operations and reliance on third-party suppliers for critical components;


•	the timing and mix of customer orders among our products and services;


•	the impact of recently launched or pre-announced products and services on existing products and services;


•	our ability to develop and commercialize our instruments and consumables, to deploy new products, services, and applications, and to expand the markets for our technology platforms;


•	our ability to manufacture robust instrumentation and consumables;


•	our ability to identify and integrate acquired technologies, products, or businesses successfully;


•	our expectations and beliefs regarding prospects and growth for the business and its markets;


•	our expectations regarding the pending acquisition of Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.;


•	the assumptions underlying our critical accounting policies and estimates;


•	our assessments and estimates that determine our effective tax rate;


•	our assessments and beliefs regarding the outcome of pending legal proceedings and any liability that we may incur as a result of those proceedings;


•	uncertainty, or adverse economic and business conditions, including as a result of slowing or uncertain economic growth in the United States or worldwide; and


•	other factors detailed in our filings with the SEC, including the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” below, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this annual report on Form 10-K is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, or to review or confirm analysts’ expectations, or to provide interim reports or updates on the progress of any current financial quarter, in each case whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Available Information

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website, www.illumina.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. Such reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with, or furnishing to, the SEC. The SEC also maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that electronically file with the SEC. Copies of our annual report on Form 10-K will be made available, free of charge, upon written request.

_______________________________________

Illumina, 24sure, Assign, BaseSpace, BlueFish, BlueFuse, BlueGnome, Clarity LIMS, CSPro, DesignStudio, DRAGEN, Durascript, Edico Genome, Genetic Energy, GenomeStudio, Globin-Zero, Golden Gate, HiSeq, iSeq, iHope, Illumina Propel Certified, Infinium, iScan, iSelect, MiniSeq, MiSeq, MiSeqDx, NextBio, Nextera, NextSeq, NovaSeq, Powered by Illumina, Ribo-Zero, SeqMonitor, SureCell, TruGenome, TruSeq, TruSight, Verifi, Verinata, Verinata Health, VeriSeq, the pumpkin orange color, and the Genetic Energy streaming bases design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Illumina, Inc.

_______________________________________

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this annual report on Form 10-K to “Illumina,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Illumina, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

PART I

ITEM 1. Business.

Overview

We are the global leader in sequencing- and array-based solutions for genetic and genomic analysis. Our products and services serve customers in a wide range of markets, enabling the adoption of genomic solutions in research and clinical settings. We were incorporated in California in April 1998 and reincorporated in Delaware in July 2000. Our principal executive offices are located at 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, California 92122. Our telephone number is (858) 202-4500.

Our customers include leading genomic research centers, academic institutions, government laboratories, and hospitals, as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, commercial molecular diagnostic laboratories, and consumer genomics companies.

Our portfolio of integrated sequencing and microarray systems, consumables, and analysis tools is designed to accelerate and simplify genetic analysis. This portfolio addresses the range of genomic complexity, price points, and throughput, enabling customers to select the best solution for their research or clinical application.

We have also enabled, or invested in, early-stage companies that are pursuing promising genomics-related technologies. For example, GRAIL, Inc. (GRAIL), formed in 2016, was created to develop a blood test for early-stage cancer detection; and Helix Holdings I, LLC (Helix) was established in 2015 to enable individuals to explore their genetic information by providing sequencing and services for consumers through third-party partners.

On November 1, 2018, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PacBio) for an all-cash price of approximately $1.2 billion (or $8.00 per share), subject to applicable regulatory approvals. We believe PacBio’s highly accurate long reads combined with our highly accurate and scalable short reads will provide researchers and clinicians with a more perfect view of the genome, enhancing their ability to make novel discoveries and broaden clinical utility across a range of applications. The transaction is expected to close mid-2019. See note “3. Intangible Assets, Goodwill, and Acquisitions” in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further details regarding this acquisition.

Genetics Primer

The instruction set for all living cells is encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. The complete set of DNA for any organism is referred to as its genome. DNA contains small regions called genes, which comprise a string of nucleotide bases labeled A, C, G, and T, representing adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, respectively. These nucleotide bases occur in a precise order known as the DNA sequence. When a gene is “expressed,” a copy of a portion of its DNA sequence called messenger RNA (mRNA) is used as a template to direct the synthesis of a particular protein. Proteins, in turn, direct all cellular function. The illustration below is a simplified gene expression schematic.

Variations among organisms are due, in large part, to differences in their DNA sequences. Changes can result from insertions, deletions, inversions, translocations, or duplications of nucleotide bases. These changes may result in certain genes becoming overexpressed (excessive protein production), underexpressed (reduced protein production), or silenced altogether, sometimes triggering changes in cellular function. The most common form of variation in humans is called a single nucleotide

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polymorphism (SNP), which is a base change in a single position in a DNA sequence. Another type of variation, copy number variations (CNVs), occur when there are fewer or more copies of certain genes, segments of a gene, or stretches of DNA.

In humans, genetic variation accounts for many of the physical differences we see (e.g., height, hair, eye color, etc.). Genetic variations also can have medical consequences affecting disease susceptibility, including predisposition to complex genetic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. They can affect individuals’ response to certain drug treatments, causing them to respond well, experience adverse side effects, or not respond at all.

Scientists are studying these variations and their consequences in humans, as well as in a broad range of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Such research takes place in government, university, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agrigenomics laboratories around the world, where scientists expand our knowledge of the biological functions essential for life. Beginning at the genetic level, our tools are used to elucidate the relationship between gene sequence and biological processes. Researchers who investigate human and non-human genetic variation to understand the mechanisms of disease are enabling the development of more effective diagnostics and therapeutics. They also provide greater insight into genetic variation in plants (e.g., food and biofuel crops) and animals (e.g., livestock and domestic), enabling improvements in crop yields and animal breeding programs.

By empowering genetic analysis and facilitating a deeper understanding of genetic variation and function, our tools advance disease research, drug development, and the creation of molecular diagnostic tests. We believe that this will trigger a fundamental shift in the practice of medicine and health care, and that the increased emphasis on preventive and predictive molecular medicine will usher in the era of precision health care.

Our Principal Markets

Our organization is structured to target the markets and customers outlined below.

Life Sciences

Historically, our core business has been in the life sciences research market. This includes laboratories associated with universities, research centers, and government institutions, along with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Researchers at these institutions use our products and services for basic and translational research across a spectrum of scientific applications, including targeted, exome, and whole-genome sequencing; genetic variation; gene expression; epigenetics; and metagenomics. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are being adopted due to their ability to cost-effectively sequence large sample sizes quickly and accurately, generating vast amounts of high-quality data. Both private and public funding drive this research, along with global initiatives to characterize genetic variation.

Our products also serve various applied markets including consumer genomics and agrigenomics. For example, in consumer genomics, our customers use our technologies to provide personalized genetic data and analysis to individual consumers. In agrigenomics, government and corporate researchers use our products and services to explore the genetic and biological basis for productivity and nutritional constitution in crops and livestock. Researchers can identify natural and novel genomic variation and deploy genome-wide marker-based applications to accelerate breeding and production of healthier and higher-yielding crops and livestock.

Clinical Genomics

We are focused on enabling translational and clinical markets through the introduction of best-in-class sequencing technology. Further, we are developing sample-to-answer solutions to catalyze adoption in the clinical setting, including in reproductive and genetic health and oncology. In reproductive health, our primary focus is driving noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) adoption globally through our technology, which identifies fetal chromosomal abnormalities by analyzing cell-free DNA in maternal blood. Our NGS technology is also accelerating rare and undiagnosed disease research to discover the genetic causes of inherited disorders by assessing many genes simultaneously. Using NGS can reduce costs compared to traditional methods of disease diagnosis, which are often expensive and inconclusive while requiring extensive testing.

Cancer is a disease of the genome, and the goal of cancer genomics is to identify genomic changes that transform a normal cell into a cancerous one. Understanding these genomic changes will improve diagnostic accuracy, increase understanding of the prognosis, and enable oncologists to target therapies to individuals. Customers in the translational and clinical oncology markets use our products to perform research that may help identify individuals who are genetically predisposed to cancer and to identify molecular changes in a tumor. We believe that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) will become an important clinical tool for managing oncology patients during all stages of tumor progression. Our technology is

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being used to research the implications of ctDNA in treatment determination, treatment monitoring, minimal residual disease, and asymptomatic screening. For example, we have invested in, and partnered with GRAIL, which we formed to develop a blood-based test for early-stage cancer detection that is enabled by our sequencing technology.

Our Principal Products and Technologies

Our unique technology platforms support the scale of experimentation necessary for population-scale studies, genome-wide discovery, target selection, and validation studies (see Figure 1 below). Customers use our products to analyze the genome at all levels of complexity, from targeted panels to whole-genome sequencing. A large and dynamic Illumina user community has published tens of thousands of customer-authored scientific papers using our technologies. Through rapid innovation, we are changing the economics of genetic research, enabling projects that were previously considered impossible, and supporting clinical advances towards precision medicine.

Most of our product sales consist of instruments and consumables, which include reagents, flow cells, and microarrays, based on our proprietary technologies. We also perform various services for our customers. For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2017, instrument sales represented 17%, 19%, and 20%, respectively, of total revenue; consumable sales represented 65%, 64%, and 64%, respectively, of total revenue; and services represented 18%, 17%, and 15%, respectively, of total revenue.

Figure 1: Illumina Platform Overview:

Sequencing

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotide bases (A, C, G, or T) in a DNA sample. Our portfolio of sequencing platforms represents a family of systems that we believe set the standard for productivity, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy among NGS technologies. Customers use our platforms to perform whole-genome, de novo, exome and RNA sequencing, and targeted resequencing of specific gene regions and genes.

Whole-genome sequencing determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism. In de novo sequencing, the goal is to sequence and assemble the genome of that sample without using information from prior sequencing of that species. In targeted resequencing, a portion of the sequence of an organism is compared to a standard or reference sequence from previously sequenced samples to identify genetic variation. Understanding the similarities and differences in DNA sequence between and within species helps us understand the function of the structures encoded in the DNA.

Our DNA sequencing technology is based on our proprietary reversible terminator-based sequencing chemistry, referred to as sequencing by synthesis (SBS) biochemistry. SBS tracks the addition of labeled nucleotides as the DNA chain is copied in a massively parallel fashion. Our SBS sequencing technology provides researchers with a broad range of applications and the ability to sequence even large mammalian genomes in a few days rather than weeks or years.

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Our sequencing platforms can generate between 500 megabases (Mb) and 6.0 terabases (Tb) (equivalent to approximately 48 human genomes) of genomic data in a single run, depending on the instrument and application. There are different price points per gigabase (Gb) for each instrument, and for different applications, which range from small-genome, amplicon, and targeted gene-panel sequencing to population-scale whole human genome sequencing. Since we launched our first sequencing system in 2007, our systems have reduced the cost of sequencing by a factor of more than 10,000. In addition, the sequencing time per Gb has dropped by a factor of approximately 12,000.

Our BaseSpace Informatics Suite cloud platform plays a critical role in supporting our sequencing applications. BaseSpace Informatics Suite integrates directly with our sequencing instruments, allowing customers to manage their biological sample and sequencing runs, process and analyze the raw genomic data, and derive meaningful results. It facilitates data sharing, provides data-storage solutions and streamlines analysis through a growing number of applications developed by us and the bioinformatics community.

For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2017, total sequencing revenue comprised 83%, 83%, and 84%, respectively, of total revenue.

Arrays

Arrays are used for a broad range of DNA and RNA analysis applications, including SNP genotyping, CNV analysis, gene expression analysis, and methylation analysis, and enable the detection of millions of known genetic markers on a single array. Arrays are the primary technology used in consumer genomics applications.

Our BeadArray technology combines microscopic beads and a substrate in a proprietary manufacturing process to produce arrays that can perform many assays simultaneously. This facilitates large-scale analysis of genetic variation and biological function in a unique, high-throughput, cost-effective, and flexible manner. Using our BeadArray technology, we achieve high-throughput analysis via a high density of test sites per array and the ability to format arrays in various configurations. To serve the needs of multiple markets and market segments, we can vary the size, shape, and format of the substrate into which the beads self-assemble and create specific bead types for different applications. Our iScan System and our NextSeq 550 System can be used to image arrays.

For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2017, total array revenue comprised 17%, 17%, and 16%, respectively, of total revenue.

Consumables

We have developed various library preparation and sequencing kits to simplify workflows and accelerate analysis. Our sequencing applications include whole-genome sequencing kits, which sequence entire genomes of any size and complexity, and targeted resequencing kits, which can sequence exomes, specific genes, RNA or other genomic regions of interest. Our sequencing kits maximize the ability of our customers to characterize the target genome accurately and are sold in various configurations, addressing a wide range of applications.

Customers use our array-based genotyping consumables for a wide range of analyses, including diverse species, disease-related mutations, and genetic characteristics associated with cancer. Customers can select from a range of human, animal, and agriculturally relevant genome panels or create their own custom arrays to investigate millions of genetic markers targeting any species.

