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Dolby Laboratories Inc

For the period ended Mar 28, 2025. Filed May 1, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Mar 28, 2025 · Filed May 1, 2025

DLB$64.83+0.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-12-27; filed 2025-01-30.

0001628280-25-003175

Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-03-28; filed 2025-05-01.

0001628280-25-021591

Item 1A. Risk FactorsUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 141 previous paragraphs and 138 current paragraphs.

109 unchanged; 27 reworded; 1 added; 4 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 1 previous and 1 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (1)

Current report

Adverse changes to tariffs, trade agreements, and trade policies may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. The United States and other countries in our supply chain or in which we have sales have imposed and may impose additional tariffs and other trade regulations, or may adversely adjust prevailing tariff levels and other trade restrictions. We rely on contract manufacturers and component suppliers, some of which are located outside of the United States, and we export our products to and license our technology in foreign countries. As such, newly implemented tariffs and potential future tariffs or other trade barriers could, directly or indirectly, increase the cost of producing or delivering our products and may increase the costs associated with licensing our technology. Our results may also be impacted indirectly by the imposition of tariffs and other trade barriers on our customers and licensees. If the cost to manufacture products that incorporate our technology, such as consumer electronics or cars, is increased as a result of tariffs, it may exert general pricing pressure which could lead manufacturers to discontinue including our technology in their products or to seek price reductions. If the costs of exporting licensees’ products results in higher prices to end consumers, sales of those products may decrease and thus royalty payments to us based on unit shipments may decrease. More generally, the imposition of tariffs and the outbreak of a trade war may lead to general negative economic effects, such as decreased consumer demand, recession or the elevated risk of recession, or higher inflationary pressures, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Removed paragraphs (4)

Previous report

We face various risks in integrating acquired businesses, including:

Previous report

•The need to integrate acquired businesses’ accounting, management information, manufacturing, human resources, and other administrative systems to permit effective management.

Previous report

We are subject to regulations relating to “conflict minerals” and compliance with, or failure to comply with, such regulations may be costly. SEC rules require the disclosure of the use of tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold (commonly referred to as "conflict minerals") that are sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding countries. Certain of those minerals are used in the manufacturing process of electrical components that our products utilize. The potential inclusion of conflict minerals in the materials used in our products could affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of such materials as well as the companies we use to manufacture our products. In circumstances where sources of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or surrounding countries are not validated as conflict free, we may take actions to change materials, designs or manufacturers to reduce the possibility that our contracts to manufacture products that contain conflict minerals finance or benefit local armed groups in the region. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers that can certify that they are offering “conflict free” conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that our component suppliers will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. These actions could also add engineering and other costs in connection with the manufacturing of our products. If conflict minerals used in our products are determined to finance armed conflict, even if we are not aware of such status, disclosure of such status could affect public and investor perception of Dolby and our products.

Previous report

We may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins for the minerals used in our components. Our reputation may suffer if we determine that our components contain conflict minerals that are not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our components. In addition, some customers may require that all of our products are certified to be conflict free and if we cannot satisfy these customers, they may choose a competitor's products.
Reworded paragraphs (27)

Previous wording

Changing trends in content distribution and consumption may negatively impact our business. Changing trends in the way that content is distributed and consumed may impact our existing business and future opportunities for growth. One such trend is the shift by consumers in certain markets away from subscription-based cable and satellite television providers toward streaming services, commonly referred to as "cord-cutting." While cable and satellite television often require a STB, today consumers can also access streaming media through smart TVs or DMA devices. As consumers trend toward canceling subscriptions to these traditional cable and satellite providers and turn to streaming media, we expect demand for STBs in certain regions to continue to decline. If we are unable to derive additional revenue from the smart TV and DMA markets to make up for decreases in our STB-related revenue, our financial results may be negatively impacted. Other changes to the way content is distributed and consumed may impact our licensing and other businesses in a similar fashion, and we may not be able to anticipate and respond effectively to such future changes.

Current wording

Changing trends in content distribution and consumption may negatively impact our business. Changing trends in the way that content is distributed and consumed may impact our existing business and future opportunities for growth. One such trend has been the shift by consumers in certain markets away from subscription-based cable and satellite television providers toward streaming services, commonly referred to as "cord-cutting." While cable and satellite television often require a STB, consumers can also access streaming media through smart TVs or DMA devices. As consumers have trended toward canceling subscriptions to these traditional cable and satellite providers in favor of streaming media, we have observed declines in demand for STBs in certain regions. Other changes to the way content is distributed and consumed may impact our licensing and other businesses in a similar fashion, and we may not be able to anticipate and respond effectively to such future changes.

