UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended December 29, 2018

or

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

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission File Number: 001-12696

Plantronics, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
77-0207692
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(831) 426-5858
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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 the definitions 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 o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 

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

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

As of February 1, 2019 , 39,470,338 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.

1


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Plantronics, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Plantronics® and Simply Smarter Communications® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc.
DECT™ is a trademark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its members in France and other jurisdictions.
The Bluetooth name and the Bluetooth® trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and are used by Plantronics, Inc. under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Table of Contents

Part I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of such words as "anticipate," "believe," “could,” "expect," "intend," “may,” "plan," "potential," "shall," "will," “would,” or variations of such words and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms. Specific forward-looking statements contained within this Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) our beliefs regarding the UC&C market, market dynamics and opportunities, and customer and partner behavior as well as our position in the market, (ii) our expectations for the impact of the Acquisition as it relates to our strategic vision and additional market opportunities for our combined hardware and services offerings, (iii) our beliefs regarding future enterprise growth drivers, (iv) our expectations regarding the impact of UC&C on headset adoption and how it may impact our investment and partnering activities, (v) our expectations for new and next generation product and services offerings, (vi) our intentions regarding the focus of our sales, marketing and customer services and support teams, (vii) our expenses, including research, development and engineering expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, (xi) fluctuations in our cash provided by operating activities as a result of various factors, including fluctuations in revenues and operating expenses, timing of product shipments, accounts receivable collections, inventory and supply chain management, and the timing and amount of taxes and other payments, (xii) our future tax rate and payments related to unrecognized tax benefits, (xiii) our anticipated range of capital expenditures for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents, and cash from operations to sustain future operations and discretionary cash requirements, (xiv) our ability to pay future stockholder dividends, (xv) our ability to draw funds on our credit facility as needed, (xvi) the sufficiency of our capital resources to fund operations, and other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects, and business strategies.  Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements are included, but not limited to, those discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 9, 2018 ; and other documents we have filed with the SEC.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.  Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.


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OVERVIEW

We are a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of integrated communications and collaborations solutions which spans headsets, software, desk phones, audio and video conferencing, analytics and services.  Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike. On July 2, 2018, we completed our acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Polycom, Inc. (“Polycom”) for approximately $2.2 billion in stock and cash. As a result, on that date we also became a leading global provider of open, standards-based Unified Communications & Collaboration ("UC&C") solutions for voice, video and content sharing solutions, and a comprehensive line of support and services for the workplace under the Polycom brand.

The Acquisition was consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated March 28, 2018, among the Company, Triangle Private Holdings II, LLC (“Triangle”), and Polycom. We believe the Acquisition better positions us with our channel partners, customers, and strategic alliance partners to pursue additional opportunities across the UC&C market in software, hardware end points and services. We expect the Acquisition will accelerate our strategic vision of becoming a global leader in communications and collaboration experiences and allow us to capture additional opportunities through data analytics and insight services across a broad portfolio of communications endpoints. We continue to operate under a single operating segment.

Our major product categories are Enterprise Headsets, which includes headsets optimized for UC&C, other corded and cordless communication headsets, audio processors and telephone systems; Consumer Headsets, which includes Bluetooth and corded products for mobile device applications, personal computer ("PC"), and gaming; Voice, Video, and Content Sharing Solutions which include products designed to work with a wide range of Unified Communication (UC), Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS), and Video as a Service (VaaS) environments, including our RealPresence collaboration solutions of infrastructure to endpoints which allows people to connect and collaborate globally and naturally; and comprehensive Support Services including support on our solutions, hardware devices, professional, hosted, and managed services.

We sell our products through a high touch sales team and a well developed global network of distributors and channel partners including Value-added Resellers (VARs), integrators, direct marketing resellers (DMRs), service providers, resellers, and retailers. 

Our consolidated financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 , include the financial results of Polycom from July 2, 2018, the date of Acquisition. For more information regarding the Acquisition, refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Total Net Revenues (in millions)
CHART-C50A8245A86578EF3D2A01.JPG


Compared to the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 total net revenues increased 121% to  $501.7 million ; the increase in total net revenues is primarily related to the Acquisition. As a result of purchase accounting, a total of $28.9 million of deferred revenue that otherwise would have been recognized in the third quarter of 2019 was excluded from third quarter revenue of $501.7 million .

The table below summarizes net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 by product categories:

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(in thousands, except percentages)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
Enterprise Headsets
 
$
167,640

 
$
173,479

 
$
5,839

 
3.5
%
Consumer Headsets
 
58,894

 
69,665

 
10,771

 
18.3
%
Voice 1
 

 
116,700

 
116,700

 
100.0
%
Video 1
 

 
85,597

 
85,597

 
100.0
%
Services 2
 

 
56,228

 
56,228

 
100.0
%
Total
 
226,534

 
501,669

 
275,135

 
121.5
%
1 Voice and Video product net revenues presented net of fair value adjustments to deferred revenue of $2.8 million .
2 Services net revenues presented net of fair value adjustments to deferred revenue of $26.1 million .
 

Operating Income (Loss) (in millions)
CHART-71719DBC0783AC0071DA01.JPG

We reported a net loss of $(41.7) million and an operating loss of $(24.7) million for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 . We reported a net loss of $(49.5) million and an operating income of $36.8 million for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2018. The decrease in our results from operations is primarily due to $22.3 million of Acquisition and integration related expenses, $42.8 million of amortization of purchased intangibles, and $28.9 million of deferred revenue haircut incurred during the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 . Refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , in the accompanying footnotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. We continue to work on integrating Polycom into our business in order to streamline our operations and realize synergies from the combined companies. As of December 31, 2018, we achieved a total of $26 million in annual run-rate savings as a result of restructuring and integration actions taken through that date. We plan to achieve a total of $58 million in savings related to these actions and future anticipated actions by the end of fiscal year 2019.


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Table of Contents

Our primary focus for long-term growth opportunities, strategic initiatives, and the majority of our revenue and profits remains in our Enterprise Headsets and our new Voice, Video, and Content Sharing Solution business categories. With the Acquisition, we expect to accelerate our strategic vision of becoming a global leader in communications and collaboration experiences by leveraging Polycom's open, standards-based UC&C solutions for voice, video and content sharing, and comprehensive line of support and service solutions. As a combined organization, our markets are rapidly changing; with increasing adoption of hosted services and more influential players entering the market, offering users and user groups within customer organizations more choices than ever before. Increasingly, customers are using multiple UC&C solutions, creating very diverse and heterogeneous communications and collaboration environments. Polycom's approach of designing endpoint solutions that offer the highest flexibility for compatibility with these services provides the investment protections that customer organizations desire. Polycom solutions are also sold globally through a high-touch sales model that leverages a broad network of channel partners. We furthermore believe the Acquisition will position us to capture additional opportunities through data analytics and insight services across a broad portfolio of communications endpoints. This is demonstrated by our recent successful release of Polycom Studio, our new plug and play video bar and first product in the rapidly growing huddle room video market.

Within the market for our Enterprise Headsets product, we anticipate the key driver of growth over the next few years will be UC&C audio solutions.  We believe enterprises are increasing adoption of UC&C systems to reduce costs, improve collaboration, and migrate to more capable technology.  We expect growth of UC&C solutions will increase overall headset adoption in enterprise environments, and we believe most of the growth in our Enterprise Headsets product category over the next three years will come from headsets designed for UC&C. As such, UC&C remains the central focus of our sales, marketing, and support functions, and we will continue investing in key strategic alliances and integrations with major UC&C vendors. We continue to invest in new ideas and technology to create additional growth opportunities, such as Plantronics Manager Pro, our software-as-a-service ("SaaS") data insights offering, and Habitat Soundscaping, our intelligent acoustic management service. While we anticipate these investments will prove beneficial in the long term, we do not expect their contributions to be material in the near term.

Revenues from our Consumer Headsets product are seasonal and typically strongest in our third fiscal quarter, which includes the majority of the holiday shopping season. Additionally, other factors directly impact our Consumer Headsets product category performance, such as product life cycles (including the introduction and pace of adoption of new technology), the market acceptance of new product introductions, consumer preferences and the competitive retail environment, changes in consumer confidence and other macroeconomic factors. Sales in the mobile headset market have increased year over year due to the introduction of several next generation stereo products and we believe additional future growth opportunities exist in gaming headsets primarily due to growth trends in the console gaming market. However, the timing or non-recurrence of retailer placements can cause volatility in quarter-to-quarter results.

We remain cautious about the macroeconomic environment, based on uncertainty around trade and fiscal policy in the U.S. and broader economic uncertainty in many parts of Europe and Asia Pacific, which makes it difficult for us to gauge the economic impacts on our future business. We will continue to monitor our expenditures and prioritize expenditures that further our strategic long-term growth opportunities.


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following graphs display net revenues by product category for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 :

Net Revenues (in millions)                 
CHART-CD98BB2BE60E52AA9F7A01.JPG
Revenue by Product Category (percent)

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CHART-717322FD256255ABA7FA01.JPG

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CHART-A198AF796A2155C5A90.JPG CHART-C70B3A70E96E5094B99.JPG

* These product categories were created as a result of the Acquisition completed on July 2, 2018, refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets.

Total net revenues increased in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year periods due primarily to the Acquisition as well as higher revenues within both our Consumer Headsets and Enterprise Headsets product categories. The growth in our Consumer Headsets category was driven by Gaming and Stereo product revenues while the growth in our Enterprise Headsets category was driven by UC&C product revenues.

Geographic Information (in millions) Revenue by Region (percent)
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Compared to the same prior year period, U.S. net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2018 increased due primarily to the Acquisition, as well as higher revenues within our Consumer Headsets product categories driven by our Stereo and Gaming products. Enterprise Headsets product revenues were down slightly with continued declines in our non-UC&C product revenues partially offset by growth in UC&C revenues.

Compared to the same prior year period, U.S. net revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 increased due primarily to the Acquisition. Consumer Headsets product revenues also grew, driven by our Gaming and Stereo products, partially offset by the divestiture of our Clarity business in June 2017.

International net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 increased from the same prior year period due primarily to the Acquisition; as well as growth in our Enterprise Headsets category, driven by UC&C product sales. Consumer Headsets product sales also increased in the nine months ended December 31, 2018 driven by our Gaming products.

U.S. and International net revenues was also impacted by fair value adjustments to deferred revenue resulting from the Acquisition, refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets .

During the three months ended December 31, 2018 , changes in foreign exchange rates negatively impacted net revenues by $2.2 million, net of the effects of hedging, compared to a $4.1 million favorable impact on revenue in the prior year period. During the nine months ended December 31, 2018 , changes in foreign exchange rates positively impacted net revenues by $3.4 million, net of the effects of hedging, compared to a $1.3 million favorable impact on revenue in the prior year period.

COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Cost of revenues consists primarily of direct and contract manufacturing costs, warranty, freight, depreciation, duties, charges for excess and obsolete inventory, royalties, and overhead expenses. 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
December 31,
 
Increase
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
Total net revenues
 
$
226,534

 
$
501,669

 
$
275,135

 
121.5
%
 
$
640,760

 
$
1,206,047

 
$
565,287

 
88.2
%
Cost of revenues
 
112,409

 
286,532

 
174,123

 
154.9
%
 
315,720

 
728,438

 
412,718

 
130.7
%
Gross profit
 
$
114,125

 
$
215,137

 
$
101,012

 
88.5
%
 
$
325,040

 
$
477,609

 
$
152,569

 
46.9
%
Gross profit %
 
50.4
%
 
42.9
%
 


 
 
 
50.7
%
 
39.6
%
 
 
 
 

Compared to the same prior year periods, gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 , due primarily to $27.6 million and $83.2 million of amortization of purchased intangibles and $28.9 million and $65.5 million of deferred revenue fair value adjustment, respectively; refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets . Other unfavorable items were cost increases on commodity components driven by industry capacity shortages and a product mix with higher gaming and stereo revenues within our Consumer Headsets product category. These increased costs were partially offset by material cost reductions and favorable currency movements.

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Table of Contents


Gross profit for the nine months ended  December 31, 2018 was also negatively impacted by $30.4 million of amortization of the inventory step-up associated with the Acquisition; refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets .

There are significant variances in gross profit percentages between our higher and lower margin products including Polycom products resulting from the Acquisition; therefore, small variations in product mix, which can be difficult to predict, can have a significant impact on gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. Gross profit percentages may also vary based on distribution channel, return rates, and other factors.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses consists primarily of research, development and engineering; selling, general and administrative; gain, net of litigation settlements and restructuring and other related charges (credits) expenses which are summarized in the table below for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 :
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
December 31,
 
Increase
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
Research, development, and engineering
 
$
21,257

 
$
59,661

 
$
38,404

 
181
%
 
$
62,402

 
$
140,409

 
$
78,007

 
125
%
Selling, general and administrative
 
56,196

 
168,053

 
111,857

 
199
%
 
170,125

 
406,553

 
236,428

 
139
%
Gain, net of litigation settlements
 
(15
)
 

 
15

 
100
%
 
(295
)
 
(30
)
 
265

 
90
%
Restructuring and other related charges (credits)
 
(84
)
 
12,130

 
12,214

 
14,541
%
 
2,438

 
20,711

 
18,273

 
750
%
Total Operating Expenses
 
$
77,354

 
$
239,844

 
$
162,490

 
210
%
 
$
234,670

 
$
567,643

 
$
332,973

 
142
%
% of net revenues
 
34.1
%
 
47.8
%
 

 
 
 
36.6
%
 
47.1
%
 
 
 
 

Our Research, development, and engineering expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses increased during the three ended December 31, 2018 , primarily due to the inclusion of Polycom operating expenses, as well as $22.3 million of Acquisition and Integration related costs and $15.3 million of amortization of purchased intangibles incurred during the period. Our Research, development, and engineering expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses increased during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 , primarily due to the $48.5 million of Acquisition and Integration related costs and $30.6 million of amortization of purchased intangibles incurred during the period. Refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements .

Compared to the prior year period, restructuring and other related charges (credits) increased in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 , due primarily to restructuring actions initiated during Fiscal Year 2019 subsequent to the Acquisition. For more information regarding restructuring activities, refer to Note 9 , Restructuring and Other Related Charges , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

INTEREST EXPENSE

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
December 31,
 
Increase
(in thousands)
 
2017

2018
 
(Decrease)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
Interest expense
 
$
(7,341
)
 
$
(25,032
)
 
$
17,691

241.0
%
 
$
(21,904
)
 
$
(56,252
)
 
$
34,348

157
%

Interest expense increased primarily due to interest incurred on our Credit Facility Agreement and the loss recognized on our interest rate swap for three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 . Refer to Note 8 , Debt , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



10


OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME, NET
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
December 31,
 
Increase
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
 
2017
 
2018
 
(Decrease)
Other non-operating income, net

 
$
2,490

 
$
125

 
$
(2,365
)
 
(95.0
)%
 
$
5,230

 
$
3,731

 
$
(1,499
)
 
(28.7
)%
% of net revenues
 
1.1
%
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
0.8
%
 
0.3
%
 
 
 
 

Other non-operating income, net for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 decreased primarily due to lower interest income as our investment portfolios were liquidated during the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2019 to facilitate the Acquisition.


INCOME TAX EXPENSE
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
December 31,
 
Increase
(in thousands except percentages)
 
2017

2018
 
(Decrease)
 
2017

2018
 
(Decrease)
Income (Loss) before income taxes
 
$
31,920

 
$
(49,614
)
 
$
(81,534
)
 
(255.4
)%
 
$
73,696

 
$
(142,555
)
 
$
(216,251
)
 
(293.4
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
81,424

 
(7,880
)
 
(89,304
)
 
(109.7
)%
 
84,419

 
(28,583
)
 
(113,002
)
 
(133.9
)%
Net loss
 
$
(49,504
)
 
$
(41,734
)
 
$
7,770

 
(15.7
)%
 
$
(10,723
)
 
$
(113,971
)
 
$
(103,248
)
 
962.9
 %
Effective tax rate
 
255.1
%
 
15.9
%
 


 

 
114.6
%
 
20.1
%
 
 
 
 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. and in various foreign and state jurisdictions. Our tax provision or benefit is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete items that are taken into account in the relevant period. The effective tax rates for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were 255.1% and 15.9%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were 114.6% and 20.1%, respectively.

The period over period tax rate has been and may continue to be subject to variations relating to several factors including but not limited to changes from U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rule making and interpretation of US tax legislation, including a reduction of statutory tax rates from 35% to 21%, adjustments to foreign tax regimes, interest expense limitations, mix of jurisdictional income and expense, cost and deductibility of acquisitions expenses (including integration), foreign currency gains (losses) and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and their valuation or utilization. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, the effective tax rate decreased when compared to the same periods of the prior year mainly due to the toll charge that was recorded in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company released its partial valuation allowance against California Research and Development credits resulting in a tax benefit of $1.4 million. This release was a direct result of the Acquisition, as fewer credits are expected to be generated in California as a percentage of worldwide taxable income in future periods.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018 we finalized our evaluation and computation of the tax act in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin SAB 118 (“SAB 118”), which addressed concerns about reporting entities’ ability to timely comply with the requirements to recognize the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “Tax Act”.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional toll charge of $79.7 million. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company made its first payment on the toll charge of $7 million. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the toll charge was finalized resulting in a current quarter tax benefit of $0.8 million. The Company's remaining toll charge liability of $71.9 million will be paid in installments over the next seven years.

Included in long-term income taxes payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were unrecognized tax benefits of $12.6 million and $25.3 million, respectively, which would favorably impact the effective tax rate in future periods if recognized. The increase is predominantly due to acquired uncertain tax benefits of Polycom. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.4 million and $1.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  No penalties have been accrued.


11


The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. federal and various foreign and state jurisdictions. The Company’s Fiscal Year 2016 federal income tax return is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Foreign income tax matters for material tax jurisdictions have been concluded for tax years prior to Fiscal Year 2013.

We believe that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of such examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the tax examinations are resolved in a manner inconsistent with our expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. The timing of any resolution and/or closure of tax examinations is not certain.