Our Services

We provide whole-genome sequencing, genotyping, NIPT, and product support services. Human whole-genome sequencing services are provided through our CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory. Using our services, customers can perform whole-genome sequencing projects and microarray projects (including large-scale genotyping studies and whole-genome association studies). We also provide NIPT services through our partner laboratories that direct samples to us on a test send-out basis in our CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory. In addition, we also offer support services to customers who have purchased our products.

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Intellectual Property

We have an extensive intellectual property portfolio. As of January 10, 2019, we owned or had exclusive licenses to 709 issued U.S. patents and 529 pending U.S. patent applications, including 45 allowed applications that have not yet issued as patents. Our issued and pending patents cover various aspects of our arrays, assays, oligo synthesis, sequencing technology, instruments, digital microfluidics, software, bioinformatics, and chemical-detection technologies, and have terms that expire between 2019 and 2038. We continue to file new patent applications to protect the full range of our technologies. We have filed or have been granted counterparts for many of these patents and applications in foreign countries.

We protect our trade secrets, know-how, copyrights, and trademarks. Our success depends in part on obtaining patent protection for our products and processes, preserving trade secrets, patents, copyrights and trademarks, operating without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties, and acquiring licenses for technology or products. In addition, we invest in technological innovation, and we seek beneficial licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our competitive position.

We are party to various exclusive and nonexclusive license agreements and other arrangements with third parties that grant us rights to use key aspects of our sequencing and array technologies, assay methods, chemical detection methods, reagent kits, and scanning equipment. Our exclusive licenses expire with the termination of the underlying patents, which will occur between 2019 and 2032. We have additional nonexclusive license agreements with various third parties for other components of our products. In most cases, the agreements remain in effect over the term of the underlying patents, may be terminated at our request without further obligation, and require that we pay customary royalties.

Research and Development

We have historically made substantial investments in research and development. Our research and development efforts prioritize continuous innovation coupled with product evolution.

Research and development expense for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2017 were $623 million, $546 million, and $504 million, respectively. We expect research and development expense to increase during 2019 to support business growth and continuing expansion in research and product-development efforts.

Marketing and Distribution

We market and distribute our products directly to customers in North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. In each of these areas, dedicated sales, service, and application-support personnel are expanding and supporting their respective customer bases. In addition, we sell through life-science distributors in certain markets within Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Africa. We expect to continue increasing our sales and distribution resources during 2019 and beyond as we launch new products and expand our potential customer base.

Manufacturing

We manufacture sequencing and array platforms and reagent kits. In 2018, we continued to increase our manufacturing capacity to meet customer demand. To address increasing product complexity and volume, we continue to automate manufacturing processes to accelerate throughput and improve quality and yield. We are committed to providing medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. We adhere to access and safety standards required by federal, state, and local health ordinances, such as standards for the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances. Our key manufacturing and distribution facilities operate under a quality management system certified to ISO 13485.

Raw Materials

Our manufacturing operations require a wide variety of raw materials, electronic and mechanical components, chemical and biochemical materials, and other supplies. Multiple commercial sources provide many of our components and supplies, but there are some raw materials and components that we obtain from single-source suppliers. To manage potential risks arising from single-source suppliers, we believe that, if necessary, we could redesign our products using alternative components or for use with alternative reagents or develop an internal supply capability. In addition, while we attempt to keep our inventory at minimal levels, we purchase incremental inventory as circumstances warrant to protect our supply chain. If the capabilities of our suppliers and component manufacturers are limited or stopped, due to disasters, quality, regulatory, or other reasons, it could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products.

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Competition

Although we believe that our products and services provide significant advantages over products and services currently available from other sources, we expect continued intense competition. Our competitors offer products and services for sequencing, SNP genotyping, gene expression, and molecular diagnostics markets. They include companies such as Agilent Technologies, Inc., BGI, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited, QIAGEN N.V., Roche Holding AG., and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., among others. Some of these companies have, or will have, substantially greater financial, technical, research, and other resources than we do, along with larger, more established marketing, sales, distribution, and service organizations. In addition, they may have greater name recognition than we do in the markets we address, and in some cases a larger installed base of systems. We expect new competitors to emerge and the intensity of competition to increase. To compete effectively, we must scale our organization and infrastructure appropriately and demonstrate that our products have superior throughput, cost, and accuracy.

Segment and Geographic Information

We have two reportable segments: Core Illumina and one segment related to the combined activities of our Consolidated VIEs. Our Consolidated VIEs currently include only the operations of Helix, whereas prior to the deconsolidation of GRAIL on February 28, 2017, our Consolidated VIEs included the combined operations of Helix and GRAIL.

We currently sell our products to a number of customers outside the United States, including customers in other areas of North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Shipments to customers outside the United States totaled $1,554 million, or 47%, of total revenue, during fiscal 2018, compared to $1,241 million, or 45%, and $1,104 million, or 46%, in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. We consider the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency of our international operations due to the primary activities of our foreign subsidiaries. We expect that sales to international customers will continue to be an important and growing source of revenue. See note “1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information concerning our foreign and domestic operations.

Backlog

Our backlog was approximately $909 million and $935 million as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Generally, our backlog consists of orders believed to be firm as of the balance sheet date. However, we may allow customers to make product substitutions as we launch new products. The timing of shipments depends on several factors, including agreed upon shipping schedules, which may span multiple quarters, and whether the product is catalog or custom. We expect approximately 80% of our backlog as of December 30, 2018, to be shipped within the fiscal year ending December 29, 2019. Although we generally recognize revenue when control of our products and services is transferred

to our customers, some customer contracts might require us to defer revenue recognition beyond the transfer of control.

Environmental Matters

We are committed to the protection of our employees and the environment. Our operations require the use of hazardous materials that subject us to various federal, state, and local environmental and safety laws and regulations. We believe that we are in material compliance with current applicable laws and regulations. However, we could be held liable for damages and fines should contamination of the environment or individual exposures to hazardous substances occur. In addition, we cannot predict how changes in these laws and regulations, or the development of new laws and regulations, will affect our business operations or the cost of compliance.

Government Regulation

As we expand product lines to address the diagnosis of disease, regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries will become an increasingly significant factor in development, testing, production, and marketing. Products that we develop in the molecular diagnostic markets, depending on their intended use, may be regulated as medical devices or in vitro diagnostic products (IVDs) by the FDA and comparable agencies in other countries. In the United States, certain of our products may require FDA clearance following a pre-market notification process, also known as a 510(k) clearance, or premarket approval (PMA) from the FDA. The usually shorter 510(k) clearance process, which we used for the FDA-cleared assays that are run on our FDA-regulated MiSeqDx instrument, generally takes from three to six months after submission, but it can take significantly longer. The longer PMA process, which we used for our FDA-cleared RAS panel that is also run on our MiSeqDx instrument, is typically much more costly and uncertain. It can take from 9 to 18 months after a complete filing, but it can take significantly longer and requires conducting clinical studies that are generally more extensive than those required for 510(k) clearance. All of the products that are currently regulated by the FDA as medical devices and

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IVDs are also subject to the FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR). Obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals, including the FDA quality system inspections that are required for PMA approval, can be expensive and may involve considerable delay.

In the U.S., we cannot be certain which of our planned molecular diagnostic products will be subject to the shorter 510(k) clearance process and, in fact, some of our products will need to go through the PMA process. The regulatory approval process for such products may be significantly delayed, may be significantly more expensive than anticipated, and may conclude without such products being approved by the FDA. Without timely regulatory approval, we will not be able to launch or successfully commercialize such products.

Changes to the current regulatory framework, including the imposition of additional or new regulations, could arise at any time during the development or marketing of our products. This may negatively affect our ability to obtain or maintain FDA or comparable regulatory clearance or approval of our products. In addition, regulatory agencies may introduce new requirements that may change the regulatory requirements for us or our customers, or both.

If our products labeled as “For Research Use Only,” or RUO, are used, or could be used, for the diagnosis of disease, the regulatory requirements related to marketing, selling, and supporting such products could be uncertain. This is true even if such use by our customers occurs without our consent. If the FDA or other regulatory authorities assert that any of our RUO products are subject to regulatory clearance or approval, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our products sold as medical devices or IVDs in Europe will be regulated under the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (98/79/EC). A new regulation, the in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746, the IVDR, has been released and will become fully enforceable in 2020. These regulations include requirements for both presentation and review of performance data and quality-system requirements.

Certain of our products are currently available through laboratories that are certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. These products are commonly called “laboratory developed tests,” or LDTs. For a number of years, the FDA has exercised its regulatory enforcement discretion not to regulate LDTs as medical devices if created and used within a single laboratory. However, the FDA is reexamining this regulatory approach and changes to the agency’s handling of LDTs could impact our business in ways that cannot be predicted at this time. In October 2014, the FDA published two draft guidance documents suggesting an approach for registration and listing of laboratories and assays along with a framework for regulation of LDTs by the FDA based on risk to patients rather than whether the LDTs were made by a conventional manufacturer or a single laboratory. The draft framework guidance includes pre-market review for higher-risk LDTs, including many used to guide treatment decisions, as well as companion diagnostics that have entered the market as LDTs. The FDA has also issued a 2017 discussion paper on LDTs. We cannot predict the nature or extent of the FDA's final guidance or regulation of LDTs, in general, or with respect to our or our customers’ LDTs, in particular.

Certification of CLIA laboratories includes standards in the areas of personnel qualifications, administration, and participation in proficiency testing, patient test management, and quality control procedures. CLIA also mandates that, for high complexity labs such as ours, to operate as a lab, we must have an accreditation by an organization recognized by CLIA such as the College of Pathologists (CAP), which we have obtained and must maintain. If we were to lose our CLIA certification or CAP accreditation, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, state laboratory licensing and inspection requirements may also apply to our products, which, in some cases, are more stringent than CLIA requirements.

Employees

As of December 30, 2018, we had more than 7,300 employees. We consider our employee relations to be positive. Our success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain employees. We face competition in this regard from other companies, research and academic institutions, government entities, and other organizations. In addition, we employ a number of temporary and contract employees.


ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors.

Our business is subject to various risks, including those described below. In addition to the other information included in this report, the following issues could adversely affect our operating results or our stock price.

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Our continued growth is dependent on continuously developing and commercializing new products.

Our target markets are characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, changes in customer needs, existing and emerging competition, strong price competition, and frequent new product introductions. Accordingly, our continued growth depends on developing and commercializing new products and services, including improving our existing products and services, in order to address evolving market requirements on a timely basis. If we fail to innovate or adequately invest in new technologies, our products and services will become dated, and we could lose our competitive position in the markets that we serve as customers purchase new products offered by our competitors. We believe that successfully introducing new products and technologies on a timely basis provides a significant competitive advantage because customers invest time in selecting and learning to use a new product and may be reluctant to switch once that selection is made.

To the extent that we fail to introduce new and innovative products, or such products are not accepted in the market or suffer significant delays in development, we may lose market share to our competitors, which will be difficult or impossible to regain. An inability, for technological or other reasons, to successfully develop and introduce new products on a timely basis could reduce our growth rate or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business. In the past, we have experienced, and are likely to experience in the future, delays in the development and introduction of new products. There can be no assurance that we will keep pace with the rapid rate of change in our markets or that our new products will adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace, achieve market acceptance, or compete successfully with competing technologies. Some of the factors affecting market acceptance of new products and services include:


•	availability, quality, and price relative to competing products and services;


•	the functionality and performance of new and existing products and services;


•	the timing of introduction of new products or services relative to competing products and services;


•	scientists’ and customers’ opinions of the utility of new products or services;


•	citation of new products or services in published research;


•	regulatory trends and approvals; and


•	general trends in life sciences research and applied markets.

We may also have to write off excess or obsolete inventory if sales of our products are not consistent with our expectations or the market requirements for our products change due to technical innovations in the marketplace.

Our success depends upon the continued emergence and growth of markets for analysis of genetic variation and biological function, and continued substantial increases in the use of sequencing as the cost of sequencing declines.

Our products are designed for use in the life sciences, diagnostic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and consumer genomics industries. The usefulness of our technologies depends in part upon the availability of genetic data and its usefulness in clinical, research, and consumer applications. We are focusing on markets for analysis of genetic variation or biological function, namely sequencing, genotyping, and gene expression profiling. These markets are relatively new and emerging, and they may not develop as quickly as we anticipate, or reach what we expect to be their full potential. Other methods of analysis of genetic variation and biological function may emerge and displace the methods we are developing. Also, researchers may not be able to successfully analyze raw genetic data or be able to convert raw genetic data into valuable information. In addition, factors affecting research and development spending generally, such as changes in the regulatory environment affecting life sciences and pharmaceutical companies, and changes in government programs that provide funding to companies and research institutions, could harm our business. If useful genetic data is not available or if our target markets do not develop in a timely manner, demand for our products may grow at a slower rate than we expect.

The introduction of next-generation sequencing technologies, including ours, has reduced the cost of sequencing by a factor of more than 10,000 and reduced the sequencing time per Gb by a factor of approximately 12,000. Consequently, demand for sequencing-related products and services has increased substantially as new applications are enabled and more sequencing is done in connection with existing applications. If, as we expect, the cost of sequencing continues to fall over time, we cannot be sure that the demand for related products and services will increase at least proportionately as new applications are enabled or more sequencing is done in connection with existing applications. In the future, if demand for our products and services due to lower sequencing costs is less than we expect, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be adversely affected.