Previous wording

Our revenue from the PC market is reliant on key partnerships and is vulnerable to macroeconomic risks. Our revenue from the PC market depends on several factors, including underlying PC unit shipments, the extent to which our technologies are included on computers, including through operating systems and various subsystems, and the terms of any royalties or other payments we receive. For example, beginning with PCs shipping with the 24H2 version of Windows 11, Microsoft is changing the way Dolby’s DD and DD+ decoders are provided to third party PC OEMs. For such devices, Dolby has begun distributing those codecs directly to PC OEMs instead of through Microsoft’s Windows operating system. To the extent that PC manufacturers do not incorporate our technologies in current and future products, our revenue could be impacted. Further, we rely on a small number of partnerships with key participants in the PC market. If we are unable to maintain these key relationships, we may experience a decline in PCs incorporating our technologies. Demand for PCs has also fluctuated significantly in recent years. Macroeconomic conditions may also adversely impact PC manufacturing, supply chain and distribution, the timing of the adoption of our technologies into products by partners and licensees, and the timing of launches for new products.

Current wording

Our revenue from the PC market is reliant on key partnerships and is vulnerable to macroeconomic risks. Our revenue from the PC market depends on several factors, including underlying PC unit shipments, the extent to which our technologies are included on computers, including through operating systems and various subsystems, and the terms of any royalties or other payments we receive. For example, beginning with PCs shipping with the 24H2 version of Windows 11, Microsoft changed the way Dolby’s DD and DD+ decoders are provided to third party PC OEMs. For such devices, Dolby now distributes those codecs directly to PC OEMs instead of through Microsoft’s Windows operating system. To the extent that PC manufacturers do not incorporate our technologies in current and future products, our revenue could be impacted. Further, we rely on a small number of partnerships with key participants in the PC market. If we are unable to maintain these key relationships, we may experience a decline in PCs incorporating our technologies. Demand for PCs has also fluctuated significantly in recent years. Macroeconomic conditions may also adversely impact PC manufacturing, supply chain and distribution, the timing of the adoption of our technologies into products by partners and licensees, and the timing of launches for new products.

Previous wording

Our revenue and associated demand for Dolby Cinema and cinema products are affected by cinema industry and macroeconomic conditions, which are subject to risks including consumer trends and box office performance generally, delays in cinematic releases, the seasonality of film releases and associated moviegoing attendance, and other events or conditions in the cinema industry. As an example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions related to the pandemic resulted in reduced cinema attendance and revenue. Additionally, the strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA in 2023 effectively halted the production, release and promotion of certain films for an extended period, resulting in decreased box office receipts, which directly impacted the revenue generated by Dolby Cinema theaters. Such disruptions in the past have impacted, and potential similar disruptions in the future could potentially impact exhibitors’ willingness and ability to invest in Dolby cinema products. Also, a portion of our opportunity lies in the China market, which is subject to unique economic and geopolitical risks. Furthermore, future growth of our cinema products offerings also depends upon new theater construction and entering into an equipment replacement cycle whereby previously purchased cinema products are upgraded or replaced. To the extent that such cinema industry and macroeconomic challenges constrain the growth of our Dolby Cinema and cinema products offerings, our revenue may be adversely impacted.

Current wording

Our revenue and associated demand for Dolby Cinema and cinema products are affected by cinema industry and macroeconomic conditions, which are subject to risks including consumer trends and box office performance in general, delays in cinematic releases, the seasonality of film releases and associated moviegoing attendance, potential tariffs and other trade barriers, and other events or conditions in the cinema industry. As an example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions related to the pandemic resulted in reduced cinema attendance and revenue. Additionally, the strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA in 2023 effectively halted the production, release, and promotion of certain films for an extended period, resulting in decreased box office receipts, which directly impacted the revenue generated by Dolby Cinema theaters. Such disruptions in the past have impacted, and potential similar disruptions in the future could potentially impact exhibitors’ willingness and ability to invest in Dolby Cinema and cinema products. Also, a portion of our opportunity lies in the China market, which is subject to unique economic and geopolitical risks. Furthermore, future growth of our cinema products offerings also depends upon new theater construction and entering into an equipment replacement cycle whereby previously purchased cinema products are upgraded or replaced. To the extent that such cinema industry and macroeconomic challenges constrain the growth of our Dolby Cinema and cinema products offerings, our revenue may be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