FINANCIAL CONDITION
Operating Cash Flow (in millions)
Investing Cash Flow   (in millions)
Financing Cash Flow (in millions)
OPERATINGCFA04.JPG
INVESTINGCFA04.JPG
FINANCINGCFA05.JPG
  
We use cash provided by operating activities as our primary source of liquidity. We expect that cash provided by operating activities will fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our revenues, the timing of compensation-related payments such as our annual bonus/variable compensation plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), integration costs related to the Acquisition, product shipments during the quarter, accounts receivable collections, inventory and supply chain management, and the timing and amount of tax and other payments.

Operating Activities

Compared to the same year ago period, net cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 increased primarily due to increased sales as a result of the Acquisition which was partially offset by Acquisition related costs, tax and interest payments.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 was primarily used for the Acquisition which closed on July 2, 2018. Refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets . This decrease was partially offset by the proceeds from the sales of short term investments.

We estimate total capital expenditures for Fiscal Year 2019 will be approximately $30 million to $40 million. We expect capital expenditures for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019  to consist primarily of information technology ("IT") investments, capital investment in our manufacturing capabilities, including tooling for new products, and facilities upgrades.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 increased from the prior year period as a result of the proceeds received from the term loan facility which were partially offset by dividend payments and repurchases of common stock during the fiscal year.


12


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary discretionary cash requirements have historically been for repurchases of our common stock and to fund stockholder dividends. At December 31, 2018 , we had working capital of $315.6 million , including $341.6 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, compared with working capital of $774.2 million , including $660.0 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at March 31, 2018 . The decrease in working capital at December 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2018 resulted from the impact of the Acquisition during the last quarter.

On July 2, 2018, we completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Polycom. The Acquisition was consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the previously announced Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 2018, among the Company, Triangle and Polycom. At the closing of the Acquisition, Plantronics acquired Polycom for approximately $2.2 billion with the total consideration consisting of (1) 6.4 million shares of our common stock (the "Stock Consideration"), resulting in Triangle, which was Polycom’s sole shareholder, owning approximately 16.0% of Plantronics following the acquisition and (2) $1.7 billion in cash (the "Cash Consideration"). The consideration paid at closing was also subject to working capital, tax and other adjustments. We financed the Cash Consideration by using available cash-on-hand and funds drawn from our new term loan facility which is described further below. Portions of the Stock Consideration and the Cash Consideration were each deposited into separate escrow accounts to secure certain indemnification obligations of Triangle pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s prior revolving credit facility in its entirety. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a revolving credit facility with an initial maximum aggregate amount available of $100 million that matures in July 2023 and (ii) a $1.275 billion term loan facility due in quarterly principal installments commencing the last business day of March, June, September and December beginning with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the closing date for the aggregate principal amount funded on the Closing Date multiplied by 0.25% (subject to prepayments outlined in the Credit Agreement) and all remaining outstanding principal due at maturity in July 2025. The availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by the amount necessary to meet our obligations under three outstanding letters of credit. We may increase the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding tranche of term loans, add one or more additional tranches of term loans and/or increase the aggregate principal amount of revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement by an aggregate amount of up to the sum of (1) $500 million, (2) an amount such that, after giving effect to the incurrence of such amount, the consolidated secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is equal to or less than 2.75 to 1.00 and (3) the amount of certain prepayments made under the Credit Agreement from time to time. Any such increase would be subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including that no default or event of default be continuing under the Credit Agreement at the time of the increase and that we obtain the consent of each lender providing any such additional loans or commitments.

On July 2, 2018, the Company borrowed the full amount available under the term loan facility of $1.245 billion, net of approximately $30 million of discounts and issuance costs. Proceeds from the initial borrowing under the Credit Agreement were used to finance the acquisition of Polycom, to refinance certain debt of Polycom, to pay related fees, commissions and transaction costs. We have additional borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement through the revolving credit facility which could be used to provide ongoing working capital and capital for other general corporate purposes of us and our subsidiaries. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are currently guaranteed by Polycom and will from time to time be guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, any domestic subsidiaries that may become material in the future. Subject to certain exceptions, the Credit Agreement is secured by first-priority perfected liens and security interests in substantially all of our and each of our subsidiary guarantor personal property and will from time to time also be secured by certain material real property that we or any of our subsidiary guarantor may acquire. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest due on a quarterly basis at a variable rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus a specified margin, or (ii) the base rate (which is the highest of (a) the prime rate publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (c) the sum of 1% plus one-month LIBOR) plus a specified margin. We must also pay (i) an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.200% to 0.300% per annum of the average daily unused portion of the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) a per annum fee equal to (a) for each performance standby letter of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement with respect to non-financial contractual obligations, 50% of the applicable margin over LIBOR under the revolving credit facility in effect from time to time multiplied by the daily amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit, and (b) for each other letter of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement, the applicable margin over LIBOR under the revolving credit facility in effect from time to time multiplied by the daily amount available to be drawn for such letter of credit.


13


The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants, including requirements that we maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels for the revolving credit facility and restrictions on our ability and certain of our subsidiaries ability to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, dispose of assets, consummate acquisitions, make investments and pay dividends and other distributions. The Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants applicable to the revolving credit facility only: (i) a maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments and exclusions, our ratio of consolidated secured indebtedness as of the end of the relevant fiscal quarter to consolidated net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and certain other items (“EBITDA”) for the period of four fiscal quarters then ended) of 3.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from December 29, 2018 through June 29, 2019; 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from June 30, 2019 through March 28, 2020; 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from March 29, 2020 through April 3, 2021; and 2.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending on or after April 4, 2021; and (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of our EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense to the extent paid or payable in cash) of 2.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending on or after December 29, 2018. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the lenders may declare any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that the occurrence of an event of default as a result of a breach of a financial covenant under the Credit Agreement does not constitute a default or event of default with respect to any term facility under the Credit Agreement unless and until the required revolving lenders shall have terminated their revolving commitments and declared all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility to be due and payable. In addition, if we or any of our subsidiary guarantor or, with certain exceptions, any other subsidiary becomes the subject of voluntary or involuntary proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, then any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable. Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum in excess of the otherwise applicable rate (i) while a payment or bankruptcy event of default exists or (ii) upon the lenders’ request, during the continuance of any other event of default. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has four outstanding letters of credit on the revolving credit facility for a total of $0.8 million and the Company is in compliance with all covenants.

On July 30, 2018, we entered into a 4-year amortizing interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America, NA. The swap has an initial notional amount of $831 million and matures on July 31, 2022. The purpose of this swap is to hedge against changes in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to fluctuations in the contractually specified LIBOR interest rate associated with our new credit facility agreement. The swap involves the receipt of floating-rate amounts for fixed interest rate payments over the life of the agreement. We have designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The derivative is valued based on prevailing LIBOR rate curves on the date of measurement. We also evaluate counterparty credit risk when we calculate the fair value of the swap. For additional details, refer to Note 13 , Derivatives , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

This quarter we finalized our evaluation and computation of the tax act in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin SAB 118 (“SAB 118”), which addressed concerns about reporting entities’ ability to timely comply with the requirements to recognize the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act “Tax Act”.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional toll charge of $79.7 million. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company made its first payment on the toll charge of $7 million. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the toll charge was finalized resulting in a current quarter tax benefit of $0.8 million. The Company's remaining toll charge liability of $71.9 million will be paid in installments over the next seven years. Polycom recorded a toll charge that was paid in October 2018 with the filing of its 2017 tax return. For additional details, refer to Note 14 , Income Taxes , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 consisted of bank deposits with third party financial institutions. We monitor bank balances in our operating accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate. Cash balances are held throughout the world, including substantial amounts held outside of the U.S.  As of December 31, 2018 , of our $341.6 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, $167.5 million was held domestically while $174.1 million was held by foreign subsidiaries, and approximately 75% was based in USD-denominated instruments. During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, we sold most of our short-term investments to generate cash used to fund the Acquisition which was finalized on July 2, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 , our remaining investments were composed of Mutual Funds .


14


From time to time, our Board of Directors ("the Board") authorizes programs under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase agreements. On November 28, 2018 , our Board of Directors approved a 1 million shares repurchase program expanding our capacity to repurchase shares to approximately 1.7 million shares. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, we repurchased 127,970 shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2018 , there remained 1,602,135 shares authorized for repurchase under the stock repurchase program approved. Refer to Note 11 , Common Stock Repurchases , in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

During the year ended March 31, 2016, we obtained $488.4 million from debt financing, net of issuance costs. The debt matures on May 31, 2023, and bears interest at a rate of 5.50% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Refer to Note 8 , Debt , in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our liquidity, capital resources, and results of operations in any period could be affected by repurchases of our common stock, the payment of cash dividends, the exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock grants under stock plans, and the issuance of common stock under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). We expect the Acquisition to affect our liquidity and leverage ratios and we plan to reduce our debt leverage ratios by prioritizing the repayment of the debt obtained to finance the Acquisition. The Acquisition impacted our cash conversion cycle due to Polycom's use of third-party partner financing and early payment discounts to drive down cash collection cycles. We are still assessing these changes as we integrate Polycom into our business. We receive cash from the exercise of outstanding stock options under our stock plan and the issuance of shares under our ESPP. However, the resulting increase in the number of outstanding shares from these equity grants and issuances could affect our earnings per share. We cannot predict the timing or amount of proceeds from the sale or exercise of these securities or whether they will be exercised, forfeited, canceled, or will expire.

On January 9, 2019, we committed to a plan of restructuring to continue streamlining the global workforce of the combined company. These actions are expected to result in approximately $10 million of aggregate charges for employee termination costs and other costs associated with the plan.

On January 31, 2019, we prepaid $50 million of our outstanding principal on the term loan facility and expect to make an additional $50 million repayment by the end of the current March quarter..

On February 5, 2019 , we announced that the Audit Committee of our Board ("the Audit Committee") declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on March 8, 2019 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2019 .  We expect to continue paying a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share; however, the actual declaration of dividends and the establishment of record and payment dates are subject to final determination by the Audit Committee each quarter after its review of our financial performance and financial position.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operations, and the availability of additional funds under the Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months; however, any projections of future financial needs and sources of working capital are subject to uncertainty. Readers are cautioned to review the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the section entitled "Certain Forward-Looking Information" and the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 , and other periodic filings with the SEC, any of which could affect our estimates for future financial needs and sources of working capital.


15


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments, or other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligation under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides us with financing and liquidity support, market risk, or credit risk support.

A substantial portion of the raw materials, components, and subassemblies used in our products are provided by our suppliers on a consignment basis. These consigned inventories are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet until we take title to the raw materials, components, and subassemblies, which occurs when they are consumed in the production process. Prior to consumption in the production process, our suppliers bear the risk of loss and retain title to the consigned inventory. The terms of the agreements allow the Company to return parts in excess of maximum order quantities to the suppliers at the supplier’s expense. Returns for other reasons are negotiated with the suppliers on a case-by-case basis and to date have been immaterial. If our suppliers were to discontinue financing consigned inventory, it would require us to make cash outlays and we could incur expenses which, if material, could negatively affect our business and financial results. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 , we had off-balance sheet consigned inventories of $48.8 million and $52.6 million , respectively.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

We use several contract manufacturers to manufacture raw materials, components, and subassemblies for our products. We provide these contract manufacturers with demand information that typically covers periods up to 13 weeks, and they use this information to acquire components and build products. We also obtain individual components for our products from a wide variety of individual suppliers. Consistent with industry practice, we acquire components through a combination of purchase orders, supplier contracts, and open orders based on projected demand information. As of December 31, 2018 , we had outstanding off-balance sheet third-party manufacturing, component purchase, and other general and administrative commitments of $448.8 million , including off-balance sheet consigned inventories of $52.6 million as discussed above and Polycom acquired purchase obligations noted in the table below.

Polycom Acquisition

On July 2, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Polycom, refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , in the accompanying footnotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result of the Acquisition, in addition to the contractual obligation of Plantronics described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , we became subject to the following future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 :

 
 
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
More than 5 years
Operating leases (1)
 
$
42,071

 
$
14,939

 
$
26,040

 
$
1,092

 
$

Unconditional purchase obligations (2)
 
221,987

 
217,478

 
4,509

 

 

Long term debt (Term Loan Facility) (3)
 
1,275,001

 
12,750

 
28,688

 
25,500

 
1,208,063

Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
1,539,059

 
$
245,167

 
$
59,237

 
$
26,592

 
$
1,208,063


(1) We acquired Polycom's lease obligations for certain office facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring through our Fiscal Year 2023. In addition to the net minimum lease payments noted above, we are contractually obligated to pay certain operating expenses during the term of the lease such as maintenance, taxes and insurance. Included in the lease obligations acquired are Polycom’s sublease receipts, which have been netted against the gross lease payments above to arrive at our net minimum lease payments. Certain of these leases provide for renewal options and we may exercise the renewal options.

(2) Refer to Unconditional Purchase Obligations note above.

(3) On July 2, 2018, the Company borrowed the full amount available under the term loan facility of $1.245 billion, net of approximately $30 million of discounts and issuance costs. Proceeds from the initial borrowing under the Credit Agreement were used to finance the acquisition of Polycom, to refinance certain debt of Polycom, to pay related fees, commissions and transaction costs. We owe quarterly principal installments commencing on December 28, 2018 for the aggregate principal amount funded on July 2, 2018 multiplied by 0.25% (subject to prepayments outlined in the Credit Agreement) and all remaining outstanding principal due at maturity in July 2025.


16


Except as described above, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 .

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

For a complete description of what we believe to be the critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018

Refer to Note 2 , Recent Accounting Pronouncements , of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for details regarding the adoption of the contracts with customers (Topic 606) accounting guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019.

Refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for critical accounting estimates used in the acquisition of Polycom completed on July 2, 2018.

Income Taxes

Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased.

Under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, if we identify changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period adjustment, and we record the offset to goodwill. We record all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense.

Except as described above, there have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates during the nine months ended December 31, 2018 .

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For more information regarding the Recent Accounting Pronouncements that may impact us, refer to Note 2 , Recent Accounting Pronouncements , of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)
PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
390,661

 
$
328,156

Short-term investments
269,313

 
13,422

Accounts receivable, net
152,888

 
363,837

Inventory, net
68,276

 
160,219

Other current assets
18,588

 
48,229

Total current assets
899,726

 
913,863

Property, plant, and equipment, net
142,129

 
212,138

Goodwill
15,498

 
1,272,619

Purchased intangibles, net

 
871,599

Deferred tax assets
17,950

 
4,741

Other assets
1,584

 
22,821

Total assets
$
1,076,887

 
$
3,297,781

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
45,417

 
$
146,067

Accrued liabilities
80,097

 
452,194

Total current liabilities
125,514

 
598,261

Long term debt, net of issuance costs
492,509

 
1,727,660

Long-term income taxes payable
87,328

 
93,150

Other long-term liabilities
18,566

 
134,492

Total liabilities
723,917

 
2,553,563

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)


 


Stockholders' equity:
 

 
 

Common stock
816

 
884

Additional paid-in capital
876,645

 
1,416,513

Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,870

 
1,031

Retained earnings
299,066

 
170,861

Total stockholders' equity before treasury stock
1,179,397

 
1,589,289

Less:  Treasury stock, at cost
(826,427
)
 
(845,071
)
Total stockholders' equity
352,970

 
744,218

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,076,887

 
$
3,297,781


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

17

Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Net revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net product revenues
$
226,534

 
$
445,441

 
$
640,760

 
$
1,102,012

Net service revenues

 
56,228

 

 
104,035

Total net revenues
226,534

 
501,669

 
640,760

 
1,206,047

Cost of revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of product revenues
112,409

 
259,673

 
315,720

 
676,616

Cost of service revenues

 
26,859

 

 
51,822

Total cost of revenues
112,409

 
286,532

 
315,720

 
728,438

Gross profit
114,125

 
215,137

 
325,040

 
477,609

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research, development, and engineering
21,257

 
59,661

 
62,402

 
140,409

Selling, general, and administrative
56,196

 
168,053

 
170,125

 
406,553

Gain, net from litigation settlements
(15
)
 

 
(295
)
 
(30
)
Restructuring and other related charges (credits)
(84
)
 
12,130

 
2,438

 
20,711

Total operating expenses
77,354

 
239,844

 
234,670

 
567,643

Operating income (loss)
36,771

 
(24,707
)
 
90,370

 
(90,034
)
Interest expense
(7,341
)
 
(25,032
)
 
(21,904
)
 
(56,252
)
Other non-operating income, net
2,490

 
125

 
5,230

 
3,731

Income (Loss) before income taxes
31,920

 
(49,614
)
 
73,696

 
(142,555
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
81,424

 
(7,880
)
 
84,419

 
(28,583
)
Net loss
$
(49,504
)
 
$
(41,734
)
 
$
(10,723
)
 
$
(113,971
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(1.54
)
 
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(3.08
)
Diluted
$
(1.54
)
 
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(3.08
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares used in computing loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
32,075

 
39,314

 
32,384

 
37,063

Diluted
32,075

 
39,314

 
32,384

 
37,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.





18

Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Net loss
$
(49,504
)
 
$
(41,734
)
 
$
(10,723
)
 
$
(113,971
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments

 
115

 
257

 
(1,700
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized cash flow hedge gains (losses) arising during the period
(446
)
 
(5,622
)
 
(5,093
)
 
(853
)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into income for revenue hedges
1,357

 
(1,488
)
 
2,506

 
(2,637
)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into income for cost of revenue hedges
(61
)
 
6

 
(193
)
 
(73
)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into income for interest rate swaps

 
1,029

 

 
2,006

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
850

 
(6,075
)
 
(2,780
)
 
(1,557
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period
(658
)
 

 
(449
)
 
198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate income tax benefit (expense) of the above items
181

 
1,324

 
182

 
1,222

Other comprehensive income (loss)
373

 
(4,636
)
 
(2,790
)
 
(1,837
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(49,131
)
 
$
(46,370
)
 
$
(13,513
)
 
$
(115,808
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.