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If we do not successfully manage the development, manufacturing, and launch of new products or services, including product transitions, our financial results could be adversely affected.

We face risks associated with launching new products and pre-announcing products and services when the products or services have not been fully developed or tested. In addition, we may experience difficulty in managing or forecasting customer reactions, purchasing decisions, transition requirements or programs with respect to newly-launched products (or products in development), which could adversely affect sales of our existing products. If our products and services are not able to deliver the performance or results expected by our target markets or are not delivered on a timely basis, our reputation and credibility may suffer. If we encounter development challenges or discover errors in our products late in our development cycle, we may delay the product launch date. The expenses or losses associated with unsuccessful product development or launch activities, or a lack of market acceptance of our new products, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

As we announce future products or integrate new products into our portfolio, such as new instruments or instrument platforms, we face numerous risks relating to product transitions and the evolution of our product portfolio. We may be unable to accurately forecast new product demand and the impact of new products on the demand for current or established products. We may experience challenges relating to managing excess and obsolete inventories, managing new or higher product cost structures, and managing different sales and support requirements. Announcements of currently planned or other new products may cause customers to defer or stop purchasing our current or established products until new products become available. In addition, customers may defer or stop purchasing our current or established products as they assess the features and technological characteristics of new products, as compared to our current or established products, before making a financial commitment. If customers elect to purchase newly-introduced products rather than established products, revenue recognition on such purchases may be delayed because the availability of newly-introduced products is generally constrained (compared to established products) as we scale-up manufacturing, sales, and support requirements for newly-introduced products. Our failure to effectively manage the evolution of our product portfolio, including product transitions or introductions, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We depend on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for some of our products, or sub-assemblies, components, and materials used in our products, and if shipments from these manufacturers or suppliers are delayed or interrupted, or if the quality of the products, components, or materials supplied do not meet our requirements, we may not be able to launch, manufacture, or ship our products in a timely manner, or at all.

The complex nature of our products requires customized, precision-manufactured sub-assemblies, components, and materials that currently are available from a limited number of sources, and, in the case of some sub-assemblies, components, and materials, from only a single source. If deliveries from these vendors are delayed or interrupted for any reason, or if we are otherwise unable to secure a sufficient supply, we may not be able to obtain these sub-assemblies, components, or materials on a timely basis or in sufficient quantities or at satisfactory qualities, or at all, in order to meet demand for our products. We may need to enter into contractual relationships with manufacturers for commercial-scale production of some of our products, in whole or in part, or develop these capabilities internally, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to do this on a timely basis, in sufficient quantities, or on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, the lead time needed to establish a relationship with a new supplier can be lengthy, and we may experience delays in meeting demand in the event we must switch to a new supplier. The time and effort required to qualify a new supplier could result in additional costs, diversion of resources, or reduced manufacturing yields, any of which would negatively impact our operating results. Accordingly, we may not be able to establish or maintain reliable, high-volume manufacturing at commercially reasonable costs or at all. In addition, the manufacture or shipment of our products may be delayed or interrupted if the quality of the products, sub-assemblies, components, or materials supplied by our vendors does not meet our requirements. Current or future social and environmental regulations or critical issues, such as those relating to the sourcing of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the need to eliminate environmentally sensitive materials from our products, could restrict the supply of components and materials used in production or increase our costs. Any delay or interruption to our manufacturing process or in shipping our products could result in lost revenue, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our planned acquisition (the Acquisition) of Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (PacBio) may not occur in the expected time frame, which may negatively affect the benefits we expect to obtain from the transaction and increase transaction costs, or may not occur at all.

The Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) for the Acquisition contains customary representations, warranties, indemnities and closing conditions, including the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the

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Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (the HSR Act), and receipt of any other required antitrust approvals in foreign jurisdictions. We have received a request for additional information and documentary material, often referred to as a “second request,” from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in connection with the Merger Agreement. Consummation of the Acquisition is conditioned on expiration of the waiting period applicable under the HSR Act, among other conditions. The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period under the HSR Act until 30 days after all parties to the Merger Agreement have substantially complied with the second request, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier by the FTC or the parties and the FTC voluntarily extend the waiting period. The FTC and governmental authorities in foreign jurisdictions have broad discretion in administering governing laws and regulations and may take into account various facts and circumstances in their consideration of the Acquisition, including other potential transactions in the life sciences industry or other industries. These governmental authorities may initiate proceedings seeking to prevent, or otherwise seek to prevent, the Acquisition. We currently anticipate closing the Acquisition in mid-2019, assuming receipt of required antitrust approvals. If the Acquisition is not completed within the expected time frame, such delay could result in additional transaction costs, termination fees, loss of revenue or other effects associated with uncertainty about the Acquisition. A delay in the Acquisition could adversely affect our ability to obtain the benefits we expect from the Acquisition and a failure to close the Acquisition would deny us those expected benefits entirely.

We face intense competition, which could render our products obsolete, result in significant price reductions, or substantially limit the volume of products that we sell.

We compete with third-parties that design, manufacture, and market products for analysis of genetic variation and biological function and other applications using a wide range of technologies. In some cases, we compete for the resources our customers allocate for purchasing a wide range of products used to analyze genetic variation and biological function, some of which are complementary or adjacent to our own but not directly competitive; in other cases, our products face direct competition as customers choose among products that are designed to address similar applications or needs. We anticipate that we will continue to face increased competition as existing companies develop new or improved products and as new companies enter the market with new technologies. One or more of our competitors may render one or more of our technologies obsolete or uneconomical. Some of our competitors have greater financial and personnel resources, broader product lines, more focused product lines, a more established customer base, and more experience in research and development than we do. Furthermore, life sciences, clinical genomics, and pharmaceutical companies, which are our potential customers and strategic partners, could also develop competing products. We believe that customers in our markets display a significant amount of loyalty to their initial supplier of a particular product; therefore, it may be difficult to generate sales to potential customers who have purchased products from competitors. To the extent we are unable to be the first to develop or supply new products, our competitive position may suffer.

The market for clinical and diagnostic products, in particular, is currently limited and highly competitive, with several large companies already having significant market share, intellectual property portfolios, and regulatory expertise. For example, the market for noninvasive prenatal testing is rapidly developing, and if our competitors are able to develop and commercialize products superior to or less expensive than ours, our business could be adversely impacted. Established clinical and diagnostic companies also have an installed base of instruments in several markets, including clinical and reference laboratories, which could deter acceptance of our products. In addition, some of these companies have formed alliances with genomics companies that provide them access to genetic information that may be incorporated into their diagnostic tests, potentially creating a competitive advantage for them.

If defects are discovered in our products, we may incur additional unforeseen costs, our products may be subject to recalls, customers may not purchase our products, our reputation may suffer, and ultimately our sales and operating earnings could be negatively impacted.

Our products incorporate complex, precision-manufactured mechanical parts, electrical components, optical components, and fluidics, as well as computer software, any of which may contain errors or failures, especially when first introduced. In the course of conducting our business, we must adequately address quality issues associated with our products and services, including defects in our engineering, design, and manufacturing processes, as well as defects in third-party components included in our products. In addition, new products or enhancements may contain undetected errors or performance problems that, despite testing, are discovered only after commercial shipment. Defects or errors in our products may discourage customers from purchasing our products. The costs incurred in correcting any defects or errors may be substantial and could adversely affect our operating margins. Identifying the root cause of quality issues, particularly those affecting reagents and third-party components, may be difficult, which increases the time needed to address quality issues as they arise, and increases the risk that similar problems could recur. Because our products are designed to be used to perform complex genomic analysis, we expect that our customers will have an increased sensitivity to such defects. If we do not meet applicable regulatory or quality standards, our products may be subject to recall, and, under certain circumstances, we may be required to notify

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applicable regulatory authorities about a recall. If our products are subject to recall or shipment holds, our reputation, business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

As we develop, market, or sell diagnostic tests, we may encounter delays in receipt, or limits in the amount, of reimbursement approvals and public health funding, which will impact our ability to grow revenues in the healthcare market.

Physicians and patients may not order diagnostic tests that we develop, market, sell, or enable such as our prenatal tests, unless third-party payors, such as managed care organizations as well as government payors such as Medicare and Medicaid and governmental payors outside of the United States, pay a substantial portion of the test price. Third-party payors are often reluctant to reimburse healthcare providers for the use of medical tests that involve new technologies or provide novel diagnostic information. In addition, third-party payors are increasingly limiting reimbursement coverage for medical diagnostic products and, in many instances, are exerting pressure on diagnostic product suppliers to reduce their prices. Reimbursement by a payor may depend on a number of factors, including a payor's determination that tests using our technologies are:


•	not experimental or investigational;


•	medically necessary;


•	appropriate for the specific patient;


•	cost-effective;


•	supported by peer-reviewed publications; and


•	included in clinical practice guidelines.

Since each third-party payor often makes reimbursement decisions on an individual patient basis, obtaining such approvals is a time-consuming and costly process that requires us to provide scientific and clinical data supporting the clinical benefits of each of our products. As a result, there can be no assurance that reimbursement approvals will be obtained. This process can delay the broad market introduction of new products, and could have a negative effect on our results of operations. As a result, third-party reimbursement may not be consistent or financially adequate to cover the cost of diagnostic products that we develop, market, or sell. This could limit our ability to sell our products or cause us to reduce prices, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Even if our tests are being reimbursed, third-party payors may withdraw their coverage policies, cancel their contracts with our customers at any time, review and adjust the rate of reimbursement, require co-payments from patients, or stop paying for our tests, which would reduce our revenues. In addition, insurers, including managed care organizations as well as government payors such as Medicare and Medicaid, have increased their efforts to control the cost, utilization, and delivery of healthcare services. These measures have resulted in reduced payment rates and decreased utilization for the clinical laboratory industry. Reductions in the reimbursement rate of payors may occur in the future. Reductions in the prices at which our tests are reimbursed could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Litigation, other proceedings, or third-party claims of intellectual property infringement could require us to spend significant time and money and could prevent us from selling our products or services.

Our success depends in part on our non-infringement of the patents or proprietary rights of third parties. Third parties have asserted and may in the future assert that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization. As we enter new markets or introduce new products, we expect that competitors will likely claim that our products infringe their intellectual property rights as part of a business strategy to impede our successful competition. In addition, third parties may have obtained and may in the future obtain patents allowing them to claim that the use of our technologies infringes these patents. We could incur substantial costs and divert the attention of our management and technical personnel in defending ourselves against any of these claims. Any adverse ruling or perception of an adverse ruling in defending ourselves against these claims could have an adverse impact on our stock price, which may be disproportionate to the actual impact of the ruling itself. Furthermore, parties making claims against us may be able to obtain injunctive or other relief, which effectively could block our ability to develop further, commercialize, or sell products or services, and could result in the award of substantial damages against us. In the event of a successful infringement claim against us, we may be required to pay damages and obtain one or more licenses from third parties or be prohibited from selling certain products or services. In addition, we may be unable to obtain these licenses at a reasonable cost, if at all. We could therefore incur substantial costs related to royalty payments for licenses obtained from third parties, which could negatively affect our gross margins and earnings per share. In

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addition, we could encounter delays in product introductions while we attempt to develop alternative methods or products. Defense of any lawsuit or failure to obtain any of these licenses on favorable terms could prevent us from commercializing products, and the prohibition of sale of any of our products or services could adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain profitability.

Reduction or delay in research and development budgets and government funding may adversely affect our revenue.

The timing and amount of revenues from customers that rely on government and academic research funding may vary significantly due to factors that can be difficult to forecast, and there remains significant uncertainty concerning government and academic research funding worldwide. Funding for life science research has increased more slowly during the past several years compared to previous years and has declined in some countries. Government funding of research and development is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. Other programs, such as defense, entitlement programs, or general efforts to reduce budget deficits could be viewed by governments as a higher priority. These budgetary pressures may result in reduced allocations to government agencies that fund research and development activities, such as the U.S. National Institute of Health, or NIH. Past proposals to reduce budget deficits have included reduced NIH and other research and development allocations. Any shift away from the funding of life sciences research and development or delays surrounding the approval of government budget proposals may cause our customers to delay or forego purchases of our products, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Our acquisitions expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, and we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of acquisitions of businesses or technologies.

As part of our strategy to develop and identify new products, services, and technologies, we have made, and may continue to make, acquisitions of technologies, products, or businesses. Acquisitions involve numerous risks and operational, financial, and managerial challenges, including the following, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations:


•	difficulties in integrating new operations, technologies, products, and personnel;


•	lack of synergies or the inability to realize expected synergies and cost-savings;


•	difficulties in managing geographically dispersed operations;


•	underperformance of any acquired technology, product, or business relative to our expectations and the price we paid;


•	negative near-term impacts on financial results after an acquisition, including acquisition-related earnings charges;


•	the potential loss of key employees, customers, and strategic partners of acquired companies;


•	claims by terminated employees and shareholders of acquired companies or other third parties related to the transaction;


•	the issuance of dilutive securities, assumption or incurrence of additional debt obligations or expenses, or use of substantial portions of our cash;


•	diversion of management’s attention and company resources from existing operations of the business;


•	inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures, and policies;


•	the impairment of intangible assets as a result of technological advancements, or worse-than-expected performance of acquired companies; and


•	assumption of, or exposure to, known or unknown contingent liabilities or liabilities that are difficult to identify or accurately quantify.