Consumer spending weakness may impact our licensees and licensing revenues generally. Weakness in general economic conditions due to inflation, elevated interest rates, lower consumer confidence, a potential recession, pandemic or other adverse economic conditions, may suppress consumer demand in our markets and consumers going to the movies. Many of the products in which our technologies are incorporated are discretionary goods, such as PCs, TVs, STBs, video game consoles, AV Receivers, mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, and home-theater systems, which makes revenue generated by such technologies vulnerable to weakness in consumer spending. Prolonged weakness in consumer spending may also lead to licensees and other customers becoming delinquent on their obligations to us or being unable to pay, resulting in a higher level of write-offs. Weakness in consumer spending may also increase underreporting and non-reporting of royalty-bearing revenue by our licensees as well as increase the unauthorized use of our technologies.

Current wording

Consumer spending weakness may impact our licensees and licensing revenue generally. Weakness in general economic conditions due to inflation, elevated interest rates, lower consumer confidence, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, a potential recession, pandemic or other adverse economic conditions, may suppress consumer demand in our markets and consumers going to the movies. Many of the products in which our technologies are incorporated are discretionary goods, such as PCs, TVs, STBs, video game consoles, AV Receivers, mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, and home-theater systems, which makes revenue generated by such technologies vulnerable to weakness in consumer spending. Prolonged weakness in consumer spending may also lead to licensees and other customers becoming delinquent on their obligations to us or being unable to pay, resulting in a higher level of write-offs. Weakness in consumer spending may also increase underreporting and non-reporting of royalty-bearing revenue by our licensees as well as increase the unauthorized use of our technologies.

Previous wording

The market for broadcast technologies in particular has traditionally been heavily based on industry standards, in some cases mandated by governments choosing from among alternative standards, and we expect this to continue to be the case in the future. The continued advancement of OTT media delivery and consumption is altering the landscape for broadcast standards. This trend is reducing the importance of the inclusion of our technology in certain broadcast standards while increasing the importance of inclusion within internet and mobile industry standards. We cannot predict the extent to which this trend may impact our revenue.

Current wording

The market for broadcast technologies in particular has traditionally been heavily based on industry standards, in some cases mandated by governments choosing from among alternative standards. The continued advancement of OTT media delivery and consumption is altering the landscape for broadcast standards. The importance of broadcast standards in the entertainment technology ecosystem has been gradually diminishing over the recent years. This trend is reducing the importance of the inclusion of our technology in certain broadcast standards while increasing the importance of inclusion within internet and mobile industry standards. We cannot predict the extent to which this trend may impact our revenue.

Previous wording

Our operating results fluctuate based on the risks set forth in this section, as well as, among other factors, on:

Current wording

Reporting practices and uncertainty may result in fluctuations in our royalty revenue from period to period. Our operating results fluctuate based on the risks set forth in this section, as well as, among other factors, on:

Previous wording

We recognize a material portion of our licensing revenue based on our estimate of sales of royalty-bearing products. Upon receipt of actual reporting of sales-based royalties, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. Additionally, our results of operations could be impacted to the extent that we are required to accelerate recognition of revenue under certain arrangements, potentially causing the amount of revenue we recognize to vary materially from quarter to quarter. While our reporting practices do not change the cash flows or total revenue we ultimately receive from our contracts with customers, they could result in changes to the timing of our reported revenue and income, which in turn could cause volatility in the price of our Class A common stock.

Current wording

We recognize a material portion of our licensing revenue based on our estimate of sales of royalty-bearing products. Upon receipt of actual reporting of sales-based royalties, we record a favorable or unfavorable adjustment based on the difference, if any, between estimated and actual sales. Our sales estimates may be based on reports or studies from third parties may turn out to be inaccurate or incomplete, and that risk may increase when macroeconomic conditions are highly dynamic, which could result in significant variation in the amount of revenue we recognize in a quarter. Additionally, our results of operations could be impacted to the extent that we are required to accelerate recognition of revenue under certain arrangements, potentially causing the amount of revenue we recognize to vary materially from quarter to quarter. While our reporting practices do not change the cash flows or total revenue we ultimately receive from our contracts with customers, they could result in changes to the timing of our reported revenue and income, which in turn could cause volatility in the price of our Class A common stock.