19

Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(10,723
)
 
$
(113,971
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
15,894

 
142,763

Amortization of debt issuance costs
1,087

 
3,188

Stock-based compensation
26,047

 
30,709

Deferred income taxes
10,490

 
(39,987
)
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories
2,013

 
4,881

Restructuring and related charges (credits)
2,438

 
20,711

Cash payments for restructuring charges
(2,911
)
 
(11,222
)
Other operating activities
(645
)
 
9,070

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
 
 
 

Accounts receivable, net
(3,153
)
 
(35,938
)
Inventory, net
(9,577
)
 
11,018

Current and other assets
(3,066
)
 
30,456

Accounts payable
2,783

 
16,519

Accrued liabilities
(15,695
)
 
72,677

Income taxes
66,387

 
(21,631
)
Cash provided by operating activities
81,369

 
119,243

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 

Proceeds from sales of investments
54,411

 
125,799

Proceeds from maturities of investments
146,989

 
131,017

Purchase of investments
(232,840
)
 
(698
)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired

 
(1,642,241
)
Capital expenditures
(9,403
)
 
(16,148
)
Cash used for investing activities
(40,843
)
 
(1,402,271
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 

Repurchase of common stock
(52,915
)
 
(4,780
)
Employees' tax withheld and paid for restricted stock and restricted stock units
(11,186
)
 
(13,863
)
Proceeds from issuances under stock-based compensation plans
13,446

 
14,925

Proceeds from revolving line of credit
8,000

 

Repayments of revolving line of credit
(8,000
)
 

Proceeds from debt issuance, net

 
1,244,713

Payment of cash dividends
(15,008
)
 
(16,953
)
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities
(65,663
)
 
1,224,042

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
3,460

 
(3,519
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(21,677
)
 
(62,505
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
301,970

 
390,661

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
280,293

 
$
328,156

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 
 
 
Cash paid for income taxes
$
8,127

 
$
30,902

Cash paid for interest
$
27,781

 
$
54,386


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

20

Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1 . BASIS OF PRESENTATION

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements ("financial statements") of Plantronics, Inc. ("Plantronics" or "the Company") have been prepared on a basis materially consistent with the Company's March 31, 2018 audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the information set forth herein. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") applicable to interim financial information and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , which was filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 . The results of operations for the interim period ended December 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year or any future period.

The financial results of Polycom have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on July 2, 2018, refer to Note 3 Acquisition, Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets for details.

The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March. The Company’s current and prior fiscal years end on March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 , respectively, and both consist of 52 weeks. The Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 both contain 13  weeks and 39 weeks. For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its accounting year as ending on March 31 and its interim quarterly periods as ending on the applicable calendar month end.

Refer to Note 2 , Recent Accounting Pronouncements , for details regarding reclassifications made in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the adoption of the contracts with customers (Topic 606) accounting guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2019.

Foreign Operations and Currency Translation

After the Polycom acquisition, the Company's functional currency is the U.S. Dollar (“USD") for all but one of its international subsidiaries located in China.  The resulting cumulative translation adjustments related to this subsidiary are immaterial and are included as a component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the USD or for China, the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“CNY”), are re-measured at the period-end rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at historical rates for non-monetary assets and liabilities.  Revenues and expenses are re-measured at average monthly rates, which approximate actual rates.  Currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other non-operating income and (expense), net.

Related Party

The Company's vendor, Digital River, Inc. ("Digital River"), with whom the Company had an existing relationship prior to the acquisition of Polycom, Inc. ("Polycom") for ecommerce services, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siris Capital Group, LLC ("Siris"). Triangle Private Holdings II, LLC ("Triangle") is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Siris. Immediately prior to the Company's acquisition of Polycom on July 2, 2018, Triangle was Polycom’s sole shareholder and, pursuant to the Company's stock purchase agreement with Triangle, currently owns approximately 16.0% of Plantronics' issued and outstanding stock. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of Polycom, the Company entered into a Stockholder Agreement with Triangle pursuant to which it agreed to appoint two individuals to the Company's board of directors nominated by Triangle. As a consequence of these relationships, Digital River is considered a related party under Topic 850. The Company had immaterial transactions with Digital River during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018.


21


Accounts Receivable Financing

As a result of the Polycom acquisition, the Company assumed a financing agreement with an unrelated third-party financing company (the "Financing Agreement") whereby the Company offers distributors and resellers direct or indirect financing on their purchases of Polycom's products and services. In return, the Company agrees to pay the financing company a fee based on a pre-defined percentage of the transaction amount financed. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of the Company's receivables, without recourse, to the financing company. If the transaction meets the applicable criteria under Topic 860 and is accounted for as a sale of financial assets, the related accounts receivable is excluded from the balance sheet upon receipt of the third-party financing company's payment remittance. In certain legal jurisdictions, the arrangements that involve maintenance services or products bundled with maintenance at one price do not qualify as sale of financial assets in accordance with the authoritative guidance. Accordingly, accounts receivable related to these arrangements are accounted for as a secured borrowing in accordance with Topic 860, and the Company records a liability for any cash received, while maintaining the associated accounts receivable balance until the distributor or reseller remits payment to the third-party financing company.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, total transactions entered pursuant to the terms of the Financing Agreement were approximately $50.7 million , of which $25.4 million was related to the transfer of the financial asset. The financing of these receivables accelerated the collection of cash and reduced the Company's credit exposure. Included in "Accounts receivables, net" in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was approximately $32.3 million due from the financing company, of which $18.5 million was related to accounts receivable transferred. Total fees incurred pursuant to the Financing Agreement were immaterial for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. These fees are recorded as a reduction to revenue on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations.

2 . RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Issued Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding both operating and financing leases, requiring lessees to recognize on their balance sheets "right-of-use assets" and corresponding lease liabilities, measured on a discounted basis over the lease term. Virtually all leases will be subject to this treatment except leases that meet the definition of a "short-term lease". For expense recognition, the dual model requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance leases has been retained from the prior standard. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Lease classification will use criteria very similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. Extensive additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of expense recognized and expected to be recognized. The new lease guidance will essentially eliminate off-balance sheet financing. The guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition that provides for certain practical expedients and requires the new guidance to be applied effectively as of the earliest period presented and through the comparative periods in the entity's financial statements. The Company expects adoption of this guidance will materially increase the assets and liabilities recorded on its consolidated balance sheets, but is still evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. The new model uses a forward-looking expected loss method, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 31, 2021 with early adoption permitted beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.



22


Recently Adopted Pronouncement

Except for the changes below, the Company has consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to all contracts not completed as of the initial application date of April 1, 2018. Topic 606 also includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, which requires the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed below. The Company applied Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method - i.e. by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying Topic 606 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at April 1, 2018. Therefore, the comparative information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with its historic accounting under Topic 605. The details of the notable changes and quantitative impact of the changes are set out below.

Software Revenue: The Company historically deferred revenue for the value of software where vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value had not been established for undelivered items. Under Topic 606, revenue for such licenses is recognized at the time of delivery, rather than ratably, as the VSOE requirement no longer applies and the value of the remaining services are not material in the context of the contract. All deferred revenue pertaining to such licenses was eliminated as a cumulative effect adjustment of implementing the new standard.

Marketing Development Funds: The Company frequently provides marketing development funds to its distributor and retail customers. Historically, its marketing development funds were recognized as a reduction of revenue at the later of when the related revenue is recognized or when the program is offered to the channel partner. Applying the criteria of Topic 606, these marketing development programs qualify as variable consideration, and are assigned as a reduction of the transaction price of the contract. This results in a timing difference such that all or some of the funds related to a program may be recognized in different periods than under Topic 605, depending on the circumstances.

Discount, Rebates and Pricing Reserves: The Company establishes reserves for Discounts and Rebates at the end of each fiscal period. These reserves are estimated based on current relevant and historical data, but there can be some variability associated with unforeseen changes in customer claim patterns. Under Topic 606, in cases where there is uncertainty around the variable consideration amount, a constraint on that consideration must be considered. The impact of this constraint may result in slightly higher reserves than were recorded under the legacy methodology.

The Company has historically recorded reserves for customer-related pricing protection which is based on contractual terms and the legal interpretation thereof. Topic 606 prescribes an “expected value” method to estimating variable consideration which involves the sum of probability-weighted amounts for a range of possible outcomes. Applying this method may result in a slightly lower reserve than the reserves under legacy methodology.

Additionally, the balance sheet presentation of certain reserve balances previously shown net within accounts receivable are now presented as refund liabilities within current liabilities.

On July 2, 2018 the Company acquired Polycom, a privately held Company who had not yet adopted Topic 606. In addition to increasing the magnitude of certain of the items listed above, the acquisition introduced several additional areas of impact. The most notable areas of impact are:

Term Licenses: Legacy accounting standards required that revenue for term-based software licenses be recognized ratably when VSOE of fair value had not been established for undelivered items such as post-contract support. Under Topic 606, revenue for such licenses is recognized at the time of delivery, rather than ratably, as the VSOE requirement no longer applies.

Cost of Obtaining a Contract: Under legacy guidance, in certain circumstances an entity could have elected to capitalize direct and incremental contract acquisition costs, such as sales commissions. Under Topic 606 and related guidance, an entity is required to capitalize costs that are incremental to obtaining a contract if it expects to recover them, unless it elects the practical expedient for costs with amortization periods of one year or less. This new provision affects the Company as it will capitalize those costs if the anticipated amortization period is greater than one year and the criteria have been met.


23


The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company's consolidated April 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of Topic 606 was as follows (in thousands):

 
March 31,
2018
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
April 1,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
$
152,888

 
$
14,221

 
$
167,109

Total current assets
899,726

 
14,221

 
913,947

Deferred tax assets
17,950

 
(493
)
 
17,457

Total assets
$
1,076,887

 
$
13,728

 
$
1,090,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 

 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 
 
 

Accrued liabilities
$
80,097

 
$
11,133

 
$
91,230

Total current liabilities
125,514

 
11,133

 
136,647

Total liabilities
723,917

 
11,133

 
735,050

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 

 
 
 
 

Retained earnings
299,066

 
2,595

 
301,661

Total stockholders' equity before treasury stock
1,179,397

 
2,595

 
1,181,992

Total stockholders' equity
352,970

 
2,595

 
355,565

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,076,887

 
$
13,728

 
$
1,090,615



24


The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018:
 
December 31, 2018
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
December 31, 2018
Without Adoption of Topic 606
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
$
363,837

 
$
(91,135
)
 
$
272,702

Other current assets
48,229

 
(467
)
 
47,762

Total current assets
913,863

 
(91,602
)
 
822,261

Other assets
22,821

 
(1,652
)
 
21,169

Total assets
$
3,297,781

 
$
(93,254
)
 
$
3,204,527

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 

 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 
 
 

Accrued liabilities
$
452,194

 
$
(82,362
)
 
$
369,832

Total current liabilities
598,261

 
(82,362
)
 
515,899

Other long-term liabilities
134,492

 
(1,766
)
 
132,726

Total liabilities
2,553,563

 
(84,129
)
 
2,469,434

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 

 
 
 
 

Retained earnings
170,861

 
(9,125
)
 
161,736

Total stockholders' equity before treasury stock
1,589,289

 
(9,125
)
 
1,580,164

Total stockholders' equity
744,218

 
(9,125
)
 
735,093

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
3,297,781

 
$
(93,254
)
 
$
3,204,527



25


The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 2018:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Selected Line Items
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018
as Reported
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
December 31, 2018
Without Adoption of Topic 606
Net revenues
 
 
 
 


Net product revenues
$
445,441

 
$
(3,044
)
 
$
442,397

Net service revenues
56,228

 
86

 
56,314

Total net revenues
501,669

 
(2,958
)
 
498,711

Gross profit
215,137

 
(2,958
)
 
212,179

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative
168,053

 
1,031

 
169,084

Total operating expenses
239,844

 
1,031

 
240,875

Operating loss
(24,707
)
 
(3,989
)
 
(28,696
)
Loss before income taxes
(49,614
)
 
(3,989
)
 
(53,603
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(7,880
)
 
(716
)
 
(8,596
)
Net loss
$
(41,734
)
 
$
(3,273
)
 
$
(45,007
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(1.14
)
Diluted
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.08
)
 
$
(1.14
)


26


The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended December 31, 2018:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Selected Line Items
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
December 31, 2018
Without Adoption of Topic 606
Net revenues
 
 
 
 


Net product revenues
$
1,102,012

 
$
(5,626
)
 
$
1,096,386

Net service revenues
104,035

 
167

 
104,202

Total net revenues
1,206,047

 
(5,459
)
 
1,200,588

Gross profit
477,609

 
(5,459
)
 
472,150

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative
406,553

 
1,901

 
408,454

Total operating expenses
567,643

 
1,901

 
569,544

Operating loss
(90,034
)
 
(7,360
)
 
(97,394
)
Loss before income taxes
(142,555
)
 
(7,360
)
 
(149,915
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(28,583
)
 
(1,273
)
 
(29,856
)
Net loss
$
(113,971
)
 
$
(6,087
)
 
$
(120,058
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(3.08
)
 
$
(0.16
)
 
$
(3.24
)
Diluted
$
(3.08
)
 
$
(0.16
)
 
$
(3.24
)

The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the three months ended December 31, 2018:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Selected Line Items
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018
as Reported
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
December 31, 2018
Without Adoption of Topic 606
Net loss
$
(41,734
)
 
$
(3,273
)
 
$
(45,007
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(46,370
)
 
$
(3,273
)
 
$
(49,643
)


27


The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2018:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Selected Line Items
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018
as Reported
 
Adjustments due to Topic 606
(increase/(decrease))
 
December 31, 2018
Without Adoption of Topic 606
Net loss
$
(113,971
)
 
$
(6,087
)
 
$
(120,058
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(115,808
)
 
$
(6,087
)
 
$
(121,895
)

Adoption of the standards related to revenue recognition had no impact to cash from or used in operating, financing, or investing on the Company's condensed consolidated cash flows statements .

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities. Changes to the current U.S. GAAP model primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the scope of modification accounting with respect to changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, including interim periods within that year. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

3 . ACQUISITION, GOODWILL, AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Polycom Acquisition

On July 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Polycom based upon the terms and conditions contained in the Purchase Agreement dated March 28, 2018 ("the Acquisition"). The Company believes the Acquisition will better position Plantronics with its channel partners, customers, and strategic alliance partners by allowing us to pursue additional opportunities across the Unified Communications & Collaboration "UC&C" market in both hardware end points and services.

At the closing of the Acquisition, Plantronics acquired Polycom for approximately $2.2 billion with the total consideration consisting of (1) 6.4 million shares of the Company's common stock (the "Stock Consideration") valued at approximately $0.5 billion and (2) approximately $1.7 billion in cash net of cash acquired (the "Cash Consideration"), resulting in Triangle, which was Polycom’s sole shareholder, owning approximately 16.0% of Plantronics immediately following the acquisition. The consideration paid at closing is subject to a working capital, tax and other adjustments. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination and the Company has included the financial results of Polycom in its condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.


28


The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
July 2, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
80,139

Trade receivables, net
 
166,067

Inventories
 
107,842

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
66,491

Property and equipment, net
 
80,310

Intangible assets
 
985,400

Other assets
 
27,237

Total assets acquired
 
$
1,513,486

 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
81,395

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
 
44,538

Accrued expenses
 
136,823

Income tax payable
 
32,513

Deferred revenue
 
115,061

Deferred income taxes
 
104,242

Other liabilities
 
39,390

Total liabilities assumed
 
$
553,962

 
 
 
Total identifiable net assets acquired
 
959,524

Goodwill
 
1,257,121

Total Purchase Price
 
$
2,216,645


The Company’s purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to revision as additional information related to the fair value of assets and liabilities are finalized. The estimate of fair value and purchase price allocation were based on information available at the time of closing the Acquisition and the Company continues to evaluate the underlying inputs and assumptions that are being used in fair value estimates. The fair values for acquired inventory, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and deferred revenue were determined with the input from third–party valuation specialists. The fair values of certain other assets and certain other liabilities were determined internally using historical carrying values and estimates made by management. In addition, the Company is in process of finalizing the net working capital adjustment. Accordingly, these preliminary estimates are subject to retrospective adjustments during the measurement period, not to exceed one year, based upon new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the date of closing the Acquisition. The acquisition has preliminarily resulted in $1,257 million of goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Additionally, the purchase price is subject to change due to working capital adjustments, tax reimbursements, and other potential reimbursements from escrow.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company received $8 million due to a net working capital adjustment agreed to with the seller as provided in the Stock Purchase Agreement. This was recognized as a reduction of the purchase price and goodwill. Other changes to the preliminary allocation of purchase price during the quarter were an adjustment for the settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) disclosed in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies and the corresponding indemnification by the seller; certain adjustments to revenue, inventory and warranty reserves; and deferred tax and tax liabilities adjustments that reduced goodwill by $46.4 million , which related primarily to reallocating intangible assets between tax jurisdictions and refining the estimate of foreign tax credits that could offset future income.

The Company incurred approximately $22.3 million in acquisition and integration related expenses which are recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses in its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 .