In addition, the successful integration of acquired businesses requires significant efforts and expense across all operational areas, including sales and marketing, research and development, manufacturing, finance, legal, and information technologies. There can be no assurance that any of the acquisitions we make will be successful or will be, or will remain, profitable. Our failure to successfully address the above risks may prevent us from achieving the anticipated benefits from any acquisition in a reasonable time frame, or at all.

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If we are unable to increase our manufacturing or service capacity and develop and maintain operation of our manufacturing or service capability, we may not be able to launch or support our products or services in a timely manner, or at all.

We continue to increase our manufacturing and service capacity to meet the anticipated demand for our products. Although we have significantly increased our manufacturing and service capacity and we believe we have plans in place sufficient to ensure we have adequate capacity to meet our current business plans, there are uncertainties inherent in expanding our manufacturing and service capabilities, and we may not be able to sufficiently increase our capacity in a timely manner. For example, manufacturing and product quality issues may arise as we increase production rates at our manufacturing facilities and launch new products. Also, we may not manufacture the right product mix to meet customer demand, especially as we introduce new products. As a result, we may experience difficulties in meeting customer, collaborator, and internal demand, in which case we could lose customers or be required to delay new product introductions, and demand for our products could decline. Additionally, in the past, we have experienced variations in manufacturing conditions and quality control issues that have temporarily reduced or suspended production of certain products. Due to the intricate nature of manufacturing complex instruments, consumables, and products that contain DNA and enzymes, we may encounter similar or previously unknown manufacturing difficulties in the future that could significantly reduce production yields, impact our ability to launch or sell these products (or to produce them economically), or prevent us from achieving expected performance levels, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

An interruption in our ability to manufacture our products or an inability to obtain key components or raw materials due to a catastrophic disaster or infrastructure could adversely affect our business.

We currently manufacture in a limited number of locations. Our manufacturing facilities are located in San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area in California; Madison, Wisconsin; and Singapore. These areas are subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, or floods. If a natural disaster were to damage one of our facilities significantly or if other events were to cause our operations to fail, we may be unable to manufacture our products, provide our services, or develop new products. In addition, if the capabilities of our suppliers and component manufacturers are limited or stopped, due to disasters, quality, regulatory, or other reasons, it could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products.

Many of our manufacturing processes are automated and are controlled by our custom-designed laboratory information management system (LIMS). Additionally, the decoding process in our array manufacturing requires significant network and storage infrastructure. If either our LIMS system or our networks or storage infrastructure were to fail for an extended period of time, our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis could be adversely impacted and we could be prevented from achieving our expected shipments in any given period.

If we lose our key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional personnel, we may be unable to achieve our goals.

Our future success depends upon the continuing services of members of our senior management team and scientific and engineering personnel. The loss of their services could adversely impact our ability to achieve our business objectives. In addition, the continued growth of our business depends on our ability to hire additional qualified personnel with expertise in molecular biology, chemistry, biological information processing, software, engineering, sales, marketing, and technical support. We compete for qualified management and scientific personnel with other life science and technology companies, universities, and research institutions. Competition for these individuals, particularly in the San Diego and San Francisco areas, is intense, and the turnover rate can be high. Moreover, changes in immigration policies, laws and regulations in the United States or other jurisdictions may make it more difficult for us to hire and retain members of management and scientific and engineering personnel. Failure to attract and retain management and scientific and engineering personnel could prevent us from pursuing collaborations or developing our products or technologies. Additionally, integration of acquired companies and businesses can be disruptive, causing key employees of the acquired business to leave. Further, we use share-based compensation, including restricted stock units and performance stock units, to attract key personnel, incentivize them to remain with us, and align their interests with ours by building long-term stockholder value. If our stock price decreases, the value of these equity awards decreases and, therefore, reduces a key employee’s incentive to stay.

Any inability to effectively protect our proprietary technologies could harm our competitive position.

The proprietary positions of companies developing tools for the life sciences, genomics, forensics, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries, including our proprietary position, generally are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. Our success depends to a large extent on our ability to develop proprietary products and technologies and to obtain

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patents and maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property in the United States and other countries. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and many companies have encountered significant challenges in establishing and enforcing their proprietary rights outside of the United States. These challenges can be caused by the absence of rules and methods for the establishment and enforcement of intellectual property rights outside of the United States.

We will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary technologies are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. Any finding that our patents or applications are unenforceable could harm our ability to prevent others from practicing the related technology, and a finding that others have inventorship or ownership rights to our patents and applications could require us to obtain certain rights to practice related technologies, which may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. Furthermore, as issued patents expire, we may lose some competitive advantage as others develop competing products, and, as a result, we may lose revenue.

In addition, our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from practicing our technologies or from developing competing products and may therefore fail to provide us with any competitive advantage. We may need to initiate lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents, or litigate against third-party claims, which would be expensive, and, if we lose, may cause us to lose some of our intellectual property rights and reduce our ability to compete in the marketplace. Furthermore, these lawsuits may divert the attention of our management and technical personnel. There is also the risk that others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or design around our patented technologies. In that regard, certain patent applications in the United States may be maintained in secrecy until the patents issue, and publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature tend to lag behind actual discoveries by several months.

We also rely upon trade secrets and proprietary know-how protection for our confidential and proprietary information, and we have taken security measures to protect this information. These measures, however, may not provide adequate protection for our trade secrets, know-how, or other confidential information.

Our strategic investments and joint ventures may result in losses.

We periodically make strategic investments in various public and private companies with businesses or technologies that may complement our business. In addition, we periodically form companies, such as Helix, that remain consolidated within our financial statements but receive substantial funding from third-party investors who are granted certain control and governance rights. The market values of these strategic investments may fluctuate due to market conditions and other conditions over which we have no control. Declines in the market price and valuations of the securities that we hold in other companies would require us to record losses related to our investment. This could result in future charges to our earnings. It is uncertain whether or not we will realize any long-term benefits associated with these strategic investments.

Security breaches, including with respect to cyber-security, and other disruptions could compromise our information, products, and services, disrupt our operations, and expose us to liability, which could cause our business and reputation to suffer.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information (and that of our customers), and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure maintenance of this information is important to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions.

As a leader in the field of genetic analysis, we may face cyber-attacks that attempt to penetrate our network security, including our data centers; sabotage or otherwise disable our research, products, and services, including instruments at our customers’ sites; misappropriate our or our customers' and partners' proprietary information, which may include personally identifiable information; or cause interruptions of our internal operations, systems and services. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen. Any such access, disruption, disclosure, or other loss of information could result in an adverse impact on our business, legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and damage to our reputation.

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Our products, if used for the diagnosis of disease, could be subject to government regulation, and the regulatory approval and maintenance process for such products may be expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain both in timing and in outcome.

Our products are not subject to FDA clearance or approval if they are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease. However, as we expand our product line to encompass products that are intended to be used for the diagnosis of disease, such as our FDA-regulated MiSeqDx, certain of our products will become subject to regulation by the FDA, or comparable international agencies, including requirements for regulatory clearance or approval of such products before they can be marketed. Such regulatory approval processes or clearances may be expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain, and our failure to obtain or comply with such approvals and clearances could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results. In addition, changes to the current regulatory framework, including the imposition of additional or new regulations, could arise at any time during the development or marketing of our products, which may negatively affect our ability to obtain or maintain FDA or comparable regulatory approval of our products, if required.

Diagnostic products are regulated as medical devices by the FDA and comparable international agencies and may require either clearance from the FDA following the 510(k) pre-market notification process or pre-market approval from the FDA, in each case prior to marketing. Obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals can be expensive and may involve considerable delay. If we fail to obtain, or experience significant delays in obtaining, regulatory approvals for diagnostic products that we develop, we may not be able to launch or successfully commercialize such products in a timely manner, or at all.

In addition, if our products labeled as “For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures,” or RUO, are used, or could be used, for the diagnosis of disease, the regulatory requirements related to marketing, selling, and supporting such products could change or be uncertain, even if such use by our customers is without our consent. If the FDA or other regulatory authorities assert that any of our RUO products are subject to regulatory clearance or approval, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

If the FDA requires in the future that any of our LDT products be subject to regulatory clearance or approval, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

Certain of our diagnostic products are currently available through laboratories that are certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. These products are commonly called “laboratory developed tests,” or LDTs. For a number of years, the FDA has exercised its regulatory enforcement discretion not to regulate LDTs as medical devices if created and used within a single laboratory. However, the FDA has been reconsidering its enforcement discretion policy and has commented that regulation of LDTs may be warranted because of the growth in the volume and complexity of testing services utilizing LDTs. In October 2014, the FDA published two draft guidance documents suggesting an approach for registration and listing of laboratories and assays along with a framework for regulation of LDTs by the FDA based on risk to patients rather than whether the LDTs were made by a conventional manufacturer or a single laboratory. The draft framework guidance includes pre-market review for higher-risk LDTs, including many used to guide treatment decisions, as well as companion diagnostics that have entered the market as LDTs. We cannot predict the nature or extent of the FDA's final guidance or regulation of LDTs, in general, or with respect to our LDTs, in particular. If the FDA requires in the future that LDT products are subject to regulatory clearance or approval, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected.

If product or service liability lawsuits are successfully brought against us, we may face reduced demand for our products and incur significant liabilities.

Our products and services are used for sensitive applications, and we face an inherent risk of exposure to product or service liability claims if our products or services are alleged to have caused harm, resulted in false negatives or false positives, or do not perform in accordance with specifications. Product liability claims filed against us or against third parties to whom we may have an obligation could be costly and time-consuming to defend and result in substantial damages or reputational risk. We cannot be certain that we would be able to successfully defend any product or service liability lawsuit brought against us. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product or service liability claims may result in:


•	decreased demand for our products;


•	injury to our reputation;


•	increased product liability insurance costs;

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•	costs of related litigation; and


•	substantial monetary awards to plaintiffs.

Although we carry product and service liability insurance, if we become the subject of a successful product or service liability lawsuit, our insurance may not cover all substantial liabilities, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Doing business internationally, especially in emerging markets, creates operational risk for our business.

Conducting and launching operations on an international scale requires close coordination of activities across multiple jurisdictions and consumes significant management resources. If we fail to coordinate and manage these activities effectively, including the risks noted below, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected. We have sales offices located internationally throughout Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Brazil, as well as manufacturing and research facilities in Singapore and the United Kingdom. Shipments to customers outside the United States comprised 47%, 45%, and 46% of our total revenue for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

We are subject to the following risks and challenges associated with conducting business in foreign jurisdictions, particularly emerging international markets, where we expect a growing proportion of our business to be located:


•	longer payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable outside of the United States;


•	longer sales cycles due to the volume of transactions taking place through public tenders;


•	challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations;


•	tariffs and other trade barriers;


•	lack of consistency, and unexpected changes, in legislative or regulatory requirements of foreign countries into which we sell our products;


•	increased risk of governmental and regulatory scrutiny and investigations;


•	the burden of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws, regulations, and legal standards;


•	operating in locations with a higher incidence of corruption and fraudulent business practices;


•	import and export requirements, tariffs, taxes, and other trade barriers;


•	weak or no protection of intellectual property rights;


•	possible enactment of laws regarding the management of and access to data and public networks and websites;


•	possible future limitations on foreign-owned businesses;


•	significant taxes; and


•	other factors beyond our control, including political, social and economic instability, and security concerns in general.

Additionally, we must comply with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and other local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials, anti-competition regulations and sanctions imposed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control and other similar laws and regulations. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, restrictions on our business conduct and on our ability to offer our products in one or more countries, and could also materially affect our brand, our ability to attract and retain employees, our international operations, our business and our operating results. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies.

As we continue to expand our business into multiple international markets, our success will depend, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks associated with our international operations. Any of these

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risks could harm our international operations and negatively impact our sales, adversely affecting our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

We are exposed to risks associated with transactions denominated in foreign currency.

During 2018, a significant portion of our international sales were denominated in foreign currencies while the majority of our purchases of raw materials were denominated in U.S. dollars. Changes in the value of the relevant currencies may affect the cost of certain items required in our operations. Changes in currency exchange rates may also affect the relative prices at which we are able to sell products in the same market. Our revenues from international customers may be negatively impacted as increases in the U.S. dollar relative to our international customers local currency could make our products more expensive, impacting our ability to compete. Our costs of materials from international suppliers may increase if, in order to continue doing business with us, they raise their prices as the value of the U.S. dollar decreases relative to their local currency. Foreign policies and actions regarding currency valuation could result in actions by the United States and other countries to offset the effects of such fluctuations. Recent global financial conditions have led to a high level of volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and that level of volatility may continue, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Significant developments stemming from the U.S. administration or the U.K.’s referendum on membership in the EU could have an adverse effect on us.