Previous wording

Royalty reporting by our licensees may be inaccurate or understated. We generate licensing revenue primarily from OEMs who license our technologies and incorporate those technologies into their products. Our license agreements generally obligate our licensees to pay us a specified royalty for every product they ship that incorporates our technologies, and we rely on our licensees to report their shipments accurately. However, it is inherently difficult to independently determine whether our licensees are reporting shipments accurately, particularly with respect to software incorporating our technologies because unauthorized copies of such software can be made relatively easily. A third party may disagree with our interpretation of the terms of a license agreement or, as a result of an audit, a third party could challenge the accuracy of our calculation. We are regularly involved in discussions with third party technology licensees regarding license terms. Most of our license agreements permit us to audit our licensees’ records, and we routinely exercise these rights, typically by using an independent third party auditor. Such audits are generally expensive, time-consuming, and potentially detrimental to our ongoing business relationships with our licensees. In the past, some licensees have understated or failed to report the number of products incorporating our technologies that they shipped, and we have not been able to collect and recognize revenue to which we were entitled. We expect that we will continue to experience understatement and non-reporting of royalties by our licensees. We have been able to obtain certain recovery payments from licensees (either in the form of back payments or settlements), and such recoveries have become a recurring element of our business; however, we are unable to predict with certainty the revenue that we may recover in the future or our ability to continue to obtain such recoveries at all.

Current wording

Royalty reporting by our licensees may be inaccurate or understated. We generate licensing revenue primarily from OEMs who license our technologies and incorporate those technologies into their products. Our license agreements generally obligate our licensees to pay us a specified royalty for every product they ship that incorporates our technologies, and we rely on our licensees to report their shipments accurately. However, it is inherently difficult to independently determine whether our licensees are reporting shipments accurately, particularly with respect to software incorporating our technologies because unauthorized copies of such software can be made relatively easily. A licensee may disagree with our interpretation of the terms of a license agreement or, as a result of an audit, a licensee could challenge the accuracy of our calculation. We are regularly involved in discussions with licensees regarding license terms. Most of our license agreements permit us to audit our licensees’ records, and we routinely exercise these rights, typically by using an independent third party auditor. Such audits are generally expensive, time-consuming, and potentially detrimental to our ongoing business relationships with our licensees. In the past, some licensees have understated or failed to report the number of products incorporating our technologies that they shipped, and we have not been able to collect and recognize revenue to which we were entitled. We expect that we will continue to experience understatement and non-reporting of royalties by our licensees. We have been able to obtain certain recovery payments from licensees (either in the form of back payments or settlements), and such recoveries have become a recurring element of our business; however, we are unable to predict with certainty the revenue that we may recover in the future or our ability to continue to obtain such recoveries at all.

Previous wording

For instance, to broaden adoption of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, we will need to continue to expand the array of products and consumer devices that incorporate Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, expand the pipeline of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision content available from content creators, and encourage consumer adoption in the face of competing products and technologies. Similarly, the success of Dolby Cinema is dependent on our ability to partner with movie theater exhibitors to launch new Dolby Cinema sites and to deploy new sites in accordance with plans, and on the continued release and box-office success of new films in the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos formats released through Dolby Cinemas.

Current wording

For instance, to broaden adoption of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, we will need to continue to expand the array of products and consumer devices that incorporate Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, expand the pipeline of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision content available from content creators, and encourage consumer adoption in the face of competing products and technologies. Similarly, the success of Dolby Cinema and cinema products is dependent on our ability to partner with movie theater exhibitors to launch new Dolby Cinema locations and screens using cinema products and to deploy new sites in accordance with plans, and on the continued release and box-office success of new films in the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos formats.