29


The details of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
(in thousands, except for remaining life)
 
Value as of
July 2, 2018
 
Amortization for
 the Nine Months
 Ended December 31, 2018
 
Value as of
 December 31, 2018
 
Weighted Remaining Life of Intangibles
Existing technology
 
$
538,600

 
$
55,135

 
$
483,465

 
4.46

In-process technology
 
58,000

 

 
58,000

 
N/A

Customer relationships
 
245,100

 
24,133

 
220,967

 
5

Backlog
 
28,100

 
28,100

 

 

Trade name/Trademarks
 
115,600

 
6,422

 
109,178

 
8.50

Total acquired intangible assets
 
$
985,400

 
$
113,790

 
$
871,610

 
 

Existing technology relates to products for voice, video and platform products. The Company valued the developed technology using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach. This method reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by the developed technology less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. The economic useful life was determined based on the technology cycle related to each developed technology, as well as the cash flows over the forecast period.
Customer relationships represent the fair value of future projected revenue that will be derived from sales of products to existing customers of Polycom. Customer relationships were valued using the discounted cash flow method as described above and the distributor method under the income approach. Under the distributor method, the economic profits generated by a distributor are deemed to be attributable to the customer relationships. The economic useful life was determined based on historical customer turnover rates.
Order backlog was valued separately from customer relationships using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach. This method reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by order backlog less costs to fulfill. The economic useful life was determined based on the period over which the order backlog is expected to be fulfilled.
Trade name/trademarks relate to the “Polycom” trade name and related trademarks. The fair value was determined by applying the profit allocation method under the income approach. This valuation method estimates the value of an asset by the profit saved because the company owns the asset. The economic useful life was determined based on the expected life of the trade name and trademarks and the cash flows anticipated over the forecasted periods.
The fair value of in-process technology was determined using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach. This method reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by thin-process technology, less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows.
The Company believes the amounts of purchased intangible assets recorded above represent the fair values of, and approximate the amounts a market participant would pay for, these intangible assets as of the Acquisition Date.
For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 , the Company recognized $113.8 million in amortization of acquired intangibles related to this acquisition. The remaining weighted-average useful life of intangible assets acquired is 5.15 years.

Goodwill is primarily attributable to the assembled workforce, market expansion, and anticipated synergies and economies of scale expected from the integration of the Polycom business. The synergies include certain cost savings, operating efficiencies, and other strategic benefits projected to be achieved. Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The following summarizes the Company's goodwill activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 :
(in thousands)
 
Amount
Goodwill- March 31, 2018
 
$
15,498

Polycom Acquisition
 
1,257,121

Goodwill- December 31, 2018
 
$
1,272,619


The actual total net revenues and net loss of Polycom included in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations for the period July 2, 2018 to December 31, 2018 are as follows:

30


(in thousands)
 
July 2, 2018 to December 31,
 2018

Total net revenues
 
$
513,563

Net loss
 
$
(127,863
)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents combined results of operations for each of the periods presented, as if Polycom had been acquired as of the beginning of fiscal year 2018. The unaudited pro forma information includes adjustments to amortization for intangible assets acquired, the purchase accounting effect on deferred revenue assumed and inventory acquired, restructuring charges related to the acquisition, and transaction and integration costs. For the three fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, non-recurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the Polycom acquisition included (i) the purchase accounting effect of deferred revenue assumed of $28.9 million , (ii) the purchase accounting effect of inventory acquired of  $30.4 million , and (iii) acquisition costs of  $4.1 million

The unaudited pro forma information presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the Company's consolidated results of operations of the combined business had the acquisition actually occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 2018 or of the results of its future operations of the combined business.
 
 
 
Pro Forma (unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Total net revenues
 
$
498,744

 
$
523,662

 
$
1,419,151

 
$
1,526,182

Operating loss
 
(69,472
)
 
14,132

 
(186,721
)
 
16,597

Net loss
 
$
(211,180
)
 
$
(9,273
)
 
$
(327,693
)
 
$
(39,485
)

4 . CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS

The following tables summarize the Company’s cash and available-for-sale securities’ amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair value by significant investment category recorded as cash and cash equivalents, short-term, or long-term investments as of  December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 (in thousands):
December 31, 2018
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cash & Cash Equivalents
 
Short-term investments
 (due in 1 year or less)
Cash
 
$
328,156

 
$

 
$

 
$
328,156

 
$
328,156

 
$

Level 1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Funds
 
14,753

 

 
(1,331
)
 
13,422

 

 
13,422

Subtotal
 
14,753

 

 
(1,331
)
 
13,422

 

 
13,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents
and investments measured at fair value
 
$
342,909

 
$

 
$
(1,331
)
 
$
341,578

 
$
328,156

 
$
13,422


31


March 31, 2018
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Cash & Cash Equivalents
 
Short-term investments (due in 1 year or less)
Cash
 
$
308,734

 
$

 
$

 
$
308,734

 
$
308,734

 
$

Level 1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Funds
 
13,336

 
186

 
(67
)
 
13,455

 

 
13,455

US Treasury Notes
 
129,373

 
7

 
(60
)
 
129,320

 
30,178

 
99,142

Money Market Funds
 
344

 

 

 
344

 
344

 

Subtotal
 
143,053

 
193

 
(127
)
 
143,119

 
30,522

 
112,597

Level 2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government Agency Securities
 
46,354

 

 
(56
)
 
46,298

 
6,978

 
39,320

Municipal Bonds
 
3,591

 

 

 
3,591

 
3,591

 

Commercial Paper
 
84,512

 

 

 
84,512

 
40,836

 
43,676

Corporate Bonds
 
54,701

 

 
(212
)
 
54,489

 

 
54,489

Certificates of Deposits ("CDs")
 
19,231

 

 

 
19,231

 

 
19,231

Subtotal
 
208,389

 

 
(268
)
 
208,121

 
51,405

 
156,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents
and investments measured at fair value
 
$
660,176

 
$
193

 
$
(395
)
 
$
659,974

 
$
390,661

 
$
269,313


As of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 , with the exception of assets related to the Company's deferred compensation plan, all of the Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale securities. The carrying value of available-for-sale securities included in cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. For more information regarding the Company's deferred compensation plan, refer to Note 5 , Deferred Compensation .

The Company did not incur any material realized or unrealized gains or losses in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 .

There were no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 .

All financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements or the accompanying notes thereto. 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
The Company's Level 1 financial assets consist of Mutual Funds. The fair value of Level 1 financial instruments is measured based on the quoted market price of identical securities.

Level 2
The Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities consist of derivative foreign currency contracts, interest rate swap and 5.50% Senior Notes. The fair value of Level 2 derivative foreign currency contracts and interest rate swap is determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs. For more information regarding the Company's derivative assets and liabilities, refer to Note 13 , Derivatives . The fair value of Level 2 long-term debt and term loan facility are determined based on inputs that were observable in the market, including the trading price of the notes when available. For more information regarding the Company's 5.50% Senior Notes and term loan facility, refer to Note 8 , Debt.

Level 3
The Company's revolving credit facility falls under the Level 3 hierarchy. The fair value of Level 3 revolving credit facility is determined based on inputs that were unobservable in the market. For more information regarding the Company's debt, refer to Note 8 , Debt.


32


5 .  DEFERRED COMPENSATION

As of  December 31, 2018 , the Company held investments in mutual funds totaling $13.4 million , all of which related to debt and equity securities that are held in rabbi trusts under non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The total related deferred compensation liability was $13.5 million  at  December 31, 2018 . As of March 31, 2018 , the Company held investments in mutual funds totaling $13.5 million . The total related deferred compensation liability at  March 31, 2018  was $14.1 million .

The securities are classified as trading securities and are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets under "short-term investments". The liability is recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets under "other long-term liabilities" and "accrued liabilities".

6 . DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts receivable, net:
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2018
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
202,270

 
$
427,326

 
Provisions for returns
 
(10,225
)
 
(154
)
1  
Provisions for promotions, rebates, and other
 
(38,284
)
 
(57,708
)
1  
Provisions for doubtful accounts and sales allowances
 
(873
)
 
(5,627
)
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
152,888

 
$
363,837

 
(1)   Upon adoption of ASC 606, the provision for returns and certain provisions for promotions, rebates and other were reclassified to accrued liabilities as these reserve balances are considered refund liabilities. Refer to Note 2 , Recent Accounting Pronouncements , for additional information on the adoption impact.

Inventory, net:
 
 
March 31,

December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2018

2018
Raw materials
 
$
28,789

 
$
31,204

Work in process
 
450

 
266

Finished goods
 
39,037

 
128,749

Inventory, net
 
$
68,276

 
$
160,219

 

33


Accrued Liabilities:
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2018
 
Short term deferred revenue
 
$
2,986

 
$
123,537

 
Employee compensation and benefits
 
28,655

 
105,655

 
Income tax payable
 
5,583

 
30,018

 
Provision for returns
 

 
20,337

1  
Current portion long term debt
 

 
12,750

 
Accrued interest
 
10,424

 
8,682

 
Warranty obligation
 
7,550

 
15,032

 
VAT/Sales tax payable
 
5,297

 
10,060

 
Derivative liabilities
 
2,947

 
2,802

 
Accrued other
 
16,655

 
123,322

 
Accrued liabilities
 
$
80,097

 
$
452,194

 
(1)  Upon adoption of ASC 606, the provision for returns and certain provisions for promotions, rebates and other were reclassified to accrued liabilities as these reserve balances are considered refund liabilities. Refer to Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, for additional information on the adoption impact.

The Company's warranty obligation is included as a component of accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the warranty obligation during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
Warranty obligation at beginning of period
 
$
8,697

 
$
9,604

Polycom warranty obligation (1)
 

 
9,095

Warranty provision related to products shipped
 
7,367

 
13,533

Deductions for warranty claims processed
 
(7,711
)
 
(14,930
)
Adjustments related to preexisting warranties
 
1,086

 
(274
)
Warranty obligation at end of period (2)
 
$
9,439

 
$
17,028

(1) Represents warranty obligation assumed upon completion of the Acquisition on July 2, 2018.  
(2) Includes both short-term and long-term portion of warranty obligation; the prior table shows only the short-term portion included in accrued liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.


34


7 . COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Polycom Net Minimum Future Rental Payments

On July 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Polycom, refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , in the accompanying footnotes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result of the Acquisition, in addition to the net minimum future rental payments described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company became subject to the following minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018:
Fiscal Year Ending March 31,
 
(in thousands)

2019
 
$
3,690

2020
 
14,461

2021
 
11,338

2022
 
8,374

2023
 
3,714

2024
 
495

Total minimum future rental payments (1)
 
42,071

(1) Included in the lease obligations acquired are Polycom’s sublease receipts, which have been netted against the gross lease payments above to arrive at the Company's net minimum lease payments.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

The Company purchases materials and services from a variety of suppliers and manufacturers. During the normal course of business and to manage manufacturing operations and general and administrative activities, the Company may enter into firm, non-cancelable, and unconditional purchase obligations for which amounts are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had outstanding off-balance sheet third-party manufacturing, component purchase, and other general and administrative commitments of $448.8 million .

Other Guarantees and Obligations

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, purchasers of assets or subsidiaries and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of the Company's breach of agreements or representations and warranties made by the Company, services to be provided by the Company, intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties or, with respect to the sale of assets of a subsidiary, matters related to the Company's conduct of business and tax matters prior to the sale. From time to time, the Company indemnifies customers against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events relating to the sale and use of its products and services.  

In addition, the Company also provides indemnification to customers against claims related to undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability, or environmental obligations.  The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with its directors, officers and certain other personnel that will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers of the Company or certain of its affiliated entities. The Company maintains director and officer liability insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from its obligation to indemnify its directors, officers and certain other personnel in certain circumstances. It is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these agreements due to the limited history of prior claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular claim. Such indemnification obligations might not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, the Company has not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements and it has not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in the condensed consolidated financial statements.


35


Claims and Litigation

On October 12, 2012, GN Netcom, Inc. ("GN") filed a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (“Court”), alleging violations of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, Section 3 of the Clayton Act, and tortious interference with business relations in connection with the Company’s distribution of corded and wireless headsets. The case was assigned to Judge Leonard P. Stark. GN sought injunctive relief, total damages in an unspecified amount, plus attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as unspecified legal and equitable relief. GN generally alleged that the Company’s alleged exclusive dealing arrangements with certain distributors stifled competition in the relevant market. In July 2016, the Court issued a sanctions order against Plantronics in the amount of approximately  $4.9 million  for allegations of spoliation of evidence.  The case was tried to a jury in October 2017, resulting in a verdict in favor of the Company. GN filed a motion for new trial in November 2017, and that motion was denied by the Court in January 2018. The Company filed a motion for attorneys’ fees in November 2017, and that motion was denied by the Court in January 2018. The Company also filed a motion for certain recoverable costs, and the parties stipulated to an amount of approximately  $0.2 million  which GN paid the Company. If the jury verdict were to be appealed and later overturned on appeal, the Company would have to repay that amount to GN.  On February 12, 2018, GN filed a notice of intent to appeal both the denial of the new trial motion and the Court’s July 2016 spoliation order. The appellate court heard argument on the matter on December 11, 2018 and its decision is pending.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) have concluded their investigations of Polycom into possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, relating to conduct prior to its July 2, 2018 acquisition by the Company.  Polycom and the Company cooperated fully with these agencies regarding these matters.  In December, 2018, the DOJ issued a declination to prosecute the matter.  Polycom also agreed to settle the matter with the SEC and DOJ.  The Company was reimbursed for the entire settlement amount as well as additional legal fees and expenses through funds retained in escrow under the Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company, Polycom and Triangle Private Holdings II, LLP.

On September 13, 2018, Mr. Phil Shin filed on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, a purported Class Action Complaint in the United States District Court of the Northern District of California alleging violations of various federal and state consumer protection laws in addition to unfair competition and fraud claims in connection with the Company’s BackBeat FIT headphones. The Company disputes the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint in November 2018. Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint on December 14, 2018.

On January 23, 2018, Fullview, Inc. filed a complaint in the United States District Court of the Northern District of California against Polycom, Inc. alleging infringement of two patents and thereafter filed a similar complaint in connection with the same patents in Canada. Polycom thereafter filed an inter partes reexamination of the patents which is currently on appeal. Litigation in both matters in the United States and Canada, respectively, has been stayed pending the results of that appeal. FullView has furthermore initiated arbitration proceedings under a terminated license agreement with Polycom alleging Polycom failed to pay certain royalties due under that agreement. An arbitration hearing occurred in December 2018, with closing briefs due in February, 2019.

In June 2018, Ashton Bentley Technology Limited filed a complaint against Polycom, Inc. in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Court, Commercial Court (QBD), London, United Kingdom, alleging breach of contract. The Company disputes the allegations and on October 5, 2018, Ashton Bentley filed its Reply and Defence to Counterclaim to the Company’s September 6, 2018 Defence and Counterclaims. The Company’s responded to Ashton Bentley’s Reply in November 2018.

On June 21, 2018, directPacket Research Inc. filed a complaint alleging patent infringement by Polycom in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. The Company disputes the allegations. Polycom filed a motion to change venue which was denied in October 2018. Polycom filed its Answer to the Complaint on October 18, 2018. Discovery is ongoing.

In addition to the specific matters discussed above, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. Where applicable, in relation to the matters described above, the Company has accrued an amount that reflects the aggregate liability deemed probable and estimable, but this amount is not material to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company is not able to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible loss, including in excess of any amount accrued, because of the preliminary nature of many of these proceedings, the difficulty in ascertaining the applicable facts relating to many of these proceedings, the variable treatment of claims made in many of these proceedings, and the difficulty of predicting the settlement value of many of these proceedings. However, based upon the Company's historical experience, the resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company may incur substantial legal fees, which are expensed as incurred, in defending against these legal proceedings.

36



8 . DEBT

The estimated fair value and carrying value of the Company's outstanding debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
(in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
5.50% Senior Notes
$
497,095

 
$
492,509

 
$
467,870

 
$
493,596

Term loan facility
$

 
$

 
$
1,229,585

 
$
1,246,814


As of March 31, 2018 , and December 31, 2018 , the net unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs on the Company's outstanding debt were $7.5 million and $34.6 million respectively.

5.50% Senior Notes

In May 2015, the Company issued $500.0 million  aggregate principal amount of  5.50%  senior notes (the “5.50% Senior Notes”). The 5.50% Senior Notes mature on May 31, 2023, and bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2015. The Company received net proceeds of $488.4 million  fr om the issuance of the 5.50% Senior Notes, net of issuance costs of $11.6 million which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 5.50% Senior Notes using the effective interest method. A portion of the proceeds was used to repay all then-outstanding amounts under the Company's revolving line of credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank and the remaining proceeds were used primarily for share repurchases.

The fair value of the 5.50% Senior Notes was determined based on inputs that were observable in the market, including the trading price of the 5.50% Senior Notes when available (Level 2).

The Company may redeem all or a part of the 5.50% Senior Notes, upon not less than  30  or more than a  60  day notice; however, the applicable redemption price will be determined as follows:
 
Redemption Period Requiring Payment of:
 
Redemption Up To 35% Using Cash Proceeds From An Equity Offering (3) :
 
Make-Whole (1)
 
Premium (2)
 
Date
 
Specified Price
5.50% Senior Notes
Prior to May 15, 2018
 
On or after May 15, 2018
 
Prior to May 15, 2018
 
105.500%
(1) If the Company redeems the notes prior to the applicable date, the redemption price is principal plus a make-whole premium equal to the present value of the remaining scheduled interest payments as described in the applicable indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.
(2) If the Company redeems the notes on or after the applicable date, the price is principal plus a premium which declines over time as specified in the applicable indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.
(3) If the Company redeems the notes prior to the applicable date with net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings, the price is equal to the amount specified above, together with accrued and unpaid interest, subject to a maximum redemption of  35%  of the aggregate principal amount of the respective note being redeemed.

In addition, upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, the Company may be required to repurchase the 5.50% Senior Notes, at a price equal to  101%  of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The 5.50% Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to create certain liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions; create, assume, incur, or guarantee additional indebtedness of its subsidiaries without such subsidiary guaranteeing the 5.50% Senior Notes on an unsecured unsubordinated basis; and consolidate or merge with, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries to another person.