The U.S. administration has called for substantial changes to trade agreements and is imposing significant increases on tariffs on goods imported into the United States. Changes in U.S. or foreign political, regulatory and economic conditions or laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, and development and investment in the territories and countries where we or our customers operate could adversely affect our operating results and our business. The prospect of such changes has already affected, and may continue to affect, the timing of customer purchases.

Additionally, on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum and voted in favor of leaving the European Union, or EU. This referendum has created political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the United Kingdom and the EU, and this uncertainty may last for years. Our business could be affected during this period of uncertainty, and perhaps longer, by the impact of the United Kingdom’s referendum. In addition, our business could be negatively affected by new trade agreements between the United Kingdom and other countries, including the United States, and by the possible imposition of trade or other regulatory barriers in the United Kingdom. These possible negative impacts, and others resulting from the United Kingdom’s actual or threatened withdrawal from the EU, may adversely affect our operating results and our customers’ businesses.

We are subject to risks related to taxation in multiple jurisdictions.

We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations are required in determining the provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rate could be adversely affected by various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the mix of earnings in tax jurisdictions with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in existing tax policies, laws, regulations, or rates, changes in the level of non-deductible expenses (including share-based compensation), location of operations, changes in our future levels of research and development spending, mergers and acquisitions, or the result of examinations by various tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, if the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority disagrees with the positions taken on our tax returns, we could have additional tax liability, including interest and penalties. If material, payment of such additional amounts upon final adjudication of any disputes could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

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Our operating results may vary significantly from period to period, and we may not be able to sustain operating profitability.

Our revenue is subject to fluctuations due to the timing of sales of high-value products and services, the effects of new product launches and related promotions, the timing and availability of our customers’ funding, the impact of seasonal spending patterns, the timing and size of research projects our customers perform, changes in overall spending levels in the life sciences industry, and other unpredictable factors that may affect customer ordering patterns. Given the difficulty in predicting the timing and magnitude of sales for our products and services, we may experience quarter-to-quarter fluctuations in revenue resulting in the potential for a sequential decline in quarterly revenue. While we anticipate future growth, there is some uncertainty as to the timing of revenue recognition on a quarterly basis. This is because a substantial portion of our quarterly revenue is typically recognized in the last month of a quarter and because the pattern for revenue generation during that month is normally not linear, with a concentration of orders in the final weeks of the quarter. In light of that, our manufacturing and shipping operations may experience increased pressure and demand during the time period shortly before the end of a fiscal quarter; delays related to our manufacturing and shipping operations during this time period could delay the recognition of revenue.

A large portion of our expenses are relatively fixed, including expenses for facilities, equipment, and personnel. To meet the anticipated growth in our business, we may incur fixed expenses, such as costs related to facility expansions, before we generate revenue sufficient to fully support such expenses. In addition, we expect operating expenses to continue to increase in absolute dollars to support our anticipated growth. Accordingly, our ability to sustain profitability will depend in part on the rate of growth, if any, of our revenue and on the level of our expenses, and if revenue does not grow as anticipated, we may not be able to maintain annual or quarterly profitability. Any significant delays in the commercial launch of our products, unfavorable sales trends in our existing product lines, or impacts from the other factors mentioned above, could adversely affect our future revenue growth or cause a sequential decline in quarterly revenue. In addition, non-cash share-based compensation expense and expenses related to prior and future acquisitions are also likely to continue to adversely affect our future profitability. Due to the possibility of significant fluctuations in our revenue and expenses, particularly from quarter to quarter, we believe that quarterly comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance. If our operating results fluctuate or do not meet the expectations of stock market analysts and investors, our stock price could decline.

From time to time, we receive large orders that have a significant effect on our operating results in the period in which the order is recognized as revenue. The timing of such orders is difficult to predict, and the timing of revenue recognition from such orders may affect period-to-period changes in net sales. As a result, our operating results could vary materially from quarter-to-quarter based on the receipt of such orders and their ultimate recognition as revenue.

We may not be able to convert our order backlog into revenue.

Our backlog consists of orders believed to be firm as of the balance sheet date. However, we may allow customers to make product substitutions as we launch new products. We may not receive revenue from some of these orders, and the order backlog we report may not be indicative of our future revenue. Many events can cause an order to be delayed or not completed at all, some of which may be out of our control. If we delay fulfilling customer orders, or if customers reconsider their orders, those customers may seek to cancel or modify their orders with us. Customers may otherwise seek to cancel or delay their orders even if we are prepared to fulfill them. If our orders in backlog do not result in sales, our operating results may suffer.

Disruption of critical information technology systems or material breaches in the security of our systems could have an adverse effect on our operations, business, customer relations, and financial condition.

Information technology (IT) systems help us operate efficiently, interface with customers, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency, and accurately produce our consolidated financial statements. IT systems are used extensively in virtually all aspects of our business, including product manufacturing and supply chain, sales forecast, order fulfillment and billing, customer service, logistics, and management of financial reports and data. Our success depends, in part, on the continued and uninterrupted performance of our IT systems. IT systems may be vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, power loss, natural disasters, human acts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks, unauthorized access to customer or employee data or company trade secrets, and other attempts to harm our systems. Certain of our systems are not redundant, and our disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for every eventuality. Despite any precautions we may take, such problems could result in, among other consequences, disruption of our operations, which could harm our reputation and financial results.

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If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper IT infrastructure, we could be subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, business disruptions, or the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breach. If our data management systems do not effectively collect, store, process, and report relevant data for the operation of our business, whether due to equipment malfunction or constraints, software deficiencies, or human error, our ability to effectively plan, forecast, and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations will be impaired. Any such impairment could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the timeliness with which we report our internal and external operating results.

As we continuously adjust our work-flow and business practices and add additional functionality to our enterprise resource planning software and other software applications, problems could arise that we have not foreseen, including interruptions in service, loss of data, or reduced functionality. Such problems could adversely impact our ability to provide quotes, take customer orders, and otherwise run our business in a timely manner. In addition, if our new systems fail to provide accurate and increased visibility into pricing and cost structures, it may be difficult to improve or maximize our profit margins. As a result, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Changes in accounting standards and subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results or financial condition.

Generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business, such as revenue recognition, asset impairment and fair value determinations, inventories, business combinations and intangible asset valuations, and litigation, are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments. In particular, accounting rules related to companies that we form together with, or that receive substantial funding from, third-party investors, such as Helix, are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates, or judgments could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance or financial condition.

Ethical, legal, and social concerns related to the use of genetic information could reduce demand for our products or services.

Our products may be used to provide genetic information about humans, agricultural crops, other food sources, and other living organisms. The information obtained from our products could be used in a variety of applications, which may have underlying ethical, legal, and social concerns regarding privacy and the appropriate uses of the resulting information, including preimplantation genetic screening of embryos, prenatal genetic testing, genetic engineering or modification of agricultural products, or testing genetic predisposition for certain medical conditions, particularly for those that have no known cure. Governmental authorities could, for social or other purposes, call for limits on or regulation of the use of genetic testing or prohibit testing for genetic predisposition to certain conditions, particularly for those that have no known cure. Similarly, such concerns may lead individuals to refuse to use genetics tests, even if permissible. These and other ethical, legal, and social concerns about genetic testing may limit market acceptance of our technology for certain applications or reduce the potential markets for our technology, either of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Conversion of our outstanding convertible notes may result in losses.

As of December 30, 2018, we had $633 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes due 2019, $517 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes due 2021, and $750 million aggregate principle amount of convertible notes due 2023 outstanding. The notes are convertible into cash, and if applicable, shares of our common stock under certain circumstances, including trading price conditions related to our common stock. Upon conversion, we are required to record a gain or loss for the difference between the fair value of the notes to be extinguished and their corresponding net carrying value. The fair value of the notes to be extinguished depends on our current incremental borrowing rate. The net carrying value of our notes has an implicit interest rate of 2.9% with respect to convertible notes due 2019, 3.5% with respect to convertible notes due 2021, and 3.7% with respect to convertible notes due 2023. If our incremental borrowing rate at the time of conversion is lower than the implied interest rate of the notes, we will record a loss in our consolidated statement of income during the period in which the notes are converted.

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Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include anti-takeover provisions that may make it difficult for another company to acquire control of us or limit the price investors might be willing to pay for our stock.

Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could delay the removal of incumbent directors and could make it more difficult to successfully complete a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving us. Our Certificate of Incorporation has provisions that give our Board the ability to issue preferred stock and determine the rights and designations of the preferred stock at any time without stockholder approval. The rights of the holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock. In addition, the staggered terms of our board of directors could have the effect of delaying or deferring a change in control.

In addition, certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL), including Section 203 of the DGCL, may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in the control or management of Illumina. Section 203 of the DGCL provides, with certain exceptions, for waiting periods applicable to business combinations with stockholders owning at least 15% and less than 85% of the voting stock (exclusive of stock held by directors, officers, and employee plans) of a company.

The above factors may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or otherwise delaying or preventing changes in the control or management of Illumina, including transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium over the fair market value of our common stock.


ITEM 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.


ITEM 2.	Properties.

The following table summarizes the facilities we leased as of December 30, 2018, including the location and size of each principal facility, and their designated use. We believe our facilities are adequate for our current and near-term needs, and we will be able to locate additional facilities, as needed.



Location	Approximate Square Feet	Operation	Lease Expiration Dates
San Diego, CA	1,195,000	R&D, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Distribution, and Administrative	2019 – 2031
San Francisco Bay Area, CA	501,000	R&D, Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Administrative	2020 – 2033
Singapore	395,000	R&D, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Distribution, and Administrative	2020 – 2025
Cambridge, United Kingdom	263,000	R&D, Manufacturing, and Administrative	2019 – 2039
Madison, WI	205,000	R&D, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Distribution, and Administrative	2019 – 2033
Eindhoven, the Netherlands	42,000	Distribution and Administrative	2020
Other*	86,000	Administrative	2019 – 2023

________________

*Excludes approximately 48,000 square feet for which the leases do not commence until 2019 and beyond.


ITEM 3.	Legal Proceedings.

See discussion of legal proceedings in note “7. Legal Proceedings” in Part II, Item 8 of this report, which is incorporated by reference herein.


ITEM 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART II


ITEM 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

Our common stock has been quoted on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ILMN” since July 28, 2000. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the quarterly high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market.



	2018				2017
	High		Low		High		Low
First Quarter	$	256.64	$	207.51	$	174.32	$	128.16
Second Quarter	$	293.15	$	225.82	$	189.48	$	167.16
Third Quarter	$	372.61	$	274.66	$	214.34	$	167.98
Fourth Quarter	$	371.91	$	271.00	$	230.72	$	198.21

Stock Performance Graph

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder returns on our common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total stockholder returns on the NASDAQ Composite Index, the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, and the S&P 500 Index for the same period. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 29, 2013 in our common stock and in each index and that all dividends were reinvested. No cash dividends have been declared on our common stock. Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.

Compare 5-Year Cumulative Total Return among Illumina, NASDAQ Composite Index,

NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, and S&P 500 Index

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Holders

As of February 8, 2019, we had 147 record holders of our common stock.

Dividends

We have never paid cash dividends and have no present intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The indentures for our convertible senior notes due in 2019, 2021 and 2023, which are convertible into cash and, in certain circumstances, shares of our common stock, require us to increase the conversion rate applicable to the notes if we pay any cash dividends.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

On May 4, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to repurchase $250 million of outstanding common stock. On May 1, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized an additional share repurchase program to repurchase $150 million of outstanding common stock. The repurchases may be completed under a 10b5-1 plan or at management’s discretion. The following table summarizes shares repurchased pursuant to these programs during the three months ended December 30, 2018 (in thousands, except for price per share):



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs
October 1, 2018 - October 28, 2018	—	$	—	—	$	147,270
October 29, 2018 - November 25, 2018	164	$	310.45	164	$	96,280
November 26, 2018 - December 30, 2018	147	$	319.52	147	$	49,420
Total	311	$	314.73	311	$	49,420

___________

(1) All shares purchased during the three months ended December 30, 2018 were made in open-market transactions.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

None during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2018.

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ITEM 6.	Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data for each of our last five fiscal years during the period ended December 30, 2018. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Statement of Income Data



	Years Ended
	December 30, 2018 (52 weeks)		December 31, 2017 (52 weeks)		January 1, 2017 (52 weeks)		January 3, 2016 (53 weeks)		December 28, 2014 (52 weeks)
	(In millions, except per share data)
Total revenue	$	3,333	$	2,752	$	2,398	$	2,220	$	1,861
Income from operations	$	883	$	606	$	587	$	613	$	515
Consolidated net income	$	782	$	678	$	428	$	458	$	353
Net income attributable to Illumina stockholders	$	826	$	726	$	463	$	462	$	353
Net income attributable to Illumina stockholders for earnings per share	$	826	$	725	$	454	$	462	$	353
Earnings per share attributable to Illumina stockholders:
Basic	$	5.63	$	4.96	$	3.09	$	3.19	$	2.61
Diluted	$	5.56	$	4.92	$	3.07	$	3.10	$	2.37
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	147		146		147		145		136
Diluted	149		148		148		149		149

Certain amounts may not recalculate using the rounded amounts provided.