Previous wording

Our revenue could decline if we are unable to maintain patent coverage for our technologies. Many of the technologies that we license to our system licensees are covered by patents, and the licensing revenue that we receive from those licenses depends in part upon the life of such patents. In general, our agreements with our licensees require them to pay us a full royalty with respect to a particular technology only until there are no patents or, in some cases, no patent applications covering that technology in countries where applicable products are made and sold. As of December 27, 2024, we had approximately 28,000 issued patents in addition to approximately 6,000 pending patent applications in more than 100 jurisdictions throughout the world. Our currently issued patents expire at various times through December 2047. If we are unable to refresh our technology with new patented inventions or expand our patent portfolio, our revenue could decline. In addition to patents covering technology we license directly, if patents we license through patent pool arrangements expire or we are otherwise unable to maintain our share of pool royalties, then our revenue could be impacted. Additionally, if the patents licensed through a patent pool arrangement are deemed not to be valuable in the aggregate by the licensees of such patent pool, they may not renew their licenses, which could impact our revenue.

Current wording

Our revenue could decline if we are unable to maintain patent coverage for our technologies. Many of the technologies that we license to our system licensees are covered by patents, and the licensing revenue that we receive from those licenses depends in part upon the life of such patents. In general, our agreements with our licensees require them to pay us a full royalty with respect to a particular technology only until there are no patents or, in some cases, no patent applications covering that technology in countries where applicable products are made and sold. As of March 28, 2025, we had approximately 26,700 issued patents in addition to approximately 5,900 pending patent applications in more than 200 jurisdictions throughout the world. Our currently issued patents expire at various times through December 2047. If we are unable to refresh our technology with new patented inventions or expand our patent portfolio, our revenue could decline. In addition to patents covering technology we license directly, if patents we license through patent pool arrangements expire or we are otherwise unable to maintain our share of pool royalties, then our revenue could be impacted. Additionally, if the patents licensed through a patent pool arrangement are deemed not to be valuable in the aggregate by the licensees of such patent pool, they may not renew their licenses, which could impact our revenue.

Previous wording

Unauthorized use of our intellectual property has occurred and will likely continue to occur. We have often experienced, and expect to continue to experience, problems with non-licensee OEMs and software vendors, particularly in certain emerging economies, incorporating our technologies and trademarks into their products without our authorization and without paying us any licensing fees. Manufacturers of ICs containing our technologies occasionally sell these ICs to third parties who are not our system licensees. These sales, and the failure of such manufacturers to report the sales, facilitate the unauthorized use of our IP. As emerging economies transition from analog to digital content, such as the transition from analog to digital broadcast, we expect to experience an increase in problems with this form of piracy.

Current wording

Unauthorized use of our intellectual property has occurred and will likely continue to occur. We have often experienced, and expect to continue to experience, problems with non-licensee OEMs and software vendors, particularly in certain emerging economies, incorporating our technologies and trademarks into their products without authorization and without paying licensing fees. Unauthorized IP use occurs in the context of both branded products and technology offered through open standards. Manufacturers of ICs containing our technologies occasionally sell these ICs to third parties who are not our system licensees. These sales, and the failure of such manufacturers to report the sales, facilitate the unauthorized use of our IP. As emerging economies have transitioned from analog to digital content, such as the transition from analog to digital broadcast, we have observed an increase in problems with this form of piracy.

Previous wording

Maintaining and enforcing our IP rights in the U.S. and abroad presents challenges to our business. Our licensing business depends in part on the uniform and consistent treatment of patent rights in the U.S. and abroad. Changes to the patentand intellectual property laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad, including the regulation regarding SEP licensing in the EU referenced above, may limit our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our rights. Additionally, court and administrative rulings may interpret existing patent laws and regulations in ways that hurt our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our patents. We face challenges protecting our IP in foreign jurisdictions, including that our ability to enforce our contractual and IP rights, especially in countries that do not recognize and enforce IP rights to the same extent as the U.S., Japan, Korea, and European countries do, which increases the risk of unauthorized use of our technologies. Also, because of limitations in the legal systems in many countries, our ability to obtain and enforce patents in many countries is uncertain, and we must strengthen and develop relationships with entertainment industry participants worldwide to increase our ability to enforce our IP and contractual rights without relying solely on the legal systems in the countries in which we operate.