Credit Facility Agreement

In connection with the Polycom acquisition completed on July 2, 2018, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s prior revolving credit facility in its entirety. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a revolving credit facility with an initial maximum aggregate amount of availability of $100 million that matures in July 2023 and (ii) a $ 1.275 billion term loan facility priced at LIBOR plus 250bps due in quarterly principal installments commencing on the last business day of March, June, September and December beginning with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date for the

37


aggregate principal amount funded on the Closing Date multiplied by 0.25% (subject to prepayments outlined in the Credit Agreement) and all remaining outstanding principal due at maturity in July 2025. The Company borrowed the full amount available under the term loan facility of $1.245 billion , net of approximately $30 million of discounts and issuance costs which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the agreement using the straight line method which approximates the effective interest method for this debt. The proceeds from the initial borrowing under the Credit Agreement were used to finance the acquisition of Polycom, to refinance certain debt of Polycom, to pay related fees, commissions and transaction costs. The Company has additional borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement through the revolving credit facility which could be used to provide ongoing working capital and capital for other general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are currently guaranteed by Polycom and will from time to time be guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, any domestic subsidiaries that may become material in the future. Subject to certain exceptions, the Credit Agreement is secured by first-priority perfected liens and security interests in substantially all of the personal property of the Company and each subsidiary guarantor and will from time to time also be secured by certain material real property that the Company or any subsidiary guarantor may acquire. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest due on a quarterly basis at a variable rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus a specified margin, or (ii) the base rate (which is the highest of (a) the prime rate publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (c) the sum of 1% plus one-month LIBOR) plus a specified margin. The Company must also pay (i) an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.200% to 0.300% per annum of the average daily unused portion of the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) a per annum fee equal to (a) for each performance standby letter of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement with respect to non-financial contractual obligations, 50% of the applicable margin over LIBOR under the revolving credit facility in effect from time to time multiplied by the daily amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit, and (b) for each other letter of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement, the applicable margin over LIBOR under the revolving credit facility in effect from time to time multiplied by the daily amount available to be drawn for such letter of credit.

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, dispose of assets, consummate acquisitions, make investments and pay dividends and other distributions. The Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants applicable to the revolving credit facility only: (i) a maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments and exclusions, the ratio of the Company’s consolidated secured indebtedness as of the end of the relevant fiscal quarter to consolidated net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash charges and certain other items (“EBITDA”) for the period of four fiscal quarters then ended) of 3.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from December 29, 2018 through June 29, 2019; 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from June 30, 2019 through March 28, 2020; 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending during the period from March 29, 2020 through April 3, 2021; and 2.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending on or after April 4, 2021; and (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of the Company’s EBITDA to the Company’s consolidated interest expense to the extent paid or payable in cash) of 2.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending on or after December 29, 2018.The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the lenders may declare any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that the occurrence of an event of default as a result of a breach of a financial covenant under the Credit Agreement does not constitute a default or event of default with respect to any term facility under the Credit Agreement unless and until the required revolving lenders shall have terminated their revolving commitments and declared all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility to be due and payable. In addition, if the Company, any subsidiary guarantor or, with certain exceptions, any other subsidiary becomes the subject of voluntary or involuntary proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, then any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable. Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum in excess of the otherwise applicable rate (i) while a payment or bankruptcy event of default exists or (ii) upon the lenders’ request, during the continuance of any other event of default.

The Company may prepay the loans and terminate the commitments under the Credit Facility Agreement at any time but will incur a 1% prepayment penalty if it refinances within 6 months of entering into this credit agreement. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company has four outstanding letters of credit on the revolving credit facility for a total of $0.8 million . The fair value of the term loan facility was determined based on inputs that were observable in the market (Level 2).


38


9 . RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES (CREDITS)


Summary of Restructuring Plans

Q3 FY19 restructuring plan

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company committed to a plan of restructuring to begin streamlining the global workforce of the combined company and to consolidate certain distribution activities in North America. The costs incurred to date under this plan primarily comprises of severance benefits from reduction in force actions and facilities related actions initiated by management during the period.

Subsequent to the Acquisition, the Company has multiple entities within certain jurisdictions around the globe. During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company also initiated a project to reduce its legal entities around the globe in order to align with the business needs. The costs incurred for this project are being recognized as restructuring costs during the period they are incurred.

Q2 FY19 restructuring plan

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company initiated a post-acquisition restructuring plan to realign the Company's cost structure and resources to take advantage of operational efficiencies following the recent acquisition of Polycom. The costs incurred to date under this plan comprises of severance benefits from reduction in force actions initiated by management during the period.

Legacy Plans

The Company currently has a liability balance as of December 31, 2018 related to various restructuring actions undertaken in prior periods under these plans:

As a result of the acquisition of Polycom, the Company assumed restructuring liabilities under restructuring plans that were initiated under plans approved by Polycom's management prior to the completion of its acquisition on July 2, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the restructuring reserve was approximately $7.7 million and primarily comprised of facilities-related liabilities which will expire over a period of 2018 to 2023.

During the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company executed a restructuring plan aimed at realigning its sales organization structure as part of a broader strategic objective to improve sales management and ensure proper investment across its geographic region.

During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 and as part of its ongoing effort to reduce costs, improve profitability, and focus on its key strategic initiatives, the Company executed an asset sale agreement to dispose of substantially all assets of its Clarity division. In addition to the sale of the Clarity division and the related restructuring actions, the Company reduced headcount in certain divisions and terminated a lease in the Netherlands before the end of its contractual term.


39



The Company's restructuring liabilities as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
As of March 31, 2018
 Assumed Liability
 Accruals
 Cash Payments
 Adjustments
As of December 31, 2018
 Legacy Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Severance
$
114

$
921

$
1,101

$
(1,333
)
$
(223
)
$
580

 Facility
325

8,574

99

(1,420
)
115

$
7,693

Total Legacy Plans
439

9,495

1,200

(2,753
)
(108
)
8,273

 Q2'19 Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Severance


7,420

(6,171
)
(3
)
1,246

Total Q2'19 Plan


7,420

(6,171
)
(3
)
1,246

 Q3'19 Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Severance


7,205

(1,307
)
10

5,908

 Facility


1,833


(191
)
1,642

 Other


3,053

(991
)

2,062

Total Q3'19 Plan


12,091

(2,298
)
(181
)
9,612

 Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Severance
114

921

15,726

(8,811
)
(216
)
7,734

 Facility
325

8,574

1,932

(1,420
)
(76
)
9,335

 Other


3,053

(991
)

2,062

Grand Total
$
439

$
9,495

$
20,711

$
(11,222
)
$
(292
)
$
19,131


10 . COMPENSATION

Stock-based Compensation

The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation as compensation expense using the straight-line attribution approach over the service period for which the stock-based compensation is expected to vest. The following table summarizes the amount of stock-based compensation included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Cost of revenues
 
$
917

 
$
1,067

 
$
2,709

 
$
3,103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research, development, and engineering
 
2,049

 
2,887

 
6,158

 
7,877

Selling, general, and administrative
 
5,063

 
7,765

 
17,180

 
19,729

Stock-based compensation included in operating expenses
 
7,112

 
10,652

 
23,338

 
27,606

Total stock-based compensation
 
8,029

 
11,719

 
26,047

 
30,709

Income tax benefit
 
2,039

 
(1,624
)
 
(5,650
)
 
(7,605
)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax
 
$
10,068

 
$
10,095

 
$
20,397

 
$
23,104



40


Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Prior to the Company's acquisition of Polycom, certain Polycom employees were granted incentive rights under the Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2016 LTIP”).  As of the date of acquisition, Plantronics assumed the role of payer to participants of the plan through its payroll but is indemnified by Triangle for obligations under the plan.  The acquisition accelerated vesting at 75% of awards held by participants in service as of that date and triggered an initial amount due to such participants. The cash purchase price of the acquisition was reduced by this initial obligation.  The remaining 25% of awards will vest upon one-year anniversary of the acquisition. Any future payments above the initial obligation under the plan, provided that the vesting requirements are satisfied, require Triangle to fund Plantronics in order to pay participants for any amount in excess of the purchase price reduction.
 At July 2, 2018, $7.9 million was recognized in Accrued liabilities assumed from Polycom and was paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.  The Company recognized an immaterial amount of compensation expense during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 in respect of the awards vesting on the one-year anniversary, which will be payable in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.  The amount due as of the acquisition date is based on cash paid to Triangle that was distributed to its parents.  Future distributions to its parents of cash made available to Triangle from the release of escrow accounts or the sale of shares issued in the transaction would trigger further compensation due to incentive rights holders under the plan.  Plantronics is indemnified for any obligations in excess of the reduction to purchase price, and because such amounts are not probable or estimable, no further amounts have been recognized.
11 . COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES

From time to time, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") has authorized programs under which the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock, depending on market conditions, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares are held as treasury stock until they are retired or re-issued. On November 28, 2018 , the Company's Board of Directors approved a 1 million shares repurchase program expanding its capacity to repurchase shares to approximately 1.7 million shares. As of December 31, 2018 , there remained 1,602,135 shares authorized for repurchase under the repurchase program approved by the Board.
 
Repurchases by the Company pursuant to Board-authorized programs are shown in the following table:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except $ per share data)
 
2017
 
2018
 
Shares of common stock repurchased in the open market
 
1,138,903

 
127,970

 
Value of common stock repurchased in the open market
 
$
52,915

 
$
4,780

 
Average price per share
 
$
46.46

 
$
37.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Value of shares withheld in satisfaction of employee tax obligations
 
$
11,186

 
$
13,863

 

The amounts withheld were equivalent to the employees' minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and are reflected as a financing activity within the Company's condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. These share withholdings have the same effect as share repurchases by the Company as they reduce the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued in connection with the vesting of shares subject to the restricted stock grants.

12 . ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of immaterial tax effects, are as follows:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
Accumulated unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges  (1)
 
$
(1,663
)
 
$
(1,952
)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments
 
4,685

 
2,983

Accumulated unrealized loss on investments
 
(152
)
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
$
2,870

 
$
1,031

(1) Refer to Note 13 , Derivatives , which discloses the nature of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 .  


41


13 . DERIVATIVES

Foreign Currency Derivatives

The Company's foreign currency derivatives consist primarily of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and option contracts.  The Company does not purchase derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.  The derivatives expose the Company to credit risk to the extent the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the derivative instrument.  The Company's maximum exposure to loss that it would incur due to credit risk if parties to derivative contracts failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was equal to the carrying value of the Company's derivative assets as of  December 31, 2018 .  The Company seeks to mitigate such risk by limiting its counterparties to large financial institutions.  In addition, the Company monitors the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk on an ongoing basis.

The Company enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties when possible to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. A master netting arrangement may allow each counterparty to net settle amounts owed between the Company and the counterparty as a result of multiple, separate derivative transactions. As of  December 31, 2018 , the Company had International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements with four applicable banks and financial institutions which contained netting provisions. Plantronics has elected to present the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis even when derivative transactions are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation. For each counterparty, if netted, the Company would offset the asset and liability balances of all derivatives at the end of the reporting period. Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements are not eligible for net presentation. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 , no cash collateral had been received or pledged related to these derivative instruments.

The gross fair value of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts at the end of each period was as follows:
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
Derivative Assets (1)
 
 
 
 
Non-designated hedges
 
$
218

 
$
604

Cash flow hedges
 
554

 
3,930

Total derivative assets
 
$
772

 
$
4,534

 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities (2)
 
 
 
 
Non-designated hedges
 
$
34

 
$
12

Cash flow hedges
 
3,003

 
1,324

Interest rate swap
 

 
5,210

Accrued interest
 

 
294

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
3,037

 
$
6,840

(1) Short-term derivative assets are recorded in "other current assets" and long-term derivative assets are recorded in "deferred tax and other assets". As of December 31, 2018 the portion of derivative assets classified as long-term was immaterial.

(2) Short-term derivative liabilities are recorded in "accrued liabilities" and long-term derivative liabilities are recorded in "other long-term liabilities". As of December 31, 2018 the portion of derivative liabilities classified as long-term was immaterial.

Non-Designated Hedges

As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had foreign currency forward contracts denominated in Euros ("EUR"), British Pound Sterling ("GBP"), and Australian Dollars ("AUD").  The Company does not elect to obtain hedge accounting for these forward contracts. These forward contracts hedge against a portion of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated cash balances, receivables, and payables. The following table summarizes the notional value of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts and approximate U.S. Dollar ("USD") equivalent at December 31, 2018 :
 (in thousands)
Local Currency
 
USD Equivalent
 
Position
 
Maturity
EUR
37,800

 
$
43,340

 
Sell EUR
 
1 month
GBP
£
8,700

 
$
11,055

 
Sell GBP
 
1 month
AUD
A$
20,900

 
$
14,723

 
Sell AUD
 
1 month


42


Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Contracts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The effect of non-designated derivative contracts recognized in other non-operating income and (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(848
)
 
$
1,784

 
$
(6,083
)
 
$
6,826


Cash Flow Hedges

Costless Collars

The Company hedges a portion of the forecasted EUR and GBP denominated revenues with costless collars. On a monthly basis, the Company enters into option contracts with a six to eleven month term.  Collar contracts are scheduled to mature at the beginning of each fiscal quarter, at which time the instruments convert to forward contracts. The Company also enters into cash flow forwards with a three month term. Once the hedged revenues are recognized, the forward contracts become non-designated hedges to protect the resulting foreign monetary asset position for the Company. 

The notional value of the Company's outstanding EUR and GBP option and forward contracts at the end of each period was as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
EUR
 
GBP
 
EUR
 
GBP
Option contracts
 
€50.8
 
£15.6
 
€68.9
 
£31.9
Forward contracts
 
€35.0
 
£10.7
 
€45.6
 
£16.1

The Company will reclassify all amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income into earnings within the next twelve months.

Cross-currency Swaps

The Company hedges a portion of the forecasted Mexican Peso (“MXN”) denominated expenditures with a cross-currency swap. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 , the Company had foreign currency swap contracts of approximately MXN 31.8 million and MXN 228.1 million , respectively.

The following table summarizes the notional value of the Company's outstanding MXN currency swaps and approximate USD Equivalent at December 31, 2018 :

 
Local Currency
USD Equivalent
Position
Maturity
 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
 
 
MX$
$
228,110

$
11,485

Buy MXN
Monthly over 12 months


43


Interest Rate Swap

On July 30, 2018, the Company entered into a 4 -year amortizing interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America, NA. The swap has an initial notional amount of $831 million and matures on July 31, 2022. The swap involves the receipt of floating-rate interest payments for fixed interest rate payments at a rate of 2.78% over the life of the agreement. The Company has designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. The purpose of this swap is to hedge against changes in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to fluctuations in the Company's variable rate debt. The derivative is valued based on prevailing LIBOR rate curves on the date of measurement. The Company also evaluates counterparty credit risk when it calculates the fair value of the swap. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying balance sheets and reclassified into interest expense over the life of the underlying debt as interest on the Company's floating rate debt is accrued. The Company reviews the effectiveness of this instrument on a quarterly basis, recognize current period hedge ineffectiveness immediately in earnings and will discontinue hedge accounting if the Company no longer considers hedging to be highly effective. This hedge was fully effective at inception on July 30, 2018 and as of the nine months ended December 31, 2018 . During the nine months ended December 31, 2018 , the Company recorded a loss of $2.0 million on its interest rate swap derivative designated as a cash flow hedge.

Effect of Designated Derivative Contracts on AOCI and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following table presents the pre-tax effects of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the  three and nine  months ended  December 31, 2017 and 2018 :
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Gain (loss) included in AOCI as of beginning of period
 
$
(3,089
)
 
$
2,825

 
$
541

 
$
(1,693
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”)
 (effective portion)
 
(446
)
 
(5,622
)
 
(5,093
)
 
(853
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from OCI into net revenues (effective portion)
 
1,357

 
(1,488
)
 
2,506

 
(2,637
)
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from OCI into cost of revenues (effective portion)
 
(61
)
 
6

 
(193
)
 
(73
)
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from OCI into interest expense (effective portion)
 

 
1,029

 

 
2,006

Total amount of (gain) loss reclassified from AOCI to income (loss) (effective portion)
 
1,296

 
(453
)
 
2,313

 
(704
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) included in AOCI as of end of period
 
$
(2,239
)
 
$
(3,250
)
 
$
(2,239
)
 
$
(3,250
)

During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 the Company recognized an immaterial gain and immaterial loss on the ineffective portion of its cash flow hedges, respectively, which is reported in other non-operating income and (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

14 . INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. and in various foreign and state jurisdictions. The Company's tax provision or benefit is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete items that are taken into account in the relevant period. The effective tax rates for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were 255.1% and 15.9% , respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 were 114.6% and 20.1% , respectively.

The period over period tax rate has been and may continue to be subject to variations relating to several factors including but not limited to changes from U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rule making and interpretation of US tax legislation, including a reduction of statutory tax rates from 35% to 21%, adjustments to foreign tax regimes, interest expense limitations, mix of jurisdictional income and expense, cost and deductibility of acquisitions expenses (including integration), foreign currency gains (losses) and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and their valuation or utilization.

44


As a result, of the current period loss before income taxes during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, recurring permanent tax benefits increased the effective tax rate, where discrete prior year benefits reduced the effective tax rate on profits before tax generated during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018, the effective tax rate decreased when compared to the same periods of the prior year was mainly due to the Toll Charge that was recorded in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company released its partial valuation allowance against California Research and Development credits. This release was a direct result of the Acquisition, as fewer credits are expected to be generated in California as a percentage of worldwide taxable income in future periods.

During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company finalized its evaluation and computation of the tax act in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin SAB 118 (“SAB 118”), which addressed concerns about reporting entities’ ability to timely comply with the requirements to recognize the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional toll charge of $79.7 million . During the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company made its first payment on the toll charge of $7 million . During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the toll charge was finalized resulting in a current quarter tax benefit of $0.8 million . The Company's remaining toll charge liability of $71.9 million will be paid in installments over the next seven years. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the company recorded a provisional expense of $5.0 million related to state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes for unrepatriated foreign earnings through the Tax Act’s enactment date. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, the computation of state and foreign withholding taxes was finalized resulting in the recognition of a tax benefit of $3.2 million . The effect of the SAB 118 measurement period adjustments to the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 was (8.1)% and (2.8)% , respectively. Polycom recorded a toll charge which was paid in October 2018 with the filing of its 2017 tax return.

