UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________
(Mark One)
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-35551
__________________________
FACEBOOK, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________
Delaware 20-1665019
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California 94025
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)
(650) 543-4800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
__________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, $0.000006 par value The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Title of each class) (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
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 ¨ No x
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 (Exchange Act) 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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§
232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth
company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth 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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2018 , the last business day of the registrant's most recently
completed second fiscal quarter, was $486 billion based upon the closing price reported for such date on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
On January 28, 2019 , the registrant had 2,385,533,940 shares of Class A common stock and 468,455,860 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to
the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31,
2018 .
FACEBOOK, INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Note About Forward-Looking Statements 3
Limitations of Key Metrics and Other Data 4
PART I
Item 1.
Business
5
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
8
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
30
Item 2. Properties
30
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
30
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
30
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
31
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
33
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
35
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
54
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
55
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
84
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
84
Item 9B. Other Information
84
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
85
Item 11. Executive Compensation
85
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
85
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
85
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
85
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
86
Signatures
2
NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All
statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future results of operations
and financial position, our business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may,"
"will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these
forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition,
results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to
predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to
differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and
trends discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in
the forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given
these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, the terms "Facebook," "company," "we," "us," and "our" in this document refer to Facebook,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, and, where appropriate, its wholly owned subsidiaries. The term "Facebook" may also refer to our products, regardless of the manner
in which they are accessed. For references to accessing Facebook on the "web" or via a "website," such terms refer to accessing Facebook on personal computers.
For references to accessing Facebook on "mobile," such term refers to accessing Facebook via a mobile application or via a mobile-optimized version of our
website such as m.facebook.com, whether on a mobile phone or tablet.
3
LIMITATIONS OF KEY METRICS AND OTHER DATA
The numbers for our key metrics, which include our daily active users (DAUs), monthly active users (MAUs), and average revenue per user (ARPU), are
calculated using internal company data based on the activity of user accounts. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable estimates of our
user base for the applicable period of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring usage of our products across large online and mobile populations
around the world. In addition, we are continually seeking to improve our estimates of our user base, and such estimates may change due to improvements or
changes in our methodology.
We regularly evaluate these metrics to estimate the number of "duplicate" and "false" accounts among our MAUs. A duplicate account is one that a user
maintains in addition to his or her principal account. We divide "false" accounts into two categories: (1) user-misclassified accounts, where users have created
personal profiles for a business, organization, or non-human entity such as a pet (such entities are permitted on Facebook using a Page rather than a personal profile
under our terms of service); and (2) undesirable accounts, which represent user profiles that we determine are intended to be used for purposes that violate our
terms of service, such as spamming. The estimates of duplicate and false accounts are based on an internal review of a limited sample of accounts, and we apply
significant judgment in making this determination. For example, to identify duplicate accounts we use data signals such as similar IP addresses or user names, and
to identify false accounts we look for names that appear to be fake or other behavior that appears inauthentic to the reviewers. Our estimates may change as our
methodologies evolve, including through the application of new data signals or technologies, which may allow us to identify previously undetected duplicate or
false accounts and may improve our ability to evaluate a broader population of our users. Duplicate and false accounts are very difficult to measure at our scale,
and it is possible that the actual number of duplicate and false accounts may vary significantly from our estimates.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11% of our worldwide MAUs. We believe the
percentage of duplicate accounts is meaningfully higher in developing markets such as the Philippines and Vietnam, as compared to more developed markets. In
the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that false accounts may have represented approximately 5% of our worldwide MAUs. Our estimation of false accounts can
vary as a result of episodic spikes in the creation of such accounts, which we have seen originate more frequently in specific countries such as Indonesia and
Vietnam. From time to time, we may make product changes or take other actions to reduce the number of duplicate or false accounts among our users, which may
also reduce our DAU and MAU estimates in a particular period.
Our data limitations may affect our understanding of certain details of our business. For example, while user-provided data indicates a decline in usage
among younger users, this age data is unreliable because a disproportionate number of our younger users register with an inaccurate age. Accordingly, our
understanding of usage by age group may not be complete.
In addition, our data regarding the geographic location of our users is estimated based on a number of factors, such as the user's IP address and self-
disclosed location. These factors may not always accurately reflect the user's actual location. For example, a user may appear to be accessing Facebook from the
location of the proxy server that the user connects to rather than from the user's actual location. The methodologies used to measure user metrics may also be
susceptible to algorithm or other technical errors. Our estimates for revenue by user location and revenue by user device are also affected by these factors.
We regularly review our processes for calculating these metrics, and from time to time we may discover inaccuracies in our metrics or make adjustments to
improve their accuracy, including adjustments that may result in the recalculation of our historical metrics. We believe that any such inaccuracies or adjustments
are immaterial unless otherwise stated. We intend to disclose our estimates of the number of duplicate and false accounts among our MAUs on an annual basis. In
addition, our DAU and MAU estimates will differ from estimates published by third parties due to differences in methodology.
The numbers of DAUs and MAUs discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as ARPU, do not include Instagram, WhatsApp, or Oculus users
unless they would otherwise qualify as such users, respectively, based on their other activities on Facebook.
In addition, other user engagement metrics included herein do not include Instagram, WhatsApp, or Oculus unless otherwise specifically stated.
4
PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
Our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.
Our top priority is to build useful and engaging products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal
computers, and other surfaces. We also help people discover and learn about what is going on in the world around them, enable people to share their opinions,
ideas, photos and videos, and other activities with audiences ranging from their closest friends to the public at large, and stay connected everywhere by accessing
our products, including:
• Facebook.Facebook enables people to connect, share, discover, and communicate with each other on mobile devices and personal computers. There
are a number of different ways to engage with people on Facebook, including News Feed which displays an algorithmically-ranked series of stories
and advertisements individualized for each person.
• Instagram.Instagram brings people closer to the people and things they love. It is a community for sharing photos, videos, and messages, and enables
people to discover interests that they care about.
• Messenger. Messenger is a simple yet powerful messaging application for people to connect with friends, family, groups and businesses across
platforms and devices.
• WhatsApp.WhatsApp is a simple, reliable and secure messaging application that is used by people and businesses around the world to communicate
in a private way.
• Oculus.Our hardware, software, and developer ecosystem allows people around the world to come together and connect with each other through our
Oculus virtual reality (VR) products.
We generate substantially all of our revenue from selling advertising placements to marketers. Our ads enable marketers to reach people based on a variety
of factors including age, gender, location, interests, and behaviors. Marketers purchase ads that can appear in multiple places including on Facebook, Instagram,
Messenger, and third-party applications and websites.
We are also investing in other consumer hardware products and a number of longer-term initiatives, such as connectivity efforts, artificial intelligence (AI),
and augmented reality, to develop technologies that we believe will help us better serve our mission to give people the power to build community and bring the
world closer together.
Competition
Our business is characterized by innovation, rapid change, and disruptive technologies. We compete with companies that sell advertising, as well as with
companies that provide social, media, and communication products and services that are designed to engage users on the web, mobile devices and online generally.
We face significant competition in every aspect of our business, including from companies that facilitate communication and the sharing of content and
information, companies that enable marketers to display advertising, companies that distribute video and other forms of media content, and companies that provide
development platforms for applications developers. We compete to attract, engage, and retain people who use our products, to attract and retain marketers, and to
attract and retain developers to build compelling mobile and web applications that integrate with our products.
We also compete with the following:
• Companies that offer products across broad platforms that replicate capabilities we provide. For example, among other areas, we compete with Apple
in messaging, Google and YouTube in advertising and video, Tencent in messaging and social media, and Amazon in advertising.
• Companies that provide regional social networks, many of which have strong positions in particular countries.
• Traditional, online, and mobile businesses that provide media for marketers to reach their audiences and/or develop tools and systems for managing
and optimizing advertising campaigns.
• Companies that develop and deliver consumer hardware and virtual reality products and services.
As we introduce or acquire new products, as our existing products evolve, or as other companies introduce new products and services, we may become
subject to additional competition.
5
Technology
Our product development philosophy is centered on continuous innovation in creating and improving products that are social by design, which means that
our products are designed to place people and their social interactions at the core of the product experience. As our user base grows, as engagement with products
like video increases, and as we deepen our investment in new technologies like AI, our computing needs continue to expand. We make significant investments in
technology both to improve our existing products and services and to develop new ones, as well as for our marketers and developers. We are also investing in
protecting the security and integrity of our platform by investing in both people and technology to strengthen our systems against abuse.
Sales and Operations
The majority of our marketers use our self-service ad platform to launch and manage their advertising campaigns. We also have a global sales force that is
focused on attracting and retaining advertisers and providing support to them throughout the stages of the marketing cycle from pre-purchase decision-making to
real-time optimizations to post-campaign analytics. We work directly with these advertisers, as well as through advertising agencies and resellers. We operate more
than 60 offices around the globe, the majority of which have a sales presence. We also invest in and rely on self-service tools to provide direct customer support to
our users and partners.
Marketing
To date, our communities have grown organically with people inviting their friends to connect with them, supported by internal efforts to stimulate
awareness and interest. In addition, we have invested and will continue to invest in marketing our products and services to grow our brand and help build
community around the world.
Intellectual Property
To establish and protect our proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, including know-how, license
agreements, confidentiality procedures, non-disclosure agreements with third parties, employee disclosure and invention assignment agreements, and other
contractual rights. In addition, to further protect our proprietary rights, from time to time we have purchased patents and patent applications from third parties. We
do not believe that our proprietary technology is dependent on any single patent or copyright or groups of related patents or copyrights. We believe the duration of
our patents is adequate relative to the expected lives of our products.
Government Regulation
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business. Many of these laws and
regulations are still evolving and being tested in courts, and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. These may involve privacy, data protection
and personal information, rights of publicity, content, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, data security, data retention and deletion, electronic
contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, telecommunications, product liability, taxation, economic or other
trade prohibitions or sanctions, securities law compliance, and online payment services. In particular, we are subject to federal, state, and foreign laws regarding
privacy and protection of people's data. Foreign data protection, privacy, content, competition, and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or
be more restrictive than those in the United States. U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties
in addition to government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of
these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industry in which we operate, and may be interpreted and applied
inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with our current policies and practices.
Proposed or new legislation and regulations could also significantly affect our business. For example, the European General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) took effect in May 2018 and applies to all of our products and services used by people in Europe. The GDPR includes operational requirements for
companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union that are different from those previously in place in the European Union, and
includes significant penalties for non-compliance. Similarly, there are a number of legislative proposals in the European Union, the United States, at both the
federal and state level, as well as other jurisdictions that could impose new obligations in areas affecting our business, such as liability for copyright infringement.
In addition, some countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data
or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.
We are and expect to continue to be the subject of investigations, inquiries, data requests, actions, and audits by government authorities and regulators in the
United States, Europe, and around the world, particularly in the areas of privacy, data protection, law enforcement, consumer protection, and competition, as we
continue to grow and expand our operations. We are currently, and may in the future be, subject to regulatory orders or consent decrees. Orders issued by, or
inquiries or enforcement actions initiated by,
6
government or regulatory authorities could cause us to incur substantial costs, expose us to unanticipated civil and criminal liability or penalties (including
substantial monetary fines), or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially adverse to our business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018 , we had 35,587 employees.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in Delaware in July 2004. We completed our initial public offering in May 2012 and our Class A common stock is listed on The
Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "FB." Our principal executive offices are located at 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, and our
telephone number is (650) 543-4800.
Facebook, the Facebook logo, FB, the Like button, Instagram, Oculus, WhatsApp, and our other registered or common law trademarks, service marks, or
trade names appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of Facebook, Inc. or its affiliates. Other trademarks, service marks, or trade names
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Available Information
Our website address is www.facebook.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and
amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), are filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file or furnish reports, proxy statements,
and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are available free of charge on our website at investor.fb.com
when such reports are available on the SEC's website. We use our investor.fb.com and newsroom.fb.com websites as well as Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook Page
(https://www.facebook.com/zuck) as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically
with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The contents of the websites referred to above are not incorporated into this filing. Further, our references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be
inactive textual references only.
7
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should consider carefully the risks and
uncertainties described below, in addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and
related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we
currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business,
financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our Class A common
stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Ifwefailtoretainexistingusersoraddnewusers,orifourusersdecreasetheirlevelofengagementwithourproducts,ourrevenue,financialresults,and
businessmaybesignificantlyharmed.
The size of our user base and our users' level of engagement are critical to our success. Our financial performance has been and will continue to be
significantly determined by our success in adding, retaining, and engaging active users of our products, particularly for Facebook and Instagram. We anticipate that
our active user growth rate will generally decline over time as the size of our active user base increases, and it is possible that the size of our active user base may
fluctuate or decline in one or more markets, particularly in markets where we have achieved higher penetration rates. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2017,
we experienced a slight decline on a quarter-over-quarter basis in the number of daily active users on Facebook in the United States & Canada region. If people do
not perceive our products to be useful, reliable, and trustworthy, we may not be able to attract or retain users or otherwise maintain or increase the frequency and
duration of their engagement. A number of other social networking companies that achieved early popularity have since seen their active user bases or levels of
engagement decline, in some cases precipitously. There is no guarantee that we will not experience a similar erosion of our active user base or engagement levels.
Our user engagement patterns have changed over time, and user engagement can be difficult to measure, particularly as we introduce new and different products
and services. Any number of factors could potentially negatively affect user retention, growth, and engagement, including if:
• users increasingly engage with other competitive products or services;
• we fail to introduce new features, products or services that users find engaging or if we introduce new products or services, or make changes to
existing products and services, that are not favorably received;
• users feel that their experience is diminished as a result of the decisions we make with respect to the frequency, prominence, format, size, and quality
of ads that we display;
• users have difficulty installing, updating, or otherwise accessing our products on mobile devices as a result of actions by us or third parties that we
rely on to distribute our products and deliver our services;
• user behavior on any of our products changes, including decreases in the quality and frequency of content shared on our products and services;
• we are unable to continue to develop products for mobile devices that users find engaging, that work with a variety of mobile operating systems and
networks, and that achieve a high level of market acceptance;
• there are decreases in user sentiment due to questions about the quality or usefulness of our products or our user data practices, or concerns related to
privacy and sharing, safety, security, well-being, or other factors;
• we are unable to manage and prioritize information to ensure users are presented with content that is appropriate, interesting, useful, and relevant to
them;
• we are unable to obtain or attract engaging third-party content;
• we are unable to successfully maintain or grow usage of and engagement with mobile and web applications that integrate with Facebook and our
other products;
• users adopt new technologies where our products may be displaced in favor of other products or services, or may not be featured or otherwise
available;
• there are changes mandated by legislation, regulatory authorities, or litigation that adversely affect our products or users;
• there is decreased engagement with our products, or failure to accept our terms of service, as part of changes that we implemented in connection with
the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, other similar changes that
8
we implemented in the United States and around the world, or other changes we may implement in the future in connection with other regulations,
regulatory actions or otherwise;
• technical or other problems prevent us from delivering our products in a rapid and reliable manner or otherwise affect the user experience, such as
security breaches or failure to prevent or limit spam or similar content;
• we adopt terms, policies, or procedures related to areas such as sharing, content, user data, or advertising that are perceived negatively by our users or
the general public;
• we elect to focus our product decisions on longer-term initiatives that do not prioritize near-term user growth and engagement;
• we make changes in how we promote different products and services across our family of apps;
• initiatives designed to attract and retain users and engagement are unsuccessful or discontinued, whether as a result of actions by us, third parties, or
otherwise;
• third-party initiatives that may enable greater use of our products, including low-cost or discounted data plans, are discontinued;
• there is decreased engagement with our products as a result of taxes imposed on the use of social media or other mobile applications in certain
countries, or other actions by governments that may affect the accessibility of our products in their countries;
• we fail to provide adequate customer service to users, marketers, developers, or other partners;
• we, developers whose products are integrated with our products, or other partners and companies in our industry are the subject of adverse media
reports or other negative publicity, including as a result of our or their user data practices; or
• our current or future products, such as our development tools and application programming interfaces that enable developers to build, grow, and
monetize mobile and web applications, reduce user activity on our products by making it easier for our users to interact and share on third-party
mobile and web applications.
If we are unable to maintain or increase our user base and user engagement, our revenue and financial results may be adversely affected. Any decrease in
user retention, growth, or engagement could render our products less attractive to users, marketers, and developers, which is likely to have a material and adverse
impact on our revenue, business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our active user growth rate continues to slow, we will become increasingly
dependent on our ability to maintain or increase levels of user engagement and monetization in order to drive revenue growth.
We generate substantially all of our revenue from advertising. The loss of marketers, or reduction in spending by marketers, could seriously harm our
business.
Substantially all of our revenue is currently generated from third parties advertising on Facebook and Instagram. As is common in the industry, our
marketers do not have long-term advertising commitments with us. Many of our marketers spend only a relatively small portion of their overall advertising budget
with us. Marketers will not continue to do business with us, or they will reduce the budgets they are willing to commit to us, if we do not deliver ads in an effective
manner, or if they do not believe that their investment in advertising with us will generate a competitive return relative to other alternatives. We have recently
implemented, and we may continue to implement, changes to our user data practices. Some of these changes will reduce marketers’ ability to effectively target
their ads, which has to some extent adversely affected, and will continue to adversely affect, our advertising business. If we are unable to provide marketers with a
suitable return on investment, the pricing of our ads may not increase, or may decline, in which case our revenue and financial results may be harmed.
Our advertising revenue could also be adversely affected by a number of other factors, including:
• decreases in user engagement, including time spent on our products;
• our inability to continue to increase user access to and engagement with our products;
• product changes or inventory management decisions we may make that change the size, format, frequency, or relative prominence of ads displayed
on our products or of other unpaid content shared by marketers on our products;
• our inability to maintain or increase marketer demand, the pricing of our ads, or both;
9
• our inability to maintain or increase the quantity or quality of ads shown to users, including as a result of technical infrastructure constraints;
• user behavior or product changes that may reduce traffic to features or products that we successfully monetize, including as a result of our efforts to
promote the Stories format or increased usage of our messaging products;
• reductions of advertising by marketers due to our efforts to implement advertising policies that protect the security and integrity of our platform;
• changes to third-party policies that limit our ability to deliver or target advertising;
• the availability, accuracy, utility, and security of analytics and measurement solutions offered by us or third parties that demonstrate the value of our
ads to marketers, or our ability to further improve such tools;
• loss of advertising market share to our competitors, including if prices to purchase our ads increase or if competitors offer lower priced, more
integrated or otherwise more effective products;
• adverse government actions or legal developments relating to advertising, including legislative and regulatory developments and developments in
litigation;
• decisions by marketers to reduce their advertising as a result of adverse media reports or other negative publicity involving us, our user data
practices, our advertising metrics or tools, content on our products, developers with mobile and web applications that are integrated with our
products, or other companies in our industry;
• reductions of advertising by marketers due to objectionable content published on our products by third parties, questions about our user data
practices, concerns about brand safety, or uncertainty regarding their own legal and compliance obligations;
• the effectiveness of our ad targeting or degree to which users opt out of certain types of ad targeting, including as a result of product changes and
controls that we implemented in connection with the GDPR, other similar changes that we implemented in the United States and around the world, or
other product changes or controls we may implement in the future, whether in connection with other regulations, regulatory actions or otherwise, that
impact our ability to target ads;
• the degree to which users cease or reduce the number of times they engage with our ads;
• changes in the way advertising on mobile devices or on personal computers is measured or priced;
• changes in the composition of our marketer base or our inability to maintain or grow our marketer base; and
• the impact of macroeconomic conditions, whether in the advertising industry in general, or among specific types of marketers or within particular
geographies.
The occurrence of any of these or other factors could result in a reduction in demand for our ads, which may reduce the prices we receive for our ads, or
cause marketers to stop advertising with us altogether, either of which would negatively affect our revenue and financial results.
10
Ourusergrowth, engagement, andmonetizationon mobile devicesdepend upon effective operation with mobile operating systems, networks, technologies,
products,andstandardsthatwedonotcontrol.
The substantial majority of our revenue is generated from advertising on mobile devices. There is no guarantee that popular mobile devices will continue to
feature Facebook or our other products, or that mobile device users will continue to use our products rather than competing products. We are dependent on the
interoperability of Facebook and our other products with popular mobile operating systems, networks, technologies, products, and standards that we do not control,
such as the Android and iOS operating systems and mobile browsers. Any changes, bugs, or technical issues in such systems, or changes in our relationships with
mobile operating system partners, handset manufacturers, browser developers, or mobile carriers, or in their terms of service or policies that degrade our products'
functionality, reduce or eliminate our ability to distribute our products, give preferential treatment to competitive products, limit our ability to deliver, target, or
measure the effectiveness of ads, or charge fees related to the distribution of our products or our delivery of ads could adversely affect the usage of Facebook or
our other products and monetization on mobile devices. For example, Apple recently released an update to its Safari browser that limits the use of third-party
cookies, which reduces our ability to provide the most relevant ads to our users and impacts monetization. Additionally, in order to deliver high quality mobile
products, it is important that our products work well with a range of mobile technologies, products, systems, networks, and standards that we do not control, and
that we have good relationships with handset manufacturers, mobile carriers and browser developers. We may not be successful in maintaining or developing
relationships with key participants in the mobile ecosystem or in developing products that operate effectively with these technologies, products, systems, networks,
or standards. In the event that it is more difficult for our users to access and use Facebook or our other products on their mobile devices, or if our users choose not
to access or use Facebook or our other products on their mobile devices or use mobile products that do not offer access to Facebook or our other products, our user
growth and user engagement could be harmed. From time to time, we may also take actions regarding the distribution of our products or the operation of our
business based on what we believe to be in our long-term best interests. Such actions may adversely affect our users and our relationships with the operators of
mobile operating systems, handset manufacturers, mobile carriers, browser developers, or other business partners, and there is no assurance that these actions will
result in the anticipated long-term benefits. In the event that our users are adversely affected by these actions or if our relationships with such third parties
deteriorate, our user growth, engagement, and monetization could be adversely affected and our business could be harmed.
Ourbusinessishighlycompetitive.Competitionpresentsanongoingthreattothesuccessofourbusiness.
We compete with companies that sell advertising, as well as with companies that provide social, media, and communication products and services that are
designed to engage users on the web, mobile devices and online generally. We face significant competition in every aspect of our business, including from
companies that facilitate communication and the sharing of content and information, companies that enable marketers to display advertising, companies that
distribute video and other forms of media content, and companies that provide development platforms for applications developers. We compete with companies
that offer products across broad platforms that replicate capabilities we provide. For example, among other areas, we compete with Apple in messaging, Google
and YouTube in advertising and video, Tencent in messaging and social media, and Amazon in advertising. We also compete with companies that provide regional
social networks, many of which have strong positions in particular countries. Some of our competitors may be domiciled in different countries and subject to
political, legal, and regulatory regimes that enable them to compete more effectively than us. In addition, we face competition from traditional, online, and mobile
businesses that provide media for marketers to reach their audiences and/or develop tools and systems for managing and optimizing advertising campaigns. We
also compete with companies that develop and deliver consumer hardware and virtual reality products and services.
Some of our current and potential competitors may have greater resources or stronger competitive positions in certain product segments, geographic regions,
or user demographics than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to respond more effectively than us to new or emerging technologies and changes in
market conditions. We believe that some users, particularly younger users, are aware of and actively engaging with other products and services similar to, or as a
substitute for, Facebook products and services, and we believe that some users have reduced their use of and engagement with our products and services in favor of
these other products and services. In the event that users increasingly engage with other products and services, we may experience a decline in use and engagement
in key user demographics or more broadly, in which case our business would likely be harmed.
Our competitors may develop products, features, or services that are similar to ours or that achieve greater acceptance, may undertake more far-reaching and
successful product development efforts or marketing campaigns, or may adopt more aggressive pricing policies. In addition, developers whose mobile and web
applications are integrated with Facebook or our other products may use information shared by our users through our products in order to develop products or
features that compete with us. Some competitors may gain a competitive advantage against us in areas where we operate, including: by making acquisitions; by
limiting our ability to deliver, target, or measure the effectiveness of ads; by imposing fees or other charges related to our delivery of ads; by making access to our
products more difficult or impossible; by making it more difficult to communicate with our users; or by integrating competing platforms, applications, or features
into products they control such as mobile device operating systems, search engines, browsers, or e-commerce platforms. For example, each of Apple and Google
have integrated competitive products with iOS and Android, respectively. As a result, our competitors may acquire and engage users or generate advertising or
other revenue at the
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expense of our own efforts, which may negatively affect our business and financial results. In addition, from time to time, we may take actions in response to
competitive threats, but we cannot assure you that these actions will be successful or that they will not negatively affect our business and financial results.
We believe that our ability to compete effectively depends upon many factors both within and beyond our control, including:
• the popularity, usefulness, ease of use, performance, and reliability of our products compared to our competitors' products;
• the size and composition of our user base;
• the engagement of users with our products and competing products;
• the timing and market acceptance of products, including developments and enhancements to our or our competitors' products;
• our safety and security efforts and our ability to protect user data and to provide users with control over their data;
• our ability to distribute our products to new and existing users;
• our ability to monetize our products;
• the frequency, size, format, quality, and relative prominence of the ads displayed by us or our competitors;
• customer service and support efforts;
• marketing and selling efforts, including our ability to measure the effectiveness of our ads and to provide marketers with a compelling return on their
investments;
• our ability to establish and maintain developers' interest in building mobile and web applications that integrate with Facebook and our other products;
• our ability to establish and maintain publisher interest in integrating their content with Facebook and our other products;
• changes mandated by legislation, regulatory authorities, or litigation, some of which may have a disproportionate effect on us;
• acquisitions or consolidation within our industry, which may result in more formidable competitors;
• our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees, particularly software engineers, designers, and product managers;
• our ability to cost-effectively manage and grow our operations; and
• our reputation and brand strength relative to those of our competitors.
If we are not able to compete effectively, our user base and level of user engagement may decrease, we may become less attractive to developers and
marketers, and our revenue and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
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ActionsbygovernmentsthatrestrictaccesstoFacebookorourotherproductsintheircountries,orthatotherwiseimpairourabilitytoselladvertisingintheir
countries,couldsubstantiallyharmourbusinessandfinancialresults.
Governments of one or more countries in which we operate from time to time seek to censor content available on Facebook or our other products in their
country, restrict access to our products from their country entirely, or impose other restrictions that may affect the accessibility of our products in their country for
an extended period of time or indefinitely. For example, user access to Facebook and certain of our other products has been or is currently restricted in whole or in
part in China, Iran, and North Korea. In addition, government authorities in other countries may seek to restrict user access to our products if they consider us to be
in violation of their laws or a threat to public safety or for other reasons, and certain of our products have been restricted by governments in other countries from
time to time. It is possible that government authorities could take action that impairs our ability to sell advertising, including in countries where access to our
consumer-facing products may be blocked or restricted. For example, we generate meaningful revenue from a limited number of resellers representing advertisers
based in China. In the event that content shown on Facebook or our other products is subject to censorship, access to our products is restricted, in whole or in part,
in one or more countries, or other restrictions are imposed on our products, or our competitors are able to successfully penetrate new geographic markets or capture
a greater share of existing geographic markets that we cannot access or where we face other restrictions, our ability to retain or increase our user base, user
engagement, or the level of advertising by marketers may be adversely affected, we may not be able to maintain or grow our revenue as anticipated, and our
financial results could be adversely affected.
Ournewproductsandchangestoexistingproductscouldfailtoattractorretainusersorgeneraterevenueandprofits.
Our ability to retain, increase, and engage our user base and to increase our revenue depends heavily on our ability to continue to evolve our existing
products and to create successful new products, both independently and in conjunction with developers or other third parties. We may introduce significant changes
to our existing products or acquire or introduce new and unproven products, including using technologies with which we have little or no prior development or
operating experience. For example, we do not have significant experience with consumer hardware products or virtual or augmented reality technology, which may
adversely affect our ability to successfully develop and market these products and technologies, and we will incur increased costs in connection with the
development and marketing of such products and technologies. In addition, the introduction of new products, or changes to existing products, may result in new or
enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny or other complications that could adversely affect our business and financial results. We have also invested, and
expect to continue to invest, significant resources in growing our WhatsApp and Messenger products. We have historically monetized messaging in only a very
limited fashion, and we may not be successful in our efforts to generate meaningful revenue from messaging over the long term. If these or other new or enhanced
products fail to engage users, marketers, or developers, or if our business plans are unsuccessful, we may fail to attract or retain users or to generate sufficient
revenue, operating margin, or other value to justify our investments, and our business may be adversely affected.
Wemakeproductandinvestmentdecisionsthatmaynotprioritizeshort-termfinancialresultsandmaynotproducethelong-termbenefitsthatweexpect.
We frequently make product and investment decisions that may not prioritize short-term financial results if we believe that the decisions are consistent with
our mission and benefit the aggregate user experience and will thereby improve our financial performance over the long term. For example, we have recently
implemented, and we may continue to implement, changes to our user data practices. Some of these changes will reduce marketers’ ability to effectively target
their ads, which has to some extent adversely affected, and will continue to adversely affect, our advertising business. Similarly, we previously announced changes
to our News Feed ranking algorithm to help our users have more meaningful interactions, and these changes have had, and we expect will continue to have, the
effect of reducing time spent and some measures of user engagement with Facebook, which could adversely affect our financial results. From time to time, we may
also change the size, frequency, or relative prominence of ads in order to improve ad quality and overall user experience. In addition, we have made, and we expect
to continue to make, other changes to our products which may adversely affect the distribution of content of publishers, marketers, and developers, and could
reduce their incentive to invest in their efforts on Facebook. We also may introduce new features or other changes to existing products, or introduce new stand-
alone products, that attract users away from properties, formats, or use cases where we have more proven means of monetization. For example, we plan to continue
to promote the Stories format, which is becoming increasingly popular for sharing content across our products, but our advertising efforts with this format are still
under development and we do not currently monetize Stories at the same rate as News Feed. In addition, as we focus on growing users and engagement across our
family of apps, it is possible that these efforts may from time to time reduce engagement with one or more products and services in favor of other products or
services that we monetize less successfully or that are not growing as quickly. These decisions may adversely affect our business and results of operations and may
not produce the long-term benefits that we expect.
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Ifwearenotabletomaintainandenhanceourbrands,ourabilitytoexpandourbaseofusers,marketers,anddevelopersmaybeimpaired,andourbusiness
andfinancialresultsmaybeharmed.
We believe that our brands have significantly contributed to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brands is
critical to expanding our base of users, marketers, and developers. Many of our new users are referred by existing users. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will
depend largely on our ability to continue to provide useful, reliable, trustworthy, and innovative products, which we may not do successfully. We may introduce
new products or terms of service or policies that users do not like, which may negatively affect our brands. Additionally, the actions of our developers or
advertisers may affect our brands if users do not have a positive experience using third-party mobile and web applications integrated with our products or
interacting with parties that advertise through our products. We will also continue to experience media, legislative, or regulatory scrutiny of our actions or
decisions regarding user privacy, content, advertising, and other issues, including actions or decisions in connection with elections, which may adversely affect our
reputation and brands. For example, we previously announced our discovery of certain ads and other content previously displayed on our products that may be
relevant to government investigations relating to Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In addition, in March 2018, we announced
developments regarding the misuse of certain data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and policies. We also may fail to
respond expeditiously or appropriately to the sharing of objectionable content on our services or objectionable practices by advertisers or developers, or to
otherwise address user concerns, which could erode confidence in our brands. Our brands may also be negatively affected by the actions of users that are deemed
to be hostile or inappropriate to other users, by the actions of users acting under false or inauthentic identities, by the use of our products or services to disseminate
information that is deemed to be misleading (or intended to manipulate opinions), by perceived or actual efforts by governments to obtain access to user
information for security-related purposes or to censor certain content on our platform, or by the use of our products or services for illicit, objectionable, or illegal
ends. Maintaining and enhancing our brands may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. Certain of our past
actions, such as the foregoing matter regarding developer misuse of data, have eroded confidence in our brands, and if we fail to successfully promote and maintain
our brands or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and financial results may be adversely affected.
Security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, or other hacking and phishing attacks on our systems, could harm our
reputationandadverselyaffectourbusiness.