Current wording

Maintaining and enforcing our IP rights in the U.S. and abroad presents challenges to our business. Our licensing business depends in part on the uniform and consistent treatment of patent rights in the U.S. and abroad. Changes to the patent and intellectual property laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad, including the regulation regarding SEP licensing in the EU referenced above, may limit our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our rights. Additionally, court and administrative rulings may interpret existing patent laws and regulations in ways that hurt our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our patents. We face challenges protecting our IP in foreign jurisdictions, including that our ability to enforce our contractual and IP rights, especially in countries that do not recognize and enforce IP rights to the same extent as the U.S., Japan, Korea, and European countries do, which increases the risk of unauthorized use of our technologies. Also, because of limitations in the legal systems in many countries, our ability to obtain and enforce patents in many countries is uncertain, and we must strengthen and develop relationships with entertainment industry participants worldwide to increase our ability to enforce our IP and contractual rights without relying solely on the legal systems in the countries in which we operate.

Previous wording

Reliance on key suppliers presents certain risks to our business, many of which are beyond our control. Our reliance on suppliers for some of the key materials and components we use in manufacturing our products involves risks, including limited control over the price, timely delivery, and quality of such components, as well as delays caused by military conflicts, including those between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, and other potential interruptions to the supply chain. Due to the relatively small volume of components we purchase for use in manufacturing, we purchase such components primarily through distributors. As such, we have relatively limited influence over the suppliers of such components to, for example, ensure continuity of supply. Although we have identified alternate suppliers for most of our key materials and components, any required changes in our suppliers could cause delays in our operations and increase our production costs. In addition, our suppliers may not be able to meet our production demands as to volume, quality, or timeliness.

Current wording

Reliance on key suppliers presents certain risks to our business, many of which are beyond our control. Our reliance on suppliers for some of the key materials and components we use in manufacturing our products involves risks, including limited control over the price, timely delivery, and quality of such components, as well as delays caused by military conflicts, including those between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, and other potential interruptions to the supply chain. Due to the relatively small volume of components we purchase for use in manufacturing, we purchase such components primarily through distributors. As such, we have relatively limited influence over the suppliers of such components to, for example, ensure continuity of supply. Although we have identified alternate suppliers for most of our key materials and components, any required changes in our suppliers could cause delays in our operations and increase our production costs. In addition, our suppliers may not be able to meet our production demands as to volume, quality, or timeliness. Avoiding the potential inclusion of “conflict minerals” in the materials used in our products could also affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of such materials as well as the companies we use to manufacture our products.

Previous wording

Many of the markets for our products and for products in which our technologies are incorporated are price sensitive. The markets for the consumer entertainment products in which our technologies are incorporated are intensely competitive and price sensitive. We expect to face increased royalty pricing pressure for our technologies as we seek to increase the adoption of our technologies in online content and portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Such pricing pressures may be exacerbated by elevated rates of inflation, which may cause device manufacturers to take additional steps to limit costs. Retail prices for consumer entertainment products that include our audio technologies, such as home theater systems, have decreased significantly, and we expect prices to decrease for the foreseeable future. In response, OEMs have sought to reduce their product costs, which can result in additional downward pressure on the licensing fees we charge. Further, Dolby.io faces pricing pressure from other platforms offering similar solutions that may be able to offer competing services at lower prices.

Current wording

Many of the markets for our products and for products in which our technologies are incorporated are price sensitive. The markets for the consumer entertainment products in which our technologies are incorporated are intensely competitive and price sensitive. We expect to face increased royalty pricing pressure for our technologies as we seek to increase the adoption of our technologies in online content and portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Such pricing pressures may be exacerbated by elevated rates of inflation, tariffs and other trade barriers, which may cause device manufacturers to take additional steps to limit costs. Retail prices for consumer entertainment products that include our audio technologies, such as home theater systems, have decreased significantly, and we expect prices to decrease for the foreseeable future. In response, OEMs have sought to reduce their product costs, which can result in additional downward pressure on the licensing fees we charge. Further, Dolby OptiView faces pricing pressure from other platforms offering similar solutions that may be able to offer competing services at lower prices.

Previous wording

Industry relationships have historically played an important role in the markets that we serve, particularly in the entertainment market. For example, sales of our products and services are particularly dependent upon our relationships with major film studios and broadcasters, and licensing of our technologies is particularly dependent upon our relationships with system licensees and IC manufacturers. Industry relationships also play an important role in other markets we serve; for instance, our relationships with companies building real-time digital experiences support the adoption of Dolby.io solutions. If we fail to maintain and strengthen our industry relationships, industry participants may be less likely to purchase and use our technologies, products, and services, create content incorporating our technologies, or develop standards that incorporate our technologies.