For the global intangible low-taxed income provisions of the Act, the Company has selected an accounting policy to record related period costs if and when incurred. Included in long-term income taxes payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were unrecognized tax benefits of $12.6 million and $25.3 million , respectively, which would favorably impact the effective tax rate in future periods if recognized. The increase is predominantly due to acquired uncertain tax benefits of Polycom. The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.4 million and $1.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018, respectively.   No penalties have been accrued.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. federal and various foreign and state jurisdictions. The Company’s Fiscal Year 2016 federal income tax return is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Foreign income tax matters for material tax jurisdictions have been concluded for tax years prior to Fiscal Year 2013.
The Company believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of such examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the tax examinations are resolved in a manner inconsistent with the Company's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. The timing of any resolution and/or closure of tax examinations is not certain.


45



15 . COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) associated with common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes the issuance of additional shares of common stock by the Company upon exercise of all outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted stock, if the effect is dilutive, in accordance with the treasury stock method or two-class method (whichever is more dilutive). Refer to Note 1 , Basis of Presentation , for additional information regarding the Company's computation of earnings (loss) per common share.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 :
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(49,504
)
 
$
(41,734
)
 
$
(10,723
)
 
$
(113,971
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares, basic
 
32,075

 
39,314

 
32,384

 
37,063

Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans
 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares-diluted
 
32,075

 
39,314

 
32,384

 
37,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(1.54
)
 
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(3.08
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(1.54
)
 
$
(1.06
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(3.08
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per common share because their effect is anti-dilutive
 
968

 
952

 
1,107

 
456


16 . REVENUE AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company designs, manufactures, markets, and sells headsets for business and consumer applications.  As part of the Company's recent acquisition of Polycom, it also markets and sells voice, video, and content sharing Unified Communications & Collaboration (“UC&C”) solutions.

With respect to headsets, the Company makes products for use in offices and contact centers, with mobile devices, cordless phones, and with computers and gaming consoles.  Major headset product categories include Enterprise Headsets, which includes corded and cordless communication headsets, audio processors, and telephone systems; and Consumer Headsets, which includes Bluetooth and corded products for mobile device applications, personal computer ("PC"), and gaming headsets. The Voice, Video, and Content Sharing Solutions include products like group series video and immersive telepresence systems, desktop voice and video devices, and universal collaboration servers.

Product revenue is largely comprised of sales of hardware devices, peripherals, and platform software licenses used in communication and collaboration in offices and contact centers, with mobile devices, cordless phones, and with computers and gaming consoles. Services revenue primarily includes support on hardware devices, professional, hosted and managed services, and solutions to the Company's customers.


46


The following table disaggregates revenues by major product category for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 :
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enterprise Headsets
 
$
167,640

 
$
173,479

 
$
485,152

 
$
511,099

Consumer Headsets
 
58,894

 
69,665

 
155,608

 
181,385

   Voice*
 

 
116,700

 

 
238,009

   Video*
 

 
85,597

 

 
171,519

   Services*
 

 
56,228

 

 
104,035

Total net revenues
 
$
226,534

 
$
501,669

 
$
640,760

 
$
1,206,047

* Categories were introduced with the acquisition of Polycom on July 2, 2018, and amounts are presented net of purchase accounting adjustments. Refer to Note 3 , Acquisition, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets , of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this acquisition.

For reporting purposes, revenue is attributed to each geographic region based on the location of the customer. Other than the U.S., no country accounted for 10% or more of the Company's net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 . The following table presents net revenues by geography:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
$
106,455

 
$
223,111

 
$
326,360

 
$
570,726

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe and Africa
 
73,620

 
146,388

 
184,761

 
338,935

Asia Pacific
 
27,553

 
90,162

 
75,664

 
204,504

Americas, excluding U.S.
 
18,906

 
42,008

 
53,975

 
91,882

Total international net revenues
 
120,079

 
278,558

 
314,400

 
635,321

Total net revenues
 
$
226,534

 
$
501,669

 
$
640,760

 
$
1,206,047


One customer, Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 10.7% and 11.6% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 respectively. Two customers, ScanSource and Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 16.4% and 11.5% , respectively, of net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2018 . Two customers, ScanSource and Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 15.0% and 10.9% , respectively, of net revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2018 .

Two customers, D&H Distributors and Ingram Micro Group, accounted for 13.0% and 12.4% , respectively, of total net accounts receivable at March 31, 2018 . Two customers, Ingram Micro Group and ScanSource, accounted for 19% and 15% respectively, of total net accounts receivable at December 31, 2018 .

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company's customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of its products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The majority of the Company's business relates to physical product shipments, for which revenue is generally recognized once title and risk of loss of the product are transferred to the customer. The Company believes that transfer of title and risk of loss best represent the moment at which the customer’s ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all the benefits of an asset have been achieved. The Company has elected to recognize the cost for freight and shipping when control over products have transferred to the customer as an expense in Cost of Revenues.


47


The Company's service revenue is recognized either over-time or at a point-in-time depending on the nature of the offering. Revenues associated with non-cancelable maintenance and support contracts comprise approximately 90% of the Company's overall service revenue and are recognized ratably over the contract term which typically ranges between one and three years. The Company believes this recognition period faithfully depicts the pattern of transfer of control for maintenance and support as the services are provided in relatively even increments and on a daily basis. For certain products, support is provided free of charge without the purchase of a separate maintenance contract. If the support is determined to rise to the level of a performance obligation, the Company allocates a portion of the transaction price to the implied support obligation and recognize service revenue over the estimated implied support period which can range between one month to several years, depending on the circumstances. Revenues associated with Professional Services are recognized when the Company has objectively determined that the obligation has been satisfied, which is usually upon customer acceptance.

The Company's contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. The Company allocates the transaction price of a contract, to each identified performance obligation based on stand-alone selling price (“SSP”). A fixed discount is always subject to allocation in this manner. If the transaction price is considered variable, the Company determines if the consideration is associated with one or many, but not all of the performance obligations and allocates accordingly. Judgment is also required to determine the stand-alone selling price (“SSP") for each distinct performance obligation. The Company derives SSP for its performance obligations through a stratification methodology and consider a few characteristics including consideration related to different service types, customer and geography characteristics. The Company uses a single amount to estimate SSP for items that are not sold separately, such as maintenance on term-based licenses. In instances where SSP is not directly observable, such as when the Company does not sell the product or service separately, the Company determines the SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs.

On occasion, the Company will fulfill only part of a purchase order due to lack of current availability for one or more items requested on an order. Its practice is to ship what is on hand, with the remaining goods shipped once the product is in stock which is generally less than one year from the date of the order. Depending on the terms of the contract or operationally, undelivered or backordered items may be canceled by either party at their discretion.

As of December 31, 2018 , the Company's deferred revenue balance was $179.0 million . As of March 31, 2018 , the Company's deferred revenue balance was immaterial. The change is explained by the acquisition of Polycom on July 2, 2018 and the acquired deferred service revenue balances in addition to new service contracts entered into subsequent to the acquisition. During the three months ended December 31, 2018 , the Company recognized $37.9 million in revenues that were reflected in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period.

The table below represents aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of December 31, 2018 :
 
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
Current
 
Noncurrent
 
Total
Performance obligations
 
$
138.7

 
$
55.4

 
$
194.1


Upon establishment of creditworthiness, the Company may extend credit terms to its customers which typically ranges between 30 and 90 days from the date of invoice depending on geographic region and type of customer. The Company typically bills upon product hardware shipment, at time of software activation or upon completion of services. Revenue is not generally recognized in advance of billing, and any resulting contract asset balances at period end are not considered significant. None of the Company's contracts are deemed to have significant financing components.

Sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.


48


Commercial distributors and retailers represent the Company's largest sources of net revenues. Sales through its distribution and retail channels are made primarily under agreements allowing for rights of return and include various sales incentive programs, such as back end rebates, discounts, marketing development funds, price protection, and other sales incentives. The Company has an established sales history for these arrangements and the Company records the estimated reserves at the inception of the contract as a reflection of the reduced transaction price. Customer sales returns are estimated based on historical data, relevant current data, and the monitoring of inventory build-up in the distribution channel. Revenue reserves represent a reasonable estimation made by management and are subject to significant judgment. Estimated reserves may differ from actual returns or incentives provided, due to unforeseen customer return or claim patterns or changes in circumstances. For certain customer contracts which have historically demonstrated variability, the Company has considered the likelihood of being under-reserved and have considered a constraint accordingly. Provisions for Sales Returns are presented within Accrued Liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Provisions for promotions, rebates, and other sales incentives are presented as a reduction of Accounts Receivable unless there is no identifiable right offset, in which case they are presented within Accrued Liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 6 , Details of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts for additional details.

For certain arrangements, the Company pays commissions, bonuses and taxes associated with obtaining the contracts. The Company capitalizes such costs if they are deemed to be incremental and recoverable. The Company has elected to use the practical expedient to record the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Determining the amortization period of costs related to obtaining a contract involves judgment. Capitalized commissions and related expenses, on hardware sales and services recognized at a point in time generally have an amortization period of less than one year. Maintenance-related performance obligations generally have an amortization period greater than one year when considering renewals. Capitalized commissions are amortized to Sales and Marketing Expense on a straight-line basis. The capitalized amount of incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining contracts with an amortization period of greater than one year are $1.9 million as of December 31, 2018 . Amortization of capitalized contract costs for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 was immaterial.

17 . SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Dividends

On February 5, 2019 , the Company announced that its Audit Committee had declared and approved the payment of a dividend of $0.15 per share on March 8, 2019 to holders of record on February 20, 2019 .


Restructuring

On January 9, 2019, the Company committed to a plan of restructuring to continue streamlining the global workforce of the combined company. These actions are expected to result in approximately $10 million of aggregate charges for employee termination costs and other costs associated with the restructuring.


Debt Repayment

On January 31, 2019, the Company prepaid $50 million of its outstanding principal on its term loan facility and expects to make an additional $50 million repayment by the end of the current March quarter.







49


Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The discussion of our exposure to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could vary materially as a result of a number of factors including those discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 , filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 and Part II, "Risk Factors" in each of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2019, filed with the SEC on August 7, 2018 and November 7, 2018, respectively, each of which could materially affect our business, financial position, or future results of operations.

Except as described below, there have been no material changes in our market risk as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 .

INTEREST RATE RISK

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our floating-rate interest payments under our $1.275 billion term loan facility. In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus a specified margin, or (ii) the base rate (which is the highest of (a) the prime rate publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (c) the sum of 1% plus one-month LIBOR plus a specified margin.

On July 30, 2018, we entered into a 4-year amortizing interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America, NA as part of our overall strategy to manage our exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates on the $1.275 billion term loan facility. As a matter of policy, we only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk, and we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Our objective is to mitigate the impact of interest expense fluctuations on our profitability related to interest rate changes by minimizing movements in future debt payments with this interest rate swap.

The swap has an initial notional amount of $831 million and matures on July 31, 2022. The swap involves the receipt of floating-rate interest payments for fixed interest rate payments over the life of the agreement. We have designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying balance sheets and reclassified into interest expense over the life of the agreement. We will review the effectiveness of this instrument on a quarterly basis, recognize current period hedge ineffectiveness immediately in earnings and will discontinue hedge accounting if we no longer consider hedging to be highly effective. For additional details, refer to Note 13 , Derivatives , of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. During the nine months ended December 31, 2018 , we made payments of approximately $1.7 million on our interest rate swap and recognized $2.0 million within interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2018 we had $0.3 million of interest accrued within accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. We had an unrealized loss of approximately $5.2 million recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2018 . A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease on market interest rates related to our outstanding term loan facility could result in a corresponding increase or decrease in annual interest expense of approximately $1.1 million .

Interest rates were relatively unchanged in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year. In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 we generated interest income of $1.4 million and $3.4 million and $0.3 million and $2.2 million , respectively.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

We are a net receiver of currencies other than the USD.  Accordingly, changes in exchange rates, and in particular a strengthening of the USD, could negatively affect our net revenues and gross margins as expressed in USD.  There is a risk that we will have to adjust local currency product pricing due to competitive pressures if there is significant volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.


50

Table of Contents

The primary currency fluctuations to which we are exposed are the Euro ("EUR"), British Pound Sterling ("GBP"), Australian Dollar ("AUD"), Canadian Dollar ("CAD"), Mexican Peso ("MXN"), and the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB"). We use a hedging strategy to diminish, and make more predictable, the effect of currency fluctuations. All of our hedging activities are entered into with large financial institutions, which we periodically evaluate for credit risks. We hedge our balance sheet exposure by hedging EUR, GBP, and AUD denominated cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable balances, and our economic exposure by hedging a portion of anticipated EUR and GBP denominated sales and our MXN denominated expenditures. We can provide no assurance that our strategy will be successful in the future or that exchange rate fluctuations will not materially adversely affect our business. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

The impact of changes in foreign currency rates recognized in other income and (expense), net was immaterial in both the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 . Although we hedge a portion of our foreign currency exchange exposure, the weakening of certain foreign currencies, particularly the EUR and GBP in comparison to the USD, could result in material foreign exchange losses in future periods.

Non-designated Hedges

We hedge our EUR, GBP, and AUD denominated cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable balances by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts. The table below presents the impact on the foreign exchange gain (loss) of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD against the forward currency contracts as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
Currency - forward contracts
Position
 
USD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD
 
Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USD
EUR
Sell EUR
 
$
43.3

 
$
4.3

 
$
(4.3
)
GBP
Sell GBP
 
$
11.1

 
$
1.1

 
$
(1.1
)
AUD
Sell AUD
 
$
14.7

 
$
1.5

 
$
(1.5
)

Cash Flow Hedges

In the nine months ended December 31, 2018 , approximately 50% of our net revenues were derived from sales outside of the U.S. and denominated primarily in EUR and GBP.

As of December 31, 2018 , we had foreign currency put and call option contracts with notional amounts of approximately €68.9 million and £31.9 million denominated in EUR and GBP, respectively. Collectively, our option contracts hedge against a portion of our forecasted foreign currency denominated sales. If the USD is subjected to either a 10% appreciation or 10% depreciation versus these net exposed currency positions, we could realize a gain of $8.4 million or incur a loss of $7.6 million , respectively.

The table below presents the impact on the Black-Scholes valuation of our currency option contracts of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD against the indicated open option contract type for cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
Currency - option contracts
 
USD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD
 
Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USD
Call options
 
$
127.3

 
$
1.0

 
$
(6.0
)
Put options
 
$
118.4

 
$
7.4

 
$
(1.6
)
Forwards
 
$
74.7

 
$
7.2

 
$
(7.2
)

Collectively, our swap contracts hedge against a portion of our forecasted MXN denominated expenditures. As of December 31, 2018 , we had cross-currency swap contracts with notional amounts of approximately MXN $228.1 million.

The table below presents the impact on the valuation of our cross-currency swap contracts of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):

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Table of Contents

Currency - cross-currency swap contracts
USD Value of Cross-Currency Swap Contracts
Foreign Exchange (Loss) From 10% Appreciation of USD
Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Depreciation of USD
Position: Buy MXN
$
11.5

$
(1.0
)
$
1.2




52

Table of Contents

 
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)
Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.


PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are presently engaged in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  We believe that it is unlikely that any of these actions will have a material adverse impact on our operating results; however, because of the inherent uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of any of these actions could be unfavorable and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  For additional information about our material legal proceedings, please see Note 7 , Commitments and Contingencies , of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2018 (the "Form 10-K"), and Part II, "Risk Factors" in each of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2019, filed with the SEC on August 7, 2018 and November 7, 2018, respectively, each of which could materially affect our business, financial position, or future results of operations. Except as described below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors included in the Form 10-K.




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Table of Contents


UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Share Repurchase Programs

The following table presents a month-to-month summary of the stock purchase activity in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 :
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1
 
Average Price Paid per Share 2
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 1
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs  3
October 1, 2018 to October 27, 2018
1,877

5  
N/A

 

 
1,730,105

October 28, 2018 to November 24, 2018
1,133

5  
N/A

 

 
1,730,105

November 25, 2018 to December 29, 2018
135,497

4

$
37.35

 
127,970

 
1,602,135

1

On November 28, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a 1 million shares repurchase program expanding our capacity to repurchase shares to approximately 1.7 million shares. We may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the repurchase activity.
 
 
2

"Average Price Paid per Share" reflects open market repurchases of common stock only.
 
 
3

These shares reflect the available shares authorized for repurchase under the expanded program approved by the Board on November 28, 2018.
 
 
4

Includes 7,527 shares that were tendered to us in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted
 
 
5

Represents only shares that were tendered to us in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted

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Table of Contents

OTHER INFORMATION

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On November 2, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved changes to the severance arrangements previously entered into between the Company and its executive officers (“Executive Officers”), including the following named executive officers, Joe Burton, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pam Strayer, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mary Huser, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Jeff Loebbaka, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Global Sales, and Shantanu Sarkar, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Headset Business Unit.  Under the terms approved by the Board of Directors, immediately prior to a Change of Control (as defined in the existing Change of Control agreements currently in effect) all outstanding unvested shares under performance stock unit awards (“PSUs”) will vest at the greater of target performance or actual performance.  The Company intends to enter into amended and restated agreements or amendments to existing agreements with each of the Executive Officers reflecting the approved changes.


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Table of Contents

EXHIBITS

We have filed the following documents as Exhibits to this Form 10-Q:
Exhibit Number
 
 
 
Incorporation by Reference
 
Filed Herewith
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

Plantronics, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
 
Item Number
Page(s)
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
PLANTRONICS, INC.
 
 
 
 
Date:
February 5, 2019
By:
/s/ Pamela Strayer
 
 
Name:
Pamela Strayer
 
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

58


PLANTRONICS, INC.
SECOND AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This amendment (the “Amendment”) is made and entered into by and between Joseph B. Burton (“Executive”) and Plantronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of November 5, 2018 (the “Amendment Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive previously entered into an Employment Agreement, dated October 2, 2016 (as amended from time to time, the “Employment Agreement”);
WHEREAS , the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) believes it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to enhance the terms and conditions on which Executive will receive change of control benefits and severance benefits in the event that Executive separates from service with the Company and its affiliates under the circumstances set forth in this Amendment.
WHEREAS , the Company and the Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement in as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1.
On and after the Amendment Effective Date, a new Section 4(c)(iii) shall be added to the Employment Agreement after Section 4(c)(ii), and shall consist of the following:

“(A) In the event of a Change of Control, and subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the effective date of such Change of Control, all outstanding equity awards will vest according to the vesting schedule specified in the 2003 Stock Plan.