Our industry is prone to cyber-attacks by third parties seeking unauthorized access to our data or users’ data or to disrupt our ability to provide service. Any
failure to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, including personal information, content, or payment
information from users, or information from marketers, could result in the loss or misuse of such data, which could harm our business and reputation and diminish
our competitive position. In addition, computer malware, viruses, social engineering (predominantly spear phishing attacks), and general hacking have become
more prevalent in our industry, have occurred on our systems in the past, and will occur on our systems in the future. We also regularly encounter attempts to
create false or undesirable user accounts, purchase ads, or take other actions on our platform for purposes such as spamming, spreading misinformation, or other
objectionable ends. As a result of our prominence, the size of our user base, and the types and volume of personal data on our systems, we believe that we are a
particularly attractive target for such breaches and attacks. Our efforts to address undesirable activity on our platform may also increase the risk of retaliatory
attacks. Such attacks may cause interruptions to the services we provide, degrade the user experience, cause users or marketers to lose confidence and trust in our
products, impair our internal systems, or result in financial harm to us. Our efforts to protect our company data or the information we receive may also be
unsuccessful due to software bugs or other technical malfunctions; employee, contractor, or vendor error or malfeasance; government surveillance; or other threats
that evolve. In addition, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose information in order to gain access to our data or our users'
data. Cyber-attacks continue to evolve in sophistication and volume, and inherently may be difficult to detect for long periods of time. Although we have
developed systems and processes that are designed to protect our data and user data, to prevent data loss, to disable undesirable accounts and activities on our
platform, and to prevent or detect security breaches, we cannot assure you that such measures will provide absolute security, and we may incur significant costs in
protecting against or remediating cyber-attacks.
In addition, some of our developers or other partners, such as those that help us measure the effectiveness of ads, may receive or store information provided
by us or by our users through mobile or web applications integrated with Facebook. We provide limited information to such third parties based on the scope of
services provided to us. However, if these third parties or developers fail to adopt or adhere to adequate data security practices, or in the event of a breach of their
networks, our data or our users' data may be improperly accessed, used, or disclosed.
Affected users or government authorities could initiate legal or regulatory actions against us in connection with any actual or perceived security breaches or
improper disclosure of data, which could cause us to incur significant expense and liability or result in orders or consent decrees forcing us to modify our business
practices. Such incidents or our efforts to remediate such incidents may also result in a decline in our active user base or engagement levels. Any of these events
could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, or financial results.
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For example, in September 2018, we announced our discovery of a third-party cyber-attack that exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s code to steal user
access tokens, which were then used to access certain profile information from approximately 29 million user accounts on Facebook. While we took steps to
remediate the attack, including fixing the vulnerability, resetting user access tokens and notifying affected users, we may discover and announce additional
developments, which could further erode confidence in our brand. In addition, the events surrounding this cyber-attack became the subject of Irish Data Protection
Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other government inquiries in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions. Any such inquiries could
subject us to substantial fines and costs, require us to change our business practices, divert resources and the attention of management from our business, or
adversely affect our business.
Weanticipatethatourongoinginvestmentsinsafety,security,andcontentreviewwillidentifyadditionalinstancesofmisuseofuserdataorotherundesirable
activitybythirdpartiesonourplatform.
In addition to our efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks, we are making significant investments in safety, security, and content review efforts to combat
misuse of our services and user data by third parties, including investigations and audits of platform applications that previously accessed information of a large
number of users of our services. As a result of these efforts we have discovered and announced, and anticipate that we will continue to discover and announce,
additional incidents of misuse of user data or other undesirable activity by third parties. We may not discover all such incidents or activity, including as a result of
our data limitations or the scale of activity on our platform, and we may be notified of such incidents or activity via the media or other third parties. Such incidents
and activities may include the use of user data in a manner inconsistent with our terms, contracts or policies, the existence of false or undesirable user accounts,
election interference, improper ad purchases, activities that threaten people’s safety on- or offline, or instances of spamming, scraping, or spreading
misinformation. The discovery of the foregoing may negatively affect user trust and engagement, harm our reputation and brands, require us to change our business
practices in a manner adverse to our business, and adversely affect our business and financial results. Any such discoveries may also subject us to additional
litigation and regulatory inquiries, which could subject us to monetary penalties and damages, divert management’s time and attention, and lead to enhanced
regulatory oversight.
Unfavorablemediacoveragecouldnegativelyaffectourbusiness.
We receive a high degree of media coverage around the world. Unfavorable publicity regarding, for example, our privacy practices, terms of service,
product changes, product quality, litigation or regulatory activity, government surveillance, the actions of our advertisers, the actions of our developers whose
products are integrated with our products, the use of our products or services for illicit, objectionable, or illegal ends, the substance or enforcement of our
community standards, the actions of our users, the quality and integrity of content shared on our platform, or the actions of other companies that provide similar
services to ours, has in the past, and could in the future, adversely affect our reputation. For example, beginning in March 2018, we were the subject of intense
media coverage involving the misuse of certain data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and policies, and we have
continued to receive negative publicity. Such negative publicity could have an adverse effect on the size, engagement, and loyalty of our user base and result in
decreased revenue, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Ourfinancialresultswillfluctuatefromquartertoquarterandaredifficulttopredict.
Our quarterly financial results have fluctuated in the past and will fluctuate in the future. Additionally, we have a limited operating history with the current
scale of our business, which makes it difficult to forecast our future results. As a result, you should not rely upon our past quarterly financial results as indicators of
future performance. You should take into account the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in rapidly evolving markets. Our financial
results in any given quarter can be influenced by numerous factors, many of which we are unable to predict or are outside of our control, including:
• our ability to maintain and grow our user base and user engagement;
• our ability to attract and retain marketers in a particular period;
• fluctuations in spending by our marketers due to seasonality, such as historically strong spending in the fourth quarter of each year, episodic regional
or global events, or other factors;
• the frequency, prominence, size, format, and quality of ads shown to users;
• the success of technologies designed to block the display of ads;
• the pricing of our ads and other products;
• the diversification and growth of revenue sources beyond advertising on Facebook and Instagram;
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• our ability to generate revenue from Payments, or the sale of our consumer hardware products or other products we may introduce in the future;
• changes to existing products or services or the development and introduction of new products or services by us or our competitors;
• user behavior or product changes that may reduce traffic to features or products that we successfully monetize;
• increases in marketing, sales, and other operating expenses that we will incur to grow and expand our operations and to remain competitive, including
costs related to our data centers and technical infrastructure;
• costs related to our safety, security, and content review efforts;
• costs and expenses related to the development and delivery of our consumer hardware products;
• our ability to maintain gross margins and operating margins;
• costs related to acquisitions, including costs associated with amortization and additional investments to develop the acquired technologies;
• charges associated with impairment of any assets on our balance sheet;
• our ability to obtain equipment, components, and labor for our data centers and other technical infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner;
• system failures or outages or government blocking, which could prevent us from serving ads for any period of time;
• breaches of security or privacy, and the costs associated with any such breaches and remediation;
• changes in the manner in which we distribute our products or inaccessibility of our products due to third-party actions;
• fees paid to third parties for content or the distribution of our products;
• share-based compensation expense, including acquisition-related expense;
• adverse litigation judgments, settlements, or other litigation-related costs;
• changes in the legislative or regulatory environment, including with respect to privacy and data protection, or actions by governments or regulators,
including fines, orders, or consent decrees;
• the overall tax rate for our business, which may be affected by the mix of income we earn in the U.S. and in jurisdictions with comparatively lower
tax rates, the effects of share-based compensation, the effects of integrating intellectual property from acquisitions, and the effects of changes in our
business;
• the impact of changes in tax laws or judicial or regulatory interpretations of tax laws, which are recorded in the period such laws are enacted or
interpretations are issued, and may significantly affect the effective tax rate of that period;
• tax obligations that may arise from resolutions of tax examinations, including the examination we are currently under by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS), that materially differ from the amounts we have anticipated;
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates and changes in the proportion of our revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies;
• fluctuations in the market values of our portfolio investments and in interest rates;
• changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; and
• changes in global business or macroeconomic conditions.
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Weexpectourratesofgrowthtodeclineinthefuture.
We expect that our user growth rate will generally decline over time as the size of our active user base increases, and it is possible that the size of our active
user base may fluctuate or decline in one or more markets, particularly as we achieve greater market penetration. We expect our revenue growth rate will continue
to decline over time as our revenue increases to higher levels. As our growth rates decline, investors' perceptions of our business may be adversely affected and the
trading price of our Class A common stock could decline.
Ourcostsarecontinuingtogrow,whichcouldreduceouroperatingmarginandprofitability.Ifourinvestmentsarenotsuccessful,ourbusinessandfinancial
performancecouldbeharmed.
Operating our business is costly, and we expect our expenses to continue to increase in the future as we broaden our user base, as users increase the amount
and types of content they consume and the data they share with us, for example with respect to video, as we develop and implement new products, as we market
new and existing products and promote our brands, as we continue to expand our technical infrastructure, as we continue to invest in new and unproven
technologies, and as we continue to hire additional employees and contractors to support our expanding operations, including our efforts to focus on safety,
security, and content review. We will continue to invest in our messaging, video content, and global connectivity efforts, as well as other initiatives that may not
have clear paths to monetization. In addition, we will incur increased costs in connection with the development and marketing of our consumer hardware and
virtual and augmented reality products and technologies. Any such investments may not be successful, and any such increases in our costs may reduce our
operating margin and profitability. In addition, if our investments are not successful, our ability to grow revenue will be harmed, which could adversely affect our
business and financial performance.
Givenourlevelsofshare-basedcompensation,ourtaxratemayvarysignificantlydependingonourstockprice.
The tax effects of the accounting for share-based compensation may significantly impact our effective tax rate from period to period. In periods in which our
stock price is higher than the grant price of the share-based compensation vesting in that period, we will recognize excess tax benefits that will decrease our
effective tax rate. For example, in 2018, excess tax benefits recognized from share-based compensation decreased our provision for income taxes by $717 million
and our effective tax rate by approximately three percentage points as compared to the tax rate without such benefits. In future periods in which our stock price is
lower than the grant price of the share-based compensation vesting in that period, our effective tax rate may increase. The amount and value of share-based
compensation issued relative to our earnings in a particular period will also affect the magnitude of the impact of share-based compensation on our effective tax
rate. These tax effects are dependent on our stock price, which we do not control, and a decline in our stock price could significantly increase our effective tax rate
and adversely affect our financial results.
Ourbusiness issubject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign lawsand regulations regarding privacy, data protection, content, competition, consumer
protection,andothermatters.Manyoftheselawsandregulationsaresubjecttochangeanduncertaininterpretation,andcouldresultinclaims,changesto
ourbusinesspractices,monetarypenalties,increasedcostofoperations,ordeclinesinusergrowthorengagement,orotherwiseharmourbusiness.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, including privacy, data
protection and personal information, rights of publicity, content, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution, data security, data retention and
deletion, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, telecommunications, product liability, taxation,
economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions, securities law compliance, and online payment services. The introduction of new products, expansion of our
activities in certain jurisdictions, or other actions that we may take may subject us to additional laws, regulations, or other government scrutiny. In addition, foreign
data protection, privacy, content, competition, and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the United
States.
These U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government entities, are
constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often
uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industry in which we operate, and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and
inconsistently with our current policies and practices. For example, regulatory or legislative actions affecting the manner in which we display content to our users
or obtain consent to various practices could adversely affect user growth and engagement. Such actions could affect the manner in which we provide our services
or adversely affect our financial results.
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We are also subject to laws and regulations that dictate whether, how, and under what circumstances we can transfer, process and/or receive certain data that
is critical to our operations, including data shared between countries or regions in which we operate and data shared among our products and services. For example,
in 2016, the European Union and United States agreed to an alternative transfer framework for data transferred from the European Union to the United States,
called the Privacy Shield, but this new framework is subject to an annual review that could result in changes to our obligations and also is subject to challenge by
regulators and private parties. In addition, the other bases upon which Facebook relies to legitimize the transfer of such data, such as Standard Contractual Clauses
(SCCs), have been subjected to regulatory and judicial scrutiny. For example, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner has challenged the legal grounds for
transfers of user data to Facebook, Inc., and the Irish High Court has referred this challenge to the Court of Justice of the European Union for decision. We have
also been managing investigations and lawsuits in Europe, India, and other jurisdictions regarding the August 2016 update to WhatsApp’s terms of service and
privacy policy and its sharing of certain data with other Facebook products and services, including a lawsuit currently pending before the Supreme Court of India.
If one or more of the legal bases for transferring data from Europe to the United States is invalidated, if we are unable to transfer data between and among countries
and regions in which we operate, or if we are restricted from sharing data among our products and services, it could affect the manner in which we provide our
services or our ability to target ads, which could adversely affect our financial results.
Proposed or new legislation and regulations could also significantly affect our business. For example, the European General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) took effect in May 2018 and applies to all of our products and services used by people in Europe. The GDPR includes operational requirements for
companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union that are different from those previously in place in the European Union. As a
result, we implemented measures to change our service for minors under the age of 16 for certain countries in Europe that maintain the minimum age of 16 under
the GDPR. We also obtain consent and/or offer new controls to existing and new users in Europe before processing data for certain aspects of our service. In
addition, the GDPR requires submission of breach notifications to our designated European privacy regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, and
includes significant penalties for non-compliance with the notification obligation as well as other requirements of the regulation. The California Consumer Privacy
Act, or AB 375, was also recently passed and creates new data privacy rights for users, effective in 2020. Similarly, there are a number of legislative proposals in
the European Union, the United States, at both the federal and state level, as well as other jurisdictions that could impose new obligations in areas affecting our
business. In addition, some countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and
processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.
These laws and regulations, as well as any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions, may be costly to comply with and may
delay or impede the development of new products, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs, require significant management time and attention, and
subject us to remedies that may harm our business, including fines or demands or orders that we modify or cease existing business practices.
Wehavebeensubjecttoregulatoryandothergovernmentinvestigations,enforcementactions,andsettlements,andweexpecttocontinuetobesubjecttosuch
proceedingsand other inquiries in the future, whichcould cause us to incursubstantial costsor require us to change our businesspractices in a manner
materiallyadversetoourbusiness.
From time to time, we receive formal and informal inquiries from government authorities and regulators regarding our compliance with laws and
regulations, many of which are evolving and subject to interpretation. We are and expect to continue to be the subject of investigations, inquiries, data requests,
actions, and audits in the United States, Europe, and around the world, particularly in the areas of privacy, data protection, law enforcement, consumer protection,
and competition, as we continue to grow and expand our operations. In addition, we are currently, and may in the future be, subject to regulatory orders or consent
decrees. For example, data protection and consumer protection authorities in the European Union have initiated actions, investigations, or administrative orders
seeking to restrict the ways in which we collect and use information, or impose sanctions, and other authorities may do the same. In addition, beginning in March
2018, we became subject to U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, state attorneys general, and other government inquiries in the
United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions in connection with our platform and user data practices as well as the misuse of certain data by a developer that
shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and policies. Beginning in September 2018, we also became subject to Irish Data Protection
Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other government inquiries in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions in connection with a third-party
cyber-attack that exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s code to steal user access tokens and access certain profile information from user accounts on Facebook.
Orders issued by, or inquiries or enforcement actions initiated by, government or regulatory authorities could cause us to incur substantial costs, expose us to
unanticipated civil and criminal liability or penalties (including substantial monetary fines), or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially
adverse to our business.
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Ifweareunabletoprotectourintellectualproperty,thevalueofourbrandsandotherintangibleassetsmaybediminished,andourbusinessmaybeadversely
affected.
We rely and expect to continue to rely on a combination of confidentiality, assignment, and license agreements with our employees, consultants, and third
parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and domain name protection laws, to protect our proprietary rights.
In the United States and internationally, we have filed various applications for protection of certain aspects of our intellectual property, and we currently hold a
significant number of registered trademarks and issued patents in multiple jurisdictions and have acquired patents and patent applications from third parties. Third
parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by us, and pending and future trademark
and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we operate or
intend to operate our business. In any or all of these cases, we may be required to expend significant time and expense in order to prevent infringement or to
enforce our rights. Although we have generally taken measures to protect our proprietary rights, there can be no assurance that others will not offer products or
concepts that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business. In addition, we regularly contribute software source code under open source licenses
and have made other technology we developed available under other open licenses, and we include open source software in our products. For example, we have
contributed certain specifications and designs related to our data center equipment to the Open Compute Project Foundation, a non-profit entity that shares and
develops such information with the technology community, under the Open Web Foundation License. As a result of our open source contributions and the use of
open source in our products, we may license or be required to license or disclose code and/or innovations that turn out to be material to our business and may also
be exposed to increased litigation risk. If the protection of our proprietary rights is inadequate to prevent unauthorized use or appropriation by third parties, the
value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished and competitors may be able to more effectively mimic our products, services, and methods of
operations. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Wearecurrently,andexpecttobeinthefuture,partytopatentlawsuitsandotherintellectualpropertyrightsclaimsthatareexpensiveandtimeconsuming
and,ifresolvedadversely,couldhaveasignificantimpactonourbusiness,financialcondition,orresultsofoperations.
Companies in the Internet, technology, and media industries own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and frequently enter
into litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation, or other violations of intellectual property or other rights. In addition, various "non-
practicing entities" that own patents and other intellectual property rights often attempt to aggressively assert their rights in order to extract value from technology
companies. Furthermore, from time to time we may introduce or acquire new products, including in areas where we historically have not competed, which could
increase our exposure to patent and other intellectual property claims from competitors and non-practicing entities.
From time to time, we receive notice from patent holders and other parties alleging that certain of our products and services, or user content, infringe their
intellectual property rights. We presently are involved in a number of intellectual property lawsuits, and as we face increasing competition and gain an increasingly
high profile, we expect the number of patent and other intellectual property claims against us to grow. Defending patent and other intellectual property litigation is
costly and can impose a significant burden on management and employees, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all
cases. In addition, plaintiffs may seek, and we may become subject to, preliminary or provisional rulings in the course of any such litigation, including potential
preliminary injunctions requiring us to cease some or all of our operations. We may decide to settle such lawsuits and disputes on terms that are unfavorable to us.
Similarly, if any litigation to which we are a party is resolved adversely, we may be subject to an unfavorable judgment that may not be reversed upon appeal. The
terms of such a settlement or judgment may require us to cease some or all of our operations or pay substantial amounts to the other party. In addition, we may
have to seek a license to continue practices found to be in violation of a third party's rights, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all, and may
significantly increase our operating costs and expenses. As a result, we may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology or practices or
discontinue the practices. The development of alternative non-infringing technology or practices could require significant effort and expense or may not be
feasible. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of an unfavorable resolution of the disputes and
litigation referred to above.
Weareinvolvedinnumerousclassactionlawsuitsandotherlitigationmattersthatareexpensiveandtimeconsuming,and,ifresolvedadversely,couldharm
ourbusiness,financialcondition,orresultsofoperations.
In addition to intellectual property claims, we are also involved in numerous other lawsuits, including putative class action lawsuits, many of which claim
statutory damages and/or seek significant changes to our business operations, and we anticipate that we will continue to be a target for numerous lawsuits in the
future. Because of the scale of our user base, the plaintiffs in class action cases filed against us typically claim enormous monetary damages even if the alleged per-
user harm is small or non-existent. In addition, we may be subject to additional class action lawsuits based on employment claims, product performance or other
claims related to the use of consumer hardware and software, as well as virtual reality technology and products, which are new and unproven.
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For example, we are currently the subject of multiple putative class action suits in connection with our platform and user data practices and the misuse of certain
data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and policies, the disclosure of our earnings results for the second quarter of
2018, and a third-party cyber-attack that exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s code to steal user access tokens and access certain profile information from user
accounts on Facebook. We believe these lawsuits are without merit and are vigorously defending them. Any negative outcome from any such lawsuits could result
in payments of substantial monetary damages or fines, or undesirable changes to our products or business practices, and accordingly our business, financial
condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Although the results of such lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty,
we do not believe that the final outcome of those matters relating to our products that we currently face will have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, or results of operations.
There can be no assurances that a favorable final outcome will be obtained in all our cases, and defending any lawsuit is costly and can impose a significant
burden on management and employees. Any litigation to which we are a party may result in an onerous or unfavorable judgment that may not be reversed upon
appeal or in payments of substantial monetary damages or fines, or we may decide to settle lawsuits on similarly unfavorable terms, which could adversely affect
our business, financial conditions, or results of operations.
WemayincurliabilityasaresultofinformationretrievedfromortransmittedovertheInternetorpublishedusingourproductsorasaresultofclaimsrelated
toourproducts.
We have faced, currently face, and will continue to face claims relating to information that is published or made available on our products. In particular, the
nature of our business exposes us to claims related to defamation, dissemination of misinformation or news hoaxes, discrimination, intellectual property rights,
rights of publicity and privacy, personal injury torts, or laws regulating hate speech or other types of content. This risk is enhanced in certain jurisdictions outside
the United States where our protection from liability for third-party actions may be unclear or where we may be less protected under local laws than we are in the
United States. For example, there have been recent legislative proposals in the European Union that could expose online platforms to liability for copyright
infringement. In addition, there have been various Congressional efforts to restrict the scope of the protections available to online platforms under Section 230 of
the Communications Decency Act, and our current protections from liability for third-party content in the United States could decrease or change. We could incur
significant costs investigating and defending such claims and, if we are found liable, significant damages. We could also face fines or orders restricting or blocking
our services in particular geographies as a result of content hosted on our services. For example, recently enacted legislation in Germany may result in the
imposition of significant fines for failure to comply with certain content removal and disclosure obligations, and other countries are considering or have
implemented similar legislation imposing penalties for failure to remove content. If any of these events occur, our business and financial results could be adversely
affected.
OurCEOhascontroloverkeydecisionmakingasaresultofhiscontrolofamajorityofthevotingpowerofouroutstandingcapitalstock.
Mark Zuckerberg, our founder, Chairman, and CEO, is able to exercise voting rights with respect to a majority of the voting power of our outstanding
capital stock and therefore has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any
merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentrated control could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control, merger,
consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets that our other stockholders support, or conversely this concentrated control could result in the
consummation of such a transaction that our other stockholders do not support. This concentrated control could also discourage a potential investor from acquiring
our Class A common stock, which has limited voting power relative to the Class B common stock, and might harm the trading price of our Class A common stock.
In addition, Mr. Zuckerberg has the ability to control the management and major strategic investments of our company as a result of his position as our CEO and
his ability to control the election or replacement of our directors. In the event of his death, the shares of our capital stock that Mr. Zuckerberg owns will be
transferred to the persons or entities that he has designated. As a board member and officer, Mr. Zuckerberg owes a fiduciary duty to our stockholders and must act
in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a stockholder, even a controlling stockholder, Mr. Zuckerberg is
entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control as governed by a voting agreement, in his own interests, which may not always be in the
interests of our stockholders generally.
Weplantocontinuetomakeacquisitions,whichcouldharmourfinancialconditionorresultsofoperationsandmayadverselyaffectthepriceofourcommon
stock.
As part of our business strategy, we have made and intend to continue to make acquisitions to add specialized employees and complementary companies,
products, or technologies. We may not be able to find suitable acquisition candidates, and we may not be able to complete acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all.
In some cases, the costs of such acquisitions may be substantial, and there is no assurance that we will receive a favorable return on investment for our acquisitions.
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We may pay substantial amounts of cash or incur debt to pay for acquisitions, which could adversely affect our liquidity. The incurrence of indebtedness
would also result in increased fixed obligations and increased interest expense, and could also include covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability
to manage our operations. We may also issue equity securities to pay for acquisitions and we regularly grant RSUs to retain the employees of acquired companies,
which could increase our expenses, adversely affect our financial results, and result in dilution to our stockholders. In addition, any acquisitions we announce could
be viewed negatively by users, marketers, developers, or investors, which may adversely affect our business or the price of our Class A common stock.
We may also discover liabilities or deficiencies associated with the companies or assets we acquire that were not identified in advance, which may result in
significant unanticipated costs. The effectiveness of our due diligence review and our ability to evaluate the results of such due diligence are dependent upon the
accuracy and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by the companies we acquire or their representatives, as well as the limited amount
of time in which acquisitions are executed. In addition, we may fail to accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including tax and
accounting charges. Acquisitions may also result in our recording of significant additional expenses to our results of operations and recording of substantial finite-
lived intangible assets on our balance sheet upon closing. Any of these factors may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Wemaynotbeabletosuccessfullyintegrateouracquisitions,andwemayincursignificantcoststointegrateandsupportthecompaniesweacquire.
The integration of acquisitions requires significant time and resources, and we may not manage these processes successfully. Our ability to successfully
integrate complex acquisitions is unproven, particularly with respect to companies that have significant operations or that develop products where we do not have
prior experience. For example, the technology and products we acquired from Oculus were relatively new to Facebook at the time of the acquisition, and we did
not have significant experience with, or structure in place to support, such technology and products prior to the acquisition. We continue to make substantial
investments of resources to support our acquisitions, which will result in significant ongoing operating expenses and may divert resources and management
attention from other areas of our business. We cannot assure you that these investments will be successful. If we fail to successfully integrate the companies we
acquire, we may not realize the benefits expected from the transaction and our business may be harmed.
Ifourgoodwillorfinite-livedintangibleassetsbecomeimpaired,wemayberequiredtorecordasignificantchargetoearnings.
We review our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable,
such as a decline in stock price and market capitalization. We test goodwill for impairment at least annually. If such goodwill or finite-lived intangible assets are
deemed to be impaired, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets would be recognized. We may be
required to record a significant charge in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or finite-lived intangible assets is
determined, which would negatively affect our results of operations.
Ourbusinessisdependentonourabilitytomaintainandscaleourtechnicalinfrastructure,andanysignificantdisruptioninourservicecoulddamageour
reputation,resultinapotentiallossofusersandengagement,andadverselyaffectourfinancialresults.
Our reputation and ability to attract, retain, and serve our users is dependent upon the reliable performance of our products and our underlying technical
infrastructure. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, interruptions in the availability or performance of our products from time to
time. Our systems may not be adequately designed with the necessary reliability and redundancy to avoid performance delays or outages that could be harmful to
our business. If our products are unavailable when users attempt to access them, or if they do not load as quickly as expected, users may not use our products as
often in the future, or at all, and our ability to serve ads may be disrupted. As the amount and types of information shared on Facebook and our other products
continue to grow and evolve, as the usage patterns of our global community continue to evolve, and as our internal operational demands continue to grow, we will
need an increasing amount of technical infrastructure, including network capacity and computing power, to continue to satisfy our needs. It is possible that we may
fail to continue to effectively scale and grow our technical infrastructure to accommodate these increased demands, which may adversely affect our user
engagement and advertising revenue growth. In addition, our business may be subject to interruptions, delays, or failures resulting from earthquakes, adverse
weather conditions, other natural disasters, power loss, terrorism, geopolitical conflict, cyber-attacks, or other catastrophic events. If such an event were to occur,
users may be subject to service disruptions or outages and we may not be able to recover our technical infrastructure and user data in a timely manner to restart or
provide our services, which may adversely affect our financial results.
A substantial portion of our network infrastructure is provided by third parties. Any disruption or failure in the services we receive from these providers
could harm our ability to handle existing or increased traffic and could significantly harm our business. Any financial or other difficulties these providers face may
adversely affect our business, and we exercise little control over these providers, which increases our vulnerability to problems with the services they provide.
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Wecouldexperienceunforeseendifficultiesinbuildingandoperatingkeyportionsofourtechnicalinfrastructure.
We have designed and built our own data centers and key portions of our technical infrastructure through which we serve our products, and we plan to
continue to significantly expand the size of our infrastructure primarily through data centers and other projects. The infrastructure expansion we are undertaking is
complex and involves projects in multiple locations, and unanticipated delays in the completion of these projects, including due to any shortage of labor necessary
in building portions of such projects, or availability of components, may lead to increased project costs, operational inefficiencies, or interruptions in the delivery
or degradation of the quality of our products. In addition, there may be issues related to this infrastructure that are not identified during the testing phases of design
and implementation, which may only become evident after we have started to fully utilize the underlying equipment, that could further degrade the user experience
or increase our costs.
Our products and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical, and if it contains undetected errors or vulnerabilities, our business could be
adverselyaffected.
Our products and internal systems rely on software, including software developed or maintained internally and/or by third parties, that is highly technical
and complex. In addition, our products and internal systems depend on the ability of such software to store, retrieve, process, and manage immense amounts of
data. The software on which we rely has contained, and will in the future contain, undetected errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities. Some errors may only be discovered
after the code has been released for external or internal use. For example, in September 2018, we announced our discovery of a third-party cyber-attack that
exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s code to steal user access tokens and access certain profile information from user accounts on Facebook. Errors,
vulnerabilities, or other design defects within the software on which we rely have in the past, and may in the future, result in a negative experience for users and
marketers who use our products, delay product introductions or enhancements, result in targeting, measurement, or billing errors, compromise our ability to protect
the data of our users and/or our intellectual property or lead to reductions in our ability to provide some or all of our services. In addition, any errors, bugs,
vulnerabilities, or defects discovered in the software on which we rely, and any associated degradations or interruptions of service, could result in damage to our
reputation, loss of users, loss of revenue, or liability for damages, any of which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Technologieshavebeendevelopedthatcanblockthedisplayofourads,whichcouldadverselyaffectourfinancialresults.
Technologies have been developed, and will likely continue to be developed, that can block the display of our ads or block our ad measurement tools,
particularly for advertising displayed on personal computers. We generate substantially all of our revenue from advertising, including revenue resulting from the
display of ads on personal computers. Revenue generated from the display of ads on personal computers has been impacted by these technologies from time to
time. As a result, these technologies have had an adverse effect on our financial results and, if such technologies continue to proliferate, in particular with respect to
mobile platforms, our future financial results may be harmed.
Realorperceivedinaccuraciesinouruserandothermetricsmayharmourreputationandnegativelyaffectourbusiness.
The numbers for our key metrics, which include our DAUs, MAUs, and average revenue per user (ARPU), are calculated using internal company data based
on the activity of user accounts. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable estimates of our user base for the applicable period of
measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring usage of our products across large online and mobile populations around the world. In addition, we are
continually seeking to improve our estimates of our user base, and such estimates may change due to improvements or changes in our methodology.
We regularly evaluate these metrics to estimate the number of "duplicate" and "false" accounts among our MAUs. A duplicate account is one that a user
maintains in addition to his or her principal account. We divide "false" accounts into two categories: (1) user-misclassified accounts, where users have created
personal profiles for a business, organization, or non-human entity such as a pet (such entities are permitted on Facebook using a Page rather than a personal profile
under our terms of service); and (2) undesirable accounts, which represent user profiles that we determine are intended to be used for purposes that violate our
terms of service, such as spamming. The estimates of duplicate and false accounts are based on an internal review of a limited sample of accounts, and we apply
significant judgment in making this determination. For example, to identify duplicate accounts we use data signals such as similar IP addresses or user names, and
to identify false accounts we look for names that appear to be fake or other behavior that appears inauthentic to the reviewers. Our estimates may change as our
methodologies evolve, including through the application of new data signals or technologies, which may allow us to identify previously undetected duplicate or
false accounts and may improve our ability to evaluate a broader population of our users. Duplicate and false accounts are very difficult to measure at our scale,
and it is possible that the actual number of duplicate and false accounts may vary significantly from our estimates.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11% of our worldwide MAUs. We believe the
percentage of duplicate accounts is meaningfully higher in developing markets such as the Philippines and Vietnam, as compared to more developed markets. In
the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that false accounts may have represented approximately 5% of our worldwide MAUs. Our estimation of false accounts can
vary as a result of episodic spikes in the creation
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of such accounts, which we have seen originate more frequently in specific countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam. From time to time, we may make product
changes or take other actions to reduce the number of duplicate or false accounts among our users, which may also reduce our DAU and MAU estimates in a
particular period.
Our data limitations may affect our understanding of certain details of our business. For example, while user-provided data indicates a decline in usage
among younger users, this age data is unreliable because a disproportionate number of our younger users register with an inaccurate age. Accordingly, our
understanding of usage by age group may not be complete.