Balance Sheet Data



	December 30, 2018		December 31, 2017		January 1, 2017		January 3, 2016		December 28, 2014
	(In millions)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	3,512	$	2,145	$	1,559	$	1,386	$	1,338
Total assets	$	6,959	$	5,257	$	4,281	$	3,688	$	3,340
Short-term debt	$	1,107	$	10	$	2	$	75	$	304
Long-term debt	$	890	$	1,182	$	1,056	$	1,016	$	987
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	61	$	220	$	44	$	33	—
Total stockholders’ equity	$	3,845	$	2,749	$	2,270	$	1,849	$	1,463


ITEM 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) will help readers understand our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flow. It is provided in addition to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. This MD&A is organized as follows:


•	Business Overview and Outlook. High level discussion of our operating results and significant known trends that affect our business.


•	Results of Operations. Detailed discussion of our revenues and expenses.


•	Liquidity and Capital Resources. Discussion of key aspects of our consolidated statements of cash flows, changes in our financial position, and our financial commitments.

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•	Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.


•	Contractual Obligations. Tabular disclosure of known contractual obligations as of December 30, 2018.


•	Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. Discussion of significant changes we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments underlying our consolidated financial statements.


•	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. Summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our consolidated financial statements.

This MD&A discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Item 1 of this report for additional factors relating to such statements. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this report for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may occur in future periods.

Business Overview and Outlook

This overview and outlook provides a high-level discussion of our operating results and significant known trends that affect our business. We believe that an understanding of these trends is important to understanding our financial results for the periods being reported herein as well as our future financial performance. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to be a substitute for the detailed discussion and analysis provided elsewhere in this report.

About Illumina

We have two reportable segments: Illumina’s core operations (Core Illumina) and one segment related to the activities of our Consolidated VIEs. Our Consolidated VIEs currently include only the operations of Helix, whereas prior to the GRAIL deconsolidation on February 28, 2017, our Consolidated VIEs included the combined operations of Helix and GRAIL. For information on Helix and GRAIL, refer to note “2. Balance Sheet Account Details” and note “10. Segment Information and Geographic Data” in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Our focus on innovation has established us as the global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging segments.

Our customers include a broad range of academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other leading institutions around the globe.

Our comprehensive line of products addresses the scale of experimentation and breadth of functional analysis to advance disease research, drug development, and the development of molecular tests. This portfolio of leading-edge sequencing and array-based solutions addresses a range of genomic complexity and throughput, enabling researchers and clinical practitioners to select the best solution for their scientific challenge.

Financial Overview

Consolidated financial highlights include the following:


•	Revenue increased 21% in 2018 to $3.3 billion compared to $2.8 billion in 2017 due to the growth in sales of our consumables, services, and instruments, primarily driven by increases in sequencing. We expect our revenue to continue to increase in 2019.

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•

Gross profit as a percentage of revenue (gross margin) was 69.0% in 2018 compared to 66.4% in 2017. The gross margin increase was primarily driven by an increase in consumables as a percentage of total revenue, which generate higher gross margins, and the impairment of an acquired intangible asset and inventory reserves related to product transitions that were recorded in 2017. Our gross margin in future periods will depend on several factors, including: market conditions that may impact our pricing; sales mix changes among consumables, instruments, and services; product mix changes between established products and new products; excess and obsolete inventories; royalties; our cost structure for manufacturing operations relative to volume; and product support obligations.


•	Income from operations as a percentage of revenue increased to 26.5% in 2018 compared to 22.0% in 2017 primarily due to increased revenue, improved gross margins, and a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. We expect our operating expenses to continue to grow on an absolute basis.

•

Our effective tax rate was 12.5% and 35.0% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. In 2018, the U.S. federal statutory rate was reduced from 35% to 21%. In 2018, the variance from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily impacted by the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom, and excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation, offset partially by the tax expense associated with updating prior year estimates of the impact of U.S. Tax Reform.

Our future effective tax rate may vary from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate due to the mix of earnings in tax jurisdictions with different statutory tax rates and the other factors discussed in the risk factor “We are subject to risks related to taxation in multiple jurisdictions” in Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this report. We may also be adversely impacted in the future if the tax court opinion regarding the exclusion of stock compensation from cost-sharing charges is overturned. We anticipate that our future effective tax rate will remain lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% due to the portion of our earnings that will be subject to lower statutory tax rates.


•	We ended 2018 with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $3.5 billion, of which approximately $487 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries.

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Results of Operations

To enhance comparability, the following table sets forth audited consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and January 1, 2017, stated as a percentage of total revenue.



	2018		2017		2016
Revenue:
Product revenue	82.5	%	83.2	%	84.7	%
Service and other revenue	17.5		16.8		15.3
Total revenue	100.0		100.0		100.0
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product revenue	22.1		24.7		22.3
Cost of service and other revenue	7.8		7.6		6.4
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	1.1		1.3		1.8
Total cost of revenue	31.0		33.6		30.5
Gross profit	69.0		66.4		69.5
Operating expense:
Research and development	18.7		19.8		21.0
Selling, general and administrative	23.8		24.6		24.4
Legal contingencies	—		—		(0.4	)
Total operating expense	42.5		44.4		45.0
Income from operations	26.5		22.0		24.5
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1.3		0.7		0.4
Interest expense	(1.7	)	(1.3	)	(1.4	)
Other income (expense), net	0.7		16.5		(0.1	)
Total other income (expense), net	0.3		15.9		(1.1	)
Income before income taxes	26.8		37.9		23.4
Provision for income taxes	3.3		13.3		5.6
Consolidated net income	23.5		24.6		17.8
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1.3		1.8		1.5
Net income attributable to Illumina stockholders	24.8	%	26.4	%	19.3	%

Percentages may not recalculate due to rounding.

Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to December 31, with quarters of 13 or 14 weeks ending the Sunday closest to March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 were all 52 weeks.

Revenue



	2018 - 2017								2017 - 2016
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2017		Change		% Change		2016		Change		% Change
Consumables	$	2,156	$	1,753	$	403	23	%	$	1,543	$	210	14	%
Instruments	569		515		54		10		469		46		10
Other product	24		21		3		14		20		1		5
Total product revenue	2,749		2,289		460		20		2,032		257		13
Service and other revenue	584		463		121		26		366		97		27
Total revenue	$	3,333	$	2,752	$	581	21	%	$	2,398	$	354	15	%

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Other product revenue consists primarily of freight. Service and other revenue consists primarily of sequencing and genotyping service revenue as well as instrument service contract revenue. Total revenue primarily relates to Core Illumina for all periods presented.

2018 Compared to 2017

The increase in consumables revenue in 2018 was primarily due to a $338 million increase in sequencing consumables revenue driven primarily by growth in the instrument installed base. Instruments revenue increased in 2018 primarily due to a $48 million increase in sequencing instruments revenue driven by increased shipments of our NovaSeq and NextSeq instruments, partially offset by fewer shipments of our HiSeq instrument. Service and other revenue increased in 2018 as a result of increased revenue from sequencing services, co-development agreements, and genotyping services.

2017 Compared to 2016

The increase in consumables revenue in 2017 was primarily due to a $197 million increase in sequencing consumables revenue driven by growth in the sequencing instrument installed base. Instruments revenue increased in 2017 primarily due to a $34 million increase in sequencing instruments revenue due to shipments of our NovaSeq instrument introduced in Q1 2017, partially offset by lower shipments of our HiSeq and HiSeq X instruments. The increase in service and other revenue in 2017 was driven by revenue from genotyping services and extended instrument service contracts associated with a larger sequencing installed base.

Gross Margin



	2018 - 2017										2017 - 2016
(Dollars in millions)	2018			2017			Change		% Change		2016			Change		% Change
Gross profit	$	2,300		$	1,826		$	474	26	%	$	1,666		$	160	10	%
Gross margin	69.0		%	66.4		%					69.5		%

2018 Compared to 2017

The gross margin increase in 2018 was driven primarily by an increase in consumables as a percentage of total revenue, which generate higher gross margins, and an $18 million impairment of an acquired intangible asset and inventory reserves related to product transitions that were recorded in 2017.

2017 Compared to 2016

The gross margin decrease in 2017 was driven by a variety of factors, including an $18 million impairment of an acquired intangible asset, an increase in lower-margin array services mix, inventory reserves related to product transitions, and lower instrument margin from the NovaSeq introduction.

Operating Expense



	2018 - 2017								2017 - 2016
(Dollars in millions)	2018		2017		Change		% Change		2016			Change		% Change
Research and development	$	623	$	546	$	77	14	%	$	504		$	42	8	%
Selling, general and administrative	794		674		120		18		584			90		15
Legal contingencies	—		—		—		—		(9		)	9		(100	)
Total operating expense	$	1,417	$	1,220	$	197	16	%	$	1,079		$	141	13	%

2018 Compared to 2017

Core Illumina R&D expense increased by $78 million, or 15%, primarily due to increased headcount, as we continue to invest in the research and development of new products and enhancements to existing products, and an increase in performance-based compensation. R&D expense of our Consolidated VIEs decreased by $1 million, primarily due to the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017, partially offset by the growth in Helix’s operations.

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Core Illumina SG&A expense increased by $125 million, or 20%, primarily due to increased headcount and investments in facilities to support the continued growth and scale of our operations, and an increase in performance-based compensation. SG&A expense of our Consolidated VIEs decreased by $5 million primarily due to the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017, partially offset by the growth of Helix's operations.

2017 Compared to 2016

Core Illumina R&D expense increased by $58 million, or 13%, primarily due to increased headcount as we continue to invest in the research and development of new products and enhancements to existing products. R&D expense of our Consolidated VIEs decreased by $16 million, primarily due to the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017, partially offset by growth in Helix’s operations.

Core Illumina SG&A expense increased by $73 million, or 13%, primarily due to increased headcount and facilities investments to support the continued growth and scale of our operations. SG&A expense of our Consolidated VIEs increased by $17 million due to marketing expenses related to Helix’s July 2017 platform launch and increased headcount, as well as performance-based compensation related to the GRAIL Series B financing. These results were partially offset by the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017.

Legal contingencies in 2016 represented a reversal of previously recorded expense related to the settlement of patent litigation.

Other Income (Expense), Net



	2018 - 2017											2017 - 2016
(Dollars in millions)	2018			2017			Change			% Change		2016			Change			% Change
Interest income	$	44		$	19		$	25		132	%	$	10		$	9		90	%
Interest expense	(57		)	(37		)	(20		)	54		(33		)	(4		)	12
Other income (expense), net	24			455			(431		)	(95	)	(3		)	458			(15,267	)
Total other income (expense), net	$	11		$	437		$	(426	)	(97	)%	$	(26	)	$	463		(1,781	)%

Other income (expense), net primarily relates to Core Illumina for all periods presented.

2018 Compared to 2017

Interest income increased in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of higher yields on our investments and higher cash and cash-equivalent balances. Interest expense consisted primarily of accretion of discount on our convertible senior notes and interest recorded on our financing obligations related to our build-to-suit properties. Other income (expense), net, in 2018, consisted primarily of mark-to-market adjustments and impairments from our strategic investments. Other income (expense), net decreased in 2018 primarily due to a $453 million gain recorded on the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017.

2017 Compared to 2016

Interest income increased in 2017 compared to 2016 as a result of higher yields on our investments and higher savings and money market balances. Interest expense consisted primarily of accretion of discount on our convertible senior notes. Other income (expense), net increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a $453 million gain recorded on the deconsolidation of GRAIL in Q1 2017 and an increase in net foreign exchange gains.

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Provision for Income Taxes



	2018 - 2017											2017 - 2016
(Dollars in millions)	2018			2017			Change			% Change		2016			Change		% Change
Income before income taxes	$	894		$	1,043		$	(149	)	(14	)%	$	561		$	482	86	%
Provision for income taxes	112			365			(253		)	(69	)	133			232		174
Consolidated net income	$	782		$	678		$	104		15	%	$	428		$	250	58	%
Effective tax rate	12.5		%	35.0		%						23.7		%

2018 Compared to 2017

In 2018, the U.S. federal statutory rate was reduced from 35% to 21%. In 2018, the variance from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily impacted by the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom, and excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation, offset partially by the $11 million tax expense associated with updating prior year estimates of the impact of U.S. Tax Reform. In 2017, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory rates from the U.S. federal statutory rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom, and excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. Such impacts were offset primarily by the provisional estimated impact of U.S. Tax Reform of $150 million. The impact of U.S. Tax Reform primarily represented our provisional estimate of the one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and the impact of revaluing our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the statutory rates at which they are expected to be recognized in the future, which for federal purposes was reduced from 35% to 21%.