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any term of the 2003 Stock Plan or PSU Agreements to the contrary related to vesting of performance-vesting awards, any unvested performance-vesting equity awards (including any performance shares or units) held by Executive as of immediately prior to the effective date of a Change of Control (“Performance Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) the day before the effective date of the Change in Control (the “Wind Up Date”) shall be considered to be the last day of the performance period for such Performance Awards; (ii) TSR-related performance conditions shall be calculated on the Wind Up Date based on the Company’s TSR through that date as compared to the TSR of the relevant comparator group through the Wind Up Date (or the last date preceding the Wind Up Date such TSR performance can be determined if it cannot be determined on the Wind Up Date); and (iii) the Performance Awards shall vest at the higher of (x) the actual measurement under clause (ii) and (y) target performance levels. Following a Change of Control, Executive will not be entitled to any other payment or benefits in respect of the Performance Award other than the vesting of such Performance Awards set forth in this Section 4(c)(iii) and the vested portion of the Performance Award shall be subject to the terms of the 2003 Stock Plan.”

2.
On and after the Amendment Effective Date, Section 8(b)(iii) of the Employment Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the following:






“One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then unvested Equity Awards will become vested in full and in the case of stock options and stock appreciation rights, will become exercisable. Subject to Section 4(c)(iii), in the case of Equity Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals and other vesting criteria will be treated as set forth in Executive’s Equity Award agreement governing such Equity Award.”

3.
On and after the Amendment Effective Date, Subsection 11(i)(i) (prong (i) of definition of “Good Reason”) of the Employment Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the following:
“(i) a material reduction in Executive’s base compensation as in effect immediately prior to such reduction”
4.
On and after the Amendment Effective Date, Subsection 11(i)(iii) (prong (iii) of definition of “Good Reason”) of the Employment Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the following:
“(iii) Executive’s not being appointed to, or ceasing to hold, the positions and titles of President and Chief Executive Officer with respect to the ultimate parent company of the combined successor entity in such Change of Control”
5.
Except as set forth above, the Employment Agreement is not otherwise modified or amended hereby and remains in full force and effect.

[signature page follows]























IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the parties has executed this Amendment, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of November 5, 2018.
COMPANY                      PLANTRONICS, INC.

By:     ___________________________________________                        
Greggory Hammann

Title:
Chair Compensation Committee


EXECUTIVE                      By:     ___________________________________________                        
Joseph B. Burton

Title:      Chief Executive Officer





    













[ Signature Page to Second Amendment to Burton Employment Agreement ]





PLANTRONICS, INC.
CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Change of Control Severance Agreement (this “COC Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Pamela Strayer (“Executive”) and Plantronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as of the date indicated on the signature page hereto.
RECITALS
1. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) recognizes that such consideration can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities. The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company.
2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.
3. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment following a Change of Control. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.
4. Certain capitalized terms used in the COC Agreement are defined in Section 6 below.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Term of COC Agreement . This COC Agreement will become effective upon a Change of Control and will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months following such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Protection Period”). Following the Change of Control Protection Period, this COC Agreement will be of no further force and effect; provided that, if Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 4 during the term of this COC Agreement, the COC Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this COC Agreement have been satisfied.
2. At-Will Employment . The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination that occurs other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this COC Agreement or as provided in any other employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.
3. Change of Control .
(a) In the event of a Change of Control, and subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the effective date of such Change of Control, all outstanding equity awards will vest according to the vesting schedule specified in the 2003 Stock Plan.





(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any term of the 2003 Stock Plan or PSU Agreements to the contrary related to vesting of performance-vesting awards, any unvested performance-vesting equity awards (including any performance shares or units) held by Executive as of immediately prior to the effective date of a Change of Control (“Performance Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) the day before the effective date of the Change in Control (the “Wind Up Date”) shall be considered to be the last day of the performance period for such Performance Awards; (ii) TSR-related performance conditions shall be calculated on the Wind Up Date based on the Company’s TSR through that date as compared to the TSR of the relevant comparator group through the Wind Up Date (or the last date preceding the Wind Up Date such TSR performance can be determined if it cannot be determined on the Wind Up Date); and (iiii) the Performance Awards shall vest at the higher of (x) the actual measurement under clause (ii) and (y) target performance levels. Following a Change of Control, Executive will not be entitled to any other payment or benefits in respect of the Performance Award other than the vesting of such Performance Awards set forth in this Section 3 and the vested portion of the Performance Award shall be subject to the terms of the 2003 Stock Plan.
4.      Change of Control Benefits .
(a) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs during the Change of Control Protection Period, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) (“Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date or such earlier date required by the Release (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”), then subject to this Section 4, Executive will receive the following:
(i) Accrued Compensation . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (ii).
(ii) Severance Payment . Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to the sum of (A) 200% of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or (if greater) at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, (B) that prorata portion or all of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus that Executive has earned but not yet been paid (disregarding the requirement that the participant must have been employed by the Company as of the date of payout to earn any portion of or all of their annual incentive bonus); and (C) an additional 200% of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus for the year in which the severance payment under this COC Agreement set forth in this Section 4(a)(ii) is triggered.
(iii) COBRA Payment . Executive will receive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue her or his group health coverage as in effect on the date of her or his termination for herself or himself and her or his eligible dependents, multiplied by twenty-four (24), which payment will be made less applicable withholdings and regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage.
(iv) Equity Awards . Subject to Section 3 of this Agreement, any equity awards (including, without limitation, any awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and/or performance shares or units that have been granted, whether vested or unvested) outstanding as of the date of such termination will vest in full as to 100% of the unvested portion of the award (at the target level for any such awards that have performance goals).
(b)
Timing of Payments .





(i)      Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this COC Agreement if the Release does not become effective by the Release Deadline. In no event will the payments or benefits contemplated by Section 4(a)(ii)-(iv) be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective. Any payments or benefits under Section 4(a) that would be considered Deferred Compensation Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 4(h)(i)) will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 4(h). Except as required by Section 4(h), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this COC Agreement.
(ii)      Unless otherwise required by Section 4(b)(i) or Section 4(h), the Company will pay any severance payments in a lump-sum payment payable within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; provided, however, that no severance or other benefits will be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and any severance amounts or benefits otherwise payable between Executive’s termination date and the date such release becomes effective and irrevocable will be paid on the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. If Executive should die before all of the severance amounts have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid in a lump-sum payment promptly following such event to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the personal representative of Executive’s estate.
(c)      Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause . If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated voluntarily by Executive or for Cause by the Company, then:
(i)      Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(i)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(d)      Disability; Death . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to his or her death, then:
(i)      Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(ii)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(e)      Section 409A .
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this COC Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A





of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then, to the extent required for compliance with Section 409A, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service as a result of such separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this COC Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(iii) Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(iv) Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(v) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this COC Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
(f)      Other Requirements . Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Section 4 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this COC Agreement.
5. Limitation on Payments . In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this COC Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 5, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 and Section 4(a) respectively will be either:
(a) delivered in full, or
(b)
delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the





greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order reduction of cash payments; cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.
Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 will be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.
6. Definition of Terms . The following terms referred to in this COC Agreement will have the following meanings:
(a) Cause . “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:
(i) Executive’s willful failure, (A) to comply with the Company’s policies and practices applicable to the Company’s employees in similar job positions or to the Company’s employees generally or (B) to follow the reasonable instructions of Executive’s supervisor;
(ii) Executive’s engaging in willful misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s committing a felony, an act of fraud against, or the misappropriation of property belonging to the Company; or
(iv) Executive’s breaching in any material respect the terms of this Agreement or the Employee Patent, Secrecy and Invention Agreement between Executive and the Company.
(b) Change of Control . “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Change in Ownership of the Company . A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will not be considered a Change of Control; or
(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company . A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or





(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets . A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For these purposes, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
(c) Disability . “Disability” will mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his or her duties hereunder before the termination of his or her employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.
(d) Good Reason . “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s termination of employment within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent:
(i) A material reduction in Executive’s base compensation as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(ii) Executive ceasing to hold the same position, titles, duties and responsibilities Executive held immediately prior to a Change of Control with respect to the ultimate parent company of the combined successor entity in such Change of Control;
(iii) The assignment to Executive of any duties, or the reduction of Executive’s duties, either of which results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or the removal of Executive from such position and responsibilities, provided that such removal results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company;
(iv) A material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services (in other words, the relocation of Executive to a facility that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from Executive’s current location); or
(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this COC Agreement by a successor and/or acquirer.
Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within ninety (90) days of the event that Executive believes constitutes “Good Reason” specifically





identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.
(e) Section 409A Limit . “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.
7. Successors .
(a) The Company’s Successors . Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this COC Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this COC Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this COC Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this COC Agreement by operation of law.
(b) Executive’s Successors . The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
8. Arbitration .
(a) The Company and Executive each agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this COC Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive’s service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executive’s compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration under the arbitration rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. Disputes that the Company and Executive agree to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.
(b) Procedure . The Company and Executive agree that any arbitration will be administered by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The Arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The Arbitrator will have the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the Arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the Arbitrator or JAMS except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only so much of the filing fees as Executive would have instead paid had he or she filed a complaint in a court of law. The Arbitrator will administer and





conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the Arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in Santa Cruz County, California.
(c) Remedy . Except as provided by the Act and this COC Agreement, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Act and this COC Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.
(d) Administrative Relief . Executive understands that this COC Agreement does not prohibit him or her from pursuing any administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. This COC Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law.
(e) Voluntary Nature of Agreement . Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that such party is executing this COC Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by anyone. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he or she has carefully read this COC Agreement and has asked any questions needed for him or her to understand the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this COC Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving his or her right to a jury trial . Finally, Executive agrees that he or she has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of his or her choice before signing this COC Agreement.
9. Notice .
(a) General . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this COC Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its President.
(b) Notice of Termination . Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this COC Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this COC Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her rights hereunder.
10. Miscellaneous Provisions .
(a) No Duty to Mitigate . Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this COC Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.





(b) Waiver . No provision of this COC Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this COC Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.
(c) Headings . All captions and section headings used in this COC Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this COC Agreement.
(d) Entire Agreement . This COC Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of September 25, 2018. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this COC Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this COC Agreement.
(e) Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this COC Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this COC Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court.
(f) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this COC Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(g) Withholding . All payments made pursuant to this COC Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.
(h) Counterparts . This COC Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.















[Signature Page to Follow]

































IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this COC Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, on November 5, 2018.
COMPANY                      PLANTRONICS, INC.

By:     ______________________________________________                        
Joseph Burton

Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer


EXECUTIVE                      By:      ______________________________________                         
Pamela Strayer

Title:      Chief Financial Officer










    

[ Signature Page to Change of Control Severance Agreement ]






PLANTRONICS, INC.
CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Change of Control Severance Agreement (this “COC Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Mary Huser (“Executive”) and Plantronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as of the date indicated on the signature page hereto.
RECITALS
1. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) recognizes that such consideration can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities. The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company.
2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.
3. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment following a Change of Control. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.
4. Certain capitalized terms used in the COC Agreement are defined in Section 6 below.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Term of COC Agreement . This COC Agreement will become effective upon a Change of Control and will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months following such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Protection Period”). Following the Change of Control Protection Period, this COC Agreement will be of no further force and effect; provided that, if Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 4 during the term of this COC Agreement, the COC Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this COC Agreement have been satisfied.
2. At-Will Employment . The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination that occurs other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this COC Agreement or as provided in any other employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.
3. Change of Control .





(a) In the event of a Change of Control, and subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the effective date of such Change of Control all outstanding equity awards will vest according to the vesting schedule specified in the 2003 Stock Plan.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any term of the 2003 Stock Plan or PSU Agreements to the contrary related to vesting of performance-vesting awards, any unvested performance-vesting equity awards (including any performance shares or units) held by Executive as of immediately prior to the effective date of a Change of Control (“Performance Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) the day before the effective date of the Change in Control (the “Wind Up Date”) shall be considered to be the last day of the performance period for such Performance Awards; (ii) TSR-related performance conditions shall be calculated on the Wind Up Date based on the Company’s TSR through that date as compared to the TSR of the relevant comparator group through the Wind Up Date (or the last date preceding the Wind Up Date such TSR performance can be determined if it cannot be determined on the Wind Up Date); and (iii) the Performance Awards shall vest at the higher of (x) the actual measurement under clause (ii) and (y) target performance levels. Following a Change of Control, Executive will not be entitled to any other payment or benefits in respect of the Performance Award other than the vesting of such Performance Awards set forth in this Section 3 and the vested portion of the Performance Award shall be subject to the terms of the 2003 Stock Plan.
4.     Change of Control Benefits .
(a)     Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs during the Change of Control Protection Period, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) (“Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date or such earlier date required by the Release (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”), then subject to this Section 4, Executive will receive the following:
(i) Accrued Compensation . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (ii).
(ii) Severance Payment . Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to the sum of (A) 100% of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or (if greater) at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, (B) that prorata portion or all of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus that Executive has earned but not yet been paid (disregarding the requirement that the participant must have been employed by the Company as of the date of payout to earn any portion of or all of their annual incentive bonus); and (C) an additional 100% of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus for the year in which the severance payment under this COC Agreement set forth in this Section 4(a)(ii) is triggered.
(iii) COBRA Payment . Executive will receive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue her or his group health coverage as in effect on the date of her or his termination for herself or himself and her or his eligible dependents, multiplied by twenty-four (24), which payment will be made less applicable withholdings and regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage.
(iv) Equity Awards . Subject to Section 3 of this Agreement, any equity awards (including, without limitation, any awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and/or performance shares or units that have been granted, whether vested or unvested) outstanding as of the date





of such termination will vest in full as to 100% of the unvested portion of the award (at the target level for any such awards that have performance goals).
(b)
Timing of Payments .
(i)      Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this COC Agreement if the Release does not become effective by the Release Deadline. In no event will the payments or benefits contemplated by Section 4(a)(ii)-(iv) be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective. Any payments or benefits under Section 4(a) that would be considered Deferred Compensation Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 4(h)(i)) will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 4(h). Except as required by Section 4(h), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this COC Agreement.
(ii)      Unless otherwise required by Section 4(b)(i) or Section 4(h), the Company will pay any severance payments in a lump-sum payment payable within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; provided, however, that no severance or other benefits will be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and any severance amounts or benefits otherwise payable between Executive’s termination date and the date such release becomes effective and irrevocable will be paid on the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. If Executive should die before all of the severance amounts have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid in a lump-sum payment promptly following such event to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the personal representative of Executive’s estate.
(c)      Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause . If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated voluntarily by Executive or for Cause by the Company, then:
(i)      Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(i)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(d)      Disability; Death . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to his or her death, then:
(i)      Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(ii)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.





(e)      Section 409A .
(i)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this COC Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
(ii)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then, to the extent required for compliance with Section 409A, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service as a result of such separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this COC Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(iii)     Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(iv)     Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(v) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this COC Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
(f)      Other Requirements . Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Section 4 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this COC Agreement.
5. Limitation on Payments . In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this COC Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 5, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 and Section 4(a) respectively will be either:
(a) delivered in full, or





(b)
delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order reduction of cash payments; cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.
Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 will be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.
6. Definition of Terms . The following terms referred to in this COC Agreement will have the following meanings:
(a) Cause . “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:
(i) Executive’s willful failure, (A) to comply with the Company’s policies and practices applicable to the Company’s employees in similar job positions or to the Company’s employees generally or (B) to follow the reasonable instructions of Executive’s supervisor;
(ii) Executive’s engaging in willful misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s committing a felony, an act of fraud against, or the misappropriation of property belonging to the Company; or
(iv) Executive’s breaching in any material respect the terms of this Agreement or the Employee Patent, Secrecy and Invention Agreement between Executive and the Company.
(b) Change of Control . “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Change in Ownership of the Company . A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will not be considered a Change of Control; or





(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company . A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or
(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets . A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For these purposes, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
(c) Disability . “Disability” will mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his or her duties hereunder before the termination of his or her employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.
(d) Good Reason . “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s termination of employment within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent:
(i) A material reduction in Executive’s base compensation as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(ii) Executive ceasing to hold the same position, titles, duties and responsibilities Executive held immediately prior to a Change of Control with respect to the ultimate parent company of the combined successor entity in such Change of Control;
(iii) The assignment to Executive of any duties, or the reduction of Executive’s duties, either of which results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or the removal of Executive from such position and responsibilities, provided that such removal results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company;
(iv) A material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services (in other words, the relocation of Executive to a facility that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from Executive’s current location); or





(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this COC Agreement by a successor and/or acquirer.
Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within ninety (90) days of the event that Executive believes constitutes “Good Reason” specifically identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.
(e) Section 409A Limit . “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.
7. Successors .
(a) The Company’s Successors . Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this COC Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this COC Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this COC Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this COC Agreement by operation of law.
(b) Executive’s Successors . The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
8. Arbitration .
(a) The Company and Executive each agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this COC Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive’s service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executive’s compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration under the arbitration rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. Disputes that the Company and Executive agree to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.
(b) Procedure . The Company and Executive agree that any arbitration will be administered by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The Arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The Arbitrator will have





the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the Arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the Arbitrator or JAMS except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only so much of the filing fees as Executive would have instead paid had he or she filed a complaint in a court of law. The Arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the Arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in Santa Cruz County, California.
(c) Remedy . Except as provided by the Act and this COC Agreement, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Act and this COC Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.
(d) Administrative Relief . Executive understands that this COC Agreement does not prohibit him or her from pursuing any administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. This COC Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law.
(e) Voluntary Nature of Agreement . Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that such party is executing this COC Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by anyone. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he or she has carefully read this COC Agreement and has asked any questions needed for him or her to understand the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this COC Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving his or her right to a jury trial . Finally, Executive agrees that he or she has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of his or her choice before signing this COC Agreement.
9. Notice .
(a) General . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this COC Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its President.
(b) Notice of Termination . Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this COC Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this COC Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her rights hereunder.