In addition, our data regarding the geographic location of our users is estimated based on a number of factors, such as the user's IP address and self-
disclosed location. These factors may not always accurately reflect the user's actual location. For example, a user may appear to be accessing Facebook from the
location of the proxy server that the user connects to rather than from the user's actual location. The methodologies used to measure user metrics may also be
susceptible to algorithm or other technical errors. Our estimates for revenue by user location and revenue by user device are also affected by these factors. We
regularly review our processes for calculating these metrics, and from time to time we may discover inaccuracies in our metrics or make adjustments to improve
their accuracy, including adjustments that may result in the recalculation of our historical metrics. We believe that any such inaccuracies or adjustments are
immaterial unless otherwise stated. We intend to disclose our estimates of the number of duplicate and false accounts among our MAUs on an annual basis. In
addition, our DAU and MAU estimates will differ from estimates published by third parties due to differences in methodology.
In addition, from time to time we provide, or rely on, certain other metrics, including those relating to the reach and effectiveness of our ads. All of our
metrics are subject to software bugs, inconsistencies in our systems, and human error. If marketers, developers, or investors do not perceive our metrics to be
accurate, or if we discover material inaccuracies in our metrics, we may be subject to liability, our reputation may be harmed, and marketers and developers may be
less willing to allocate their budgets or resources to Facebook, which could negatively affect our business and financial results.
Wecannotassureyouthatwewilleffectivelymanageourgrowth.
Our employee headcount and the scope and complexity of our business have increased significantly, with the number of employees increasing to 35,587 as
of December 31, 2018 from 25,105 as of December 31, 2017, and we expect such headcount growth to continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, we plan to
continue to hire a number of employees and contractors in order to address various safety, security, and content review initiatives. The growth and expansion of our
business and products create significant challenges for our management, operational, and financial resources, including managing multiple relationships with users,
marketers, developers, and other third parties. As our operations and the number of our third-party relationships continue to grow, our information technology
systems or our internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to support such growth. In addition, some members of our management do not have
significant experience managing a large global business operation, so our management may not be able to manage such growth effectively. To effectively manage
our growth, we must continue to improve our operational, financial, and management processes and systems and to effectively expand, train, and manage our
personnel. As our organization continues to grow, and we are required to implement more complex organizational management structures, we may find it
increasingly difficult to maintain the benefits of our corporate culture, including our ability to quickly develop and launch new and innovative products. This could
negatively affect our business performance.
Thelossofoneormoreofourkeypersonnel,orourfailuretoattractandretainotherhighlyqualifiedpersonnelinthefuture,couldharmourbusiness.
We currently depend on the continued services and performance of our key personnel, including Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl K. Sandberg. Although we
have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Zuckerberg and Ms. Sandberg, the agreements have no specific duration and constitute at-will employment. In
addition, many of our key technologies and systems are custom-made for our business by our personnel. The loss of key personnel, including members of
management as well as key engineering, product development, marketing, and sales personnel, could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our
business.
As we continue to grow, we cannot guarantee we will continue to attract and retain the personnel we need to maintain our competitive position. In
particular, we intend to continue to hire a significant number of technical personnel in the foreseeable future, and we expect to continue to face significant
competition from other companies in hiring such personnel, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where our headquarters are located and where the cost of
living is high. As we continue to mature, the incentives to attract, retain, and motivate employees provided by our equity awards or by future arrangements may not
be as effective as in the past, and if we issue significant equity to attract additional employees or to retain our existing employees, we would incur substantial
additional share-based compensation expense and the ownership of our existing stockholders would be further diluted. Our ability to attract, retain, and motivate
employees may also be adversely affected by stock price volatility. As a result of these factors, it may be difficult for us to continue to retain and motivate our
employees. If we do not succeed in attracting, hiring, and integrating excellent personnel, or retaining and motivating existing personnel, we may be unable to
grow effectively.
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WemaynotbeabletocontinuetosuccessfullymaintainorgrowusageofandengagementwithmobileandwebapplicationsthatintegratewithFacebookand
ourotherproducts.
We have made and are continuing to make investments to enable developers to build, grow, and monetize mobile and web applications that integrate with
Facebook and our other products. Such existing and prospective developers may not be successful in building, growing, or monetizing mobile and/or web
applications that create and maintain user engagement. Additionally, developers may choose to build on other platforms, including mobile platforms controlled by
third parties, rather than building products that integrate with Facebook and our other products. We are continuously seeking to balance the distribution objectives
of our developers with our desire to provide an optimal user experience, and we may not be successful in achieving a balance that continues to attract and retain
such developers. For example, from time to time, we have taken actions to reduce the volume of communications from these developers to users on Facebook and
our other products with the objective of enhancing the user experience, and such actions have reduced distribution from, user engagement with, and our
monetization opportunities from, mobile and web applications integrated with our products. In addition, as part of our investment in safety and security, we are
conducting investigations and audits of a large number of platform applications, and we also recently announced several product changes that restrict developer
access to certain user data. In some instances, these actions, as well as other actions to enforce our policies applicable to developers, have adversely affected, or
will adversely affect, our relationships with developers. If we are not successful in our efforts to maintain or grow the number of developers that choose to build
products that integrate with Facebook and our other products or if we are unable to continue to build and maintain good relations with such developers, our user
growth and user engagement and our financial results may be adversely affected.
Paymenttransactionsmaysubjectustoadditionalregulatoryrequirementsandotherrisksthatcouldbecostlyanddifficulttocomplywithorthatcouldharm
ourbusiness.
Our users can purchase virtual and digital goods from developers that offer applications using our Payments infrastructure on the Facebook website. In
addition, certain of our users can use our Payments infrastructure, including on Messenger, for other activities, such as sending money to other users and making
donations to certain charitable organizations. We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere, including those
governing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, money transmission, gift cards and other prepaid access instruments, electronic funds transfer,
charitable fundraising, and import and export restrictions. Depending on how our Payments product evolves, we may also be subject to other laws and regulations
including those governing gambling, banking, and lending. In some jurisdictions, the application or interpretation of these laws and regulations is not clear. To
increase flexibility in how our use of Payments may evolve and to mitigate regulatory uncertainty, we have received certain money transmitter licenses in the
United States and an Electronic Money (E-Money) license that allows us to conduct certain regulated payment activities in the participating member countries of
the European Economic Area, which will generally require us to demonstrate compliance with many domestic and foreign laws in these areas. Our efforts to
comply with these laws and regulations could be costly and result in diversion of management time and effort and may still not guarantee compliance. In the event
that we are found to be in violation of any such legal or regulatory requirements, we may be subject to monetary fines or other penalties such as a cease and desist
order, or we may be required to make product changes, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.
In addition, we may be subject to a variety of additional risks as a result of Payments transactions, including: increased costs and diversion of management
time and effort and other resources to deal with bad transactions or customer disputes; potential fraudulent or otherwise illegal activity by users, developers,
employees, or third parties; restrictions on the investment of consumer funds used to transact Payments; and additional disclosure and reporting requirements. We
also intend to launch certain payments functionality on WhatsApp, which may subject us to many of the foregoing risks.
Wehavesignificantinternationaloperationsandplantocontinueexpandingouroperationsabroad wherewehavemorelimitedoperatingexperience,and
thismaysubjectustoincreasedbusinessandeconomicrisksthatcouldaffectourfinancialresults.
We have significant international operations and plan to continue the international expansion of our business operations and the translation of our products.
We currently make Facebook available in more than 100 different languages, and we have offices or data centers in more than 30 different countries. We may enter
new international markets where we have limited or no experience in marketing, selling, and deploying our products. Our products are generally available globally,
but some or all of our products or functionality may not be available in certain markets due to legal and regulatory complexities. For example, Facebook and
certain of our other products are not generally available in China. We also outsource certain operational functions to third-party vendors globally. If we fail to
deploy, manage, or oversee our international operations successfully, our business may suffer. In addition, we are subject to a variety of risks inherent in doing
business internationally, including:
• political, social, or economic instability;
• risks related to legal, regulatory, and other government scrutiny applicable to U.S. companies with sales and operations in foreign jurisdictions,
including with respect to privacy, tax, law enforcement, content, trade compliance, intellectual
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property, and terrestrial infrastructure matters;
• potential damage to our brand and reputation due to compliance with local laws, including potential censorship or requirements to provide user
information to local authorities;
• enhanced difficulty in reviewing content on our platform and enforcing our community standards across different languages and countries;
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates and compliance with currency controls;
• foreign exchange controls and tax and other regulations and orders that might prevent us from repatriating cash earned in countries outside the United
States or otherwise limit our ability to move cash freely, and impede our ability to invest such cash efficiently;
• higher levels of credit risk and payment fraud;
• enhanced difficulties of integrating any foreign acquisitions;
• burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws, including laws related to taxation, content removal, data localization, and regulatory oversight;
• reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
• difficulties in staffing, managing, and overseeing global operations and the increased travel, infrastructure, and legal compliance costs associated
with multiple international locations;
• compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and similar laws in other jurisdictions;
• compliance with statutory equity requirements and management of tax consequences; and
• geopolitical events affecting us, our marketers or our industry, including trade disputes.
If we are unable to expand internationally and manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, our financial results could be adversely
affected.
Wefacedesign,manufacturing,andsupplychainrisksthat,ifnotproperlymanaged,couldadverselyimpactourfinancialresults.
We face a number of risks related to design, manufacturing, and supply chain management with respect to our consumer hardware products. For example,
the consumer hardware products we sell may have quality issues resulting from the design or manufacture of the products, or from the software used in the
products. Sometimes, these issues may be caused by components we purchase from other manufacturers or suppliers. If the quality of our consumer hardware
products does not meet our customers' expectations or such products are found to be defective, then our brand and financial results could be adversely affected.
We rely on third parties to manufacture and manage the logistics of transporting and distributing our consumer hardware products. We may experience
supply shortages or other disruptions in logistics or the supply chain in the future that could result in shipping delays and negatively impact our operations. We
could be negatively affected if we are not able to engage third parties with the necessary capabilities or capacity on reasonable terms, or if those we engage with
fail to meet their obligations (whether due to financial difficulties or other reasons), or make adverse changes in the pricing or other material terms of such
arrangements with them.
We also require the suppliers and business partners of our consumer hardware products to comply with laws and certain company policies regarding
sourcing practices and standards on labor, health and safety, the environment, and business ethics, but we do not control them or their practices and standards. If
any of them violates laws, fails to implement changes in accordance with newly enacted laws, or implements practices or standards regarded as unethical, corrupt,
or non-compliant, we could experience supply chain disruptions, government action or fines, canceled orders, or damage to our reputation.
Wemayfaceinventoryriskwithrespecttoourconsumerhardwareproducts.
We may be exposed to inventory risks with respect to our consumer hardware products as a result of rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, unsafe or
defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, changes in consumer tastes with respect to our consumer hardware products,
and other factors. We endeavor to accurately predict these trends and avoid overstocking or understocking consumer hardware products we may sell. Demand for
products, however, can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. In addition, when we begin selling or
manufacturing a new consumer hardware product, it may be difficult to establish vendor relationships, determine appropriate product
25
or component selection, and accurately forecast demand. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and
prepayment and they may not be returnable. Any one of these factors may adversely affect our operating results.
Wemayhaveexposuretogreaterthananticipatedtaxliabilities.
Our tax obligations, including income and non-income taxes, are based in part on our corporate operating structure and intercompany arrangements,
including the manner in which we operate our business, develop, value, manage, protect, and use our intellectual property, and the valuations of our intercompany
transactions. The tax laws applicable to our business, including the laws of the United States and other jurisdictions, are subject to interpretation and certain
jurisdictions are aggressively interpreting their laws in new ways in an effort to raise additional tax revenue from companies such as Facebook. We are subject to
regular review and audit by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. Tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken, including our
methodologies for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, and any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could increase our worldwide
effective tax rate, increase the amount of non-income taxes imposed on our business, and harm our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. For
example, in 2016 and 2018, the IRS issued formal assessments relating to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries in conjunction with the examination of the
2010 through 2013 tax years. Although we disagree with the IRS's position and are contesting this issue, the ultimate resolution is uncertain and, if resolved in a
manner unfavorable to us, may adversely affect our financial results.
The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment by management, and there are many
transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Our provision for income taxes is determined by the manner in which we operate our business, and
any changes to such operations or laws applicable to such operations may affect our effective tax rate. Although we believe that our provision for income taxes and
estimates of our non-income tax liabilities are reasonable, the ultimate settlement may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may
materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
Our future income tax rates could be volatile and difficult to predict due to changes in jurisdictional profit split, changes in the amount and recognition of
deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles.
Changesintaxlawsortaxrulingscouldmateriallyaffectourfinancialposition,resultsofoperations,andcashflows.
The tax regimes we are subject to or operate under, including income and non-income taxes, are unsettled and may be subject to significant change.
Changes in tax laws or tax rulings, or changes in interpretations of existing laws, could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash
flows. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) enacted in December 2017 had a significant impact on our tax obligations and effective tax rate for
the fourth quarter of 2017, and the issuance of additional regulatory or accounting guidance related to the Tax Act could materially affect our tax obligations and
effective tax rate in the period issued. In addition, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to issue a decision in Altera Corp. v. Commissioner regarding the
treatment of share-based compensation expense in a cost sharing arrangement, which could have a material effect on our tax obligations and effective tax rate for
the quarter in which the decision is issued. In addition, many countries in Europe, as well as a number of other countries and organizations, have recently proposed
or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could significantly increase our tax obligations in many countries where we do
business or require us to change the manner in which we operate our business.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, and issued a report in 2015,
an interim report in 2018, and is expected to continue to issue guidelines and proposals that may change various aspects of the existing framework under which our
tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business. Similarly, the European Commission and several countries have issued proposals
that would change various aspects of the current tax framework under which we are taxed. These proposals include changes to the existing framework to calculate
income tax, as well as proposals to change or impose new types of non-income taxes, including taxes based on a percentage of revenue. For example, the United
Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and France have each proposed taxes applicable to digital services, which includes business activities on social media platforms and online
marketplaces, and would likely apply to our business.
The European Commission has conducted investigations in multiple countries focusing on whether local country tax rulings or tax legislation provides
preferential tax treatment that violates European Union state aid rules and concluded that certain countries, including Ireland, have provided illegal state aid in
certain cases. These investigations may result in changes to the tax treatment of our foreign operations.
Due to the large and expanding scale of our international business activities, many of these types of changes to the taxation of our activities described above
could increase our worldwide effective tax rate, increase the amount of non-income taxes imposed on our business, and harm our financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows. Such changes may also apply retroactively to our historical operations and result in taxes greater than the amounts estimated and
recorded in our financial statements.
26
Wecannotguaranteethatoursharerepurchaseprogramwillbefullyconsummatedorthatitwillenhancelong-termstockholdervalue.Sharerepurchases
couldalsoincreasethevolatilityofthetradingpriceofourstockandwilldiminishourcashreserves.
Although our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program that commenced in 2017 and does not have an expiration date, the program does
not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares of our Class A common stock. We cannot guarantee that the
program will be fully consummated or that it will enhance long-term stockholder value. The program could affect the trading price of our stock and increase
volatility, and any announcement of a termination of this program may result in a decrease in the trading price of our stock. In addition, this program will diminish
our cash reserves.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
ThetradingpriceofourClassAcommonstockhasbeenandwilllikelycontinuetobevolatile.
The trading price of our Class A common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile. Since shares of our Class A common stock were sold in
our initial public offering in May 2012 at a price of $38.00 per share, our stock price has ranged from $17.55 to $218.62 through December 31, 2018. In addition to
the factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the trading price of our Class A common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous
factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our revenue and other operating results;
• the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections;
• actions of securities analysts who initiate or maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any securities analysts who follow our
company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
• additional shares of our stock being sold into the market by us, our existing stockholders, or in connection with acquisitions, or the anticipation of
such sales;
• investor sentiment with respect to our competitors, our business partners, and our industry in general;
• announcements by us or our competitors of significant products or features, technical innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures,
or capital commitments;
• announcements by us or estimates by third parties of actual or anticipated changes in the size of our user base, the level of user engagement, or the
effectiveness of our ad products;
• changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of technology companies in our industry, including our developers and competitors;
• price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market, including as a result of trends in the economy as a whole;
• the inclusion, exclusion, or deletion of our stock from any trading indices, such as the S&P 500 Index;
• media coverage of our business and financial performance;
• lawsuits threatened or filed against us, or developments in pending lawsuits;
• developments in anticipated or new legislation or regulatory actions, including interim or final rulings by tax, judicial, or regulatory bodies;
• trading activity in our share repurchase program; and
• other events or factors, including those resulting from war or incidents of terrorism, or responses to these events.
In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity
securities of many technology companies. Stock prices of many technology companies have fluctuated in a manner unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of those companies. We are currently subject to securities litigation in connection with our platform and user data practices and the misuse of certain
data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and policies, as well as the disclosure of our earnings results for the second
quarter of 2018. We may experience more such litigation following future periods of volatility. Any securities litigation could subject us to substantial costs, divert
resources and the attention of management from our business, and adversely affect our business.
27
Wedonotintendtopaycashdividendsfortheforeseeablefuture.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion
of our business and fund our share repurchase program, and we do not expect to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you may
only receive a return on your investment in our Class A common stock if the trading price of your shares increases.
Thedualclassstructureofourcommonstockandavotingagreementbetweencertainstockholdershavetheeffectofconcentratingvotingcontrolwithour
CEOandcertainotherholdersofourClassBcommonstock;thiswilllimitorprecludeyourabilitytoinfluencecorporatematters.
Our Class B common stock has ten votes per share and our Class A common stock has one vote per share. Stockholders who hold shares of Class B
common stock, including certain of our executive officers, employees, and directors and their affiliates, together hold a substantial majority of the voting power of
our outstanding capital stock. Because of the ten-to-one voting ratio between our Class B and Class A common stock, the holders of our Class B common stock
collectively control a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock and therefore are able to control all matters submitted to our stockholders for
approval so long as the shares of Class B common stock represent at least 9.1% of all outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock. This
concentrated control will limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future.
Transfers by holders of Class B common stock will generally result in those shares converting to Class A common stock, subject to limited exceptions, such
as certain transfers effected for estate planning or charitable purposes. The conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock will have the effect,
over time, of increasing the relative voting power of those holders of Class B common stock who retain their shares in the long term. If, for example,
Mr. Zuckerberg retains a significant portion of his holdings of Class B common stock for an extended period of time, he could, in the future, continue to control a
majority of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock.
Ourstatusasa"controlledcompany"couldmakeourClassAcommonstocklessattractivetosomeinvestorsorotherwiseharmourstockprice.
Because we qualify as a "controlled company" under the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies, we are not required to have a majority of
our board of directors be independent, nor are we required to have a compensation committee or an independent nominating function. In light of our status as a
controlled company, our board of directors determined not to have a separate and independent nominating function and chose to have the full board of directors be
directly responsible for nominating members of our board, and in the future we could elect not to have a majority of our board of directors be independent or not to
have a compensation committee. Accordingly, should the interests of our controlling stockholder differ from those of other stockholders, the other stockholders
may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance rules for Nasdaq-listed companies. Our
status as a controlled company could make our Class A common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
Delaware law and provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest difficult, thereby
depressingthetradingpriceofourClassAcommonstock.
Our status as a Delaware corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay, or prevent a change
in control by prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the person becomes an
interested stockholder, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders. In addition, our current restated certificate of incorporation and
bylaws contain provisions that may make the acquisition of our company more difficult, including the following:
• until the first date on which the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represent less than 35% of the combined voting power of our
common stock, any transaction that would result in a change in control of our company requires the approval of a majority of our outstanding Class B
common stock voting as a separate class;
• we currently have a dual class common stock structure, which provides Mr. Zuckerberg with the ability to control the outcome of matters requiring
stockholder approval, even if he owns significantly less than a majority of the shares of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock;
• when the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represent less than a majority of the combined voting power of common stock, certain
amendments to our restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws will require the approval of two-thirds of the combined vote of our then-
outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock;
• when the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represent less than a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock,
vacancies on our board of directors will be able to be filled only by our board of directors and
28
not by stockholders;
• when the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represent less than a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock, our
board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors with staggered three-year terms and directors will only be able to be removed from
office for cause;
• when the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represent less than a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock, our
stockholders will only be able to take action at a meeting of stockholders and not by written consent;
• only our chairman, our chief executive officer, our president, or a majority of our board of directors are authorized to call a special meeting of
stockholders;
• advance notice procedures apply for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters before an annual meeting of
stockholders;
• our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes undesignated preferred stock, the terms of which may be established, and shares of which may be
issued, without stockholder approval; and
• certain litigation against us can only be brought in Delaware.
29
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate headquarters are located in Menlo Park, California. As of December 31, 2018 , we owned and leased approximately six million square feet of
office and building space for our corporate headquarters and in the surrounding areas, and approximately 89 acres of land to be developed to accommodate
anticipated future growth.
In addition, we leased offices around the world totaling approximately seven million square feet. We also own and lease data centers throughout the United
States and in various locations internationally.
We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Beginning on March 20, 2018, multiple putative class actions and derivative actions were filed in state and federal courts in the United States and elsewhere
against us and certain of our directors and officers alleging violations of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duties, and other causes of action in connection with
our platform and user data practices as well as the misuse of certain data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and
policies, and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. Beginning on July 27, 2018, two putative class actions were filed in federal court in the United
States against us and certain of our directors and officers alleging violations of securities laws in connection with the disclosure of our earnings results for the
second quarter of 2018, and seeking unspecified damages. These two actions subsequently were transferred and consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California with the putative securities class action described above relating to our platform and user data practices. We believe these lawsuits
are without merit, and we are vigorously defending them. In addition, our platform and user data practices, as well as the events surrounding the misuse of certain
data by a developer, became the subject of U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, state attorneys general, and other government
inquiries in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions. Any such inquiries could subject us to substantial fines and costs, require us to change our business
practices, divert resources and the attention of management from our business, or adversely affect our business.
Beginning on September 28, 2018, multiple putative class actions were filed in state and federal courts in the United States and elsewhere against us
alleging violations of consumer protection laws and other causes of action in connection with a third-party cyber-attack that exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s
code to steal user access tokens and access certain profile information from user accounts on Facebook, and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. We
believe these lawsuits are without merit, and we are vigorously defending them. In addition, the events surrounding this cyber-attack became the subject of Irish
Data Protection Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other government inquiries in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions. Any such
inquiries could subject us to substantial fines and costs, require us to change our business practices, divert resources and the attention of management from our
business, or adversely affect our business.
In addition, from time to time, we are subject to litigation and other proceedings involving law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, including in
particular in Brazil and Europe, in order to ascertain the precise scope of our legal obligations to comply with the requests of those agencies, including our
obligation to disclose user information in particular circumstances. A number of such instances have resulted in the assessment of fines and penalties against us.
We believe we have multiple legal grounds to satisfy these requests or prevail against associated fines and penalties, and we intend to vigorously defend such fines
and penalties.
We are also party to various other legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations that arise in the ordinary course
of business, and we may in the future be subject to additional legal proceedings and disputes.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
30
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information for Common Stock
Our Class A common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "FB" since May 18, 2012. Prior to that time, there was no
public market for our stock.
Our Class B common stock is not listed on any stock exchange nor traded on any public market.
Holders of Record
As of December 31, 2018 , there were 3,780 stockholders of record of our Class A common stock, and the closing price of our Class A common stock was
$131.09 per share as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Because many of our shares of Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions
on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. As of December 31, 2018 , there were 41
stockholders of record of our Class B common stock.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock. We intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay cash dividends in
the foreseeable future.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table summarizes the share repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2018 :
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
(1)
Average Price Paid Per
Share
(2)
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Programs
(1)
Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or
Programs
(1)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in millions)
October 1 - 31, 2018 —
$ —
—
$ 3,544
November 1 - 30, 2018 —
$ —
—
$ 3,544
December 1 - 31, 2018 25,708
$ 137.87
25,708
$ 9,000
25,708
25,708
(1) In November 2016, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program that commenced in January 2017 and does not have an expiration date. We completed repurchases under
the original authorization to purchase up to $6.0 billion of our Class A common stock during the second quarter of 2018. In April 2018, the authorization for the repurchase of our Class A
common stock was increased by an additional $9.0 billion, and we completed repurchases under this authorization during the fourth quarter of 2018. In December 2018, our board of
directors authorized an additional $9.0 billion of repurchases under this program, all of which remained available for future repurchases as of December 31, 2018. The timing and actual
number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and other investment opportunities, and shares may be repurchased
through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through the use of trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.
(2) Average price paid per share includes costs associated with the repurchases.
Recent Sale of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds
RecentSaleofUnregisteredSecurities
None.
31
Stock Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise
subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Facebook, Inc. under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The following graph shows a comparison of the cumulative total return for our Class A common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500
Index) and the Nasdaq Composite Index (Nasdaq Composite) for the five years ended December 31, 2018. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the market
close on the last trading day for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 in the Class A common stock of Facebook, Inc., the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq
Composite and data for the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite assumes reinvestments of gross dividends. The stock price performance of the following
graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
32
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The consolidated statements of income data for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 and the consolidated balance sheets data as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the consolidated
balance sheets data as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, except as otherwise noted, that are
not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Revenue $ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
$ 17,928
$ 12,466
Total costs and expenses
(1)
30,925
20,450
15,211
11,703
7,472
Income from operations $ 24,913
$ 20,203
$ 12,427
$ 6,225
$ 4,994
Income before provision for income taxes $ 25,361
$ 20,594
$ 12,518
$ 6,194
$ 4,910
Net income $ 22,112
$ 15,934
$ 10,217
$ 3,688
$ 2,940
Net income attributable to Class A and Class B common
stockholders $ 22,111
$ 15,920
$ 10,188
$ 3,669
$ 2,925
Earnings per share attributable to Class A and Class B common
stockholders:
Basic $ 7.65
$ 5.49
$ 3.56
$ 1.31
$ 1.12
Diluted $ 7.57
$ 5.39
$ 3.49
$ 1.29
$ 1.10
(1) Total costs and expenses include $4.15 billion , $3.72 billion , $3.22 billion , $2.97 billion, and $1.84 billion of share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 ,
2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.
As of December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities $ 41,114
$ 41,711
$ 29,449
$ 18,434
$ 11,199
Working capital $ 43,463
$ 44,803
$ 31,526
$ 19,727
$ 11,966
Property and equipment, net $ 24,683
$ 13,721
$ 8,591
$ 5,687
$ 3,967
Total assets $ 97,334
$ 84,524
$ 64,961
$ 49,407
$ 39,966
Capital lease obligations $ —
$ —
$ —
$ 114
$ 233
Total liabilities $ 13,207
$ 10,177
$ 5,767
$ 5,189
$ 3,870
Additional paid-in capital $ 42,906
$ 40,584
$ 38,227
$ 34,886
$ 30,225
Total stockholders' equity $ 84,127
$ 74,347
$ 59,194
$ 44,218
$ 36,096
Free Cash Flow
In addition to other financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we monitor free cash flow
(FCF) as a non-GAAP measure to manage our business, make planning decisions, evaluate our performance, and allocate resources. We define FCF as net cash
provided by operating activities reduced by net purchases of property and equipment.
We believe that FCF is one of the key financial indicators of our business performance over the long term and provides useful information regarding how
cash provided by operating activities compares to the property and equipment investments required to maintain and grow our business.
33
We have chosen our definition for FCF because we believe that this methodology can provide useful supplemental information to help investors better
understand underlying trends in our business. We use FCF in discussions with our senior management and board of directors.
FCF has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of other GAAP financial measures, such as
net cash provided by operating activities. FCF is not intended to represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary expenses. Some of the limitations of
FCF are:
• FCF does not reflect our future contractual commitments; and
• other companies in our industry present similarly titled measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
Management compensates for the inherent limitations associated with using the FCF measure through disclosure of such limitations, presentation of our
financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and reconciliation of FCF to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net cash provided by operating
activities, as presented below.
The following is a reconciliation of FCF to the most comparable GAAP measure, net cash provided by operating activities:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 29,274
$ 24,216
$ 16,108
$ 10,320
$ 7,326
Purchases of property and equipment, net (13,915)
(6,733)
(4,491)
(2,523)
(1,831)
Free cash flow
$ 15,359
$ 17,483
$ 11,617
$ 7,797
$ 5,495
34
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the
related notes included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to our historical
consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results
could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed
below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors." For a discussion of limitations in the measurement of
certain of our user metrics, see the section entitled "Limitations of Key Metrics and Other Data" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Certain revenue information in the section entitled " — Revenue — Foreign Exchange Impact on Revenue" is presented on a constant currency basis. This
information is a non-GAAP financial measure. To calculate revenue on a constant currency basis, we translated revenue for the full year 2018 using 2017 monthly
exchange rates for our settlement currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a
substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. This measure may be different from non-GAAP financial
measures used by other companies, limiting its usefulness for comparison purposes. Moreover, presentation of revenue on a constant currency basis is provided
for year-over-year comparison purposes, and investors should be cautioned that the effect of changing foreign currency exchange rates has an actual effect on our
operating results. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of our
business, enables comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allows for greater
transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in operating our business.
Executive Overview of Full Year 2018 Results
Our key user metrics and financial results for 2018 are as follows:
User growth:
• Daily active users (DAUs) were 1.52 billion on average for December 2018 , an increase of 9% year-over-year.
• Monthly active users (MAUs) were 2.32 billion as of December 31, 2018 , an increase of 9% year-over-year.
Financial results:
• Revenue was $55.84 billion , up 37% year-over-year, and ad revenue was $55.01 billion , up 38% year-over-year.
• Total costs and expenses were $30.93 billion .
• Income from operations was $24.91 billion .
• Net income was $22.11 billion with diluted earnings per share of $7.57 .
• Capital expenditures were $13.92 billion .
• Effective tax rate was 13% .
• Cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41.11 billion as of December 31, 2018 .
• Headcount was 35,587 as of December 31, 2018 , an increase of 42% year-over-year.
In 2018 , we continued to focus on our main revenue growth priorities: (i) helping marketers use our products to connect with consumers where they are and
(ii) making our ads more relevant and effective.
We continued to invest, based on our roadmap, in: (i) our most developed ecosystems, Facebook and Instagram, (ii) driving growth and building ecosystems
around our products that already have significant user bases, such as Messenger and WhatsApp, as well as continuing to grow features like Stories, and (iii) long-
term technology initiatives, such as connectivity, artificial intelligence, and augmented and virtual reality, that we believe will further our mission to give people
the power to build community and bring the world closer together. We intend to continue to invest based on this roadmap and we anticipate that additional
investments in the following areas will continue to drive significant year-over-year expense growth in 2019: (i) expanding our data center capacity, network
infrastructure, and office facilities as well as scaling our headcount to support our growth, and (ii) investments in safety and security, marketing, video content, and
our long-term technology initiatives. Expense growth exceeded revenue growth in 2018, which we anticipate will continue in 2019.
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Trends in Our User Metrics
The numbers for our key metrics, our DAUs, MAUs, and average revenue per user (ARPU), do not include Instagram, WhatsApp, or Oculus users unless
they would otherwise qualify as such users, respectively, based on their other activities on Facebook. In addition, other user engagement metrics do not include
Instagram, WhatsApp, or Oculus unless otherwise specifically stated.
Trends in the number of users affect our revenue and financial results by influencing the number of ads we are able to show, the value of our ads to
marketers, the volume of Payments transactions, as well as our expenses and capital expenditures. Substantially all of our daily and monthly active users (as
defined below) access Facebook on mobile devices.
• DailyActiveUsers(DAUs). We define a daily active user as a registered Facebook user who logged in and visited Facebook through our website or a
mobile device, or used our Messenger application (and is also a registered Facebook user), on a given day. We view DAUs, and DAUs as a percentage of
MAUs, as measures of user engagement on Facebook.
Note: For purposes of reporting DAUs, MAUs, and ARPU by geographic region, Europe includes all users in Russia and Turkey and Rest of World includes all users in Africa, Latin America,
and the Middle East.
36
Worldwide DAUs increased 9% to 1.52 billion on average during December 2018 from 1.40 billion during December 2017 . Users in India, Indonesia,
and the Philippines represented key sources of growth in DAUs during December 2018 , relative to the same period in 2017.
• MonthlyActiveUsers(MAUs).We define a monthly active user as a registered Facebook user who logged in and visited Facebook through our website
or a mobile device, or used our Messenger application (and is also a registered Facebook user), in the last 30 days as of the date of measurement. MAUs
are a measure of the size of our global active user community on Facebook.