Current wording

Industry relationships have historically played an important role in the markets that we serve, particularly in the entertainment market. For example, sales of our products and services are particularly dependent upon our relationships with major film studios and broadcasters, and licensing of our technologies is particularly dependent upon our relationships with system licensees and IC manufacturers. Industry relationships also play an important role in other markets we serve; for instance, our relationships with companies building real-time digital experiences support the adoption of Dolby OptiView solutions. If we fail to maintain and strengthen our industry relationships, industry participants may be less likely to purchase and use our technologies, products, and services, create content incorporating our technologies, or develop standards that incorporate our technologies.

Previous wording

Our M&A activity is subject to certain risks, including risks associated with integrating acquired businesses. We evaluate a wide array of possible strategic transactions, including acquisitions. We consider these types of transactions in connection with, among other things, our efforts to strengthen our audio and cinema businesses and expand beyond audio technologies. Although we cannot predict whether or not we will complete any such acquisitions or other transactions in the future, any of these transactions could be significant in relation to our market capitalization, financial condition, or results of operations. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or technology may create unforeseen difficulties and expenditures. Foreign acquisitions involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to integration of operations across different geographies, cultures, and languages; currency risks; and risks associated with the economic, political, and regulatory environment in specific countries. Future acquisitions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, and write-offs of goodwill. Future acquisitions may also require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all, particularly during times of market volatility, elevated interest rates, and general economic instability. Also, the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions may not materialize.

Current wording

Our M&A activity is subject to certain risks, including risks associated with integrating acquired businesses. We evaluate a wide array of possible strategic transactions, including acquisitions. We consider these types of transactions in connection with, among other things, our efforts to strengthen our audio and cinema businesses and expand beyond audio technologies. Although we cannot predict whether or not we will complete any such acquisitions or other transactions in the future, any of these transactions could be significant in relation to our market capitalization, financial condition, or results of operations. Foreign acquisitions involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to integration of operations across different geographies, cultures, and languages; currency risks; and risks associated with the economic, political, and regulatory environment in specific countries. Future acquisitions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, and write-offs of goodwill. Future acquisitions may also require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all, particularly during times of market volatility, elevated interest rates, and general economic instability. Also, the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions may not materialize.

Previous wording

•Cultural and logistical challenges associated with integrating employees from acquired businesses into our organization;

Current wording

•Cultural and logistical challenges associated with integrating employees from acquired businesses into our organization and integrating acquired businesses' accounting, human resources, and other administrative systems with existing systems;

Previous wording

•Possible write-offs or impairment charges resulting from acquisitions;

Current wording

•Possible write-offs or impairment charges resulting from acquisitions; and

Previous wording

•Unanticipated or unknown liabilities relating to acquired businesses; and

Current wording

•Unanticipated or unknown liabilities relating to acquired businesses.

Previous wording

Conducting business internationally presents a number of risks to our business, including trade restrictions and changing, unpredictable, and/or inconsistent laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are dependent on international sales for a substantial amount of our total revenue. Approximately 61% and 63% of our revenue was derived outside of the U.S. in the fiscal quarters ended December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, respectively. We are subject to a number of risks related to conducting business internationally, including:

Current wording

Conducting business internationally presents a number of risks to our business, including trade restrictions and changing, unpredictable, and/or inconsistent laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are dependent on international sales for a substantial amount of our total revenue. Approximately 58% and 62% of our revenue was derived outside of the U.S. in the fiscal year-to-date periods ended March 28, 2025 and March 29, 2024, respectively. We are subject to a number of risks related to conducting business internationally, including:

Previous wording

•U.S. and foreign government trade restrictions or sanctions, including those which may impose restrictions on the importation or exportation of products, equipment, materials, software, technologies, services, on technology transfers, or on the receipt or collection of payments and distribution of royalties, and any political or economic responses or counter-responses to such restrictions or sanctions, including any such restrictions, sanctions, responses, or counter-responses related to global military conflicts or changes in US export controls related to China and other countries;

Current wording

•U.S. and foreign government trade restrictions or sanctions, including those which may impose restrictions on the importation or exportation of products, equipment, materials, software, technologies, services, on technology transfers, or on the receipt or collection of payments and distribution of royalties, and any political or economic responses or counter-responses to such restrictions or sanctions, including any such restrictions, sanctions, responses, or counter-responses related to global military conflicts, a trade war or changes in US export controls related to China and other countries;

Previous wording

•Changes in trade relationships, including new tariffs, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, trade embargoes and other trade barriers imposed by the U.S. or by other countries;

Current wording

•Changes in global trade or trade relationships, including new and retaliatory tariffs, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, trade agreements, trade embargoes and other trade barriers imposed by the U.S., China, or by other countries;

Previous wording

Changes in U.S. tax law, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act") and the Inflation Reduction Act, may affect our business. These provisions, their interpretations, and other proposed changes to law could further impact our corporate trading structure and adversely affect our tax rate and cash flow in future years.