2017 Compared to 2016

In 2017, the effective tax rate was equivalent to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% and was primarily impacted by the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom, and excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. Such impacts were offset primarily by the provisional estimated impact of U.S. Tax Reform of $150 million. The impact of U.S. Tax Reform primarily represented our provisional estimates of the one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and the impact of revaluing our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the statutory rates at which they are expected to be recognized in the future, which for federal purposes was reduced from 35% to 21%. In 2016, the variance from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% was primarily attributable to the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with lower statutory rates from the U.S. federal statutory rate, such as in Singapore and the United Kingdom, partially offset by the tax impact associated with the investment in our consolidated variable interest entities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 30, 2018, we had approximately $1.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately $487 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Cash and cash equivalents held by Helix as of December 30, 2018 were $24 million. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $81 million from last year due to the factors described in the “Cash Flow Summary” below. Our primary source of liquidity, other than our holdings of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, has been cash flows from operations and, from time to time, issuances of debt. Our ability to generate cash from operations provides us with the financial flexibility we need to meet operating, investing, and financing needs. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest the historical earnings of our foreign subsidiaries generated prior to 2017. As of December 30, 2018, we asserted that $63 million of foreign earnings would not be indefinitely reinvested.

Historically, we have liquidated our short-term investments and/or issued debt and equity securities to finance our business needs as a supplement to cash provided by operating activities. As of December 30, 2018, we had $2.4 billion in short-term investments, including $103 million held by Helix. Our short-term investments are predominantly comprised of marketable securities consisting of U.S government-sponsored entities, corporate debt securities, and U.S. Treasury securities.

In August 2018, we issued convertible senior notes due 2023 (2023 Notes) with an aggregate principal amount of $750 million. The net proceeds from the issuance, after deducting the offering expenses payable by us, were $735 million. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repurchase $103 million of our common stock concurrently with the offering. The 2023 Notes mature on August 15, 2023 and were not convertible as of December 30, 2018.

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Our convertible senior notes due in 2019 and 2021 became convertible, at the option of the holders, on October 1, 2018 and continued to be convertible through December 31, 2018. However, effective January 1, 2019, these convertible senior notes were no longer convertible. Regardless, the notes due in 2019 become convertible at any time on or after March 15, 2019 until June 13, 2019 and mature on June 15, 2019. It is our intent and policy to settle conversions of the notes through combination settlement; this involves repayment of an amount of cash equal to the principal amount and delivery of the excess of conversion value over the principal amount in shares of common stock.

We anticipate that our current cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, together with cash provided by operating activities, are sufficient to fund our near-term capital and operating needs for at least the next 12 months, including the pending acquisition of PacBio for a price of approximately $1.2 billion in cash, as described above. Operating needs include the planned costs to operate our business, including amounts required to fund working capital and capital expenditures. Our primary short-term needs for capital, which are subject to change, include:


•	support of commercialization efforts related to our current and future products, including expansion of our direct sales force and field support resources both in the United States and abroad;


•	acquisitions of equipment and other fixed assets for use in our current and future manufacturing and research and development facilities;


•	the continued advancement of research and development efforts;


•	potential strategic acquisitions and investments;


•	repayment of debt obligations;


•	the expansion needs of our facilities, including costs of leasing and building out additional facilities; and


•	repurchases of our outstanding common stock.

Authorizations to repurchase $49 million of our common stock remained available as of December 30, 2018. On February 6, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program, which supersedes all prior and available repurchase authorizations, to repurchase $550 million of outstanding common stock. The repurchases may be completed under a 10b5-1 plan or at management’s discretion.

Certain noncontrolling Helix investors may require Illumina to redeem certain noncontrolling interests in cash at the then approximate redemption fair market value. Such redemption right is exercisable at the option of certain noncontrolling interest holders after January 1, 2021, provided that a bona fide pursuit of the sale of Helix has occurred and an initial public offering of Helix has not been completed. The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests related to Helix as of December 30, 2018 was $61 million.

We had $69 million remaining in our capital commitment to a venture capital investment fund as of December 30, 2018.

We expect that our revenue and the resulting operating income, as well as the status of each of our new product development programs, will significantly impact our cash management decisions.

Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of our available funds will depend on many factors, including:


•	our ability to successfully commercialize and further develop our technologies and create innovative products in our markets;


•	scientific progress in our research and development programs and the magnitude of those programs;


•	competing technological and market developments; and


•	the need to enter into collaborations with other companies or acquire other companies or technologies to enhance or complement our product and service offerings.

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Cash Flow Summary



(In millions)	2018			2017			2016
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1,142		$	875		$	779
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,813		)	(214		)	(515		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	594			(176		)	(296		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(4		)	5			(2		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(81	)	$	490		$	(34	)

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2018 primarily consisted of net income of $782 million plus net adjustments of $378 million, partially offset by net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $18 million. The primary non-cash adjustments to net income included share-based compensation of $193 million, depreciation and amortization expenses of $179 million, accretion of debt discount of $41 million, partially offset by deferred income taxes of $18 million. Cash flow impact from changes in net operating assets and liabilities were primarily driven by increases in accounts receivable and inventory, partially offset by increases in accrued liabilities and accounts payable.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2017 primarily consisted of net income of $678 million and net changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $195 million. We also had $2 million in net non-cash adjustments to net income, consisting of a gain on deconsolidation of GRAIL of $453 million, depreciation and amortization expenses of $156 million, share-based compensation of $164 million, deferred income taxes of $81 million, impairment of intangible assets of $23 million, and accretion of debt discount of $30 million. Cash flow impact from changes in net operating assets and liabilities were primarily driven by an increase in other long-term liabilities of $160 million related primarily to estimated taxes associated with the U.S. Tax Reform as well as increases in accrued liabilities, partially offset by increases in inventory and accounts receivable.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2016 consisted of net income of $428 million plus net adjustments of $396 million partially offset by net changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $45 million. The primary non-cash expenses added back to net income included depreciation and amortization expenses of $141 million, share-based compensation of $129 million, deferred income taxes of $94 million, and accretion of debt discount of $30 million. Cash flow impact from changes in net operating assets and liabilities were primarily driven by an increase in inventory and a decrease in accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1,813 million in 2018. We purchased $2,859 million of available-for-sale securities and $1,457 million of our available-for-sale securities matured or were sold during the period. We paid net cash of $100 million for acquisitions and $15 million for strategic investments. We also invested $296 million in capital expenditures, primarily associated with our investment in facilities.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $214 million in 2017. We purchased $742 million of available-for-sale securities and $643 million of our available-for-sale securities matured or were sold during the period. We received $278 million from the sale of a portion of our ownership interest in GRAIL. In connection with the sale, we removed $52 million in cash from our consolidated balance sheet as a result of the deconsolidation. We paid $29 million for strategic investments and invested $310 million in capital expenditures primarily associated with our investment in facilities.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $515 million in 2016. We purchased $895 million of available-for-sale securities and $683 million of our available-for-sale securities matured or were sold during the period. We also paid net cash of $18 million for acquisitions, $14 million for strategic investments, $11 million for intangibles, and invested $260 million in capital expenditures primarily associated with facilities, and the purchase of manufacturing, research and development equipment.

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Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $594 million in 2018. We received $735 million in proceeds from the issuance of $750 million in principal amount of our convertible senior notes due 2023, net of issuance costs. We also received $46 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options and the sale of shares under our employee stock purchase plan. We used $201 million to repurchase our common stock and $74 million to pay taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards. Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners were $92 million. Additionally, $4 million was used by Helix to repay financing obligations.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $176 million in 2017. We used $251 million to repurchase our common stock and $68 million to pay taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards. We received $71 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options and the sale of shares under our employee stock purchase plan. Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners were $79 million. Additionally, $9 million was used by Helix to repay financing obligations.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $296 million in 2016. We used $100 million to pay taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards, $29 million to pay acquisition-related contingent consideration and $249 million to repurchase our common stock. We used $66 million to repay financing obligations and received $47 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options and the sale of shares under our employee stock purchase plan. Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners were $89 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not participate in any transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, we were not involved in any “off-balance sheet arrangements” within the meaning of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations represent future cash commitments and liabilities under agreements with third parties and exclude orders for goods and services entered into in the normal course of business that are not enforceable or legally binding. The following table represents our contractual obligations as of December 30, 2018, aggregated by type (in millions):



	Payments Due by Period(1)
			Less Than						More Than
Contractual Obligation	Total		1 Year		1 – 3 Years		3 – 5 Years		5 Years
Debt obligations(2)	$	1,910	$	636	$	524	$	750	$	—
Operating leases	745		59		125		122		439
Build-to-suit leases	283		18		42		44		179
Purchase obligations(3)	113		93		20		—		—
U.S. Tax Reform transition tax(4)	108		—		14		55		39
Amounts due under executive deferred compensation plan	33		33		—		—		—
Total	$	3,192	$	839	$	725	$	971	$	657

_______________________________________

(1)

The table excludes $88 million of uncertain tax positions, $61 million of redeemable noncontrolling interest, $69 million of capital commitments for our venture capital investment fund, and the approximately $1.2 billion purchase price for the pending acquisition of PacBio, as the timing and amounts of settlement remained uncertain as of December 30, 2018. See note “8. Income Taxes,” note “2. Balance Sheet Account Details,” and note “3. Intangible Assets, Goodwill, and Acquisitions” in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.


(2)	Debt obligations include the principal amount of our convertible senior notes due 2019, 2021, and 2023, as well as interest payments to be made under the notes. Although these notes mature in 2019, 2021, and 2023, respectively, they may be converted into cash and shares of our common stock prior to maturity if certain conditions are met. Any

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conversion prior to maturity can result in repayments of the principal amounts sooner than the scheduled repayments as indicated in the table. See note “5. Debt and Other Commitments” in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion.


(3)	In the normal course of business, we enter into agreements to purchase goods or services that are not cancelable without penalty, primarily related to licensing and supply arrangements. See note “5. Debt and Other Commitments” in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion.


(4)	U.S. Tax Reform transition tax includes the remaining portion of the one-time tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries which we elected to pay in installments in accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, market and other conditions, and various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, the estimation process is, by its nature, uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. If market and other conditions change from those that we anticipate, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates, or take other corrective actions, either of which may also have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the following critical accounting policies and estimates have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant judgments. In addition, had we used estimates different from any of these, our consolidated financial statements could have been materially different from those presented. Members of our senior management have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates, and our disclosure regarding them, with the audit committee of our board of directors. Our accounting policies are more fully described in note “1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue is generated primarily from the sale of products and services. Product revenue primarily consists of sales of instruments and consumables used in genetic analysis. Service and other revenue primarily consists of revenue generated from genotyping and sequencing services and instrument service contracts.

We recognize revenue when control of our products and services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive from our customers in exchange for those products and services. This process involves identifying the contract with a customer, determining the performance obligations in the contract, determining the contract price, allocating the contract price to the distinct performance obligations in the contract, and recognizing revenue when the performance obligations have been satisfied. A performance obligation is considered distinct from other obligations in a contract when it provides a benefit to the customer either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer and is separately identified in the contract. We consider a performance obligation satisfied once we have transferred control of a good or service to the customer, meaning the customer has the ability to use and obtain the benefit of the good or service.

Revenue from product sales is recognized generally upon delivery to the end customer, which is when control of the product is deemed to be transferred. Invoicing typically occurs upon shipment and payment is typically due within 60 days from invoice. In instances where right of payment or transfer of title is contingent upon the customer’s acceptance of the product, revenue is deferred until all acceptance criteria have been met. Revenue from instrument service contracts is recognized as the services are rendered, typically evenly over the contract term. Revenue from genotyping and sequencing services is recognized when earned, which is generally at the time the genotyping or sequencing analysis data is made available to the customer.

Revenue is recorded net of discounts, distributor commissions, and sales taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities. Employee sales commissions are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses when incurred as the amortization period for such costs, if capitalized, would have been one year or less.

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We regularly enter into contracts with multiple performance obligations. Revenue recognition for contracts with multiple deliverables is based on the separate satisfaction of each distinct performance obligation within the contract. Most performance obligations are generally satisfied within a short time frame, approximately three to six months, after the contract execution date.

The contract price is allocated to each performance obligation in proportion to its standalone selling price. We determine our best estimate of standalone selling price using average selling prices over a rolling 12-month period coupled with an assessment of current market conditions. If the product or service has no history of sales or if the sales volume is not sufficient, we rely upon prices set by management, adjusted for applicable discounts.

In certain markets, products and services are sold to customers through distributors. In most sales through distributors, the product is delivered directly to customers by us. The terms of sales transactions through distributors are consistent with the terms of direct sales to customers.

Investments

We invest in various types of securities, including debt securities in government-sponsored entities, corporate debt securities, U.S. Treasury securities and equity securities. As of December 30, 2018, we had $2.4 billion in short-term investments, including $103 million held by Helix. We classify our investments as Level 1, 2, or 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets that we have the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for the asset.

As discussed in note “4. Fair Value Measurements” in Part II, Item 8 of this report, approximately half of our security holdings have been classified as Level 2. These securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued utilizing a third-party service provider who assesses the fair value using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures. We perform certain procedures to corroborate the fair value of these holdings, and in the process, we apply judgment and estimates that if changed, could significantly affect our statement of financial positions.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. We regularly analyze customer accounts, review the length of time receivables are outstanding, review historical loss rates and assess current economic trends that may impact the level of credit losses in the future. Our allowance for doubtful accounts has generally been adequate to cover our actual credit losses. However, since we cannot reliably predict future changes in the financial stability of our customers, we may need to increase our reserves if the financial conditions of our customers deteriorate.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. We regularly review inventory for excess and obsolete products and components, taking into account product life cycles, quality issues, historical experience, and usage forecasts. We record write-downs of inventory for potentially excess, obsolete, or impaired goods in order to state inventory at net realizable value. We make assumptions about future demand, market conditions, and the release of new products that may supersede old ones. However, if actual market conditions are less favorable than anticipated, additional inventory write-downs could be required.