As of December 31, 2018 , we had 2.32 billion MAUs, an increase of 9% from December 31, 2017 . Users in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines
represented key sources of growth in 2018 , relative to the same period in 2017.
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Trends in Our Monetization by User Geography
We calculate our revenue by user geography based on our estimate of the geography in which ad impressions are delivered, virtual and digital goods are
purchased, or consumer hardware devices are shipped. We define ARPU as our total revenue in a given geography during a given quarter, divided by the average
of the number of MAUs in the geography at the beginning and end of the quarter. While ARPU includes all sources of revenue, the number of MAUs used in this
calculation only includes users of Facebook and Messenger as described in the definition of MAU above. Revenue from users who are not also Facebook or
Messenger MAUs was not material. The geography of our users affects our revenue and financial results because we currently monetize users in different
geographies at different average rates. Our revenue and ARPU in regions such as United States & Canada and Europe are relatively higher primarily due to the size
and maturity of those online and mobile advertising markets. For example, ARPU in 2018 in the United States & Canada region was more than ten times higher
than in the Asia-Pacific region.
Note: Our revenue by user geography in the charts above is geographically apportioned based on our estimation of the geographic location of our users when they perform a revenue-
generating activity. This allocation differs from our revenue disaggregated by geography disclosure in our consolidated financial statements where revenue is geographically apportioned based
on the location of the customer.
38
For 2018 , worldwide ARPU was $24.96 , an increase of 24% from 2017 . Over this period, ARPU increased by 34% in Europe, 33% in United States &
Canada, 21% in Rest of World, and 20% in Asia-Pacific . In addition, user growth was more rapid in geographies with relatively lower ARPU, such as Asia-Pacific
and Rest of World. We expect that user growth in the future will be primarily concentrated in those regions where ARPU is relatively lower, such that worldwide
ARPU may continue to increase at a slower rate relative to ARPU in any geographic region, or potentially decrease even if ARPU increases in each geographic
region.
39
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of these
consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses,
and related disclosures. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other
assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain
at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably possible could materially
impact the financial statements. We believe that the assumptions and estimates associated with income taxes, loss contingencies, and business combinations and
valuation of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we consider these
to be our critical accounting policies and estimates. For further information on all of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1—Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
IncomeTaxes
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for
income taxes and income tax assets and liabilities, including evaluating uncertainties in the application of accounting principles and complex tax laws.
We record a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Under
this method, we recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial
reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as for loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates
that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We recognize the deferred
income tax effects of a change in tax rates in the period of the enactment. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the net amount that
we believe is more likely than not to be realized.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination
by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. These uncertain tax positions include our estimates for transfer pricing that have been
developed based upon analyses of appropriate arms-length prices. Similarly, our estimates related to uncertain tax positions concerning research tax credits are
based on an assessment of whether our available documentation corroborating the nature of our activities supporting the tax credits will be sufficient. Although we
believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions (including net interest and penalties), we can provide no assurance that the final tax
outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves in accordance with the income tax accounting guidance when
facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is
different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made, and could have
a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that
affected us, including a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and a reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective
January 1, 2018, among others. We are required to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment, such as determining the transition tax,
remeasuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017, the
SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118), which allowed us to record
provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. As a result, we previously provided a provisional estimate
of the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed our analysis to determine the effect of the Tax Act and recorded
immaterial adjustments as of December 31, 2018.
LossContingencies
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations that arise in the ordinary course of business.
Certain of these matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is both
probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss
can be estimated, we disclose the possible loss in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
We review the developments in our contingencies that could affect the amount of the provisions that have been previously recorded, and the matters and
related reasonably possible losses disclosed. We make adjustments to our provisions and changes to our disclosures
40
accordingly to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and updated information. Significant judgment is required to
determine both the probability and the estimated amount of loss.
The outcome of these matters is inherently uncertain. Therefore, if one or more of these matters were resolved against us for amounts in excess of
management's expectations, our results of operations and financial condition, including in a particular reporting period in which any such outcome becomes
probable and estimable, could be materially adversely affected. See Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies and Note 12—Income Taxes of the accompanying
notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings"
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these contingencies.
BusinessCombinationsandValuationofGoodwillandOtherAcquiredIntangibleAssets
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.
Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing
certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market
participant perspective, useful lives, and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are
inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year
from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion
of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair
value of our single reporting unit below its carrying value. As of December 31, 2018 , no impairment of goodwill has been identified.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We evaluate the recoverability of our intangible assets for possible
impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest
level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of
property and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. We have not recorded any significant
impairment charges during the years presented.
In addition to the recoverability assessment, we routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of our finite-lived intangible assets. If we reduce the
estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance would be amortized over the revised estimated useful life.
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Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
Advertising. We generate substantially all of our revenue from advertising. Our advertising revenue is generated by displaying ad products on Facebook,
Instagram, Messenger, and third-party affiliated websites or mobile applications. Marketers pay for ad products either directly or through their relationships with
advertising agencies or resellers, based on the number of impressions delivered or the number of actions, such as clicks, taken by users.
We recognize revenue from the display of impression-based ads in the contracted period in which the impressions are delivered. Impressions are considered
delivered when an ad is displayed to a user. We recognize revenue from the delivery of action-based ads in the period in which a user takes the action the marketer
contracted for. The number of ads we show is subject to methodological changes as we continue to evolve our ads business and the structure of our ads products.
We calculate price per ad as total ad revenue divided by the number of ads delivered, representing the effective price paid per impression by a marketer regardless
of their desired objective such as impression or action. For advertising revenue arrangements where we are not the principal, we recognize revenue on a net basis.
Payments and other fees. Payments revenue is comprised of the net fee we receive from developers using our Payments infrastructure. Our other fees
revenue consists primarily of revenue from the delivery of consumer hardware devices, as well as revenue from various other sources.
Cost of Revenue and Operating Expenses
Cost of revenue. Our cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses associated with the delivery and distribution of our products. These include expenses
related to the operation of our data centers, such as facility and server equipment depreciation, salaries, benefits, and share-based compensation for employees on
our operations teams, and energy and bandwidth costs. Cost of revenue also includes costs associated with partner arrangements, including traffic acquisition and
content acquisition costs, credit card and other transaction fees related to processing customer transactions, and cost of consumer hardware device inventory sold.
Research and development. Research and development expenses consist primarily of share-based compensation, salaries, and benefits for employees on
our engineering and technical teams who are responsible for building new products as well as improving existing products. We expense all of our research and
development costs as they are incurred.
Marketing and sales. Our marketing and sales expenses consist of salaries, share-based compensation, and benefits for our employees engaged in sales,
sales support, marketing, business development, and customer service functions. Our marketing and sales expenses also include marketing and promotional
expenditures, and professional services such as content reviewers.
General and administrative. The majority of our general and administrative expenses consist of salaries, benefits, and share-based compensation for
certain of our executives as well as our legal, finance, human resources, corporate communications and policy, and other administrative employees. In addition,
general and administrative expenses include legal-related costs and professional services.
42
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our consolidated statements of income data:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
(in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Revenue $ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue 9,355
5,454
3,789
Research and development 10,273
7,754
5,919
Marketing and sales 7,846
4,725
3,772
General and administrative 3,451
2,517
1,731
Total costs and expenses 30,925
20,450
15,211
Income from operations 24,913
20,203
12,427
Interest and other income (expense), net 448
391
91
Income before provision for income taxes 25,361
20,594
12,518
Provision for income taxes 3,249
4,660
2,301
Net income
$ 22,112
$ 15,934
$ 10,217
Share-based compensation expense included in costs and expenses:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
(in millions)
Cost of revenue $ 284
$ 178
$ 113
Research and development 3,022
2,820
2,494
Marketing and sales 511
436
368
General and administrative 335
289
243
Total share-based compensation expense
$ 4,152
$ 3,723
$ 3,218
The following tables set forth our consolidated statements of income data (as a percentage of revenue):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Revenue 100 %
100 %
100 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue 17
13
14
Research and development 18
19
21
Marketing and sales 14
12
14
General and administrative 6
6
6
Total costs and expenses 55
50
55
Income from operations 45
50
45
Interest and other income (expense), net 1
1
—
Income before provision for income taxes 45
51
45
Provision for income taxes 6
11
8
Net income
40 %
39 %
37 %
43
Share-based compensation expense included in costs and expenses (as a percentage of revenue):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Cost of revenue 1%
—%
—%
Research and development 5
7
9
Marketing and sales 1
1
1
General and administrative 1
1
1
Total share-based compensation expense
7%
9%
12%
Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
2018
2017
2016
(in millions)
Advertising $ 55,013
$ 39,942
$ 26,885
38%
49 %
Payments and other fees 825
711
753
16%
(6)%
Total revenue
$ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
37%
47 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . Revenue in 2018 increased $15.19 billion , or 37% , compared to 2017 . The increase was mostly due to an increase in advertising
revenue.
The most important factor driving advertising revenue growth was an increase in revenue from ads on mobile devices. For 2018 , we estimate that mobile
advertising revenue represented approximately 92% of total advertising revenue, as compared with approximately 88% in 2017 . The increase in advertising
revenue for 2018 was due to increases in the number of ads delivered and the average price per ad. In 2018 compared to 2017 , the number of ads delivered
increased by 22%, as compared with approximately 15% in 2017 , and the average price per ad increased by 13%, as compared with approximately 29% in 2017 .
The increase in the ads delivered was driven by an increase in users and their engagement, and an increase in the number and frequency of ads displayed
across our products. The increase in average price per ad was driven by an increase in demand for our ad inventory. Factors contributing to the increase in demand
for our ad inventory include an increase in spend from existing marketers and an increase in the number of marketers actively advertising on our platform as well
as the quality, relevance, and performance of those ads. We anticipate that future advertising revenue growth will be driven by a combination of price and the
number of ads displayed.
Advertising spending is traditionally seasonally strong in the fourth quarter of each year. We believe that this seasonality in advertising spending affects our
quarterly results, which generally reflect significant growth in advertising revenue between the third and fourth quarters and a decline in advertising spending
between the fourth and subsequent first quarters. For instance, our advertising revenue increased 23%, 26%, and 27% between the third and fourth quarters of 2018
, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, while advertising revenue for both the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 declined 8% and 9% compared to the fourth quarters of
2017 and 2016 , respectively.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Revenue in 2017 increased $13.02 billion, or 47%, compared to 2016. The increase was mostly due to an increase in advertising
revenue.
The most important factor driving advertising revenue growth was an increase in revenue from ads on mobile devices. For 2017, we estimate that mobile
advertising revenue represented approximately 88% of total advertising revenue, as compared with approximately 83% in 2016. Factors that influenced our
advertising revenue growth in 2017 included (i) an increase in average price per ad, (ii) an increase in users and their engagement, and (iii) an increase in the
number and frequency of ads displayed on mobile devices.
In 2017 compared to 2016, the average price per ad increased by 29%, as compared with approximately 5% in 2016, and the number of ads delivered
increased by 15%, as compared with approximately 50% in 2016. The increase in average price per ad was driven by an increase in demand for our ad inventory;
factors contributing to this include an increase in spend from existing marketers and an increase in the number of marketers actively advertising on our platform as
well as the quality, relevance, and performance of those ads. The increase in the ads delivered was driven by an increase in users and their engagement and an
increase in the number and frequency of ads displayed on News Feed, partially offset by increasing user engagement with video content and other product
44
changes.
No customer represented 10% or more of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 .
Foreign Exchange Impact on Revenue
The general weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to certain foreign currencies in the full year 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 , and in the full
year 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, had a favorable impact on our revenue. If we had translated revenue for the full year 2018 using the prior year's
monthly exchange rates for our settlement currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our total revenue and advertising revenue would have been $55.44 billion and
$54.61 billion , respectively. If we had translated revenue for the full year 2017 using 2016 monthly exchange rates for our settlement currencies other than the
U.S. dollar, our total revenue and advertising revenue would have been $40.36 billion and $39.65 billion, respectively. Using these constant rates, both total
revenue and advertising revenue would have been $401 million lower than actual revenue and advertising revenue for the full year 2018 , and $293 million and
$292 million lower than actual revenue and advertising revenue, respectively, for the full year 2017.
Costofrevenue
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(dollars in millions)
Cost of revenue $ 9,355
$ 5,454
$ 3,789
72%
44 %
Percentage of revenue 17 %
13 %
14 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . Cost of revenue in 2018 increased $3.90 billion , or 72% , compared to 2017 . The increase was mostly due to an increase in
operational expenses related to our data centers and technical infrastructure and higher costs associated with partnership agreements, including traffic acquisition
and content acquisition costs.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Cost of revenue in 2017 increased $1.67 billion, or 44%, compared to 2016. The majority of the increase was due to an increase in
operational expenses related to our data centers and technical infrastructure and, to a lesser extent, higher costs associated with partnership agreements, including
content acquisition costs, and ads payment processing.
In 2019 , we anticipate that the cost of revenue will increase as we continue to expand our data center capacity and technical infrastructure to support user
growth, increased user engagement, and the delivery of new products and services and, to a lesser extent, due to higher costs associated with ads payment
processing and various partnership agreements.
Researchanddevelopment
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(dollars in millions)
Research and development $ 10,273
$ 7,754
$ 5,919
32%
31%
Percentage of revenue 18 %
19 %
21 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . Research and development expenses in 2018 increased $2.52 billion , or 32% , compared to 2017 . The majority of the increase
was due to an increase in payroll and benefits expense as a result of a 43% growth in employee headcount from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 in
engineering and other technical functions, and, to a lesser extent, an increase in professional service expenses. Payroll and benefits expense growth was less than
headcount growth partially due to a $473 million decrease in share-based compensation related to the acquisitions completed in 2014.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Research and development expenses in 2017 increased $1.84 billion, or 31%, compared to 2016. The majority of the increase was
due to an increase in payroll and benefits as a result of a 49% growth in employee headcount from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 in engineering and
other technical functions, partially offset by a $262 million decrease in share-based compensation related to the acquisitions completed in 2014.
45
In 2019 , we plan to continue to hire software engineers and other technical employees, and to increase our investment to support our research and
development initiatives. We expect payroll and related expenses growth to be more consistent with headcount growth as share-based compensation related to the
acquisitions completed in 2014 are now substantially recognized.
Marketingandsales
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(dollars in millions)
Marketing and sales $ 7,846
$ 4,725
$ 3,772
66%
25 %
Percentage of revenue 14 %
12 %
14 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . Marketing and sales expenses in 2018 increased $3.12 billion , or 66% , compared to 2017 . The increase was mostly driven by
marketing, community operations, and payroll and benefits expenses. Our payroll and benefits expenses increased as a result of a 33% increase in employee
headcount from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 in our marketing and sales functions.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Marketing and sales expenses in 2017 increased $953 million, or 25%, compared to 2016. The majority of the increase was due to
increases in payroll and benefits expenses as a result of a 35% increase in employee headcount from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 in our marketing
and sales functions, and increases in our consulting and other professional service fees.
In 2019 , we plan to continue the hiring of marketing and sales employees to support our marketing, sales, and partnership efforts and to increase our
investment in community operations to support our security efforts.
Generalandadministrative
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(dollars in millions)
General and administrative $ 3,451
$ 2,517
$ 1,731
37%
45%
Percentage of revenue 6 %
6 %
6 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . General and administrative expenses in 2018 increased $934 million , or 37% , compared to 2017 . The increase was primarily due
to increases in payroll and benefits expenses as a result of a 32% increase in employee headcount from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 in general and
administrative functions.
2017 Compared to 2016 . General and administrative expenses in 2017 increased $786 million, or 45%, compared to 2016. The majority of the increase was
due to an increase in payroll and benefits expenses as a result of a 58% increase in employee headcount from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 in general
and administrative functions, and to a lesser extent, higher legal-related costs.
In 2019 , we plan to continue to increase general and administrative expenses to support overall company growth.
Interestandotherincome(expense),net
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(in millions)
Interest income, net $ 652
$ 392
$ 166
66%
136%
Other income (expense), net (204)
(1)
(75)
NM
99%
Interest and other income (expense), net
$ 448
$ 391
$ 91
15%
NM
46
2018 Compared to 2017 . Interest and other income, net in 2018 increased $57 million compared to 2017 . The increase in 2018 was due to an increase in
interest income driven by higher interest rates, partially offset by an increase in other expense as a result of foreign exchange impact occurring from the periodic
re-measurement of our foreign currency balances.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Interest and other income, net in 2017 increased $300 million compared to 2016. The majority of the increase in 2017 was due to
an increase in interest income driven by higher invested cash balances and interest rates. In addition, foreign exchange impact resulting from the periodic re-
measurement of our foreign currency assets and liabilities also contributed to the increase in 2017.
Provisionforincometaxes
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018 vs 2017 %
Change
2017 vs 2016 %
Change
(dollars in millions)
Provision for income taxes $ 3,249
$ 4,660
$ 2,301
(30)%
103%
Effective tax rate 13 %
23 %
18 %
2018 Compared to 2017 . Our provision for income taxes in 2018 decreased $1.41 billion , or 30% , compared to 2017 , primarily due to a one-time expense
of approximately $2.27 billion in 2017 resulting from the Tax Act, partially offset by an increase in income before provision for income taxes.
Our effective tax rate in 2018 decreased compared to 2017, primarily due to a one-time tax expense of approximately $2.27 billion related to the Tax Act in
2017.
2017 Compared to 2016 . Our provision for income taxes in 2017 increased $2.36 billion , or 103% , compared to 2016 , mostly due to the effects of the
Tax Act that was enacted on December 22, 2017 and an increase in income before provision for income taxes, partially offset by an increase in excess tax benefits
recognized from share-based compensation. As a result of the Tax Act, we recognized a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary
earnings, remeasured our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reassessed the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, which increased our
provision for income taxes in 2017 by $2.27 billion.
Effective Tax Rate Items. Our effective tax rate in the future will depend upon the proportion of our income before provision for income taxes earned in the
United States and in jurisdictions with a tax rate lower than the U.S. statutory rate, as well as a number of other factors, including excess tax benefits from share-
based compensation, tax effects of integrating intellectual property from acquisitions, settlement of tax contingency items, tax effects of changes in our business,
and the impact of changes in tax law.
The proportion of our income before provision for income taxes earned in jurisdictions with a tax rate lower than the U.S. statutory rate will depend upon the
proportion of revenue and costs associated with the respective jurisdictions.
The accounting for share-based compensation will increase or decrease our effective tax rate based upon the difference between our share-based
compensation expense and the deductions taken on our tax return which depends upon the stock price at the time of employee award vesting. If our stock price
remains constant to the January 28, 2019 price, we expect our effective tax rate for 2019 will be a few percentage points higher than our 2018 rate.
Integrating intellectual property from acquisitions into our business generally involves intercompany transactions that have the impact of increasing our
provision for income taxes. Consequently, our provision for income taxes and our effective tax rate may initially increase in the period of an acquisition and
integration. The magnitude of this impact will depend upon the specific type, size, and taxing jurisdictions of the intellectual property as well as the relative
contribution to income in subsequent periods.
On July 27, 2015, the United States Tax Court (Tax Court) issued an opinion in Altera Corp v. Commissioner (Tax Court Opinion), which concluded that
related parties in a cost sharing arrangement are not required to share expenses related to share-based compensation. The Tax Court Opinion was appealed by the
Commissioner to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit). On July 24, 2018, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion (Ninth Circuit Opinion) that reversed
the Tax Court Opinion. The Ninth Circuit Opinion was subsequently withdrawn and the case is being reheard. Since the Ninth Circuit Opinion was withdrawn, we
continue to treat our share-based compensation expense in accordance with the Tax Court Opinion. We also continue to monitor developments in this case and any
impact the final opinion could have on our consolidated financial statements. Had the Ninth Circuit not withdrawn its opinion, our effective tax rate for 2018 would
have been higher.
47
Unrecognized Tax Benefits. As of December 31, 2018, we had net unrecognized tax benefits of $3.07 billion which were accrued as other liabilities. These
unrecognized tax benefits were predominantly accrued for uncertainties related to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries, which includes licensing of
intellectual property, providing services and other transactions, as well as for uncertainties with our research tax credits. The ultimate settlement of the liabilities
will depend upon resolution of tax audits, litigation, or events that would otherwise change the assessment of such items. Based upon the status of litigation
described below, the current status of tax audits in various jurisdictions, and excluding the effects of the Altera Corp v. Commissioner case that we are monitoring,
we do not anticipate a significant impact to such amounts within the next 12 months.
In July 2016, we received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (Notice) from the IRS related to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries in conjunction with
the examination of the 2010 tax year. While the Notice applies only to the 2010 tax year, the IRS states that it will also apply its position for tax years subsequent
to 2010, which, if the IRS prevails in its position, could result in an additional federal tax liability of an estimated, aggregate amount of up to approximately $5.0
billion in excess of the amounts in our originally filed U.S. return, plus interest and any penalties asserted. We do not agree with the position of the IRS and have
filed a petition in the Tax Court challenging the Notice. In March 2018, we received a second Notice from the IRS in conjunction with the examination of our 2011
through 2013 tax years. The IRS applied its position from the 2010 tax year to each of these years and also proposed new adjustments related to other transfer
pricing with our foreign subsidiaries and certain tax credits that we claimed. If the IRS prevails in its position for these new adjustments, this could result in an
additional federal tax liability of up to approximately $680 million in excess of the amounts in our originally filed U.S. return, plus interest and any penalties
asserted. We do not agree with the positions of the IRS in the second Notice and have filed a petition in the Tax Court challenging the second Notice. We have
previously accrued an estimated unrecognized tax benefit consistent with the guidance in ASC 740 that is lower than the potential additional federal tax liability
from the positions taken by the IRS in the two Notices. In addition, if the IRS prevails in its positions, related to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries, the
additional tax that we would owe would be partially offset by a reduction in the tax that we owe under the mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign
earnings from the Tax Act. As of December 31, 2018, we have not resolved these matters, and proceedings continue in Tax Court.
We believe that adequate amounts have been reserved in accordance with ASC 740 for any adjustments to the provision for income taxes or other tax items
that may ultimately result from these examinations. The timing of the resolution, settlement, and closure of any audits is highly uncertain, and it is reasonably
possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months. Given the number of years remaining that are subject
to examination in various jurisdictions, we are unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits. If the
taxing authorities prevail in the assessment of additional tax due, the assessed tax, interest, and penalties, if any, could have a material adverse effect on our
financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
48
Quarterly Results of Operations Data
The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of income data in dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for each of the
eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2018 . We have prepared the quarterly consolidated statements of income data on a basis consistent with the
audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the
opinion of management, the financial information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which we consider necessary for a fair
presentation of this data. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II,
Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of historical periods are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations for any future period.
Three Months Ended
Dec 31,
2018
Sep 30,
2018
Jun 30,
2018
Mar 31,
2018
Dec 31,
2017
Sep 30,
2017
Jun 30,
2017
Mar 31,
2017
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Advertising $ 16,640
$ 13,539
$ 13,038
$ 11,795
$ 12,779
$ 10,142
$ 9,164
$ 7,857
Payments and other fees 274
188
193
171
193
186
157
175
Total revenue 16,914
13,727
13,231
11,966
12,972
10,328
9,321
8,032
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue 2,796
2,418
2,214
1,927
1,611
1,448
1,237
1,159
Research and development 2,855
2,657
2,523
2,238
1,949
2,052
1,919
1,834
Marketing and sales 2,467
1,928
1,855
1,595
1,374
1,170
1,124
1,057
General and administrative 976
943
776
757
686
536
640
655
Total costs and expenses 9,094
7,946
7,368
6,517
5,620
5,206
4,920
4,705
Income from operations 7,820
5,781
5,863
5,449
7,352
5,122
4,401
3,327
Interest and other income (expense), net 151
131
5
161
110
114
87
81
Income before provision for income taxes 7,971
5,912
5,868
5,610
7,462
5,236
4,488
3,408
Provision for income taxes 1,089
775
762
622
3,194
529
594
344
Net income $ 6,882
$ 5,137
$ 5,106
$ 4,988
$ 4,268
$ 4,707
$ 3,894
$ 3,064
Less: Net income attributable to participating
securities —
—
—
1
2
3
4
5
Net income attributable to Class A and Class
B common stockholders
$ 6,882
$ 5,137
$ 5,106
$ 4,987
$ 4,266
$ 4,704
$ 3,890
$ 3,059
Earnings per share attributable to Class A and
Class B common stockholders:
Basic
$ 2.40
$ 1.78
$ 1.76
$ 1.72
$ 1.47
$ 1.62
$ 1.34
$ 1.06
Diluted
$ 2.38
$ 1.76
$ 1.74
$ 1.69
$ 1.44
$ 1.59
$ 1.32
$ 1.04
49
Share-based compensation expense included in costs and expenses:
Three Months Ended
Dec 31,
2018
Sep 30,
2018
Jun 30,
2018
Mar 31,
2018
Dec 31,
2017
Sep 30,
2017
Jun 30,
2017
Mar 31,
2017
(in millions)
Cost of revenue $ 82
$ 72
$ 74
$ 56
$ 50
$ 47
$ 47
$ 34
Research and development 675
748
881
718
587
776
787
670
Marketing and sales 130
133
139
109
106
114
120
96
General and administrative 84
87
92
72
71
73
78
67
Total share-based compensation expense
$ 971
$ 1,040
$ 1,186
$ 955
$ 814
$ 1,010
$ 1,032
$ 867
Three Months Ended
Dec 31,
2018
Sep 30,
2018
Jun 30,
2018
Mar 31,
2018
Dec 31,
2017
Sep 30,
2017
Jun 30,
2017
Mar 31,
2017
(as a percentage of total revenue)
Consolidated Statements of Income
Data:
Revenue:
Advertising
98 %
99 %
99 %
99 %
99 %
98 %
98 %
98 %
Payments and other fees 2
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
Total revenue
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue
17
18
17
16
12
14
13
14
Research and development 17
19
19
19
15
20
21
23
Marketing and sales 15
14
14
13
11
11
12
13
General and administrative 6
7
6
6
5
5
7
8
Total costs and expenses 54
58
56
54
43
50
53
59
Income from operations 46
42
44
46
57
50
47
41
Interest and other income (expense),
net 1
1
—
1
1
1
1
1
Income before provision for income
taxes 47
43
44
47
58
51
48
42
Provision for income taxes 6
6
6
5
25
5
6
4
Net income
41 %
37 %
39 %
42 %
33 %
46 %
42 %
38 %
Less: Net income attributable to
participating securities —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Net income attributable to Class A
and Class B common stockholders
41%
37%
39%
42%
33%
46%
42%
38%
Share-based compensation expense included in costs and expenses:
Three Months Ended
Dec 31,
2018
Sep 30,
2018
Jun 30,
2018
Mar 31,
2018
Dec 31,
2017
Sep 30,
2017
Jun 30,
2017
Mar 31,
2017
(as a percentage of total revenue)
Cost of revenue —%
1%
1%
—%
—%
—%
1%
—%
Research and development 4
5
7
6
5
8
8
8
Marketing and sales 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
General and administrative —
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Total share-based compensation
expense
6%
8%
9%
8%
6%
10%
11%
11%
50
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
(in millions)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 29,274
$ 24,216
$ 16,108
Net cash used in investing activities $ (11,603)
$ (20,118)
$ (11,792)
Net cash used in financing activities $ (15,572)
$ (5,235)
$ (310)
Purchases of property and equipment, net $ (13,915)
$ (6,733)
$ (4,491)
Depreciation and amortization $ 4,315
$ 3,025
$ 2,342
Share-based compensation $ 4,152
$ 3,723
$ 3,218
Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and cash generated from operations. Cash and cash equivalents,
and marketable securities consist mostly of cash on deposit with banks, investments in money market funds, and investments in U.S. government securities, U.S.
government agency securities, and corporate debt securities. Cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $41.11 billion as of December 31, 2018 , a
decrease of $597 million from December 31, 2017 , mostly due to $13.92 billion for purchases of property and equipment, $12.88 billion for repurchases of our
Class A common stock, and $3.21 billion of taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards, offset by $29.27 billion of cash generated from operations
and a $500 million increase in overdraft in cash pooling entities.
Cash paid for income taxes was $3.76 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2018 , our federal net operating loss carryforward
was $7.88 billion , and we anticipate that none of this amount will be utilized to offset our federal taxable income in 2018. As of December 31, 2018 , we had $290
million of federal tax credit carryforward, of which none will be available to offset our federal tax liabilities in 2018. In addition, we are monitoring the Altera
Corp. v. Commissioner case as it applies to our facts and circumstances as it could increase our cash paid for income taxes.
In May 2016, we entered into a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, and any amounts outstanding under the facility will be due and
payable on May 20, 2021. As of December 31, 2018 , no amounts had been drawn down and we were in compliance with the covenants under this credit facility.
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program that commenced in 2017 and does not have an expiration date. During the second quarter
of 2018, we completed repurchases under the original authorization to purchase up to $6.0 billion of our Class A common stock. In April 2018, the authorization
for the repurchase of our Class A common stock was increased by an additional $9.0 billion , and we completed repurchases under this authorization during the
fourth quarter of 2018. In December 2018, our board of directors authorized an additional $9.0 billion of repurchases under this program. During the year ended
December 31, 2018 , we repurchased and subsequently retired 79 million shares of our Class A common stock for $12.93 billion . As of December 31, 2018 , $9.0
billion remained available and authorized for repurchases.
In 2018, we paid $3.21 billion of taxes related to the net share settlement of equity awards.
In 2018, we established a multi-currency notional cash pool for certain of our entities with a third-party bank provider. Actual cash balances are not
physically converted and are not commingled between participating legal entities. As part of the notional cash pool agreement, the bank extends overdraft credit to
our participating entities as needed, provided that the overall notionally pooled balance of all accounts in the pool at the end of each day is at least zero. In the
unlikely event of a default by our collective entities participating in the pool, any overdraft balances incurred would be guaranteed by Facebook, Inc. See Note 9—
Commitments and Contingencies of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our notional cash pooling arrangement.
As of December 31, 2018 , $16.28 billion of the $41.11 billion in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities was held by our foreign subsidiaries.
The Tax Act imposed a mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and eliminated U.S. taxes on foreign subsidiary distributions. As a result,
earnings in foreign jurisdictions are available for distribution to the U.S. without incremental U.S. taxes.
We currently anticipate that our available funds, credit facility, and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our operational cash needs for the
foreseeable future.
51
CashProvidedbyOperatingActivities
Cash flow from operating activities during 2018 mostly consisted of net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as total depreciation and
amortization of $4.32 billion and share-based compensation expense of $4.15 billion . The increase in cash flow from operating activities during 2018 compared to
2017 was mostly due to an increase in net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, deferred income tax and share-based
compensation expense. Due to the enactment of the Tax Act in 2017, we recorded a higher tax liability in 2017, which partially offset the increase in cash flow
from operating activities in 2018.
Cash flow from operating activities during 2017 mostly consisted of net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as share-based compensation
expense of $3.72 billion and total depreciation and amortization of $3.03 billion. The increase in cash flow from operating activities during 2017 compared to 2016
was mostly due to an increase in net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense.
Due to the enactment of the Tax Act in 2017, we recorded a provisional tax liability of $2.9 billion relating to the one-time mandatory transition tax on our
accumulated foreign earnings, which also contributed to the increase in 2017 compared to 2016.
Cash flow from operating activities during 2016 mostly consisted of net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as share-based compensation
expense of $3.22 billion and total depreciation and amortization of $2.34 billion. The increase in cash flow from operating activities during 2016 compared to
2015, was mostly due to an increase in net income, including the impact of ASU 2016-09 adoption, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization, deferred income
taxes, and share-based compensation expense.
CashUsedinInvestingActivities
Cash used in investing activities during 2018 mostly resulted from $13.92 billion of capital expenditures as we continued to invest in data centers, servers,
network infrastructure, and office buildings, offset by $2.47 billion of net sales and maturities of marketable securities. The decrease in cash used in investing
activities during 2018 compared to 2017 was mostly due to a decrease in the net purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by an increase in capital
expenditures.
Cash used in investing activities during 2017 mostly resulted from $13.25 billion for net purchases of marketable securities and $6.73 billion for capital
expenditures as we continued to invest in servers, data centers, office buildings, and network infrastructure. The increase in cash used in investing activities during
2017 compared to 2016 was due to increases in net purchases of marketable securities and capital expenditures.