10. Miscellaneous Provisions .
(a) No Duty to Mitigate . Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this COC Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.
(b) Waiver . No provision of this COC Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this COC Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.
(c) Headings . All captions and section headings used in this COC Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this COC Agreement.
(d) Entire Agreement . This COC Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of September 25, 2018. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this COC Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this COC Agreement.
(e) Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this COC Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this COC Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court.
(f) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this COC Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(g) Withholding . All payments made pursuant to this COC Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.
(h) Counterparts . This COC Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.


[Signature Page to Follow]











IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this COC Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of November 5, 2018.
COMPANY                      PLANTRONICS, INC.

By:     _____________________________________________                        
Joseph B. Burton

Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer


EXECUTIVE                      By:     _____________________________________________                    
Mary Huser

Title:      Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and
Compliance Officer









    

[ Signature Page to Change of Control Severance Agreement ]





PLANTRONICS, INC.
CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Change of Control Severance Agreement (this “COC Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Jeff Loebbaka (“Executive”) and Plantronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as of the date indicated on the signature page hereto.
RECITALS
1. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) recognizes that such consideration can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities. The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company.
2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.
3. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment following a Change of Control. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.
4. Certain capitalized terms used in the COC Agreement are defined in Section 6 below.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Term of COC Agreement . This COC Agreement will become effective upon a Change of Control and will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months following such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Protection Period”). Following the Change of Control Protection Period, this COC Agreement will be of no further force and effect; provided that, if Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 4 during the term of this COC Agreement, the COC Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this COC Agreement have been satisfied.
2. At-Will Employment . The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination that occurs other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this COC Agreement or as provided in any other employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.
3. Change of Control .
(a) In the event of a Change of Control, and subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the effective date of such Change of Control all outstanding equity awards will vest according to the vesting schedule specified in the 2003 Stock Plan.





(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any term of the 2003 Stock Plan or PSU Agreements to the contrary related to vesting of performance-vesting awards, any unvested performance-vesting equity awards (including any performance shares or units) held by Executive as of immediately prior to the effective date of a Change of Control (“Performance Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) the day before the effective date of the Change in Control (the “Wind Up Date”) shall be considered to be the last day of the performance period for such Performance Awards; (ii) TSR-related performance conditions shall be calculated on the Wind Up Date based on the Company’s TSR through that date as compared to the TSR of the relevant comparator group through the Wind Up Date (or the last date preceding the Wind Up Date such TSR performance can be determined if it cannot be determined on the Wind Up Date); and (iii) the Performance Awards shall vest at the higher of (x) the actual measurement under clause (ii) and (y) target performance levels. Following a Change of Control, Executive will not be entitled to any other payment or benefits in respect of the Performance Award other than the vesting of such Performance Awards set forth in this Section 3 and the vested portion of the Performance Award shall be subject to the terms of the 2003 Stock Plan.
4.      Change of Control Benefits .
(a) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs during the Change of Control Protection Period, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) (“Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date or such earlier date required by the Release (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”), then subject to this Section 4, Executive will receive the following:
(i) Accrued Compensation . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (ii).
(ii) Severance Payment . Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to the sum of (A) 100% of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or (if greater) at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, (B) that prorata portion or all of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus that Executive has earned but not yet been paid (disregarding the requirement that the participant must have been employed by the Company as of the date of payout to earn any portion of or all of their annual incentive bonus); and (C) an additional 100% of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus for the year in which the severance payment under this COC Agreement set forth in this Section 4(a)(ii) is triggered.
(iii) COBRA Payment . Executive will receive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue her or his group health coverage as in effect on the date of her or his termination for herself or himself and her or his eligible dependents, multiplied by twenty-four (24), which payment will be made less applicable withholdings and regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage.
(iv) Equity Awards . Subject to Section 3 of this Agreement, any equity awards (including, without limitation, any awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and/or performance shares or units that have been granted, whether vested or unvested) outstanding as of the date of such termination will vest in full as to 100% of the unvested portion of the award (at the target level for any such awards that have performance goals).
(b)
Timing of Payments .





(i)      Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this COC Agreement if the Release does not become effective by the Release Deadline. In no event will the payments or benefits contemplated by Section 4(a)(ii)-(iv) be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective. Any payments or benefits under Section 4(a) that would be considered Deferred Compensation Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 4(h)(i)) will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 4(h). Except as required by Section 4(h), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this COC Agreement.
(ii)      Unless otherwise required by Section 4(b)(i) or Section 4(h), the Company will pay any severance payments in a lump-sum payment payable within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; provided, however, that no severance or other benefits will be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and any severance amounts or benefits otherwise payable between Executive’s termination date and the date such release becomes effective and irrevocable will be paid on the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. If Executive should die before all of the severance amounts have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid in a lump-sum payment promptly following such event to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the personal representative of Executive’s estate.
(c)      Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause . If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated voluntarily by Executive or for Cause by the Company, then:
(i) Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(i) Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(d)      Disability; Death . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to his or her death, then:
(i) Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(ii) Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(e)      Section 409A .
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this COC Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A





of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then, to the extent required for compliance with Section 409A, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service as a result of such separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this COC Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(iii) Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(iv) Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(v) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this COC Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
(f)      Other Requirements . Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Section 4 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this COC Agreement.
5.      Limitation on Payments . In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this COC Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 5, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 and Section 4(a) respectively will be either:
(b) delivered in full, or
(c)
delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the





greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order reduction of cash payments; cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.
Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 will be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.
6.      Definition of Terms . The following terms referred to in this COC Agreement will have the following meanings:
(a)      Cause . “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:
(i) Executive’s willful failure, (A) to comply with the Company’s policies and practices applicable to the Company’s employees in similar job positions or to the Company’s employees generally or (B) to follow the reasonable instructions of Executive’s supervisor;
(ii) Executive’s engaging in willful misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s committing a felony, an act of fraud against, or the misappropriation of property belonging to the Company; or
(iv) Executive’s breaching in any material respect the terms of this Agreement or the Employee Patent, Secrecy and Invention Agreement between Executive and the Company.
(b)      Change of Control . “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Change in Ownership of the Company . A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will not be considered a Change of Control; or
(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company . A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or





(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets . A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For these purposes, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
(c)      Disability . “Disability” will mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his or her duties hereunder before the termination of his or her employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.
(d) Good Reason . “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s termination of employment within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent:
(i) A material reduction in Executive’s base compensation as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(ii) The assignment to Executive of any duties, or the reduction of Executive’s duties, either of which results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or the removal of Executive from such position and responsibilities, provided that such removal results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company;
(iii) A material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services (in other words, the relocation of Executive to a facility that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from Executive’s current location); or
(iv) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this COC Agreement by a successor and/or acquirer.
Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within ninety (90) days of the event that Executive believes constitutes “Good Reason” specifically identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.
(e) Section 409A Limit . “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment





as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.
7.      Successors .
(a)      The Company’s Successors . Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this COC Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this COC Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this COC Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this COC Agreement by operation of law.
(b)      Executive’s Successors . The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
8.      Arbitration .
(a)     The Company and Executive each agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this COC Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive’s service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executive’s compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration under the arbitration rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. Disputes that the Company and Executive agree to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.
(b)      Procedure . The Company and Executive agree that any arbitration will be administered by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The Arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The Arbitrator will have the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the Arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the Arbitrator or JAMS except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only so much of the filing fees as Executive would have instead paid had he or she filed a complaint in a court of law. The Arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the Arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in Santa Cruz County, California.





(c)      Remedy . Except as provided by the Act and this COC Agreement, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Act and this COC Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.
(d)      Administrative Relief . Executive understands that this COC Agreement does not prohibit him or her from pursuing any administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. This COC Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law.
(e)      Voluntary Nature of Agreement . Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that such party is executing this COC Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by anyone. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he or she has carefully read this COC Agreement and has asked any questions needed for him or her to understand the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this COC Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving his or her right to a jury trial . Finally, Executive agrees that he or she has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of his or her choice before signing this COC Agreement.
9.      Notice .
(a)      General . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this COC Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its President.
(b)      Notice of Termination . Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this COC Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this COC Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her rights hereunder.
10.      Miscellaneous Provisions .
(a) No Duty to Mitigate . Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this COC Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.
(b) Waiver . No provision of this COC Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this COC Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.





(c) Headings . All captions and section headings used in this COC Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this COC Agreement.
(d) Entire Agreement . This COC Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of September 25, 2018. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this COC Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this COC Agreement.
(e) Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this COC Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this COC Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court.
(f) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this COC Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(g) Withholding . All payments made pursuant to this COC Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.
(h) Counterparts . This COC Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature Page to Follow]
















IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this COC Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of November 5, 2018.
COMPANY                      PLANTRONICS, INC.

By:     __________________________________________                        
Joseph B. Burton

Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer


EXECUTIVE                      By:     __________________________________________                    
Jeff Loebbaka

Title:      Executive Vice President, Global Sales

[ Signature Page to Change of Control Severance Agreement ]





PLANTRONICS, INC.
CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Change of Control Severance Agreement (this “COC Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Shantanu Sarkar (“Executive”) and Plantronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as of the date indicated on the signature page hereto.
RECITALS
1. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) recognizes that such consideration can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities. The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control of the Company.
2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.
3. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment following a Change of Control. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.
4. Certain capitalized terms used in the COC Agreement are defined in Section 6 below.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Term of COC Agreement . This COC Agreement will become effective upon a Change of Control and will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months following such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Protection Period”). Following the Change of Control Protection Period, this COC Agreement will be of no further force and effect; provided that, if Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 4 during the term of this COC Agreement, the COC Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this COC Agreement have been satisfied.
2. At-Will Employment . The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination that occurs other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this COC Agreement or as provided in any other employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.
3. Change of Control .
(a) In the event of a Change of Control, and subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the effective date of such Change of Control all outstanding equity awards will vest according to the vesting schedule specified in the 2003 Stock Plan.





(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any term of the 2003 Stock Plan or PSU Agreements to the contrary related to vesting of performance-vesting awards, any unvested performance-vesting equity awards (including any performance shares or units) held by Executive as of immediately prior to the effective date of a Change of Control (“Performance Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) the day before the effective date of the Change in Control (the “Wind Up Date”) shall be considered to be the last day of the performance period for such Performance Awards; (ii) TSR-related performance conditions shall be calculated on the Wind Up Date based on the Company’s TSR through that date as compared to the TSR of the relevant comparator group through the Wind Up Date (or the last date preceding the Wind Up Date such TSR performance can be determined if it cannot be determined on the Wind Up Date); and (iii) the Performance Awards shall vest at the higher of (x) the actual measurement under clause (ii) and (y) target performance levels. Following a Change of Control, Executive will not be entitled to any other payment or benefits in respect of the Performance Award other than the vesting of such Performance Awards set forth in this Section 3 and the vested portion of the Performance Award shall be subject to the terms of the 2003 Stock Plan.
4. Change of Control Benefits .
(a) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs during the Change of Control Protection Period, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) (“Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date or such earlier date required by the Release (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”), then subject to this Section 4, Executive will receive the following:
(i) Accrued Compensation . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (ii).
(ii) Severance Payment . Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to the sum of (A) 100% of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or (if greater) at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, (B) that prorata portion or all of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus that Executive has earned but not yet been paid (disregarding the requirement that the participant must have been employed by the Company as of the date of payout to earn any portion of or all of their annual incentive bonus); and (C) an additional 100% of Executive’s annual target incentive bonus for the year in which the severance payment under this COC Agreement set forth in this Section 4(a)(ii) is triggered.
(iii) COBRA Payment . Executive will receive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue her or his group health coverage as in effect on the date of her or his termination for herself or himself and her or his eligible dependents, multiplied by twenty-four (24), which payment will be made less applicable withholdings and regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage.
(iv) Equity Awards . Subject to Section 3 of this Agreement, any equity awards (including, without limitation, any awards of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and/or performance shares or units that have been granted, whether vested or unvested) outstanding as of the date of such termination will vest in full as to 100% of the unvested portion of the award (at the target level for any such awards that have performance goals).
(b)
Timing of Payments .





(i)      Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this COC Agreement if the Release does not become effective by the Release Deadline. In no event will the payments or benefits contemplated by Section 4(a)(ii)-(iv) be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective. Any payments or benefits under Section 4(a) that would be considered Deferred Compensation Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 4(h)(i)) will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 4(h). Except as required by Section 4(h), any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this COC Agreement.
(ii)      Unless otherwise required by Section 4(b)(i) or Section 4(h), the Company will pay any severance payments in a lump-sum payment payable within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; provided, however, that no severance or other benefits will be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, and any severance amounts or benefits otherwise payable between Executive’s termination date and the date such release becomes effective and irrevocable will be paid on the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. If Executive should die before all of the severance amounts have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid in a lump-sum payment promptly following such event to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the personal representative of Executive’s estate.
(c)      Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause . If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated voluntarily by Executive or for Cause by the Company, then:
(i)     Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(i)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(d)      Disability; Death . If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to his or her death, then:
(i)     Accrued Compensation and Benefits . The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any plans, policies, and arrangements provided by the Company or its affiliates.
(ii)      Severance or Other Benefits . Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then apply to Executive under the Company’s or its affiliates’ then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company or its affiliates, including, without limitation, the Polycom Long-Term Cash Plan or Polycom, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, to the extent applicable.
(e)      Section 409A .
(i)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this COC Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A





of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
(ii)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this COC Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then, to the extent required for compliance with Section 409A, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service as a result of such separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this COC Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(iii)     Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(iv)     Any amount paid under this COC Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.
(v) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this COC Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
(f)      Other Requirements . Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Section 4 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this COC Agreement.
5. Limitation on Payments . In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this COC Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 5, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 and Section 4(a) respectively will be either:
(a) delivered in full, or
(b)
delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the





greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order reduction of cash payments; cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.
Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 will be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.
6. Definition of Terms . The following terms referred to in this COC Agreement will have the following meanings:
(a) Cause . “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:
(i) Executive’s willful failure, (A) to comply with the Company’s policies and practices applicable to the Company’s employees in similar job positions or to the Company’s employees generally or (B) to follow the reasonable instructions of Executive’s supervisor;
(ii) Executive’s engaging in willful misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s committing a felony, an act of fraud against, or the misappropriation of property belonging to the Company; or
(iv) Executive’s breaching in any material respect the terms of this Agreement or the Employee Patent, Secrecy and Invention Agreement between Executive and the Company.
(b) Change of Control . “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Change in Ownership of the Company . A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will not be considered a Change of Control; or
(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company . A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or





(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets . A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For these purposes, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.
(c) Disability . “Disability” will mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his or her duties hereunder before the termination of his or her employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.
(d) Good Reason . “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s termination of employment within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent:
(i) A material reduction in Executive’s base compensation as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(ii) The assignment to Executive of any duties, or the reduction of Executive’s duties, either of which results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or the removal of Executive from such position and responsibilities, provided that such removal results in a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities with the Company;
(iii) A material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services (in other words, the relocation of Executive to a facility that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from Executive’s current location); or
(iv) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this COC Agreement by a successor and/or acquirer.
Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within ninety (90) days of the event that Executive believes constitutes “Good Reason” specifically identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.
(e) Section 409A Limit . “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment





as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.
7. Successors .
(a) The Company’s Successors . Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this COC Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this COC Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this COC Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this COC Agreement by operation of law.
(b) Executive’s Successors . The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
8. Arbitration .
(a) The Company and Executive each agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this COC Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive’s service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executive’s compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration under the arbitration rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. Disputes that the Company and Executive agree to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.
(b) Procedure . The Company and Executive agree that any arbitration will be administered by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The Arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The Arbitrator will have the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the Arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the Arbitrator or JAMS except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only so much of the filing fees as Executive would have instead paid had he or she filed a complaint in a court of law. The Arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the Arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in Santa Cruz County, California.





(c) Remedy . Except as provided by the Act and this COC Agreement, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Act and this COC Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.
(d) Administrative Relief . Executive understands that this COC Agreement does not prohibit him or her from pursuing any administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. This COC Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law.
(e) Voluntary Nature of Agreement . Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that such party is executing this COC Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by anyone. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he or she has carefully read this COC Agreement and has asked any questions needed for him or her to understand the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this COC Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving his or her right to a jury trial . Finally, Executive agrees that he or she has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of his or her choice before signing this COC Agreement.
9. Notice .
(a) General . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this COC Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its President.
(b) Notice of Termination . Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this COC Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this COC Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her rights hereunder.
10. Miscellaneous Provisions .
(a) No Duty to Mitigate . Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this COC Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.
(b) Waiver . No provision of this COC Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this COC Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.





(c) Headings . All captions and section headings used in this COC Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this COC Agreement.
(d) Entire Agreement . This COC Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of September 25, 2018. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this COC Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this COC Agreement.
(e) Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this COC Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this COC Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court.
(f) Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this COC Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(g) Withholding . All payments made pursuant to this COC Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.
(h) Counterparts . This COC Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature Page to Follow]


















IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this COC Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of November 5, 2018.
COMPANY                      PLANTRONICS, INC.

By:     ______________________________________________                        
Joseph B. Burton

Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer


EXECUTIVE                      By:     ______________________________________________                        
Shantanu Sarkar

Title:      Executive Vice President, Headset Business                                          Unit









    

[ Signature Page to Change of Control Severance Agreement ]





Exhibit 31.1
Certification of the President and CEO
I, Joe Burton, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Plantronics, 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.
February 5, 2019
 
 
/s/ Joe Burton
 
Joe Burton
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director






Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Executive Vice President and CFO
I, Pamela Strayer, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Plantronics, 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.
February 5, 2019
 
 
/s/ Pamela Strayer
 
Pamela Strayer
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Joe Burton, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of Plantronics, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the three months ended December 31, 2018 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Plantronics, Inc.
 
By:
/s/ Joe Burton
 
Name:
Joe Burton
 
Title:
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
Date:
February 5, 2019

I, Pamela Strayer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of Plantronics, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the three months ended December 31, 2018 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Plantronics, Inc.
 
By:
/s/ Pamela Strayer
 
Name:
Pamela Strayer
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Date:
February 5, 2019

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.