Contingencies

We are involved in various lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including actions with respect to intellectual property, employment, and contractual matters. In connection with these matters, we assess, on a regular basis, the probability and range of possible loss based on the developments in these matters. A liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements if it is believed to be probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. We regularly review outstanding legal matters to determine the adequacy of the liabilities accrued and related disclosures in consideration of many factors, which include, but

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are not limited to, past history, scientific and other evidence, and the specifics and status of each matter. We may change our estimates if our assessment of the various factors changes and the amount of ultimate loss may differ from our estimates, resulting in a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows.

Business Combinations

Under the acquisition method of accounting, we allocate the fair value of the total consideration transferred to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The fair values assigned, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants, are based on estimates and assumptions determined by management. These valuations require us to make significant estimates and assumptions. We record the excess consideration over the aggregate fair value of tangible and intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed, as goodwill.

Management typically uses the discounted cash flow method to value our acquired intangible assets. This method requires significant management judgment to forecast future operating results and establish residual growth rates and discount factors. The estimates we use to value and amortize intangible assets are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business and are based on available historical information and industry estimates and averages. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, we could experience impairment charges. In addition, we have estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If our estimates of the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be accelerated or slowed.

Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets — Impairment Assessments

We perform regular reviews to determine if the carrying values of our long-lived assets are impaired. A review of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets is performed when an event occurs indicating the potential for impairment. If indicators of impairment exist, we assess the recoverability of the affected long-lived assets and compare their fair values to the respective carrying amounts.

In order to estimate the fair value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets, we estimate the present value of future cash flows from those assets. The key assumptions that we use in our discounted cash flow model are the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows to be generated by the asset over an extended period of time and a rate of return that considers the relative risk of achieving the cash flows, the time value of money, and other factors that a willing market participant would consider. Significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of future cash flows and the relative risk of achieving those cash flows.

Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. For example, if our future operating results do not meet current forecasts or if we experience a sustained decline in our market capitalization that is determined to be indicative of a reduction in fair value of our reporting units, we may be required to record future impairment charges for purchased intangible assets. Impairment charges could materially decrease our future net income and result in lower asset values on our balance sheet.

Share-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments based on estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of stock purchases under our employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) option-pricing model. The fair value of our restricted stock units is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

The determination of fair value of share-based awards requires the use of certain estimates and highly judgmental assumptions that affect the amount of share-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated statements of income. These include estimates of the expected volatility of our stock price, expected life of an award, expected dividends, the risk-free interest rate, and forecast of our future financial performance, in the case of performance stock units. We determine the volatility of our stock price by equally weighing the historical and implied volatility of our common stock. The historical volatility of our common stock over the most recent period is generally commensurate with the volatility we project over the estimated expected life of our stock awards, adjusted for the impact of unusual fluctuations not reasonably expected to recur, and other relevant factors. Implied volatility is calculated from the implied market volatility of exchange-traded call options on our common stock. The expected life of an award is based on historical forfeiture experience, exercise activity, and on the

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terms and conditions of the stock awards. We determined expected dividend yield to be 0% given we have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and we currently do not anticipate paying such cash dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based upon U.S. Treasury securities with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the share-based awards. We update our forecast of future financial performance periodically, which impacts our estimate of the number of shares to be issued pursuant to the outstanding performance stock units. We amortize the fair value of share-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards. If any of the assumptions used change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially from what we have recorded in the current period.

Warranties

We generally provide a one-year warranty on instruments. Additionally, we provide a warranty on consumables through the expiration date, which generally ranges from six to twelve months after the manufacture date. We establish an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical experience as well as anticipated product performance. We periodically review the adequacy of our warranty reserve, and adjust, if necessary, the warranty percentage and accrual based on actual experience and estimated costs to be incurred. If our estimates of warranty obligation change or if actual product performance is below our expectations, we may incur additional warranty expense.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect our best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations in the United States and the numerous foreign jurisdictions where we are subject to income tax are required in determining our provision for income taxes. Changes in tax laws, statutory tax rates, and estimates of our future taxable income could impact the deferred tax assets and liabilities provided for in the consolidated financial statements and would require an adjustment to the provision for income taxes.

Deferred tax assets are regularly assessed to determine the likelihood they will be recovered from future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established when we believe it is more likely than not the future realization of all or some of a deferred tax asset will not be achieved. In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence. Factors reviewed include the cumulative pre-tax book income for the past three years, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, our history of earnings and reliability of our forecasts, projections of pre-tax book income over the foreseeable future, and the impact of any feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.

We recognize the impact of a tax position in our consolidated financial statements only if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Tax authorities regularly examine our returns in the jurisdictions in which we do business and we regularly assess the tax risk of our return filing positions. Due to the complexity of some of the uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in payments that are materially different from our current estimate of the tax liability. These differences, as well as any interest and penalties, will be reflected in the provision for income taxes in the period in which they are determined.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our consolidated financial statements see note “1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

Our investment portfolio is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. The fair market value of fixed-rate securities may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in interest rates while income earned on floating rate securities may decline as a result of decreases in interest rates. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. We attempt to ensure the safety and preservation of our invested principal funds by limiting default risk, market risk, and reinvestment risk. We mitigate default risk by investing in investment-grade securities. We have historically maintained a relatively short average maturity for our investment portfolio, and we believe a hypothetical 100 basis point adverse move in interest rates along the entire interest rate yield curve would not materially affect the fair value of our interest-sensitive financial instruments.

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Changes in interest rates may impact gains or losses from the conversion of our outstanding convertible senior notes. In June 2014, we issued $633 million aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due 2019 (2019 Notes) and $517 million aggregate principal amount of 0.5% convertible senior notes due 2021 (2021 Notes). In August 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due 2023 (2023 Notes). At our election, the notes are convertible into cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock under certain circumstances, including trading price conditions related to our common stock. If the trading price of our common stock reaches a price at 130% above the conversion price, the notes become convertible. Upon conversion, we are required to record a gain or loss for the difference between the fair value of the debt to be extinguished and its corresponding net carrying value. The fair value of the debt to be extinguished depends on our then-current incremental borrowing rate. If our incremental borrowing rate at the time of conversion is higher or lower than the implied interest rate of the notes, we will record a gain or loss in our consolidated statement of income during the period in which the notes are converted. The implicit interest rates for the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Notes were 2.9%, 3.5%, and 3.7%, respectively. An incremental borrowing rate that is a hypothetical 100 basis points lower than the implicit interest rate upon conversion of $100 million aggregate principal amount of each of the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Notes would result in losses of approximately $1 million, $2 million, and $4 million, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We conduct a portion of our business in currencies other than our U.S. dollar functional currency. These transactions give rise to monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The value of these monetary assets and liabilities are subject to changes in currency exchange rates from the time the transactions are originated until settlement in cash. Our foreign currency exposures are primarily concentrated in the euro, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and Canadian dollar. Both realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of these monetary assets and liabilities are included in the determination of net income.

We use forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risks related to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We only use derivative financial instruments to reduce foreign currency exchange rate risks; we do not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We primarily use forward exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency exposures, and they generally have terms of one month or less. Realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of financial contracts entered into to hedge the exchange rate exposure of these monetary assets and liabilities are also included in the determination of net income, as they have not been designated for hedge accounting. These contracts, which settle monthly, effectively fix the exchange rate at which these specific monetary assets and liabilities will be settled, so that gains or losses on the forward contracts offset the gains or losses from changes in the value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities. As of December 30, 2018, the total notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts in place for foreign currency purchases was $122 million.

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ITEM 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	42
Consolidated Balance Sheets	43
Consolidated Statements of Income	44
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	45
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	46
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	47
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	48

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Illumina, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Illumina, Inc. (the Company) as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 11, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-09

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based payment transactions in 2017 due to the adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, effective January 2, 2017.

Adoption of ASU No. 2014-09

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for recognizing revenue as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the amendments in ASUs 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12 effective January 1, 2018.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1998.

San Diego, California

February 11, 2019

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ILLUMINA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except par value)



	December 30, 2018			December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,144		$	1,225
Short-term investments	2,368			920
Accounts receivable, net	514			411
Inventory	386			333
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	78			91
Total current assets	4,490			2,980
Property and equipment, net	1,075			931
Goodwill	831			771
Intangible assets, net	185			175
Deferred tax assets, net	70			88
Other assets	308			312
Total assets	$	6,959		$	5,257
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	184		$	160
Accrued liabilities	513			432
Build-to-suit lease liability	—			144
Long-term debt, current portion	1,107			10
Total current liabilities	1,804			746
Long-term debt	890			1,182
Other long-term liabilities	359			360
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	61			220
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10 million shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 320 million shares authorized; 192 million shares issued and 147 million outstanding at December 30, 2018; 191 million shares issued and 147 million outstanding at December 31, 2017	2			2
Additional paid-in capital	3,290			2,833
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1		)	(1		)
Retained earnings	3,083			2,256
Treasury stock, 45 million shares and 44 million shares at cost at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	(2,616		)	(2,341		)
Total Illumina stockholders’ equity	3,758			2,749
Noncontrolling interests	87			—
Total stockholders’ equity	3,845			2,749
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	6,959		$	5,257

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ILLUMINA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share amounts)



	Years Ended
	December 30, 2018			December 31, 2017			January 1, 2017
Revenue:
Product revenue	$	2,749		$	2,289		$	2,032
Service and other revenue	584			463			366
Total revenue	3,333			2,752			2,398
Cost of revenue:
Cost of product revenue	738			679			534
Cost of service and other revenue	260			208			155
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	35			39			43
Total cost of revenue	1,033			926			732
Gross profit	2,300			1,826			1,666
Operating expense:
Research and development	623			546			504
Selling, general and administrative	794			674			584
Legal contingencies	—			—			(9		)
Total operating expense	1,417			1,220			1,079
Income from operations	883			606			587
Other income (expense):
Interest income	44			19			10
Interest expense	(57		)	(37		)	(33		)
Other income (expense), net	24			455			(3		)
Total other income (expense), net	11			437			(26		)
Income before income taxes	894			1,043			561
Provision for income taxes	112			365			133
Consolidated net income	782			678			428
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	44			48			35
Net income attributable to Illumina stockholders	$	826		$	726		$	463
Net income attributable to Illumina stockholders for earnings per share	$	826		$	725		$	454
Earnings per share attributable to Illumina stockholders:
Basic	$	5.63		$	4.96		$	3.09
Diluted	$	5.56		$	4.92		$	3.07
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	147			146			147
Diluted	149			148			148

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ILLUMINA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)



	Years Ended
	December 30, 2018		December 31, 2017		January 1, 2017
Consolidated net income	$	782	$	678	$	428
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities, net of deferred tax	—		—		(1		)
Total consolidated comprehensive income	782		678		427
Add: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	44		48		35
Comprehensive income attributable to Illumina stockholders	$	826	$	726	$	462

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ILLUMINA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In millions)



	Illumina Stockholders
				Additional			Accumulated Other													Total
	Common Stock			Paid-In			Comprehensive			Retained		Treasury Stock					Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital			Loss			Earnings		Shares		Amount			Interests			Equity
Balance as of January 3, 2016	187	$	2	$	2,498		$	—		$	1,022	(40	)	$	(1,673	)	$	—		$	1,849
Net income (loss)	—	—		—			—			463		—		—			(14		)	449
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax	—	—		—			(1		)	—		—		—			—			(1		)
Issuance of common stock, net of repurchases	2	—		47			—			—		(3	)	(349		)	—			(302		)
Share-based compensation	—	—		129			—			—		—		—			—			129
Net incremental tax benefit related to share-based compensation	—	—		87			—			—		—		—			—			87
Adjustment to the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—	—		(21		)	—			—		—		—			—			(21		)
Vesting of redeemable equity awards	—	—		(2		)	—			—		—		—			—			(2		)
Issuance of subsidiary shares in business combination	—	—		2			—			—		—		—			—			2
Issuance of treasury stock	—	—		3			—			—		—		—			—			3
Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners	—	—		—			—			—		—		—			80			80
Proceeds from early exercise of equity awards from a subsidiary	—	—		—			—			—		—		—			7			7
Tax impact of deemed dividend from GRAIL	—	—		(10		)	—			—		—		—			—			(10		)
Balance as of January 1, 2017	189	2		2,733			(1		)	1,485		(43	)	(2,022		)	73			2,270
Net income (loss)	—	—		—			—			726		—		—			(7		)	719
Issuance of common stock, net of repurchases	2	—		71			—			—		(1	)	(319		)	—			(248		)
Share-based compensation	—	—		164			—			—		—		—			—			164
Adjustment to the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—	—		(136		)	—			—		—		—			—			(136		)
Vesting of redeemable equity awards	—	—		(13		)	—			—		—		—			—			(13		)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	—	—		3