Cash used in investing activities during 2016 mostly resulted from $7.19 billion for net purchases of marketable securities and $4.49 billion for capital
expenditures as we continued to invest in data centers, servers, office buildings, and network infrastructure. The increase in cash used in investing activities during
2016 compared to 2015 was mostly due to increases in capital expenditures and net purchases of marketable securities.
We anticipate making capital expenditures in 2019 of approximately $18 billion to $20 billion.
CashUsedinFinancingActivities
Cash used in financing activities during 2018 consisted of $12.88 billion paid for repurchases of our Class A common stock, and $3.21 billion of taxes paid
related to net share settlement of equity awards, offset by a $500 million overdraft in cash pooling entities. The increase in cash used in financing activities during
2018 compared to 2017 was mostly due to an increase in repurchases of our Class A common stock, partially offset by an increase in overdraft balances in cash
pooling entities.
Cash used in financing activities during 2017 mostly consisted of $3.25 billion of taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards, and $1.98
billion paid for repurchases of our Class A common stock. The increase in cash used in financing activities during 2017 compared to 2016 was mostly due to taxes
paid related to net share settlement of equity awards and repurchases of our Class A common stock that commenced in 2017.
Cash used in financing activities during 2016 mostly consisted of principal payments on capital lease and other financing obligations. The increase in cash
used in financing activities was due to full repayment of our capital lease and other financing obligations in 2016.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2018 .
52
Contractual Obligations
Our principal commitments consist of obligations under operating leases, which include among others, certain of our offices, data centers, land, and
colocation leases, as well as contractual commitments related to network infrastructure and data center operations. The following table summarizes our
commitments to settle contractual obligations in cash as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
Payment Due by Period
Total
2019
2020-2021
2022-2023
Thereafter
Operating lease obligations $ 14,651
$ 698
$ 2,001
$ 2,102
$ 9,850
Transition tax payable 1,587
—
—
324
1,263
Other contractual commitments
(1)
6,173
3,377
1,135
238
1,423
Total contractual obligations
$ 22,411
$ 4,075
$ 3,136
$ 2,664
$ 12,536
(1)
Other contractual commitments primarily relate to network infrastructure and our data center operations.
As part of the normal course of the business, we may enter into multi-year agreements to purchase certain network components that do not specify a fixed or
minimum price commitment or to purchase renewable energy that do not specify a fixed or minimum volume commitment. These agreements are generally entered
into in order to secure either volume or price. Using projected market prices or expected volume consumption, the total estimated spend is approximately $6.0
billion. The ultimate spend under these agreements may vary and will be based on prevailing market prices or actual volume purchased.
In addition, our other liabilities include $3.07 billion related to net uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2018 . Due to uncertainties in the timing of the
completion of tax audits, the timing of the resolution of these positions is uncertain and we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of
payments in individual years beyond 12 months. As a result, this amount is not included in the above contractual obligations table.
Contingencies
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations. We record a provision for a liability when we
believe that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred, and that the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible
and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the possible loss in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Significant
judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of loss. Such matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant
uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Should any of these estimates and assumptions change or prove to be incorrect, it could have a material
impact on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
See Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies and Note 12—Income Taxes of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional
information regarding contingencies.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), as amended, which generally requires
lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures
surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements. We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2019 on a
modified retrospective basis and will not restate comparative periods. We will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance,
which allows us to carryforward our historical lease classification, our assessment on whether a contract is or contains a lease, and our initial direct costs for any
leases that exist prior to adoption of the new standard. We will also elect to combine lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12
months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease
term. We estimate approximately $6 billion would be recognized as total right-of-use assets and total lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of
January 1, 2019. Other than disclosed, we do not expect the new standard to have a material impact on our remaining consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for
Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an
impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value up to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting
unit. This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2020 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the standard to
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
53
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks, including changes to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and inflation.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have foreign currency risks related to our revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro. In
general, we are a net receiver of currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates, and in particular a strengthening of the U.S. dollar,
have in the past, and may in the future, negatively affect our revenue and other operating results as expressed in U.S. dollars.
We have experienced and will continue to experience fluctuations in our net income as a result of transaction gains or losses related to revaluing certain
current asset and current liability balances that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities in which they are recorded. At this
time we have not entered into, but in the future we may enter into, derivatives or other financial instruments in an attempt to hedge our foreign currency exchange
risk. It is difficult to predict the effect hedging activities would have on our results of operations. We recognized foreign currency losses of $213 million , $6
million , and $76 million in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to interest earned and market value on our cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities.
Our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of cash, certificates of deposit, time deposits, money market funds, U.S. government
securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate debt securities . Our investment policy and strategy are focused on preservation of capital and
supporting our liquidity requirements. Changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, and the
market value of those securities. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of $468 million and $611 million in the
market value of our available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Any realized gains or losses resulting from
such interest rate changes would only occur if we sold the investments prior to maturity.
54
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FACEBOOK, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 56
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets 58
Consolidated Statements of Income 59
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 60
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 64
The supplementary financial information required by this Item 8, is included in Part II, Item 7 under the caption "Quarterly Results of Operations Data," which is
incorporated herein by reference.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Facebook, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Facebook, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 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 31, 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 31, 2018 and 2017 , and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 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 31, 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 January 31, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
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 2007.
San Francisco, California
January 31, 2019
56
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Facebook, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Facebook, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 , based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Facebook,
Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 , based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance
sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 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 31, 2018 , and the related notes and our report dated January 31, 2019 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Francisco, California
January 31, 2019
57
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except for number of shares and par value)
December 31,
2018
2017
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,019
$ 8,079
Marketable securities 31,095
33,632
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $229 and $189 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively 7,587
5,832
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,779
1,020
Total current assets 50,480
48,563
Property and equipment, net 24,683
13,721
Intangible assets, net 1,294
1,884
Goodwill 18,301
18,221
Other assets 2,576
2,135
Total assets
$ 97,334
$ 84,524
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 820
$ 380
Partners payable 541
390
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 5,509
2,892
Deferred revenue and deposits 147
98
Total current liabilities 7,017
3,760
Other liabilities 6,190
6,417
Total liabilities 13,207
10,177
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.000006 par value; 5,000 million Class A shares authorized, 2,385 million and 2,397 million shares
issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; 4,141 million Class B shares
authorized, 469 million and 509 million shares issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2018 and December 31,
2017, respectively. —
—
Additional paid-in capital 42,906
40,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (760)
(227)
Retained earnings 41,981
33,990
Total stockholders' equity 84,127
74,347
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 97,334
$ 84,524
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
58
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Revenue $ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue 9,355
5,454
3,789
Research and development 10,273
7,754
5,919
Marketing and sales 7,846
4,725
3,772
General and administrative 3,451
2,517
1,731
Total costs and expenses 30,925
20,450
15,211
Income from operations 24,913
20,203
12,427
Interest and other income (expense), net 448
391
91
Income before provision for income taxes 25,361
20,594
12,518
Provision for income taxes 3,249
4,660
2,301
Net income $ 22,112
$ 15,934
$ 10,217
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities 1
14
29
Net income attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders
$ 22,111
$ 15,920
$ 10,188
Earnings per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders:
Basic
$ 7.65
$ 5.49
$ 3.56
Diluted
$ 7.57
$ 5.39
$ 3.49
Weighted average shares used to compute earnings per share attributable to Class A and
Class B common stockholders:
Basic
2,890
2,901
2,863
Diluted
2,921
2,956
2,925
Share-based compensation expense included in costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue $ 284
$ 178
$ 113
Research and development 3,022
2,820
2,494
Marketing and sales 511
436
368
General and administrative 335
289
243
Total share-based compensation expense
$ 4,152
$ 3,723
$ 3,218
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
59
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Net income $ 22,112
$ 15,934
$ 10,217
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax (450)
566
(152)
Change in unrealized gain/loss on available-for-sale investments and other, net of tax (52)
(90)
(96)
Comprehensive income
$ 21,610
$ 16,410
$ 9,969
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
60
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In millions)
Class A and Class B Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares
Par Value
Balances at December 31, 2015
2,845
$ —
$ 34,886
$ (455)
$ 9,787
$ 44,218
Impact of the adoption of new accounting
pronouncement —
—
39
—
1,666
1,705
Issuance of common stock for cash upon exercise of
stock options 3
—
16
—
—
16
Issuance of common stock related to acquisitions
1
—
74
—
—
74
Issuance of common stock for settlement of RSUs
43
—
—
—
—
—
Shares withheld related to net share settlement
—
—
(6)
—
—
(6)
Share-based compensation, related to employee
share-based awards —
—
3,218
—
—
3,218
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
(248)
—
(248)
Net income
—
—
—
—
10,217
10,217
Balances at December 31, 2016
2,892
—
38,227
(703)
21,670
59,194
Issuance of common stock for cash upon exercise of
stock options 3
—
13
—
—
13
Issuance of common stock related to acquisitions
2
—
323
—
—
323
Issuance of common stock for settlement of RSUs
43
—
—
—
—
—
Shares withheld related to net share settlement
(21)
—
(1,702)
—
(1,544)
(3,246)
Share-based compensation, related to employee
share-based awards —
—
3,723
—
—
3,723
Share repurchases
(13)
—
—
—
(2,070)
(2,070)
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
476
—
476
Net income
—
—
—
—
15,934
15,934
Balances at December 31, 2017
2,906
—
40,584
(227)
33,990
74,347
Impact of the adoption of new accounting
pronouncements —
—
—
(31)
172
141
Issuance of common stock for cash upon exercise of
stock options 2
—
15
—
—
15
Issuance of common stock for settlement of RSUs
44
—
—
—
—
—
Shares withheld related to net share settlement
(19)
—
(1,845)
—
(1,363)
(3,208)
Share-based compensation, related to employee
share-based awards —
—
4,152
—
—
4,152
Share repurchases
(79)
—
—
—
(12,930)
(12,930)
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
(502)
—
(502)
Net income
—
—
—
—
22,112
22,112
Balances at December 31, 2018
2,854
$ —
$ 42,906
$ (760)
$ 41,981
$ 84,127
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
61
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 22,112
$ 15,934
$ 10,217
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 4,315
3,025
2,342
Share-based compensation 4,152
3,723
3,218
Deferred income taxes 286
(377)
(457)
Other (64)
24
30
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (1,892)
(1,609)
(1,489)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (690)
(192)
(159)
Other assets (159)
154
14
Accounts payable 221
43
14
Partners payable 157
95
67
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,417
309
1,014
Deferred revenue and deposits 53
4
35
Other liabilities (634)
3,083
1,262
Net cash provided by operating activities
29,274
24,216 16,108
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment, net (13,915)
(6,733)
(4,491)
Purchases of marketable securities (14,656)
(25,682)
(22,341)
Sales of marketable securities 12,358
9,444
13,894
Maturities of marketable securities 4,772
2,988
1,261
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, and purchases of intangible assets (137)
(122)
(123)
Other investing activities, net (25)
(13)
8
Net cash used in investing activities
(11,603)
(20,118)
(11,792)
Cash flows from financing activities
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (3,208)
(3,246)
(6)
Principal payments on capital lease and other financing obligations —
—
(312)
Repurchases of Class A common stock (12,879)
(1,976)
—
Net change in overdraft in cash pooling entities 500
—
—
Other financing activities, net 15
(13)
8
Net cash used in financing activities
(15,572)
(5,235)
(310)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(179)
232
(63)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
1,920
(905)
3,943
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the period 8,204
9,109
5,166
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
$ 10,124
$ 8,204
$ 9,109
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,019
$ 8,079
$ 8,903
Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 10
18
106
Restricted cash, included in other assets 95
107
100
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$ 10,124
$ 8,204
$ 9,109
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
62
FACEBOOK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Supplemental cash flow data
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 1
$ —
$ 11
Income taxes, net
$ 3,762
$ 2,117
$ 1,210
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Net change in prepaids and liabilities related to property and equipment additions $ 918
$ 495
$ 136
Settlement of acquisition-related contingent consideration liability
$ —
$ 102
$ 33
Change in unsettled repurchases of Class A common stock
$ 51
$ 94
$ —
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
63
FACEBOOK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
OrganizationandDescriptionofBusiness
Facebook was incorporated in Delaware in July 2004. Our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. We
generate substantially all of our revenue from advertising.
BasisofPresentation
We prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Facebook, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
UseofEstimates
Conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. These estimates form the basis for judgments we make about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent
from other sources. We base our estimates and judgments on historical information and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments in several areas, including, but not limited to, those related to income taxes, loss contingencies,
fair value of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, collectability of accounts receivable, fair value of financial instruments, leases, useful lives of intangible
assets and property and equipment, and revenue recognition. These estimates are based on management's knowledge about current events and expectations about
actions we may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
RevenueRecognition
On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which supersedes the
revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) , using the modified retrospective
transition method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are
presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under Topic
605. The impact of adopting the new revenue standard was not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements and there was no adjustment to
beginning retained earnings on January 1, 2018.
Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the
consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
• identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
• identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
• determination of the transaction price;
• allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
• recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
Revenue excludes sales and usage-based taxes where it has been determined that we are acting as a pass-through agent.
Revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 consists of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(1)
2016
(1)
Advertising $ 55,013
$ 39,942
$ 26,885
Payments and other fees 825
711
753
Total revenue
$ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
(1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
64
Revenue disaggregated by geography, based on the billing address of our customer, consists of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
(1)
2016
(1)
Revenue:
US & Canada
(2)
$ 25,727
$ 19,065
$ 13,432
Europe
(3)
13,631
10,126
6,792
Asia-Pacific 11,733
7,921
5,037
Rest of World
(3)
4,747
3,541
2,377
Total revenue
$ 55,838
$ 40,653
$ 27,638
(1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
(2) United States revenue was $24.10 billion , $17.73 billion , and $12.58 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 .
(3) Europe includes Russia and Turkey, and Rest of World includes Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Advertising
Advertising revenue is generated by displaying ad products on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and third-party affiliated websites or mobile applications.
Marketers pay for ad products either directly or through their relationships with advertising agencies or resellers, based on the number of impressions delivered or
the number of actions, such as clicks, taken by our users.
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect
to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We recognize revenue from the display of impression-based ads in the contracted period in which the
impressions are delivered. Impressions are considered delivered when an ad is displayed to users. We recognize revenue from the delivery of action-based ads in
the period in which a user takes the action the marketer contracted for. For advertising revenue arrangements where we are not the principal, we recognize revenue
on a net basis.
We may accept a lower consideration than the amount promised per the contract for certain revenue transactions and certain customers may receive cash-
based incentives or credits, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. We believe that there will not
be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration.
Payments and Other Fees
Payments revenue is comprised of the net fee we receive from developers using our Payments infrastructure.
Other fees revenue consists primarily of revenue from the delivery of consumer hardware devices, as well as revenue from various other sources.
Deferred Revenue and Deposits
Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from marketers in advance of revenue recognition. Deposits relate to unused balances held on behalf of
our users who primarily use these balances to make purchases in games on our platform. Once this balance is utilized by a user, approximately 70% of this amount
would then be payable to the developer and the balance would be recognized as revenue. The increase in the deferred revenue balance for the year ended December
31, 2018 was driven by prepayments from marketers, partially offset by revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of
the period.
Our payment terms vary by the products or services offered. The term between billings and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or
services and customer types, we require payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer.
Deferred revenue and deposits consists of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Deferred revenue $ 117
$ 68
Deposits 30
30
Total deferred revenue and deposits
$ 147
$ 98
65
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within
marketing and sales on our consolidated statements of income.
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts
for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
CostofRevenue
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses associated with the delivery and distribution of our products. These include expenses related to the
operation of our data centers, such as facility and server equipment depreciation, salaries, benefits, and share-based compensation for employees on our operations
teams, and energy and bandwidth costs. Cost of revenue also includes costs associated with partner arrangements, including traffic acquisition and content
acquisition costs, credit card and other transaction fees related to processing customer transactions, and cost of consumer hardware device inventory sold.
Contentacquisitioncosts
We license and pay to produce content in order to increase engagement on the platform. For licensed content, we capitalize the fee per title and record a
corresponding liability at the gross amount of the liability when the license period begins, the cost of the title is known and the title is accepted and available for
viewing. The amounts capitalized are limited to estimated net realizable value or fair value on a per title basis. The portion available for viewing within one year is
recognized as prepaid expenses and other current assets and the remaining portion as other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For original content, we
capitalize costs associated with the production, including development costs and direct costs, if those amounts are recoverable. Capitalized original content costs
are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized costs are amortized in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of income based
on historical and estimated viewing patterns.
Capitalized content costs are reviewed when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the fair
value may be less than amortized cost. If such changes are identified, capitalized content assets will be stated at the lower of unamortized cost, net realizable value
or fair value. In addition, unamortized costs for assets that have been, or are expected to be, abandoned are written off.
Capitalized content acquisition costs have not been material to date.
IncomeTaxes
We record provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Under
this method, we recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as for loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates that are
expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We recognize the deferred income
tax effects of a change in tax rates in the period of the enactment.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the net amount that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We consider all
available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income and
ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination
by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. These uncertain tax positions include our estimates for transfer pricing that have been
developed based upon analyses of appropriate arms-length prices. Similarly, our estimates related to uncertain tax positions concerning research tax credits are
based on an assessment of whether our available documentation corroborating the nature of our activities supporting the tax credits will be sufficient. Although we
believe that we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions (including net interest and penalties), we can provide no assurance that the final tax
outcome of these matters will not be materially different. We make adjustments to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax
audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect
the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations,
and cash flows.
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that
affected us, including a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and a reduction
66
of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, among others. We are required to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of
enactment, such as determining the transition tax, re-measuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred
tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs
Act (SAB 118), which allowed us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. As a result, we
previously provided a provisional estimate of the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed our analysis to
determine the effect of the Tax Act and recorded immaterial adjustments as of December 31, 2018. See Note 12 in these notes to the consolidated financial
statements for additional information.
AdvertisingExpense
Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included in marketing and sales expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
We incurred advertising expenses of $1.10 billion , $324 million , and $310 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively.
CashandCashEquivalents,MarketableSecurities,andRestrictedCash
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on deposit with banks and investments in money market funds with maturities of 90 days or less from
the date of purchase.
We hold investments in marketable securities, consisting of U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate debt securities .
We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale investments in our current assets because they represent investments of cash available for current
operations. Our available-for-sale investments are carried at estimated fair value with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, included in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Unrealized losses are charged against interest and other income (expense), net when a decline in fair value is
determined to be other-than-temporary. We have not recorded any such impairment charge in the periods presented. We determine realized gains or losses on sale
of marketable securities on a specific identification method, and record such gains or losses as interest and other income (expense), net.
We also maintain a multi-currency notional cash pool for our participating entities with a third-party bank provider. Actual cash balances are not physically
converted and are not commingled between participating legal entities. As part of the notional cash pool agreement, the bank extends overdraft credit to our
participating entities as needed, provided that the overall notionally pooled balance of all accounts in the pool at the end of each day is at least zero. We classify
these overdraft balances within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
We classify certain restricted cash balances within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets based upon the term of the remaining restrictions.
FairValueofFinancialInstruments
We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in
the financial statements on a recurring basis. We define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, which are
required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements
or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as risks inherent in valuation techniques, transfer restrictions and credit risk.
Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization
within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
Level 1 -Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 -Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or
liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or
liabilities.
Level 3 -Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the
asset or liability.
Our valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of money market funds and marketable debt securities were derived from quoted market prices or
alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs.
67
AccountsReceivableandAllowances
Accounts receivable are recorded and carried at the original invoiced amount less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts. We make estimates
for the allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon our assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the
age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from
customers.
PropertyandEquipment
Property and equipment, which includes amounts recorded under capital leases, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are described below:
Property and Equipment
Useful Life
Network equipment
Three to 25 years
Buildings
Three to 30 years
Computer software, office equipment and other
Two to five years
Leased equipment and leasehold improvements
Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term
Land and assets held within construction in progress are not depreciated. Construction in progress is related to the construction or development of property
and equipment that have not yet been placed in service for their intended use.
The cost of maintenance and repairs is expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
are removed from their respective accounts, and any gain or loss on such sale or disposal is reflected in income from operations.
LeaseObligations
We enter into lease arrangements for office space, land, facilities, data centers, and equipment under non-cancelable capital and operating leases. Certain of
the operating lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation provisions, and purchase options. Rent holidays and rent escalation provisions are considered
in determining the straight-line rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. The lease term begins on the date of initial possession of the leased property for
purposes of recognizing lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless
the renewals are deemed to be reasonably assured at lease inception.
We record assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred by third parties under build-to-suit lease arrangements to the extent that we are
involved in the construction of structural improvements or bear construction risk prior to commencement of a lease. As of December 31, 2018, we completed our
build-to-suit lease arrangements and properly derecognized the associated assets on our consolidated balance sheet.
LossContingencies
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations that arise in the ordinary course of business.
Certain of these matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is both
probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss
can be estimated, we disclose the possible loss in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
We review the developments in our contingencies that could affect the amount of the provisions that has been previously recorded, and the matters and
related possible losses disclosed. We make adjustments to our provisions and changes to our disclosures accordingly to reflect the impact of negotiations,
settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and updated information. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability and the estimated amount.
BusinessCombinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.
Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing
certain intangible assets include, but are not
68
limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount
rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a
result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date, we may record
adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any
subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
Long-LivedAssets,IncludingGoodwillandOtherAcquiredIntangibleAssets
We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are
largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the
future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment and intangible
assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. We have not recorded any significant impairment charges during the years
presented.
We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair
value of our single reporting unit below its carrying value. As of December 31, 2018 , no impairment of goodwill has been identified.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We routinely review the remaining
estimated useful lives of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. If we reduce the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining
unamortized balance is amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life.
ForeignCurrency
Generally, the functional currency of our international subsidiaries is the local currency. We translate the financial statements of these subsidiaries to U.S.
dollars using month-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for revenue, costs, and expenses. Translation gains and losses are
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as a component of stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had a cumulative
translation loss, net of tax of $466 million and $16 million , respectively. Net losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions were $213 million , $6 million ,
and $76 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. These losses were recorded as interest and other income (expense), net in
our consolidated statements of income.
CreditRiskandConcentration
Our financial instruments that are potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable
securities, and accounts receivable. The majority of cash equivalents consists of short-term money market funds, which are managed by reputable financial
institutions. Marketable securities consist of investments in U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate debt securities . Our
investment policy limits investment instruments to U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate debt securities with the main
objective of preserving capital and maintaining liquidity.
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers across different industries and countries. We generated
43% , 44% , and 46% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, from marketers and developers based in the United
States, with the majority of revenue outside of the United States coming from customers located in western Europe, China, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, and generally do not require collateral. We maintain an allowance for estimated credit losses.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , our bad debt expenses were $77 million , $48 million , and $66 million , respectively. In the event
that accounts receivable collection cycles deteriorate, our operating results and financial position could be adversely affected.
No customer represented 10% or more of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 .
69
Segments
Our chief operating decision-maker is our Chief Executive Officer who makes resource allocation decisions and assesses performance based on financial
information presented on a consolidated basis. There are no segment managers who are held accountable by the chief operating decision-maker, or anyone else, for
operations, operating results, and planning for levels or components below the consolidated unit level. Accordingly, we have determined that we have a single
reportable segment and operating segment structure.
RecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Topic 606, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605.
We adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January
1, 2018. See Revenue Recognition above for further details.
In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes ( Topic 740 ): Intra-Entity Transfers Other than Inventory
(ASU 2016-16), which requires companies to recognize the income-tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer
occurs, rather than when the asset has been sold to an outside party. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective
transition approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date, which was not material to our consolidated financial
statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows ( Topic 230 ): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18),
which requires companies to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling
beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018, using the
retrospective transition approach. The reclassified restricted cash balances from investing activities to changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the
consolidated statements of cash flows were not material for all periods presented.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) : Clarifying the Definition of a Business
(ASU 2017-01), which revises the definition of a business and provides new guidance in evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. We
adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-02), which allows companies to reclassify stranded tax effects
resulting from the Tax Act, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The new standard is effective for us beginning January 1, 2019,
with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt the new standard at the beginning of the third quarter of 2018 using the aggregate portfolio approach. The
amount of stranded tax effects that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings was not material.
RecentAccountingPronouncementsNotYetAdopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), as amended, which generally requires
lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures
surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements. We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2019 on a
modified retrospective basis and will not restate comparative periods. We will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance,
which allows us to carryforward our historical lease classification, our assessment on whether a contract is or contains a lease, and our initial direct costs for any
leases that exist prior to adoption of the new standard. We will also elect to combine lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12
months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease
term. We estimate approximately $6 billion would be recognized as total right-of-use assets and total lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of
January 1, 2019. Other than disclosed, we do not expect the new standard to have a material impact on our remaining consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for
Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04), which eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an
impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value up to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting
unit. This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2020 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the standard to
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
70
Note 2. Earnings per Share
We compute earnings per share (EPS) of Class A and Class B common stock using the two-class method required for participating securities. We consider
restricted stock awards to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights in the event of our declaration of a
dividend for common shares.
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common stockholders.
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of our Class A and Class B
common stock outstanding, adjusted for outstanding shares that are subject to repurchase.
For the calculation of diluted EPS, net income attributable to common stockholders for basic EPS is adjusted by the effect of dilutive securities, such as
awards under our equity compensation plans and inducement awards under separate non-plan restricted stock unit (RSU) award agreements. In addition, the
computation of the diluted EPS of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of our Class B common stock to Class A common stock, while the diluted EPS
of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares to Class A common stock. Diluted EPS attributable to common stockholders is computed
by dividing the resulting net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of fully diluted common shares outstanding.
RSUs with anti-dilutive effect were excluded from the EPS calculation and they were not material for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016
, respectively.
Basic and diluted EPS are the same for each class of common stock because they are entitled to the same liquidation and dividend rights.
71
The numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for our common stock are calculated as follows (in millions, except per share
amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Class
A
Class
B
Class
A
Class
B
Class
A
Class
B
Basic EPS:
Numerator
Net income $ 18,411
$ 3,701
$ 13,034
$ 2,900
$ 8,270
$ 1,947
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities 1
—
12
2
24
5
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 18,410
$ 3,701
$ 13,022
$ 2,898
$ 8,246
$ 1,942
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding 2,406
484
2,375
528
2,323
548
Less: Shares subject to repurchase —
—
2
—
6
2
Number of shares used for basic EPS computation
2,406
484
2,373
528
2,317
546
Basic EPS
$ 7.65
$ 7.65
$ 5.49
$ 5.49
$ 3.56
$ 3.56
Diluted EPS:
Numerator
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 18,410
$ 3,701
$ 13,022
$ 2,898
$ 8,246
$ 1,942
Reallocation of net income attributable to participating securities 1
—
14
—
29
—
Reallocation of net income as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A
common stock 3,701
—
2,898
—
1,942
—
Reallocation of net income to Class B common stock —
(16)
—
(13)
—
14
Net income attributable to common stockholders for diluted EPS
$ 22,112
$ 3,685
$ 15,934
$ 2,885
$ 10,217
$ 1,956
Denominator
Number of shares used for basic EPS computation 2,406
484
2,373
528
2,317
546
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock 484
—
528
—
546
—
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options 2
2
4
4
6
6
RSUs 29
1
49
3
49
5
Shares subject to repurchase and other —
—
2
—
7
3
Number of shares used for diluted EPS computation
2,921
487
2,956
535
2,925
560
Diluted EPS
$ 7.57
$ 7.57
$ 5.39
$ 5.39
$ 3.49
$ 3.49
72
Note 3. Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities
The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash $ 2,713
$ 2,212
Money market funds 6,792
5,268
U.S. government securities 90
66
U.S. government agency securities 54
25
Certificate of deposits and time deposits 369
440
Corporate debt securities 1
68
Total cash and cash equivalents 10,019
8,079
Marketable securities:
U.S. government securities 13,836
12,766
U.S. government agency securities 8,333
10,944
Corporate debt securities 8,926
9,922
Total marketable securities 31,095
33,632
Total cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities
$ 41,114
$ 41,711
The gross unrealized losses on our marketable securities were $357 million and $289 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The gross
unrealized gains for both periods were not significant. In addition, gross unrealized losses that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer were
$332 million and $169 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , we considered the decreases in market value on our
marketable securities to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of our investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
The following table classifies our marketable securities by contractual maturities (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Due in one year $ 9,746
$ 7,976
Due after one year to five years 21,349
25,656
Total
$ 31,095
$ 33,632
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Note 4. Fair Value Measurement
The following table summarizes, for assets or liabilities measured at fair value, the respective fair value and the classification by level of input within the
fair value hierarchy (in millions):
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
Description
December 31,
2018
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
$ 6,792
$ 6,792
$ —
$ —
U.S. government securities
90
90
—
—
U.S. government agency securities
54
54
—
—
Certificate of deposits and time deposits
369
—
369
—
Corporate debt securities
1
—
1
—
Marketable securities:
U.S. government securities
13,836
13,836
—
—
U.S. government agency securities
8,333
8,333
—
—
Corporate debt securities
8,926
—
8,926
—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities
$ 38,401
$ 29,105
$ 9,296
$ —
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
Description
December 31,
2017
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
$ 5,268
$ 5,268
$ —
$ —
U.S. government securities
66
66
—
—
U.S. government agency securities
25
25
—
—
Certificate of deposits and time deposits
440
—
440
—
Corporate debt securities
68
—
68
—
Marketable securities:
U.S. government securities
12,766
12,766
—
—
U.S. government agency securities
10,944
10,944
—
—
Corporate debt securities
9,922
—
9,922
—
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities
$ 39,499
$ 29,069
$ 10,430
$ —
We classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities within Level 1 or Level 2 because we use quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and
models utilizing market observable inputs to determine their fair value.
74
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Land $ 899
$ 798
Buildings 7,401
4,909
Leasehold improvements 1,841
959
Network equipment 13,017
7,998
Computer software, office equipment and other 1,187
681
Construction in progress 7,228
2,992
Total 31,573
18,337
Less: Accumulated depreciation (6,890)
(4,616)
Property and equipment, net
$ 24,683
$ 13,721
Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $3.68 billion , $2.33 billion , and $1.59 billion during 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively.
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 includes $1.06 billion and $533 million , respectively, acquired under capital lease agreements,
of which a substantial majority, is included in network equipment. Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment acquired under these capital leases was
$217 million and $101 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.
Construction in progress includes costs mostly related to construction of data centers, network equipment infrastructure to support our data centers around
the world, and office buildings. The construction of office buildings as of December 31, 2017 included our build-to-suit lease arrangements which were completed
and derecognized during 2018.
No interest was capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 .
Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we purchased certain intangible assets and completed several business acquisitions that were not material to our
consolidated financial statements, either individually or in the aggregate. Accordingly, pro forma historical results of operations related to these business
acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2018 have not been presented. We have included the financial results of these business acquisitions in our
consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition.
Goodwill generated from all business acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to expected synergies
from future growth and potential monetization opportunities. The amount of goodwill generated during this period that was deductible for tax purposes was not
material.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 18,122
Goodwill acquired 90
Effect of currency translation adjustment 9
Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,221
Goodwill acquired 88
Effect of currency translation adjustment (8)
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$ 18,301
75
Intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Useful Lives (in
years)
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Amount
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Amount
Acquired users 2.8
$ 2,056
$ (1,260)
$ 796
$ 2,056
$ (971)
$ 1,085
Acquired technology 1.2
1,002
(871)
131
972
(711)
261
Acquired patents 5.2
805
(565)
240
785
(499)
286
Trade names 1.4
629
(517)
112
629
(406)
223
Other 2.4
162
(147)
15
162
(133)
29
Total intangible assets 2.9
$ 4,654
$ (3,360)
$ 1,294
$ 4,604
$ (2,720)
$ 1,884
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $640 million , $692 million , and $751 million ,
respectively.
As of December 31, 2018 , expected amortization expense for the unamortized acquired intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows
(in millions):
2019 $ 553
2020 378
2021 273
2022 33
2023 26
Thereafter 31
Total
$ 1,294
Note 7. Liabilities
The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Accrued compensation and benefits $ 1,203
$ 790
Accrued property and equipment 1,531
685
Overdraft in cash pooling entities 500
—
Accrued taxes 491
340
Other current liabilities 1,784
1,077
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$ 5,509
$ 2,892
The components of other liabilities are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Income tax payable $ 4,655
$ 5,372
Deferred tax liabilities 673
50
Other liabilities 862
995
Other liabilities
$ 6,190
$ 6,417
76
Note 8. Long-term Debt
In May 2016, we entered into a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, and any amounts outstanding under this facility will be due and
payable on May 20, 2021. As of December 31, 2018 , no amounts had been drawn down and we were in compliance with the covenants under this facility.
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
Leases
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain of our offices, data centers, land, and colocations with original lease
periods expiring between 2019 and 2093 . We are committed to pay a portion of the related actual operating expenses under certain of these lease agreements.
Certain of these arrangements have free rent periods or escalating rent payment provisions, and we recognize rent expense under such arrangements on a straight-
line basis.
The following is a schedule, by years, of the future minimum lease payments required under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 (in
millions):
Operating Leases
2019 $ 698
2020 946
2021 1,055
2022 1,048
2023 1,054
Thereafter 9,850
Total minimum lease payments
$ 14,651
Operating lease expense was $629 million , $363 million , and $269 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We fully
repaid all our capital lease obligations during 2016.
Guarantee
In 2018, we established a multi-currency notional cash pool for certain of our entities with a third-party bank provider. Actual cash balances are not
physically converted and are not commingled between participating legal entities. As part of the notional cash pool agreement, the bank extends overdraft credit to
our participating entities as needed, provided that the overall notionally pooled balance of all accounts in the pool at the end of each day is at least zero. In the
unlikely event of a default by our collective entities participating in the pool, any overdraft balances incurred would be guaranteed by Facebook, Inc.
Other contractual commitments
We also have $6.17 billion of non-cancelable contractual commitments as of December 31, 2018 , primarily related to network infrastructure and our data
center operations. These commitments are primarily due within five years .
Contingencies
Legal Matters
Beginning on March 20, 2018, multiple putative class actions and derivative actions were filed in state and federal courts in the United States and elsewhere
against us and certain of our directors and officers alleging violations of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duties, and other causes of action in connection with
our platform and user data practices as well as the misuse of certain data by a developer that shared such data with third parties in violation of our terms and
policies, and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. Beginning on July 27, 2018, two putative class actions were filed in federal court in the United
States against us and certain of our directors and officers alleging violations of securities laws in connection with the disclosure of our earnings results for the
second quarter of 2018, and seeking unspecified damages. These two actions subsequently were transferred and consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California with the putative securities class action described above relating to our platform and user data practices. We believe these lawsuits
are without merit, and we are vigorously defending them. In addition, our platform and user data practices, as well as the events surrounding the misuse of certain
data by a developer, became
77
the subject of U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, state attorneys general, and other government inquiries in the United States,
Europe, and other jurisdictions.
Beginning on September 28, 2018, multiple putative class actions were filed in state and federal courts in the United States and elsewhere against us
alleging violations of consumer protection laws and other causes of action in connection with a third-party cyber-attack that exploited a vulnerability in Facebook’s
code to steal user access tokens and access certain profile information from user accounts on Facebook, and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. We
believe these lawsuits are without merit, and we are vigorously defending them. In addition, the events surrounding this cyber-attack became the subject of Irish
Data Protection Commission, U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other government inquiries in the United States, Europe, and other jurisdictions.
In addition, from time to time, we are subject to litigation and other proceedings involving law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, including in
particular in Brazil and Europe, in order to ascertain the precise scope of our legal obligations to comply with the requests of those agencies, including our
obligation to disclose user information in particular circumstances. A number of such instances have resulted in the assessment of fines and penalties against us.
We believe we have multiple legal grounds to satisfy these requests or prevail against associated fines and penalties, and we intend to vigorously defend such fines
and penalties.
Although we believe that it is reasonably possible that we may incur a substantial loss in some of the cases, actions, or inquiries described above, we are
currently unable to estimate the amount of such losses or a range of possible losses.
We are also party to various other legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations that arise in the ordinary course
of business. With respect to these matters, we evaluate the developments on a regular basis and accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount
can be reasonably estimated.
We believe that the amount or any estimable range of reasonably possible or probable loss will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material
adverse effect on our business and consolidated financial statements. However, the outcome of these matters is inherently uncertain. Therefore, if one or more of
these matters were resolved against us for amounts in excess of management's expectations, our results of operations and financial condition, including in a
particular reporting period in which any such outcome becomes probable and estimable, could be materially adversely affected.
For information regarding income tax contingencies, see Note 12—Income Taxes.
Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, to facilitate transactions of services and products, we have agreed to indemnify certain parties with respect to certain
matters. We have agreed to hold certain parties harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations or covenants, or out of intellectual property
infringement or other claims made by third parties. These agreements may limit the time within which an indemnification claim can be made and the amount of the
claim. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers, directors, and certain employees, and our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations.
It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification
claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not had a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, as of December 31, 2018 , there was not at least a reasonable possibility we had incurred a
material loss with respect to indemnification of such parties. We have not recorded any liability for costs related to indemnification through December 31, 2018 .
Note 10. Stockholders' Equity
CommonStock
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of Class A common stock and Class B common stock. As of December 31, 2018 , we are authorized
to issue 5,000 million shares of Class A common stock and 4,141 million shares of Class B common stock, each with a par value of $0.000006 per share. Holders
of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to dividends when, as and if, declared by our board of directors, subject to the rights of the
holders of all classes of stock outstanding having priority rights to dividends. As of December 31, 2018 , we have not declared any dividends and our credit facility
contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. The holder of each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, while the holder of each share of
Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes. Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible into an equivalent number of shares of our Class A common
stock and generally convert into shares of our Class A common stock upon
78
transfer. Class A common stock and Class B common stock are referred to as common stock throughout the notes to these financial statements, unless otherwise
noted.
As of December 31, 2018 , there were 2,385 million shares and 469 million shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively,
issued and outstanding.
ShareRepurchaseProgram
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program that commenced in 2017 and does not have an expiration date. During the second quarter
of 2018, we completed repurchases under the original authorization to purchase up to $6.0 billion of our Class A common stock. In April 2018, the authorization
for the repurchase of our Class A common stock was increased by an additional $9.0 billion , and we completed repurchases under this authorization during the
fourth quarter of 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we repurchased and subsequently retired 79 million shares of our Class A common stock for
$12.93 billion .
In December 2018, our board of directors authorized an additional $9.0 billion of repurchases under this program. The timing and actual number of shares
repurchased under this program depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and other investment opportunities, and
shares may be repurchased through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including through the use of trading plans intended to qualify under
Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As of December 31, 2018 , $9.0 billion remained available and authorized for repurchases.
Share-basedCompensationPlans
We maintain two share-based employee compensation plans: the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended in each of June 2016 and February 2018
(Amended 2012 Plan), and the 2005 Stock Plan (collectively, Stock Plans). Our Amended 2012 Plan serves as the successor to our 2005 Stock Plan and provides
for the issuance of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, performance shares, and stock bonuses to
qualified employees, directors and consultants. Outstanding awards under the 2005 Stock Plan continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2005 Stock
Plan. Shares that are withheld in connection with the net settlement of RSUs or forfeited under our Stock Plans are added to the reserves of the Amended 2012
Plan. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
As of December 31, 2018 , there were 83 million shares reserved for future issuance under our Amended 2012 Plan. The number of shares reserved for
issuance under our Amended 2012 Plan increases automatically on January 1 of each of the calendar years during the term of the Amended 2012 Plan, which will
continue through April 2026 unless terminated earlier by our board of directors or a committee thereof, by a number of shares of Class A common stock equal to
the lesser of (i) 2.5% of the total issued and outstanding shares of our Class A common stock as of the immediately preceding December 31st or (ii) a number of
shares determined by our board of directors. Pursuant to this automatic increase provision, our board of directors approved an increase of 60 million shares
reserved for issuance effective January 1, 2019.
The following table summarizes the activities of stock option awards under the Stock Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 :
Shares Subject to Options Outstanding
Number of Shares
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(
1)
(in thousands)
(in years)
(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2017 3,078
$ 10.06
Stock options exercised (1,941)
$ 7.90
Balances at December 31, 2018
1,137
$ 13.74
1.7
$ 133
Stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2018
1,137
$ 13.74
1.7
$ 133
(1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the official closing price of our Class A common stock of
$131.09 , as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 31, 2018 .
79
There were no options granted, forfeited, or canceled for the year ended December 31, 2018 . The aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercised in the
years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $315 million , $359 million , and $309 million , respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options
vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was not material.
The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2018 :
Unvested RSUs
(1)
Number of Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
(in thousands)
Unvested at December 31, 2017 81,214
$ 110.49
Granted 38,283
$ 168.38
Vested (43,396)
$ 106.59
Forfeited (8,803)
$ 119.25
Unvested at December 31, 2018
67,298
$ 144.77
(1) Unvested shares at December 31, 2017 included an inducement award issued in connection with the WhatsApp acquisition in 2014, which was subject to the terms, restrictions, and
conditions of a separate non-plan RSU award agreement. This inducement award was no longer outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $7.57 billion , $6.76
billion , and $4.92 billion , respectively.
As of December 31, 2018 , there was $8.96 billion of unrecognized share-based compensation expense, which was related to RSUs. This unrecognized
compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately three years based on vesting under the award service
conditions.
Note 11. Interest and other income (expense), net
The following table presents the detail of interest and other income (expense), net, for the periods presented (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Interest income $ 661
$ 398
$ 176
Interest expense (9)
(6)
(10)
Foreign currency exchange losses, net (213)
(6)
(76)
Other 9
5
1
Interest and other income (expense), net
$ 448
$ 391
$ 91
80
Note 12. Income Taxes
The components of income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Domestic $ 8,800
$ 7,079
$ 6,368
Foreign 16,561
13,515
6,150
Income before provision for income taxes
$ 25,361
$ 20,594
$ 12,518
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Current:
Federal $ 1,747
$ 4,455
$ 2,384
State 176
190
179
Foreign 1,031
389
195
Total current tax expense 2,954
5,034
2,758
Deferred:
Federal 316
(296)
(414)
State 34
(33)
(18)
Foreign (55)
(45)
(25)
Total deferred tax expense/(benefits) 295
(374)
(457)
Provision for income taxes
$ 3,249
$ 4,660
$ 2,301
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0% to our effective tax rate is as follows (in percentages):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 %
35.0 %
35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.7
0.6
1.0
Research tax credits (1.0)
(0.9)
(0.7)
Share-based compensation 0.3
0.4
1.0
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation (2.6)
(5.8)
(7.0)
Effect of non-U.S. operations (5.9)
(18.6)
(12.8)
Effect of U.S. tax law change
(1)
—
11.0
—
Other 0.3
0.9
1.9
Effective tax rate
12.8 %
22.6 %
18.4 %
(1) Due to the Tax Act which was enacted in December 2017, provisional one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings was accrued as of December 31, 2017. In
addition, deferred taxes were derecognized for previous estimated tax liabilities that would arise upon repatriation of a portion of these earnings in the foreign jurisdictions.
81
Our deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward $ 1,825
$ 1,300
Tax credit carryforward 668
509
Share-based compensation 270
385
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 487
381
Other 153
131
Total deferred tax assets 3,403
2,706
Less: valuation allowance (600)
(438)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 2,803
2,268
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization (1,401)
(622)
Purchased intangible assets (195)
(309)
Deferred taxes on foreign income —
(88)
Total deferred tax liabilities (1,596)
(1,019)
Net deferred tax assets
$ 1,207
$ 1,249
The Tax Act reduces the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for our tax years beginning in 2018, which resulted in the re-measurement of the
federal portion of our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 from the 35% to 21% tax rate. The valuation allowance was approximately $600 million and
$438 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, mostly related to state tax credits that we do not believe will ultimately be realized.
In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118),
which allowed us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. As a result, we previously
provided a provisional estimate of the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed our analysis to determine the
effect of the Tax Act and recorded immaterial adjustments as of December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2018 , the U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards were $7.88 billion and $2.22 billion , which will begin to expire in
2033 and 2032 , respectively, if not utilized. We have federal tax credit carryforwards of $290 million , which will begin to expire in 2033 , if not utilized, and state
tax credit carryforwards of $1.91 billion , most of which do not expire.
Utilization of our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to substantial annual limitations due to the ownership change limitations
provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such annual limitations could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards before their utilization. The events that may cause ownership changes include, but are not limited to, a cumulative stock ownership change of greater
than 50% over a three -year period.
The Tax Act imposes a mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and generally eliminates US taxes on foreign subsidiary distribution. As a
result, earnings in foreign jurisdictions are available for distribution to the U.S. without incremental U.S. taxes.
The following table reflects changes in the gross unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Gross unrecognized tax benefits-beginning of period $ 3,870
$ 3,309
$ 3,017
Increases related to prior year tax positions 457
72
32
Decreases related to prior year tax positions (396)
(34)
(36)
Increases related to current year tax positions 831
536
307
Decreases related to settlements of prior year tax positions (84)
(13)
(11)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits-end of period
$ 4,678
$ 3,870
$ 3,309
82
During all years presented, we recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes on the
consolidated statements of income. The amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $340 million and $154 million ,
respectively.
If the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits of $4.68 billion as of December 31, 2018 were realized in a future period, this would result in a tax benefit
of $2.94 billion within our provision of income taxes at such time.
On July 27, 2015, the United States Tax Court (Tax Court) issued an opinion in Altera Corp. v. Commissioner (Tax Court Opinion), which concluded that
related parties in a cost sharing arrangement are not required to share expenses related to share-based compensation. The Tax Court Opinion was appealed by the
Commissioner to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit). On July 24, 2018, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion (Ninth Circuit Opinion) that reversed
the Tax Court Opinion. The Ninth Circuit Opinion was subsequently withdrawn and the case is being reheard. Since the Ninth Circuit Opinion was withdrawn, we
continue to treat our share-based compensation expense in accordance with the Tax Court Opinion. We also continue to monitor developments in this case and any
impact the final opinion could have on our consolidated financial statements.
We are subject to taxation in the United States and various other state and foreign jurisdictions. The material jurisdictions in which we are subject to
potential examination include the United States and Ireland. We are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for our 2014 through 2016 tax years
and by the Ireland tax authorities for our 2012 through 2015 tax years. Our 2017 tax year remains open to examination by the IRS. Our 2016 and subsequent tax
years remain open to examination in Ireland.
In July 2016, we received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (Notice) from the IRS related to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries in conjunction with
the examination of the 2010 tax year. While the Notice applies only to the 2010 tax year, the IRS states that it will also apply its position for tax years subsequent
to 2010, which, if the IRS prevails in its position, could result in an additional federal tax liability of an estimated, aggregate amount of approximately up to $5.0
billion in excess of the amounts in our originally filed U.S. return, plus interest and any penalties asserted. We do not agree with the position of the IRS and have
filed a petition in the Tax Court challenging the Notice. As of December 31, 2018, we have not resolved this matter, and proceedings continue in the Tax Court. In
March 2018, we received a second Notice from the IRS in conjunction with the examination of our 2011 through 2013 tax years. The IRS applied its position from
the 2010 tax year to each of these years and also proposed new adjustments related to other transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries and certain tax credits that
we claimed. If the IRS prevails in its position for these new adjustments, this could result in an additional federal tax liability of up to approximately $680 million
in excess of the amounts in our originally filed U.S. return, plus interest and any penalties asserted. We do not agree with the positions of the IRS in the second
Notice and have filed a petition in the Tax Court challenging the second Notice. We have previously accrued an estimated unrecognized tax benefit consistent with
the guidance in ASC 740 that is lower than the potential additional federal tax liability from the positions taken by the IRS in the two Notices. In addition, if the
IRS prevails in its positions related to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries, the additional tax that we would owe would be partially offset by a reduction in
the tax that we owe under the mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings from the Tax Act.
We believe that adequate amounts have been reserved in accordance with ASC 740 for any adjustments to the provision for income taxes or other tax items
that may ultimately result from these examinations. The timing of the resolution, settlement, and closure of any audits is highly uncertain, and it is reasonably
possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months. Given the number of years remaining that are subject
to examination, we are unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits. If the taxing authorities prevail
in the assessment of additional tax due, the assessed tax, interest, and penalties, if any, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows.
Note 13. Geographical Information
The following table sets forth property and equipment, net by geographic area (in millions):
December 31,
2018
2017
Property and equipment, net:
United States $ 18,950
$ 10,406
Rest of the world
(1)
5,733
3,315
Total property and equipment, net
$ 24,683
$ 13,721
(1) No individual country, other than disclosed above, exceeded 10% of our total property and equipment, net for any period presented.
For information regarding revenue disaggregated by geography, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition.
83
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), has evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d- 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)), as of
the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of December 31, 2018 ,
our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are
required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in
the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including
our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the
Exchange Act). Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on the assessment,
management has concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our independent registered public accounting firm,
Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an audit report with respect to our internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management's evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the
Exchange Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls
and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the
design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that
management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Item 9B. Other Information
In September 2017, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing that Mark Zuckerberg anticipated selling 35 million to 75 million shares of
Facebook stock over a period of approximately 18 months from the date of the announcement in order to fund the philanthropic initiatives of Mr. Zuckerberg and
his wife, Priscilla Chan, in education, science and advocacy. Mr. Zuckerberg has informed us that following such time period he intends to continue to sell shares
of Facebook stock from time to time, primarily to continue to fund his philanthropic initiatives. Any sale of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Zuckerberg will be
conducted pursuant to a trading plan established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and will be disclosed publicly in accordance with the rules
established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
84
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 .
Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all officers, directors and employees, which is available on our website
(investor.fb.com) under "Corporate Governance." We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendment to, or waiver
from, a provision of our Code of Conduct by posting such information on the website address and location specified above.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 .
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 .
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 .
85
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
We have filed the following documents as part of this Form 10-K:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Page No.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 56
Consolidated Balance Sheets 58
Consolidated Statements of Income 59
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 60
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 64
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not applicable, not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or the
required information is otherwise included.
3. Exhibits
Exhibit
Incorporated by Reference
Filed
HerewithNumber
Exhibit Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
10-Q
001-35551
3.1
July 31, 2012
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws.
10-Q
001-35551
3.2
July 31, 2012
4.1
Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate.
S-1
333-179287
4.1
February 8, 2012
4.2
Form of Class B Common Stock Certificate.
S-8
333-181566
4.4
May 21, 2012
4.3
Form of "Type 1" Holder Voting Agreement, between
Registrant, Mark Zuckerberg, and certain parties thereto.
S-1
333-179287
4.3
February 8, 2012
10.1+
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
S-1
333-179287
10.1
February 8, 2012
10.2(A)+
2005 Stock Plan, as amended.
10-K
001-35551
10.2(A)
February 1, 2013
10.2(B)+
2005 Stock Plan forms of award agreements.
S-1
333-179287
10.2
February 8, 2012
10.3(A)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
10-Q
001-35551
10.1
April 26, 2018
10.3(B)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements.
10-Q
001-35551
10.2
July 31, 2012
10.3(C)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements
(Additional Forms).
10-K
001-35551
10.3(C)
January 29, 2015
10.3(D)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements
(Additional Forms).
10-Q
001-35551
10.1
May 4, 2017
10.3(E)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements
(Additional Forms).
10-Q
001-35551
10.1
July 27, 2017
10.3(F)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements
(Additional Forms).
10-Q
001-35551
10.2
April 26, 2018
10.3(G)+
2012 Equity Incentive Plan forms of award agreements
(Additional Forms).
X
10.4+
2018 Bonus Plan.
10-Q
001-35551
10.3
April 26, 2018
10.5+
Amended and Restated Offer Letter, dated January 27, 2012,
between Registrant and Mark Zuckerberg.
S-1
333-179287
10.6
February 8, 2012
10.6+
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
January 27, 2012, between Registrant and Sheryl K. Sandberg.
S-1
333-179287
10.7
February 8, 2012
86
10.7+
Amended and Restated Offer Letter, dated May 2, 2014,
between Registrant and Christopher Cox.
10-K
001-35551
10.8
January 29, 2015
10.8+
Amended and Restated Offer Letter, dated January 27, 2012,
between Registrant and Mike Schroepfer.
S-1
333-179287
10.9
February 8, 2012
10.11+
Offer Letter, dated August 25, 2014, between Registrant and
David M. Wehner.
10-K
001-35551
10.10
January 29, 2015
10.12+
Offer Letter, dated December 8, 2017, between Registrant and
Kenneth I. Chenault.
10-Q
001-35551
10.4
April 26, 2018
10.13+
Offer Letter, dated April 23, 2018, between Registrant and
Jeffrey D. Zients.
10-Q
001-35551
10.1
July 26, 2018
21.1
List of subsidiaries.
X
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
X
31.1
Certification of Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer,
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
31.2
Certification of David M. Wehner, Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.1#
Certification of Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
32.2#
Certification of David M. Wehner, Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
X
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
X
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
X
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
X
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
X
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
X
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
X
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.
# This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange
Act), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act.
87
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Menlo Park, State of California, on this 31st day of January 2019 .
FACEBOOK, INC.
Date: January 31, 2019
/s/ David M. Wehner
David M. Wehner
Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David M. Wehner and David W.
Kling, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes
as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their or his or her substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
88
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Mark Zuckerberg
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 31, 2019
Mark Zuckerberg
/s/ David M. Wehner
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
January 31, 2019
David M. Wehner
/ S / Susan J.S. Taylor
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
January 31, 2019
Susan J.S. Taylor
/s/ Marc L. Andreessen
Director
January 31, 2019
Marc L. Andreessen
/s/ Erskine B. Bowles
Director
January 31, 2019
Erskine B. Bowles
/s/ Kenneth I. Chenault
Director
January 31, 2019
Kenneth I. Chenault
/s/ Susan D. Desmond-Hellmann
Director
January 31, 2019
Susan D. Desmond-Hellmann
/s/ Reed Hastings
Director
January 31, 2019
Reed Hastings
/s/ Sheryl K. Sandberg
Director
January 31, 2019
Sheryl K. Sandberg
/s/ Peter A. Thiel
Director
January 31, 2019
Peter A. Thiel
/s/ Jeffrey D. Zients
Director
January 31, 2019
Jeffrey D. Zients
89
EXHIBIT 10.3(G)
FACEBOOK, INC.
2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
GRANT NUMBER:
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Facebook, Inc. (the “ Company”) 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan”) shall
have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice”).
Name:
Address:
You (“ Participant”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan, this Notice and the attached Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Units) (hereinafter “ RSUAgreement”).
Number of RSUs:
Date of Grant:
Vesting Commencement Date:
Expiration Date: The date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs, with earlier expiration upon
the Termination Date
Vesting
Schedule:
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the RSU Agreement, the RSUs will vest in accordance
with the following schedule:
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the RSUs, and as a condition to and in consideration of the grant, vesting, and
settlement of the RSUs, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
Participant agrees and acknowledges that in the event Participant’s service status with the Company (or a Subsidiary or affiliate, as the case
by may be) changes: (i) the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively, or (ii) a portion of the award may be subject to forfeiture. Any such
changes or forfeiture will occur in accordance with Company policies including but not limited to policies relating to full- or part-time status,
leaves of absence, work schedules, and vesting of awards.
Participant understands that Participant’s employment or consulting relationship or service with the Company (or a Subsidiary or affiliate, as
the case may be) is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time in accordance with the applicable law (which may include “at-
will” employment) and that nothing in this Notice, the RSU Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant
acknowledges that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing service as an Employee, Director or
Consultant of the Company (or a
Subsidiary or affiliate, as the case may be). By receiving the RSUs, Shares, or otherwise any benefit relating to the RSUs, Participant also
acknowledges that this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of both the RSU Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference, Participant has read both the RSU Agreement and the Plan, and Participant consents to the electronic delivery as set forth
in the RSU Agreement.
Finally, please note that the RSU Agreements includes the Country-Specific Addendum, which provides additional notices, disclaimers,
and/or terms and conditions that apply to employees in the countries listed. Participant understands and agrees that if Participant works,
resides, moves to, or otherwise is or becomes subject to applicable laws or Company policies of any such jurisdictions at any time, such
country-specific notices, disclaimers and/or terms and conditions will apply to Participant, unless otherwise determined by the Company in its
sole discretion. In particular, any elections or special provisions for such country (including but not limited to provisions for certain tax
treatment; social contributions; potential or mandatory forfeiture of grants in certain circumstances or countries, e.g., Israel or China; and
applicable holding periods, sale restrictions, or processing of proceeds) may apply to Participant’s RSUs or Shares as from the date of grant,
even if Participant was not subject to such country laws or policies at the time of grant. However, because applicable laws and policies are
subject to change, the Country-Specific Addendum is not exhaustive. As provided for in the RSU Agreement, the Company also retains the
right to impose other requirements in relation to Participant’s participation in the Plan to the extent necessary or advisable in order to comply
with applicable laws or facilitate the administration of the Plan or this Agreement and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements
or undertakings that may be necessary or advisable to accomplish the foregoing.
If Participant does not wish to accept the RSUs and the terms and conditions of the RSU Agreement and the Plan, Participant should notify
[email protected] anytime prior to 14 calendar days before the first vesting event. In this case, the RSU award will be cancelled and no benefits
from the RSU award nor any compensation or benefits in lieu of the RSU award will be provided to Participant.
FACEBOOK, INC.
2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Facebook, Inc. (the “ Company”) 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan”)
shall have the same defined meanings in this Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Units) (the “ Agreement”).
Participant has been granted Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of
Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice”) and this Agreement (including any and all exhibits and addenda thereto).
1. Settlement . Settlement of RSUs shall be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule
set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares.
2. No Stockholder Rights . Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, Participant shall have no
ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and shall have no right to dividends or to vote such Shares.
3. Dividend Equivalents . Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), shall not be credited to Participant.
4. Non-Transferability of RSUs . RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
5. Termination . If Participant’s service Terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all
rights of Participant to such RSUs shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether Termination has occurred, the Company
shall have sole discretion to determine whether such Termination has occurred and the effective date of such Termination for purposes of the
Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that, except as may be agreed to in the sole discretion of the Company, if Participant is
Terminated by his/her employer for any reason or if Participant’s Termination is due to his/her voluntary resignation, all unvested RSUs shall
be forfeited as of the date on which Participant is no longer actively providing services, and no vesting shall continue during any notice
period that may be mandated in relation to his Termination, whether specified under contract or applicable law, including any “garden leave”
or similar period.
6. Withholding Taxes . Prior to the settlement of Participant’s RSUs and as a condition to and in consideration of the grant, vesting, and
settlement of the RSUs, Participant shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company (and any Subsidiary or affiliate) to
satisfy all withholding obligations of the Company (and any Subsidiary or affiliate) and any other amounts in relation to the RSUs, including
any applicable taxes, social contributions, required deductions, or other payments. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company (and
any Subsidiary or affiliate) to withhold all such amounts legally payable by Participant. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company
(and any Subsidiary or affiliate), at the direction and discretion of the Committee, to satisfy all obligations by one or a combination of the
following: (i) payment of a cash amount by Participant, (ii) by withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to
Participant by the Company (and any Subsidiary or affiliate), (iii) withholding Shares based on the Fair Market Value of the Shares that
otherwise would be issued to Participant when Participant’s RSUs are settled, provided that the Company does not withhold more than the
amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the maximum statutory withholding amount, (iv) by withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares
acquired upon settlement of the RSUs through a voluntary or mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to
this authorization without further action by Participant), or (v)
by any other arrangement approved by the Committee, all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with
the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable. The Company may refuse to deliver the Shares or the
proceeds from the sale of Shares if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations in connection with the tax withholding or other
payments as described in this section.
7. Acknowledgment . As a condition to, and in consideration of, the grant, vesting, and settlement of the RSUs, the Company and
Participant agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement (including the Country-Specific Addendum
hereto) and the provisions of the Plan. By receiving the RSUs, Shares, or otherwise any benefit relating to the RSUs, Participant: (i)
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their
provisions, and (iii) hereby accepts the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the
Notice.
8. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements,
commitments or negotiations concerning the issuance of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this
Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this
Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such
party.
9. Data Protection . In order to enable the Company to properly administer the Plan and the RSUs received by the Participant pursuant to
the Plan, Participant hereby gives explicit consent to the Company, any Subsidiary, Parent or Affiliate of the Company, and/or any delegates
to collect and process (electronically or otherwise) personal data, including sensitive and financial data, about himself or herself necessary to
administer the Plan and RSUs received by Participant pursuant to the Plan. Such data may include, but is not limited to, Participant's name,
work authorization, government or tax identification number, date of birth, beneficiaries' contact information, RSU grant history, and
compensation information. Participant also hereby gives explicit consent to the Company and any Subsidiary, Parent or Affiliate of the
Company to transfer (electronically or otherwise) any such data outside the country in which Participant is living or employed (including to
the United States), as well as to third-party providers (in Participant’s home country or the United States or other countries) of legal, tax,
benefits, administration or other services to the Company (and any Subsidiary, Parent or Affiliate of the Company) or employees of any such
entity, including but not limited to the designated broker for the Plan, Charles Schwab. The legal person for whom such personal data is
intended to be used is the Company and/or any Subsidiary, Parent or Affiliate of the Company. Participant further understands that the
Company and/or its Subsidiary , Parent or Affiliate may report information regarding the Participant and/or the RSU to tax authorities or
other governmental agencies as may be required to comply with applicable laws.
10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the
Company and Participant with all applicable national or local laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock
exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or
transfer. Furthermore, the applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which Participant is living or working at the time of grant, vesting and/or
settlement of the RSUs and/or disposition of the Shares received thereunder (including any rules or regulations governing securities,
exchange control, tax, labor or other matters) and any other applicable laws may restrict or prevent settlement of the RSUs and/or disposition
of the Shares received thereunder or may subject Participant to additional procedural or regulatory requirements. The Company will be under
no obligation to register or qualify the Plan, the RSUs or the Shares with, or to effective compliance with the registration, qualification or
other requirements of, any foreign governmental authority and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.
11. Country-Specific Addendum and Additional Requirements . The RSUs, any Shares to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs and
participation in the Plan shall be subject to any different or additional terms and conditions set forth in the Country-Specific Addendum
hereto. Moreover, the Company reserves the right to impose other
requirements on the RSUs, the Shares to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs and participation in the Plan to the extent necessary or
advisable for legal or administrative reasons and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be
necessary or advisable to accomplish the foregoing. Such requirements will apply as from the date of grant, including in circumstances where
Participant moves to another country after the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
12. Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to
renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such
provision, then (a) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such
provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
13. Governing Law; Choice of Venue . This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to
principles of conflict of laws. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this
Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such
litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California
and no other courts.
14. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or
power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate Participant
’
s service in accordance with applicable
laws, which may provide for the termination of Participant’s service for any reason, with or without cause.
15. Nature of Grant . As a condition to, and in consideration of, the grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs, and in receiving the award of
RSUs, Shares, or any other benefit relating to the RSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and it may be unilaterally modified, amended,
suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, unless otherwise provided in the Plan and this Agreement;
(b) the grant of the RSUs is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive
future grants of RSUs or other Awards, or benefits in lieu of RSUs, even if RSUs have been granted in the past;
(c) all decisions with respect to future grants of RSUs, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of same, are an extraordinary item that do not
constitute compensation of any kind for services of any kind rendered to the employer, the Company or any Subsidiary or Parent of the
Company and are outside the scope of Participant’s employment or service contract, if any;
(f) the RSU and the shares of Common Stock subject to the RSU, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to
replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected
compensation or salary for any purposes, including, but not limited to, calculation of any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy,
end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments and in no event should
be considered as compensation for, or relating in any way to, past services for the employer, the Company or any Subsidiary, Parent or
Affiliate of the Company;
(h) unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the RSU and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income from and value of
same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company;
(i) the RSUs and Participant’s participation in the Plan will not be interpreted to form an employment or service contract or
relationship with the Company or with any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company;
(j) the future value of the underlying Shares to be issued when the RSUs are settled is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be
predicted with certainty and neither the Company nor any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company will be liable for any decrease in the
value of such RSUs or Shares or for any foreign exchange rate fluctuations between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar
that may affect the value of any benefit Participant may receive in relation to the RSUs or the Shares to be issued pursuant to the settlement of
the RSUs; and
(k) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the RSUs resulting from Termination or from
any diminution in value of the RSUs or Shares acquired upon settlement of the RSUs for any reason.
16. Language . If the Notice, the Plan, this Agreement or any other documents relating to the RSUs has been provided in a language other
than English, the English language documents will prevail in the case of any ambiguities or divergences as a result of translation.
17. Acknowledgment and Acceptance . By Participant’s acceptance (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) of the Notice or
receipt of the RSUs, Shares or any other benefit relating to the RSUs, and as a condition to and in consideration of the grant, vesting, and
settlement of the RSUs:
(a) Participant and the Company agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the
Notice and this Agreement (including any applicable terms and conditions provided in the Country-Specific Addendum);
(b) Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus and represents that Participant has carefully
read and is familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the Plan prospectus, the Notice and this Agreement and has had an opportunity to obtain
the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement;
(c) Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any
questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement;
(d) Participant consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses
required by the SEC, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security
holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy
statements) or other communications or information related to the RSUs; electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company
intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery
determined at the Company’s discretion; and
(e) Participant agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address.
Country-Specific Addendum
This Country-Specific Addendum (the “ Addendum”) includes additional (or, if so indicated, different) terms and conditions that govern the
RSUs if Participant is subject to the laws of one or more of the jurisdictions listed herein. If Participant is a citizen or resident of a jurisdiction
(or is considered as such for local law purposes) other than the one in which he or she is currently residing and/or working or if Participant
transfers to another jurisdiction after being granted the RSUs, the Company will, in its discretion, determine the extent to which the terms and
conditions contained herein will be applicable to Participant.
This Addendum also includes notifications relating to issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in
the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other laws in effect in the jurisdictions as of January 2018. Such
laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information in this Addendum as the only source
of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time the
RSUs vest or are settled or at the time Participant sells Shares acquired under the Plan. In addition, the notifications are general in nature and
may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result.
Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the laws in the relevant jurisdictions may apply to
Participant’s situation. If Participant is a citizen or resident of a jurisdiction (or is considered as such for local law purposes) other than the
one in which Participant is currently working and/or residing or if Participant transfers to another jurisdiction after being granted the RSUs,
the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant in the same manner.
This Addendum forms part of the Agreement and should be read in conjunction with the Agreement and the Plan. Unless otherwise defined
herein, the terms defined in the Plan or the Agreement, as applicable, shall have the same defined meanings in this Addendum.
All Non-U.S.
Jurisdictions
Taxes
The following supplements Section 6 of the Agreement:
Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the Subsidiary or
Affiliate employing Participant (the “ Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll
tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to participation in the Plan and legally
applicable to Participant (“ Tax-RelatedItems”) is and remains Participant's responsibility and may exceed the amount
actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the
Employer make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection
with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent
sale of Shares acquired upon settlement and the receipt of any dividends, and do not commit to and are under no
obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate my liability for Tax-
Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than
one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable)
may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
Without derogating from the provisions of Section 6(iii) above, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related
Items by considering maximum applicable rates. If the Company determines the withholding amount using maximum
applicable rates, any over-withheld amount will be refunded in cash in accordance with applicable laws and Participant
will have no entitlement to the equivalent in Shares. Further, if the obligation for the Tax-Related Items is satisfied by
withholding Shares as described in Section 6(iii) above, for tax purposes, Participant will be deemed to have been
issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested RSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back
solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws
Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s or Participant’s broker's country of residence or where the
Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws which may affect
his or her ability to accept, acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of the Shares, rights to Shares (e.g., RSUs) or rights linked
to the value of Shares (e.g., phantom awards, futures) during such times Participant is considered to have “inside
information” regarding the Company as defined in the laws or regulations in his or her country. Local insider trading
laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before he or she
possessed inside information. Furthermore, Participant could be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to
any third party (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them otherwise to buy
or sell securities. Keep in mind third parties includes fellow employees. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations
are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under Facebook, Inc. Insider Trading Policy
as may be amended from time to time. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to comply with any
restrictions and that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on this matter.
ForeignAsset/AccountReporting,ExchangeControlandOtherRequirements
Without limitation to any requirements noted below for any specific country, Participant may be subject to foreign
asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the vesting and settlement of the RSUs,
the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from participation in the Plan and/or the opening and
maintaining of a brokerage or bank account in connection with the Plan. Participant may be required to report such
assets, accounts, account balances and values, and/or related transactions to the applicable authorities in his or her
country. Participant may also be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of his or her
participation in the Plan to his or her country through a designated bank or broker and/or within a certain time after
receipt. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to comply with any applicable foreign asset/account,
exchange control and tax reporting and other requirements and that Participant should consult his or her personal tax
and legal advisors on these matters.
Securities Law Notice
Unless otherwise noted herein, neither the Company nor the Shares are registered with any local stock exchange or
under the control of any local securities regulator outside the U.S. This Agreement, the Plan, and any other
communications or materials that Participant may receive regarding participation in the Plan do not constitute
advertising or an offering of securities outside the U.S. The issuance of securities described in any Plan-related
documents is not intended for offering or public circulation in Participant's jurisdiction.
European Union
(“EU”)/ European
Economic Area
(“EEA”)
Data Privacy
The following replaces Section 9 of the Agreement:
InordertoofferparticipationinthePlan,itisnecessaryfortheCompanytocollectandprocesscertaininformation
aboutParticipant.Furtherdetailaboutthisissetoutbelow.
Participant’sparticipationinthePlanisvoluntary.ParticipantmaywithdrawfromthePlanatanytime.Withdrawal
fromthePlanwillnotaffectParticipant’ssalaryasanemployeeorhisorheremployment;Participantwould
merelyforfeittheopportunitiesandbenefitsassociatedwiththePlan.
IfParticipantwithdrawsfromthePlan,theCompanywillceasetouseParticipant’sinformationforthepurposeof
thePlan(subjecttothedataretentionrequirementssetoutbelow).
DataCollectionandUsage.TheCompanycollectspersonalinformationaboutParticipantforpurposesof
administrationofthePlan,including:name,homeaddress,telephonenumberandemailaddress,dateofbirth,
socialinsurancenumber,passportorotheridentificationnumber,salary,citizenship,nationality,jobtitle,any
equity,sharesofstockordirectorshipsheldintheCompanyanditsAffiliates,detailsofallRSUsoranyother
entitlementtoequitygranted,canceled,vested,unvestedoroutstandinginParticipant’sfavor,whichtheCompany
receivesfromParticipantortheEmployer(“ParticipantData”).
TheCompanywillprocessanduseParticipantDataforthepurposesofallocatingstockandimplementing,
administeringandmanagingthePlan.TheCompany’slegalbasisfortheprocessingofParticipant’sDataisbased
oncontractualnecessityfortheperformanceofthePlan.
StockPlanAdministrationServiceProviders.TheCompanycurrentlyusesCharlesSchwab&Co.,Inc. andits
affiliatedcompanies(“CharlesSchwab”)asitsserviceproviderforthePlan.TheCompanysharesyourParticipant
DatawithCharlesSchwabforthepurposesofimplementing,administeringandmanagingthePlan.Charles
SchwabisbasedintheUnitedStates.Inthefuture,theCompanymayselectadifferentserviceproviderandshare
ParticipantDatawithanothercompanythatservesinasimilarmanner.TheCompany’sserviceprovider(s)will
openanaccountforParticipanttoreceiveandtradestock.Participantmaybeaskedtoagreetoseparatetermsand
dataprocessingpracticeswiththeserviceprovider(s),whichisaconditiontohisorherparticipationinthePlan.
InternationalDataTransfers.TheCompanyanditsserviceprovider(s),includingCharlesSchwab,arebasedinthe
UnitedStates,whichmeansthatitwillbenecessaryforParticipantDatatobetransferredto,andprocessedin,the
US.Participantshouldnotethathisorhercountrymayhaveenacteddataprivacylawsthataredifferentfromthe
UnitedStatesandwhichmayofferdifferentlevelsofprotection.ThelegalbasisforthetransferofParticipantData
isbasedoncontractualnecessityfortheperformanceofthePlan.
DataRetention.TheCompanywilluseParticipantDataonlyaslongasisnecessarytoimplement,administerand
managehisorherparticipationinthePlanorasmayberequiredbytheCompanyinordertocomplywithlegalor
regulatoryobligations,includingundertaxandsecuritieslaws(whichwillgenerallybenomorethan7yearsafter
theParticipantceasesparticipatinginthePlan).
DataSubjectRights.Participanthasanumberofrightsunderdataprivacylawsinhisorhercountry.Depending
onwhereParticipantisbased,hisorherrightsmayinclude:(a)therightofaccesstotheParticipant’spersonaldata
heldbytheCompany,(b)therightofrectificationofincorrectdata,(c)therighttoerasureofdata,(d)therightto
restrictionofprocessing,and(e)therighttodataportability.
IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutanyaspectofthePlanortheseterms,pleasecontact[email protected].
Argentina Exchange Control Notice
Argentine currency exchange restrictions and reporting requirements may apply to the RSUs and any Shares acquired
under the Plan; the relevant laws and regulations are subject to frequent change. Participant should consult his or her
personal legal advisor to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
If Participant holds Shares as of December 31 of any year, he or she is required to report the holding of the Shares on
his or her personal tax return for the relevant year.
Australia Securities Law Notice
This disclosure has been prepared in connection with offers to Participants in Australia. It has been prepared to ensure
that this grant of RSUs (the “ Offer”) complies with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ ASIC”)
Class Order 14/1000 and the relevant provisions of the Australian Corporations Act 2001.
AdditionalDocuments
In addition to the information set out in the Agreement, Participant is also being provided with copies of the Plan and
the U.S. prospectus for the Plan (collectively, the “ AdditionalDocuments”). The Additional Documents provide
further information to help Participant make an informed investment decision about participating in the Plan. Neither
the Plan nor the U.S. prospectus for the Plan is a prospectus for the purposes of the Australian Corporations Act 2001.
Participant should not rely upon any oral statements made in relation to this Offer. Participant should rely only upon the
statements contained in the Agreement and the Additional Documents when considering participation in the Plan.
Any information given to Participant in connection with the Offer is general information only. It does not take into
account the objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular person. No financial product advice is provided in
the documentation relating to the Plan and nothing in the documentation should be taken to constitute a
recommendation or statement of opinion that is intended to influence Participant in making a decision to participate in
the Plan. Participant should consider obtaining his or her own financial product advice from an independent person who
is licensed by the ASIC to give such advice.
CommonStock
Common stock of a U.S. corporation is analogous to ordinary shares of an Australian corporation. A holder of a Share
is entitled to one vote for every Share held. The Shares are traded on the Nasdaq in the United States of America under
the symbol “FB”. The Shares are not liable to any further calls for payment of capital or for other assessment by the
Company and have no sinking fund provisions, pre-emptive rights, conversion rights or redemption provisions.
RisksofParticipationinthePlan
Investment in Shares involves a degree of risk. Participants should have regard to risk factors relevant to investment in
securities generally and, in particular, to the holding of Shares. For example, the price at which Shares are quoted on
the Nasdaq may increase or decrease due to a number of factors. There is no guarantee that the price of the Shares will
increase. Factors which may affect the price of Shares include fluctuations in the domestic and international market for
listed stocks, general economic conditions, including interest rates, inflation rates, commodity and oil prices, changes to
government fiscal, monetary or regulatory policies, legislation or regulation, the nature of the markets in which the
Company operates and general operational and business risks.
In addition, the Australian dollar value of any Shares acquired upon settlement will be affected by the U.S.
dollar/Australian dollar exchange rate. Participation in the Plan involves certain risks related to fluctuations in this rate
of exchange.
AscertainingtheMarketPriceofShares
Participants may ascertain the current market price of the Shares as traded on the Nasdaq at http://www.nasdaq.com
under the symbol “FB.” The Australian dollar equivalent of that price can be obtained at:
http://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/frequency/exchange-rates.html .
ThiswillnotbeapredictionofwhatthemarketpriceperSharewillbewhentheRSUsvestorwhentheSharesare
issuedoroftheapplicableexchangerateontheactualvestingdateordatetheSharesareissued.
Tax Information
The Plan is a plan to which Subdivision 83A-C of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (the “ Act”) applies
(subject to the conditions in that Act).
Belgium Foreign Asset / Account Reporting Notice
If Participant is a resident of Belgium, he or she will be required to report any security (e.g., Shares acquired under the
Plan) or bank account (including brokerage accounts) established outside of Belgium on his or her annual tax return. In
a separate report, he or she will be required to provide the National Bank of Belgium with details regarding such
foreign accounts (including the account number, bank name and country in which any such account was opened).
Brazil Compliance with Law
In accepting the grant of this Award, Participant agrees to comply with applicable Brazilian laws and pay any and all
Tax-Related Items.
Nature of Grant
This provision supplements Section 15 of the Agreement:
By accepting the RSUs, Participant agrees that (i) he or she is making an investment decision, (ii) the Shares will be
issued to him or her only if the vesting conditions are met and any necessary services are rendered by Participant over
the vesting period, and (iii) the value of the underlying Shares is not fixed and may increase or decrease over the
vesting period without compensation to Participant.
Exchange Control Notice
If Participant is a resident of Brazil, he or she will be required to submit a declaration of assets and rights held outside
of Brazil to the Central Bank of Brazil if the aggregate value of such assets and rights (including any capital gain,
dividend or profit attributable to such assets) is equal to or greater than US$100,000.
Canada Settlement
This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:
Notwithstanding any discretion in the Plan, the Notice or the Agreement to the contrary, settlement of the RSUs shall
be in Shares and not, in whole or in part, in the form of cash.
Termination
This provision replaces Section 5 of the Agreement:
If Participant’s service Terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and
all rights of Participant to such RSUs shall immediately terminate. For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that, except as
may be agreed to in the sole discretion of the Company, if Participant is Terminated by his/her employer for any reason
or if Participant’s Termination is due to his/her voluntary resignation, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited as of the date
that is the earlier of: (i) the date Participant’s employment is terminated, and (ii) the date Participant is no longer
actively providing services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (regardless of the reason for such Termination and
whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is
employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and no vesting shall continue during any notice
period in relation to his/her Termination, whether specified under contract or statutory, regulatory or common law,
including any “garden leave” or similar period. In case of any dispute as to whether Termination has occurred, the
Company shall have sole discretion to determine whether such Termination has occurred and the effective date of such
Termination for purposes of the Plan.
Securities Law Notice
Participant is permitted to sell the Shares acquired under the Plan through the designated broker appointed under the
Plan, if any, provided the resale of Shares acquired under the Plan takes place outside of Canada through the facilities
of a stock exchange on which the Shares are listed (e.g., the Nasdaq).
Foreign Asset / Account Reporting Notice
If Participant is a Canadian resident, Participant is required to report his or her foreign specified property (including
Shares and rights to receive Shares such as RSUs) on Form T1135 (Foreign Income Verification Statement) if the total
value of such foreign specified property exceeds C$100,000 at any time during the year. RSUs must be reported
(generally at nil cost) if the C$100,000 cost threshold is exceeded because of other foreign property he or she holds.
When Shares are acquired, their cost generally is the adjusted cost base (" ACB") of the Shares which would ordinarily
equal the fair market value of the Shares at the time of acquisition, but if other Shares are also owned, this ACB may
have to be averaged with the ACB of the other Shares.
The following provisions apply to Participants who are residents of Quebec:
Data Privacy
The following provision supplements Section 9 of the Agreement:
Participant hereby authorizes the Company and the Company’s representatives to discuss with and obtain all relevant
information from all personnel, professional or not, involved in the administration and operation of the Plan. Participant
further authorizes the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate and the administrator of the Plan to disclose and
discuss the Plan with their advisors. Participant further authorizes the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate
to record such information and to keep such information in Participant's file.
Language Consent
The parties acknowledge that it is their express wish that this Agreement, as well as all documents, notices and legal
proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in
English.
ConsentementRelatifàlaLangueUtilisée
Les parties reconnaissent avoir expressément souhaité que la convention («Agreement»), ainsi que tous les documents,
avis et procédures judiciares, éxécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la
présente convention, soient rédigés en langue anglaise.
Colombia Nature of Grant
This provision supplements Section 15 of the Agreement:
Participant acknowledges that pursuant to Article 128 of the Colombian Labor Code, the Plan and related benefits do
not constitute a component of “salary” for any legal purpose.
Exchange Control Notice
Prior approval from a government authority is not required to purchase and hold foreign securities or to receive an
equity award. However, if the value of foreign investments, including the value of any equity awards, equals or
exceeds US $500,000 (as of December 31 of the applicable year), such investments must be registered with the Central
Bank ( Banco de la República ). When the foreign investment is liquidated, the proceeds do not have to be repatriated
to Colombia. However, if the investment was registered with the Central Bank, Participant must cancel the registration
no later than March 31 of the year following the year of the liquidation or Participant will be subject to fines.
Foreign Asset / Account Reporting Notice
Participant must file an annual informative return with the Colombian Tax Office detailing any assets held abroad. If
the individual value of any of these assets exceeds a certain threshold, Participant must describe each asset and indicate
the jurisdiction in which it is located, its nature and its value.
Denmark Employer Statement
Participant acknowledges that he or she has received the attached Employer Statement, translated into Danish, which
sets forth additional terms of the RSUs as required by the Danish Stock Option Act, to the extent that the Danish Stock
Option Act applies to the RSUs.
Foreign Asset / Account Reporting Notice
Danish residents must submit certain forms to the Danish tax authorities:
Erklæring V must be completed in connection with the deposit of any securities (including Shares acquired under the
Plan) into a bank or brokerage account outside of Denmark and Erklæring K must be completed to report the existence
of any account outside of Denmark in which Shares or cash will be held. These forms are available at the website of the
Danish Tax Authorities.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR EMPLOYEES IN DENMARK
EMPLOYER STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 3(1) of the Act on Stock Options in employment relations (the “ StockOptionAct”), you are entitled to receive the
following information regarding the restricted stock units granted to you by Facebook, Inc. (the “ Company”) under the Facebook, Inc. 2012
Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan”) in a written statement.
This statement contains information applicable to your participation in the Plan, as required under the Stock Option Act, while the other terms
and conditions of your restricted stock units (“ RSUs”) are described in detail in the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
(the “ Agreement”), both of which have been made available to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same
meanings given to them in the Plan or the Agreement, as applicable.
Section 1 of the Stock Option Act provides that the Stock Option Act only applies to employees. Employees are defined in section 2 of the
Stock Option Act as persons who receive remuneration for their personal services in an employment relationship. Persons, including
managers, who are not regarded as employees under the Stock Option Act, will not be subject to the Stock Option Act. If you are not an
employee within the meaning of the Stock Option Act, the Company therefore has no obligation to issue an employer information statement
to you and you will not be able to rely on this statement for legal purposes, since only the terms and conditions set out in the Plan apply.
1. Date of grant
The date of grant of your RSUs is the date that the Board or Committee that approved a grant for you determined it would be effective,
which is set forth in the Notice.
2. Terms or conditions for RSU grant
The grant of RSUs under the Plan is made at the sole discretion of the Company. Employees, Non-Employee Directors and
Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates, are eligible to receive grants under the Plan. The Board has broad discretion to
determine who will receive RSUs and to set the terms and conditions of the RSUs. The Company may decide, in its sole discretion, not
to make any grants of RSUs to you in the future. Under the terms of the Plan and the Agreement, you have no entitlement or claim to
receive future grants of RSUts.
3. Vesting date or period
The RSUs will vest over a period of time (as set forth in the Agreement), subject to your continued employment through the
applicable vesting date and other conditions set forth in the Plan and Agreement, and subject to Section 5 of this statement.
4. Exercise Price
No exercise price is payable upon the conversion of your RSUs into Shares in accordance with the vesting and settlement
schedule described in the Agreement.
5. Your rights upon termination of employment
The treatment of your RSUs upon termination of employment will be determined under Sections 4 and 5 of the Stock Option Act
unless the terms contained in the Plan and the Agreement are more favorable to you than Sections 4 and 5 of the Stock Option Act. If
the terms contained in the Plan and the Agreement are more favorable to you, then such terms will govern the treatment of your RSUs
upon termination of employment.
6. Financial aspects of participating in the Plan
The grant of RSUs has no immediate financial consequences for you. The value of the RSUs is not taken into account when
calculating holiday allowances, pension contributions or other statutory consideration calculated on the basis of salary.
Shares of stock are financial instruments and investing in stock will always have financial risk. The future value of Company
shares is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty.
Facebook, Inc.
1601 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
U.S.A.
SÆRLIG MEDDELELSE TIL MEDARBEJDERE I DANMARK
ARBEJDSGIVERERKLÆRING
I henhold til § 3, stk. 1, i lov om brug af køberet eller tegningsret mv. i ansættelsesforhold ("Aktieoptionsloven") er du berettiget til i en skriftlig erklæring at
modtage følgende oplysninger om de betingede aktier (på engelsk: Restricted Stock Units), som du tildeles af Facebook, Inc. ("Selskabet") i henhold til Facebook,
Inc.'s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan ("Planen").
Denne erklæring indeholder, i henhold til Aktieoptionsloven, de oplysninger, der er gældende for din deltagelse i Planen, mens de øvrige kriterier og betingelser
for dine betingede aktier ("Betingede Aktier") er beskrevet nærmere i Planen og i Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement ("Aftalen"), som begge er stillet til
rådighed for dig. Begreber, der står med stort begyndelsesbogstav i denne arbejdsgivererklæring, men som ikke er defineret heri, har den betydning, der er
defineret i Planen, hhv. Aftalen.
I henhold til Aktieoptionslovens § 1 finder loven kun anvendelse for lønmodtagere. Lønmodtagere er defineret i Aktieoptionslovens § 2 som personer, der
modtager vederlag for personligt arbejde i tjenesteforhold. Personer, herunder direktører, som ikke anses for at være lønmodtagere i Aktieoptionslovens forstand,
er ikke omfattet af Aktieoptionsloven. Hvis du ikke er lønmodtager i Aktieoptionslovens forstand, er Selskabet derfor ikke forpligtet til at udstede en
arbejdsgivererklæring til dig, og du vil ikke i juridisk henseende kunne henholde dig til denne arbejdsgivererklæring, da alene Planens vilkår er gældende.
1. Tildelingstidspunkt
Tidspunktet for tildelingen af dine Betingede Aktier er den dag, hvor den Bestyrelse eller Komité, der godkendte din tildeling, besluttede, at den skulle træde i
kraft. Tidspunktet fremgår af Meddelelsen.
2. Vilkår og betingelser for tildelingen af Betingede Aktier
Betingede Aktier, der er omfattet af Planen, tildeles udelukkende efter Selskabets skøn. Tildeling kan i henhold til Planen ske til Medarbejdere,
Bestyrelsesmedlemmer og Konsulenter i Selskabet og dets Tilknyttede Selskaber. Bestyrelsen har vide beføjelser til at bestemme, hvem der skal modtage
Betingede Aktier, og til at fastsætte betingelserne for de Betingede Aktier. Selskabet kan frit vælge fremover ikke at tildele dig Betingede Aktier. I henhold til
bestemmelserne i Planen og Aftalen har du hverken ret til eller krav på fremover at få tildelt Betingede Aktier.
3. Modningstidspunkt eller -periode
De Betingede Aktier modnes over en periode (som anført i Aftalen), forudsat at du på det relevante modningstidspunkt opfylder betingelsen om fortsat
ansættelse og de øvrige betingelser i Planen og i Aftalen, og med forbehold for pkt. 5 i denne erklæring.
4. Udnyttelseskurs
Ingen udnyttelseskurs skal betales i forbindelse med konvertering af dine Betingede Aktier til Aktier i overensstemmelse med den i Aftalen beskrevne
modnings- og udnyttelsesplan.
5. Din retsstilling i forbindelse med fratræden
Dine Betingede Aktier vil i tilfælde af din fratræden blive behandlet i overensstemmelse med Aktieoptionslovens §§ 4 og 5, medmindre bestemmelserne i Planen
og Aftalen er mere fordelagtige for dig end Aktieoptionslovens §§ 4 og 5. Hvis bestemmelserne i Planen og Aftalen er mere fordelagtige for dig, vil det være disse
bestemmelser, der er gældende for, hvordan dine Betingede Aktier behandles i forbindelse med din fratræden.
6. Økonomiske aspekter ved deltagelse i Planen
Tildelingen af Betingede Aktier har ingen umiddelbare økonomiske konsekvenser for dig. Værdien af de Betingede Aktier indgår ikke i beregningen af
feriepenge, pensionsbidrag eller øvrige lovbestemte, vederlagsafhængige ydelser.
Aktier er finansielle instrumenter, og investering i aktier vil altid være forbundet med en økonomisk risiko. Den fremtidige værdi af Selskabets aktier
kendes ikke og kan ikke forudsiges med sikkerhed.
Facebook, Inc.
1601 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
U.S.A.
France French Sub-Plan
The RSUs are intended to qualify for specific treatment under French tax and social security laws and are subject to the
provisions below and the Sub-Plan to the Facebook, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, Qualified Restricted Stock Units
(FRANCE) (the “ FrenchSub-Plan”), which has been provided to Participant and is incorporated herein. Capitalized
terms below shall have the same definitions assigned to them under the French Sub-Plan and the Agreement.
Settlement
This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:
Notwithstanding any discretion in the Plan, the Notice or the Agreement to the contrary, settlement of the RSUs shall
be in Shares and not, in whole or in part, in the form of cash.
Termination
This provision supplements Section 5 of the Agreement:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, in the Notice, the Plan or the French Sub-Plan, death of a
Participant’s will not cause such Participant’s unvested RSUs to be immediately forfeited to the Company. In the case
of Participant’s death, if the Participant’s heir or heirs request the delivery of the Shares subject to the RSUs within a
period of six (6) months following the Participant’s death, then the RSUs will be settled in Shares as soon as practicable
following the request. If no such request is made within six (6) months following the Participant’s death, the RSUs will
be forfeited.
Non-Transferability of RSUs
This provision replaces Section 4 of the Agreement:
RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than
by will or by the laws of descent and, in any event, always in accordance with applicable laws.
Minimum Vesting Period
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, in the Notice, the Plan or the French Sub-Plan, save in the case
of death a Participant, RSUs will not vest nor be settled before the first (1
st
) annual anniversary of the Grant Date (as
defined under the French Sub-Plan) or such other period as is required to comply with the minimum mandatory vesting
period applicable to Shares underlying French-qualified Restricted Stock Units under Section L. 225-197-1 of the
French Commercial Code, as amended, or by the French Tax Code or French Social Security Code, as amended.
Mandatory Holding Period
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, in the Notice, the Plan or the French Sub-Plan, any Shares
issued to Participant upon settlement of the RSUs must be held (and cannot be sold or transferred) until the expiration
of a period which, together with the vesting period, can be no less than two years from the Grant Date, or such other
period as is required to comply with the minimum mandatory holding period applicable to Shares underlying French-
qualified Restricted Stock Units under Section L. 225-197-1 of the French Commercial Code, as amended, or by the
French Tax Code or French Social Security Code, as amended; provided that if Participant dies or becomes Disabled,
this mandatory holding period will not apply. In order to enforce this provision, the Company may, in its discretion,
issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent or hold the Shares until the expiration of the holding
period set forth above (such Shares may be held by the Company, a transfer agent designated by the Company or with a
broker designated by the Company).
Closed Periods
Pursuant to article L 225-197-1 of the French Code de commerce, shares of a listed company cannot be sold (i) during
the period of ten (10) stock-exchange trading days that precede or three (3) stock-exchange trading days that follow the
date on which the consolidated accounts, or failing that, the annual accounts are made public; and (ii) during the period
between the date on which the company’s management has knowledge of information which, if it were made public,
could have a significant impact on the price of the company’s securities, and the date ten (10) stock-exchange trading
days after that on which the said information is made public. These rules will apply to Participant unless Participant is
otherwise restricted from selling Shares received upon settlement of RSUs under similar rules applicable under U.S.
law, in which case the U.S. rules shall prevail. In any event, Participant is at all times required to comply with the
Facebook, Inc. Insider Trading Policy as may be amended from time to time, which may be accessed at
https://our.intern.facebook.com/intern/wiki/Legal/Insider_Trading_Policy/ and in particular Section II re No Trading
on Material Non-Public Information, Black-Out Periods, and other important matters. Persons who violate these
general rules and the Insider Trading Policy may be subject to legal and financial penalties. If Participant trades during
any applicable Black-Out Period as described in the Insider Trading Policy, or if the French tax authorities deem that
Participant has not complied with the French closed period restrictions and/or similar rules under applicable U.S. law,
the RSUs and Shares received under the RSUs may lose Qualified status, and Participant will not receive preferential
tax treatment.
Acknowledgment
This provision supplements Sections 15 and 17 of the Agreement:
The Company and Participant agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement
(including the France section of the Country-Specific Addendum), the provisions of the Plan and the French Sub-Plan.
Participant: (i) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus and the French Sub-Plan, (ii)
represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accepts the RSUs
subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan, the French Sub-Plan, the
Notice, and the Agreement.
Language Consent
By accepting the Restricted Stock Units, Participant confirms he or she has read and understood the Plan and the
French Sub-Plan and the Agreement, including all the terms and conditions set forth therein, which were provided in
the English language. Participant accepts the terms of those documents accordingly.
ConsentementRelatifàlaLangueUtilisée
En acceptant cette attribution gratuite d’actions, le Participant confirme avoir lu et compris le Plan, le Sous-Plan
Français et le présent Contrat, incluant tous leurs termes et conditions, qui ont été transmis en langue anglaise. Le
Participant accepte les termes de ces documents en connaissance de cause.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
If Participant is a French resident and holds Shares outside of France or maintain a foreign bank account, Participant is
required to declare all foreign securities, bank, and brokerage accounts, whether open, current, or closed during the tax
year, in his or her annual income tax return. Failure to comply could trigger significant penalties.
Germany Exchange Control Notice
Cross-border payments in excess of €12,500 must be reported monthly to the German Federal Bank (Bundesbank). The
report must be filed electronically using the “General Statistics Reporting Portal” ( Allgemeines Meldeportal Statistik )
available via Bundesbank’s website ( www.bundesbank.de ).
Hong Kong Settlement
This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:
Any Shares received at settlement of RSUs are a personal investment. If, for any reason, the RSUs vest and become
non-forfeitable and Shares are issued to Participant within six months of the date of grant, Participant agrees that he or
she will not offer the Shares to the public in Hong Kong or otherwise dispose of the Shares prior to the six-month
anniversary of the date of grant.
Securities Law Notice
The RSUs and any Shares issued upon settlement of the RSUs do not constitute a public offering of securities under
Hong Kong law and are available only to employees of the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the
Company. The Plan, the Agreement, including this Addendum, and other incidental communication materials have not
been prepared in accordance with and are not intended to constitute a “prospectus” for a public offering of securities
under the applicable companies and securities legislation in Hong Kong and have not been registered with or authorized
by any regulatory authority, including the Securities and Future Commission, in Hong Kong. This Agreement and the
incidental communication materials are intended only for the personal use of each eligible Participant and not for
distribution to any other persons. If Participant has any questions about any of the contents of this Agreement or the
Plan or other incidental communication materials, Participant should obtain independent professional advice.
India Exchange Control Notice
Participant must comply with any and all applicable exchange control laws in India. Without limitation to the
foregoing, he or she must repatriate any funds recognized in connection with the RSUs to India within such time as
prescribed under applicable Indian exchange control laws as amended from time to time. Participant will receive a
foreign inward remittance certificate (“ FIRC ”) from the bank where he or she deposits the foreign currency.
Participant should retain the FIRC as evidence of the repatriation of funds in the event the Reserve Bank of India or the
Company or the Employer requests proof of repatriation.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
Participant is required to declare his or her foreign bank accounts and any foreign financial assets (including Shares
held outside India) in his or her annual tax return.
Indonesia Language Consent and Notification
By accepting the RSUs, Participant (i) confirms having read and understood the documents relating to this grant (i.e.,
the Notice, the Plan and the Agreement) which were provided in the English language, (ii) accepts the terms of those
documents accordingly, and (iii) agrees not to challenge the validity of this document based on Law No. 24 of 2009 on
National Flag, Language, Coat of Arms and National Anthem or the implementing Presidential Regulation (when
issued).
PersetujuandanPemberitahuanBahasa
Dengan menerima pemberian Unit Saham Terbatas (RSUs) ini, Peserta (i) memberikan konfirmasi bahwa dirinya telah
membaca dan memahami dokumen-dokumen berkaitan dengan pemberian ini (yaitu, Pemberitahuan Pemberian,
Perjanjian Penghargaan dan Program) yang disediakan dalam Bahasa Inggris, (ii) menerima persyaratan di dalam
dokumen-dokumen tersebut, dan (iii) setuju untuk tidak mengajukan keberatan atas keberlakuan dari dokumen ini
berdasarkan Undang-Undang No. 24 Tahun 2009 tentang Bendera, Bahasa dan Lambang Negara serta Lagu
Kebangsaan ataupun Peraturan Presiden sebagai pelaksanaannya (ketika diterbitkan)
Exchange Control Notice
If Participant remits funds (including proceeds from the sale of Shares) into Indonesia, the Indonesian bank through
which the transaction is made will submit a report of the transaction to Bank Indonesia for statistical reporting
purposes. For transactions of US$10,000 or more, a more detailed description of the transaction must be included in the
report and Participant may be required to provide information about the transaction (e.g., his or her relationship with the
transferor of the funds, the source of the funds, etc.) to the bank in order for the bank to complete the report. In
addition, Participant may be required to provide the Bank Indonesia with information on foreign exchange activities,
which may include Shares held outside Indonesia, on a monthly basis. The reporting should be completed online
through Bank Indonesia’s website, by no later than the 15th day of the following month.
Ireland Director Reporting Requirement Notice
If Participant is a director, shadow director or secretary of an Irish Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company (an "
IrishEntity"), and his or her interest in the Company represents more than 1% of the Company's voting share capital,
Participant is subject to certain notification requirements under Section 53 of the Companies Act, 1990. Among these
requirements is Participant’s obligation to notify the Irish Entity in writing when he or she receives an interest (e.g.,
RSUs, Shares) in the Company and advise the Irish Entity of the number and class of shares or rights to which the
interest relates. This notification requirement also applies to any rights acquired by Participant’s spouse or minor
children (under the age of 18). Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor to ensure compliance with
the applicable requirements.
Israel Sub-Plan for Israeli Participants
The RSUs are granted under the Sub-Plan for Israeli Participants (the “ IsraeliSub-Plan”), which is considered part of
the Plan. The terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Plan or Israeli Sub-Plan. In the event of
any conflict, whether explicit or implied, between the provision of this Agreement and the Israeli Sub-Plan, the
provisions set out in the Israeli Sub-Plan shall prevail. By accepting this grant, Participant acknowledges that a copy of
the Israeli Sub-Plan has been provided to Participant. The Israeli Sub-Plan may also be obtained by contacting
Acknowledgment
This provision supplements Sections 15 and 17 of the Agreement:
Participant also (i) declares that she/he is familiar with Section 102 and the regulations and rules promulgated
thereunder, including without limitations the provisions of the tax route applicable to the RSUs, and agrees to comply
with such provisions, as amended from time to time, provided that if such terms are not met, Section 102 may not
apply, and (ii) agrees to the terms and conditions of the trust deed signed between the Trustee and the Company and/or
the applicable Subsidiary, which is available for the Participant’s review, during normal working hours, at Company’s
offices, (iii) acknowledges that releasing the RSUs and Shares from the control of the Trustee prior to the termination
of the Holding Period constitutes a violation of the terms of Section 102 and agrees to bear the relevant sanctions, (iv)
authorizes the Company and/or the applicable Subsidiary to provide the Trustee with any information required for the
purpose of administering the Plan including executing its obligations under the Ordinance, the trust deed and the trust
agreement, including without limitation information about his/her RSUs, Shares, income tax rates, salary bank account,
contact details and identification number, (v) declares that he/she is a resident of the State of Israel for tax purposes on
the grant date and agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated above and
acknowledges that if his/her engagement with the Company or Subsidiary is terminated and he/she is no longer
employed by the Company or any Subsidiary, the RSUs and Shares shall remain subject to Section 102, the trust
agreement, the Plan and this Agreement; (vi) understands and agrees that if he/she ceases to be employed or engaged by
an Israeli resident Subsidiary but remains employed by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof, all
unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company with all rights of the Participant to such RSUs immediately
terminating prior to his/her termination of employment or services, and any Shares already issued upon the previous
vesting of RSUs shall remain subject to Section 102, the trust agreement, the Plan and this Agreement; (vii) warrants
and undertakes that at the time of grant of the RSUs herein, or as a consequence of the grant, the Participant is not and
will not become a holder of a “controlling interest” in the Company, as such term is defined in Section 32(9) of the
Ordinance, and (viii) the grant of RSUs is conditioned upon the Participant signing all documents requested by the
Company or the Trustee.
Section 102 Capital Gains Trustee Route
The RSUs are intended to be subject to the Capital Gains Route under Section 102 of the Ordinance, subject to
Participant consenting to the requirements of such tax route by accepting the terms of this agreement and the grant of
RSUs, and subject further to the compliance with all the terms and conditions of such tax route. Under the Capital
Gains Route tax is only due upon sale of the Shares or upon release of the Shares from the holding or control of the
Trustee.
Trustee Arrangement
The RSUs, the Shares issued upon vesting and/or any additional rights, including without limitation any right to receive
any dividends or any shares received as a result of an adjustment made under the Plan that may be granted in
connection with the RSUs (the “ AdditionalRights”), shall be issued to or controlled by the Trustee for the benefit of
the Participant under the provisions of the 102 Capital Gains Route and will be controlled by the Trustee for at least the
period stated in Section 102 of the Ordinance and the Income Tax Rules (Tax Benefits in Share Issuance to Employees)
5763-2003 (the “ Rules”). In the event the RSUs do not meet the requirements of Section 102 of the Ordinance, such
RSUs and the underlying Shares shall not qualify for the favorable tax treatment under Section 102 of the Ordinance.
The Company makes no representations or guarantees that the RSUs will qualify for favorable tax treatment and will
not be liable or responsible if favorable tax treatment is not available under Section 102 of the Ordinance. Any fees
associated with any exercise, sale, transfer or any act in relation to the RSUs shall be borne by the Participant and the
Trustee and/or the Company and/or any Subsidiary shall be entitled to withhold or deduct such fees from payments
otherwise due to Participant from the Company or a Subsidiary or the Trustee. In the event there is any delay in
delivering the proceeds from the sale of Shares or any other funds related to participation in the Plan, neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any Subsidiary is responsible for any foreign exchange rate fluctuations that may affect any
amounts deliverable to the Participant.
Restrictions on Sale
In accordance with the requirements of Section 102 of the Ordinance and the Capital Gains Route, Participant shall not
sell nor transfer the Shares or Additional Rights from the Trustee until the end of the required Holding Period.
Notwithstanding the above, if any such sale or transfer occurs before the end of the required Holding Period, the
sanctions under Section 102 shall apply to and shall be borne by Participant.
Taxes
This provision supplements Section 6 of the Agreement and the Taxes provision in the "All Non-U.S. Jurisdictions"
section of this Addendum:
The RSUs are intended to be taxed in accordance with Section 102, subject to full and complete compliance with the
terms of Section 102. Participants with dual residency for tax purposes may be subject to taxation in several
jurisdictions.
Any Tax imposed in respect of the RSUs and/or Shares, including, but not limited to, the grant of RSUs, and/or the
vesting, transfer, waiver, or expiration of RSUs and/or Shares, and/or the sale of Shares, shall be borne solely by
Participant, and in the event of death, by Participant's heirs. The Company, any Subsidiary, the Trustee or anyone on
their behalf shall not be required to bear the aforementioned Taxes, directly or indirectly, nor shall they be required to
gross up such Tax in Participant's salaries or remuneration. The applicable Tax shall be withheld from the proceeds of
sale of Shares or shall be paid to the Company or a Subsidiary or the Trustee by Participant. Without derogating from
the aforementioned, the Company or a Subsidiary or the Trustee shall be entitled to withhold Taxes as it deems
compliant with applicable law and to deduct any Taxes from payments otherwise due to Participant from the Company
or a Subsidiary or the Trustee. The ramifications of any future modification of applicable law regarding the taxation of
the RSUs granted to Participant shall apply to Participant accordingly and Participant shall bear the full cost thereof,
unless such modified laws expressly provide otherwise.
The issuance of the Shares upon the vesting of RSUs or in respect thereto, shall be subject to the full payments of any
Tax (if applicable).
Securities Law Notice
An exemption from filing a prospectus with relation to the Plan has been granted to the Company by the Israeli
Securities Authority. Copies of the Plan and the Form S-8 registration statement for the Plan filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission will be made available by request from [email protected] .
Italy Acknowledgment of Certain Provisions
This provision supplements Sections 15 and 17 of the Agreement:
In accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges that he or she has read and specifically and expressly approves the
following provisions in the Agreement: Section 5: Termination; Section 6: Withholding Taxes, as supplemented by the
Taxes provision in the "All Non-U.S. Jurisdictions" section of this Addendum; Section 11: Compliance with Laws and
Regulations; Section 11: Country-Specific Addendum and Additional Requirements; Section 13: Governing Law;
Choice of Venue; Section 15: Nature of Grant; Section 17: Acknowledgment and Acceptance and the EU/EEA Data
Privacy provision in this Addendum.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
Italian residents who, at any time during the fiscal year, hold foreign financial assets (including cash and Shares) that
may generate income taxable in Italy are required to report these assets on their annual tax returns (UNICO Form, RW
Schedule) for the year during which the assets are held, or on a special form if no tax is due. These reporting
obligations will also apply to Italian residents who are the beneficial owners of foreign financial assets under Italian
money laundering provisions.
Japan Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
Participant is required to report details of any assets held outside of Japan as of December 31, including shares of
Common Stock acquired under the Plan, to the extent such assets have a total net fair market value exceeding
¥50,000,000.
Korea Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
Participant must declare all of his or her foreign financial accounts ( i.e. , non-Korean bank accounts, brokerage
accounts, etc.) to the Korean tax authorities and file a report with respect to such accounts if the value of such accounts
exceeds KRW 1 billion (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) on any month-end date during the year.
Malaysia Securities Law Notice
The grant of the RSUs in Malaysia constitutes or relates to an ‘excluded offer,’ ‘excluded invitation,’ or ‘excluded
issue’ pursuant to Section 229 and Section 230 of the Capital Markets and Services Act (“ CMSA ”), and as a
consequence no prospectus is required to be registered with the Securities Commission of Malaysia. The RSU
documents do not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of a public offering or an issue, offer for subscription
or purchase, invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities requiring the registration of a prospectus with the
Securities Commission in Malaysia under the CMSA.
Director Reporting Requirement Notice
If Participant is a director of a Malaysian Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate (a “ MalaysianEntity”), he or she is subject to
certain notification requirements under the Malaysian Companies Act, 1965. Among these requirements is an
obligation to notify the Malaysian Entity in writing when Participant receives an interest (e.g., RSUs, Shares, etc.) in
the Company or any of its related companies. In addition, Participant must notify the Malaysian Entity when he or she
sell Shares of the Company or any of its related companies (including when he or she sells Shares acquired upon
vesting and settlement of the RSUs). Additionally, Participant must also notify the Malaysian Entity if there are any
subsequent changes in his or her interest in the Company or any related companies. These notifications must be made
within fourteen (14) days of acquiring or disposing of any interest in the Company or any of its related companies.
Mexico Labor Law Policy and Acknowledgment
By accepting the RSUs, Participant expressly recognizes that Facebook, Inc., with registered offices at 1601 Willow
Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, U.S.A., is solely responsible for the administration of the Plan and that
Participant’s participation in the Plan and acquisition of Shares do not constitute an employment relationship between
Participant and the Company since Participant is participating in the Plan on a wholly commercial basis and
Participant’s sole Employer is Facebook Mexico S De RL De CV (“Facebook-Mexico”). Based on the foregoing,
Participant expressly recognizes that the Plan and the benefits that Participant may derive from his or her participation
in the Plan do not establish any rights between Participant and Facebook-Mexico, and do not form part of the
employment conditions and/or benefits provided by Facebook-Mexico and any modification of the Plan or its
termination shall not constitute a change or impairment of the terms and conditions of Participant’s employment.
Participant further understands that his or her participation in the Plan is a result of a unilateral and discretionary
decision of the Company; therefore, the Company reserves the absolute right to amend and/or discontinue Participant’s
participation at any time without any liability to Participant.
Finally, Participant hereby declares that he or she does not reserve any action or right to bring any claim against the
Company for any compensation or damages regarding any provision of the Plan or the benefits derived under the Plan,
and Participant therefore grants a full and broad release to the Company, its Affiliates, branches, representation offices,
its shareholders, officers, agents or legal representatives with respect to any claim that may arise.
Plan Document Acknowledgment
By accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges that he or she has received a copy of the Plan, has reviewed the Plan
and the Agreement in their entirety and fully understands and accepts all provisions of the Plan and the Agreement. In
addition, by accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges that he or she has read and specifically and expressly
approves the terms and conditions in Section 15 of the Agreement (“Nature of Grant”), in which the following is clearly
described and established: (i) participation in the Plan does not constitute an acquired right; (ii) the Plan and
participation in the Plan is offered by the Company on a wholly discretionary basis; (iii) participation in the Plan is
voluntary; and (iv) neither the Company, the Employer nor any Affiliate is responsible for any decrease in the value of
the Shares underlying the RSUs.
PolíticadelaLeyLaboralyReconocimiento
Al aceptar las Unidades de Acciones Restringidas (RSU), el Participante reconoce expresamente que Facebook, Inc.,
con oficinas registradas ubicadas a 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, U.S.A., es el único responsable
de la administración del Plan y que participación del Participante en el mismo y la adquisición de Acciones no
constituye de ninguna manera una relación laboral entre el Participante y la Compañía, debido a que la participación
de esa persona en el Plan deriva únicamente de una relación comercial y el único Patrón del participante es Facebook
Mexico S De RL De CV (“Facebook-Mexico”). Derivado de lo anterior, el Participante reconoce expresamente que el
Plan y los beneficios que pudieran derivar para el Participante por su participación en el mismo, no establecen ningún
derecho entre el Participante e Facebook-México, y no forman parte de las condiciones laborales y/o prestaciones
otorgadas por Facebook-México, y cualquier modificación al Plan o la terminación del mismo de ninguna manera
podrá ser interpretada como una modificación o desmejora de los términos y condiciones de trabajo del Participante.
Asimismo, el Participante reconoce que su participación en el Plan es resultado de la decisión unilateral y discrecional
de la Compañía, por lo tanto, la Compañía se reserva el derecho absoluto para modificar y/o discontinuar la
participación del Participante en cualquier momento, sin ninguna responsabilidad hacia el Participante.
Finalmente el Participante manifiesta que no se reserva ninguna acción o derecho que ejercitar en contra dela
Compañía, por cualquier compensación o daños o perjuicios en relación con cualquier disposición del Plan o de los
beneficios derivados del mismo, y en consecuencia exime amplia y completamente a la Compañía, sus Afiliadas,
sucursales, oficinas de representación, sus accionistas, administradores, agentes y representantes legales con respecto
a cualquier reclamo que pudiera surgir.
ReconocimientodeDocumentosdelPlan
Al aceptar las Unidades de Acciones Restringidas (RSU), el Participante reconoce que ha recibido una copia del Plan,
que ha revisado el Plan y el Acuerdo de Concesión en su totalidad y entiende y acepta los términos del Plan y del
Acuerdo de Concesión. Adicionalmente, al aceptar los RSU, el Participante reconoce que ha leído y específica y
expresamente aprueba los términos y condiciones del Sección 15 del Acuerdo de Concesión (denominado "Naturaleza
de la Concesión"), donde claramente se establece que (i) la participación en el Plan no constituye un derecho
adquirido, (ii) el Plan y la participación en el Plan es ofrecido por la Compañía en forma totalmente discresional; (iii)
la participación en el Plan es voluntaria; y (iv) ni la Compañía ni el Patrón ni su Afiliada es responsable por el
decremento en el valor de las acciones de los RSU.
Netherlands There are no country-specific provisions.
New Zealand Securities Law Notice
WARNING: This is an offer of Restricted Stock Units over Shares which, once vested and settled in accordance with
the terms of the Agreement and the Plan, will give Participant a stake in the ownership of the Company. Participant
may receive a return if dividends are paid. If the Company runs into financial difficulties and is wound up, Participant
will only be paid after all creditors have been paid. Participant may lose some or all of his or her investment.
New Zealand law normally requires people who offer financial products to give information to investors before they
invest. This information is designed to help investors to make an informed decision. The usual rules do not apply to
this offer because it is made under an employee share purchase scheme. As a result, Participant may not be given all the
information usually required. Participant will also have fewer other legal protections for this investment. Ask questions,
read all documents carefully, and seek independent financial advice before committing.
The Shares are quoted on the Nasdaq. This means Participant may be able to sell them on the Nasdaq if there are
interested buyers. Participant may get less than he or she invested. The price will depend on the demand for the Shares.
For information on risk factors impacting the Company's business that may affect the value of the Shares, Participant
should refer to the risk factors discussion in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and are available online at
www.sec.gov , as well as on the Company’s “Investor Relations” website at https://investor.fb.com/ .
Norway There are no country-specific provisions.
Philippines Securities Law Notice
Participant should be aware of the risks of participating in the Plan, which include (without limitation) the risk of
fluctuation in the price of the Shares on the Nasdaq and the risk of currency fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and
his or her local currency. In this regard, Participant should note that the value of any Shares he or she may acquire
under the Plan may decrease, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between his or her local currency and the U.S.
Dollar may affect the value of the RSUs or any amounts due to Participant upon vesting and settlement of the RSUs or
upon sale of any Shares he or she acquires under the Plan. The Company is not making any representations, projections
or assurances about the value of the Shares now or in the future.
For further information on risk factors impacting the Company's business that may affect the value of the Shares,
Participant should refer to the risk factors discussion in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and are available online at
www.sec.gov/ , as well as on the Company's “Investor Relations” website at https://investor.fb.com/ .
Participant is permitted to sell the Shares acquired under the Plan through the designated broker appointed under the
Plan (or such other broker to whom he or she transfers the Shares), provided the resale of Shares acquired under the
Plan takes place outside of the Philippines through the facilities of a stock exchange on which the Shares are listed (e.g.,
the Nasdaq).
Poland Exchange Control Notice
If Participant maintains bank or brokerage accounts holding cash and foreign securities (including Shares) outside of
Poland, he or she will be required to report information to the National Bank of Poland on transactions and balances in
such accounts if the value of such cash and securities exceeds PLN 7 million. If required, such reports must be filed on
special forms available on the website of the National Bank of Poland. In addition, any transfer of funds in excess of
EUR15,000 into or out of Poland must be effected through a bank account in Poland. Lastly, Participant is required to
store all documents connected with any foreign exchange transactions that he or she engages in for a period of five
years, as measured from the end of the year in which such transaction occurred.
Singapore Securities Law Notice
The grant of the RSUs is being made pursuant to the “Qualifying Person” exemption” under section 273(1)(f) of the
Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289, 2006 Ed.) (“ SFA ”) and is not made with a view to the Shares being
subsequently offered for sale to any other party . The Plan has not been lodged or registered as a prospectus with the
Monetary Authority of Singapore. The RSUs are subject to section 257 of the SFA and Participant will not be able to
make (i) any subsequent sale of the Shares in Singapore or (ii) any offer of such subsequent sale of the Shares subject to
the RSUs in Singapore, unless such sale or offer is made (a) more than six months after the date of grant or (b) pursuant
to the exemptions under Part XIII Division (1) Subdivision (4) (other than section 280) of the SFA (Chapter 289, 2006
Ed.).
CEO and Director Reporting Requirement Notice
If Participant is the Chief Executive Officer (“ CEO ”) or a director, associate director or shadow director of a
Singaporean Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate (a “ Singaporean Entity ”), he or she is subject to certain notification
requirements under the Singapore Companies Act. Among these requirements is an obligation to notify the Singaporean
Entity in writing when he or she receives or dispose of an interest (e.g., RSUs, Shares) in the Company or any related
companies. These notifications must be made within two business days of acquiring or disposing of any interest in the
Company or any related company. In addition, a notification must be made of Participant’s interests in the Company or
any related company within two business days of becoming the CEO or a director, associate director or shadow
director.
Exit Tax / Deemed Vesting Rule
If Participant is (a) neither a Singapore citizen nor a Singapore permanent resident, and he or she (i) intends to leave
Singapore for any period exceeding three months, (ii) will be posted overseas on a secondment, or (iii) are about to
cease employment with the Singaporean Entity with which Participant was employed at the time of grant, regardless of
whether he or she intends to remain in Singapore, or (b) a Singapore permanent resident, and Participant (i) intends to
leave Singapore for any period exceeding three months, (ii) will be posted overseas on a secondment or (iii) are about
to cease employment with the Singaporean Entity with which he or she was employed at the time of grant and intend to
leave Singapore on a permanent basis, Participant may be subject to an exit tax upon his or her departure from
Singapore or cessation of employment, as applicable. In such case, Participant will be taxed on his or her Award on a
“deemed vesting” basis, i.e., Participant will be deemed to have vested in his or her RSUs on the later of (A) one month
before the date he or she departs Singapore or cease employment, or (B) the date on which his or her RSUs were
granted. If Participant is subject to the exit tax, he or she acknowledges and agrees that the Employer will report details
of Participant’s departure from Singapore or cessation of employment to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
and will withhold any income payable to him or her for a period of up to 30 days. Participant should consult with a
personal tax advisor in the event he or she may be subject to these exit tax rules.
South Africa
Taxes
This provision supplements Section 6 of the Agreement and the Taxes provision in the "All Non-U.S. Jurisdictions"
section of this Addendum:
By accepting the RSUs, Participant agrees that, immediately upon vesting of the RSUs, Participant will notify his or her
employer of the amount of any gain realized. If Participant fails to advise his or her employer of the gain realized upon
vesting, Participant may be liable for a fine. Participant will be solely responsible for paying any difference between the
actual tax liability and the amount withheld by his or her employer.
Securities Law Notice
In compliance with South African securities law, the documents listed below are available for review at the addresses
listed below:
• The Company’s most recent annual financial statement:
https://investor.fb.com/ .
• The Company’s most recent Plan prospectus:
http://www.schwab.com/facebook
A hard copy of the above documents will be sent to Participant free of charge upon written request to: [email protected] .
Exchange Control Notice
Participant is solely responsible for complying with applicable South African exchange control regulations. Since the
exchange control laws change frequently and without notice, Participant should consult his or her legal advisor prior to
the acquisition or sale of Shares acquired under the Plan to ensure his or her compliance with current regulations.
Spain Nature of Grant
This provision supplements Section 15 of the Agreement:
Participant understands that the Company has unilaterally, gratuitously and discretionally decided to grant RSUs to
individuals who may be employees of the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate throughout the world. The
decision is a limited decision that is entered into upon the express assumption and condition that any grant will not
economically or otherwise bind the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate on an ongoing basis other than as
stated in this Agreement. Consequently, Participant understands that the RSUs are granted on the assumption and
condition that the RSUs and any Shares to be issued upon vesting of the RSUs are not part of any employment contract
(either with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate) and shall not be considered a mandatory benefit, salary
for any purposes (including severance compensation) or any other right. Further, Participant understands that the RSUs
would not be granted to Participant but for the assumptions and conditions referred to herein; thus, Participant
acknowledges and freely accepts that should any or all of the assumptions be mistaken or should any of the conditions
not be met for any reason, then the grant of the RSUs and any right to the Shares shall be null and void.
Participant understands and agrees that, as a condition of the grant of the RSUs, Termination for any reason (including
the reasons listed below) will automatically result in the loss of the RSUs that may have been granted to Participant and
that have not vested as of date of Termination as described in Section 5 of the Agreement. In particular, Participant
understands and agrees that any unvested RSUs as of the date of Termination will be forfeited without entitlement to
the underlying Shares or to any amount of indemnification in the event of a Termination by reason of, but not limited
to, resignation, retirement, disciplinary dismissal adjudged to be with cause, disciplinary dismissal adjudged or
recognized to be without cause, individual or collective dismissal on objective grounds, whether adjudged or
recognized to be with or without cause, material modification of the terms of employment under Article 41 of the
Workers’ Statute, relocation under Article 40 of the Workers’ Statute, Article 50 of the Workers’ Statute, unilateral
withdrawal by the Participant’s employer and under Article 10.3 of the Royal Decree 1382/1985. Participant
acknowledges that he or she has read and specifically accepts the conditions referred to in Section 5 of the Agreement.
Exchange Control Notice
The acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares must be declared for statistical purposes to the Spanish “
Dirección General de Comercio e Inversiones ” (the DGCI), the Bureau for Commerce and Investments, which is a
department of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Generally, the declaration must be made by filing a D-6
form each January for Shares purchased or sold during (or owned by Participant as of December 31) of the prior year;
however, if the value of Shares acquired or sold exceeds €1,502,530 (or Participant holds 10% or more of the share
capital of the Company or such other amount that would entitle him or her to join the Company’s Board of Directors),
the declaration must also be filed within one month of the acquisition or sale, as applicable.
In addition, Participant may be required to declare electronically to the Bank of Spain any securities accounts
(including brokerage accounts) held abroad, any foreign instruments (including Shares), and any transactions with non-
Spanish residents (including any payments of Shares made to Participant by the Company) depending on the value of
the transactions during the relevant year or the balances in such accounts and the value of such instruments as of
December 31 of the relevant year. Participant should consult with his or her personal legal advisor regarding the
applicable thresholds and corresponding reporting requirements.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Notice
To the extent that Participant holds assets or rights outside of Spain ( e.g. , Shares or cash held in a brokerage or bank
account) with a value in excess of €50,000 per asset type as of December 31 (or at any time during the year in which
the asset is sold), he or she will be required to report information on such assets or rights on his or her tax return (tax
form 720) for such year. After such assets or rights are initially reported, the reporting obligation will apply for
subsequent years only if the value of any previously-reported assets or rights increases by more than €20,000, or if the
ownership of such assets or rights is transferred or relinquished during the year. The report must be completed by
March 31.
Sweden There are no country-specific provisions.
Switzerland Securities Law Notice
The award of RSUs is considered a private offering in Switzerland; therefore, it is not subject to registration. Participant
should note that neither this document nor any other materials relating to the RSUs (i) constitute a prospectus as such
term is understood pursuant to article 652a of the Swiss Code of Obligations, (ii) may be publicly distributed nor
otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland, and (iii) have been or will be filed with, approved or supervised by
any Swiss regulatory authority (in particular, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority).
Taiwan Exchange Control Notice
Participant may acquire and remit foreign currency (including proceeds from the sale of Shares) into and out of Taiwan
up to US $5,000,000 per year. If the transaction amount is TWD 500,000 or more in a single transaction, he or she must
submit a foreign exchange transaction form and also provide supporting documentation to the satisfaction of the
remitting bank. If the transaction amount is US $500,000 or more, Participant may be required to provide additional
supporting documentation to the satisfaction of the remitting bank.
Thailand Exchange Control Notice
If Participant receives proceeds from the sale of Shares in excess of US$50,000 in a single transaction, he or she must
immediately repatriate the funds to Thailand and convert the funds to Thai Baht within 360 days of repatriation or
deposit the funds in an authorized foreign exchange account in Thailand. Participant must also report the inward
remittance by submitting the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form to an authorized agent.
United Arab
Emirates
Securities Law Notice
The Plan is only being offered to qualified employees and is in the nature of providing equity incentives to employees
of the Company’s Subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates. The Plan and the Agreement are intended for distribution
only to such employees and must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. Participant should conduct his
or her own due diligence on the RSUs offered pursuant to this Agreement. If Participant does not understand the
contents of the Plan and/or the Agreement, he or she should consult an authorized financial adviser. The Emirates
Securities and Commodities Authority and the Dubai Financial Services Authority have no responsibility for reviewing
or verifying any documents in connection with the Plan. Further, the Ministry of the Economy and the Dubai
Department of Economic Development have not approved the Plan or the Agreement nor taken steps to verify the
information set out therein, and have no responsibility for such documents.
United Kingdom Settlement
This provision supplements Section 1 of the Agreement:
Notwithstanding any discretion in the Plan, the Notice or the Agreement to the contrary, settlement of the RSUs shall
be in Shares and not, in whole or in part, in the form of cash.
Taxes
This provision supplements Section 6 of the Agreement and the Taxes provision in the "All Non-U.S. Jurisdictions"
section of this Addendum:
Without limitation to Section 6 of the Agreement, Participant agrees to be liable for any Tax-Related Items related to
his or her participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant and hereby covenants to pay any such Tax-
Related Items, as and when requested by the Company or the Employer or Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (“
HMRC”) (or any other tax authority or any other relevant authority). Participant also agrees to indemnify and keep
indemnified the Company and the Employer against any Tax-Related Items that they are required to pay or withhold or
have paid or will pay to HMRC (or any other tax authority or any other relevant authority) on Participant’s behalf.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Participant is an executive officer or director (as within the meaning of Section 13(k)
of the Exchange Act), the terms of the immediately foregoing provision will not apply. In the event that Participant is
an executive officer or director and the income tax is not collected from or paid by Participant within ninety (90) days
of the end of the U.K. tax year in which an event giving rise to the indemnification described above occurs, the amount
of any uncollected income tax may constitute a benefit to Participant on which additional income tax and national
insurance contributions may be payable. Participant acknowledges that he or she will be responsible for reporting and
paying any income tax due on this additional benefit directly to the HMRC under the self-assessment regime and for
paying the Company or the Employer, as applicable, for the value of any employee national insurance contributions due
on this additional benefit.
EXHIBIT 21.1
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
FACEBOOK, INC.
Andale, Inc. (Delaware)
Cassin Networks ApS (Denmark)
Edge Network Services Limited (Ireland)
Facebook International Operations Limited (Ireland)
Facebook Ireland Holdings Unlimited (Ireland)
Facebook Ireland Limited (Ireland)
Facebook Operations, LLC (Delaware)
Facebook Sweden Holdings AB (Sweden)
Facebook Technologies, LLC (Delaware)
FCL Tech Limited (Ireland)
Global Holdings I Inc. (Delaware)
Global Holdings I LLC (Delaware)
Global Holdings II LLC (Delaware)
Greater Kudu LLC (Delaware)
Instagram, LLC (Delaware)
KUSU PTE. Ltd. (Singapore)
Malkoha PTE Ltd. (Singapore)
Morning Hornet LLC (Delaware)
Parse, LLC (Delaware)
Pinnacle Sweden AB (Sweden)
Raven Northbrook LLC (Delaware)
Runways Information Services Ltd (Ireland)
Scout Development LLC (Delaware)
Siculus, Inc. (Delaware)
Sidecat LLC (Delaware
Stadion LLC (Delaware)
Starbelt LLC (Delaware)
Vitesse, LLC (Delaware)
WhatsApp Inc. (Delaware)
Winner LLC (Delaware)
EXHIBIT 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-222823) pertaining to the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan of Facebook, Inc.,
(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-186402) pertaining to the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan of Facebook, Inc.,
(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-181566) pertaining to the 2005 Officers’ Stock Plan, 2005 Stock Plan, and
2012 Equity Incentive Plan of Facebook, Inc., and
(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-199172) pertaining to the Non-Plan Restricted Stock Unit Awards of
Facebook, Inc.
of our reports dated January 31, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Facebook, Inc. and the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting of Facebook, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Facebook, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 2018.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Francisco, California
January 31, 2019
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mark Zuckerberg, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Facebook, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and
have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Date: January 31, 2019
/s/ MARK ZUCKERBERG
Mark Zuckerberg
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT UNDER SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David M. Wehner, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Facebook, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and
have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal
control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Date: January 31, 2019
/s/ DAVID M. WEHNER
David M. Wehner
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Inc. (Company), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
• the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
• the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the
periods presented therein.
Date: January 31, 2019
/s/ MARK ZUCKERBERG
Mark Zuckerberg
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David M. Wehner, Chief Financial Officer of Facebook, Inc. (Company), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
• the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2018 (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
• the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the
periods presented therein.
Date: January 31, 2019
/s/ DAVID M. WEHNER
David M. Wehner
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