Current wording

Changes in U.S. tax law, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, may affect our business. These provisions, their interpretations, and other proposed changes to law could further impact our corporate trading structure and adversely affect our tax rate and cash flow in future years.

Previous wording

In addition, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”), an international association of many countries including the U.S., has made changes to many long-standing transfer pricing and cross-border taxation rules that affect our operations. The OECD has introduced a framework to implement a 15% global minimum corporate tax, referred to as Pillar 2 or the minimum tax directive. The minimum tax directive has been adopted by the EU for implementation by its Member States into national legislation, several foreign jurisdictions, and may be adopted by other jurisdictions, including the U.S. Further, the OECD, European Commission, EU Member States and other individual countries have made and could make additional competing jurisdictional claims over the taxes owed on earnings of multinational companies in their respective countries or regions. To the extent these actions take place in the countries that we operate, it is possible that these law changes and efforts may increase uncertainty and have an adverse impact on our effective tax rates or operations.

Current wording

In addition, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”), an international association of many countries including the U.S., has made changes to many long-standing transfer pricing and cross-border taxation rules that affect our operations. The OECD has introduced a framework to implement a 15% global minimum corporate tax, referred to as Pillar 2 or the minimum tax directive. The minimum tax directive has been adopted by the EU for implementation by its Member States into national legislation, several foreign jurisdictions, and may be adopted by other jurisdictions. Further, the OECD, European Commission, EU Member States and other individual countries have made and could make additional competing jurisdictional claims over the taxes owed on earnings of multinational companies in their respective countries or regions. To the extent these actions take place in the countries that we operate, it is possible that these law changes and efforts may increase uncertainty and have an adverse impact on our effective tax rates or operations.

Previous wording

The Dolby family has control over stockholder decisions as a result of the control of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock by them and their affiliates. At December 27, 2024, the Dolby family and their affiliates owned 286,843 shares of our Class A common stock and 35,097,733 shares of our Class B common stock. As of December 27, 2024, the Dolby family and their affiliates had voting power of 99.8% of our outstanding Class B common stock, which combined with their shares of our Class A common stock, represented 85.1% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock. Under our certificate of incorporation, holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share while holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Generally, shares of Class B common stock automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock upon transfer of such Class B common stock, other than transfers to certain specified persons and entities, including the spouse and descendants of Ray Dolby and the spouses and domestic partners of such descendants.

Current wording

The Dolby family has control over stockholder decisions as a result of the control of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock by them and their affiliates. At March 28, 2025, the Dolby family and their affiliates owned 289,795 shares of our Class A common stock and 34,587,733 shares of our Class B common stock. As of March 28, 2025, the Dolby family and their affiliates had voting power of 99.8% of our outstanding Class B common stock, which combined with their shares of our Class A common stock, represented 84.8% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock. Under our certificate of incorporation, holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share while holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Generally, shares of Class B common stock automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock upon transfer of such Class B common stock, other than transfers to certain specified persons and entities, including the spouse and descendants of Ray Dolby and the spouses and domestic partners of such descendants.

Previous wording

Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, elevated interest rates, and supply chain constraints have impacted and may continue to impact the markets we serve and our business and results of operations. Our revenue and operations and the markets we serve have been, and may continue to be, impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to, inflation, elevated interest rates, supply chain constraints, increased shipping costs, international conflicts, reduced discretionary consumer spending, and reduced new product investment by our customers caused by elevated interest rates and lower demand. The current macroeconomic environment has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, many of our licensees and that directly impacts, and may continue to impact, our financial results. The impacts of the current macroeconomic environment on our partners have resulted in, and may continue to cause, the disruption of consumer products' supply chains, shortages of certain semiconductor components, and delays in shipments, product development, and product launches. The macroeconomic conditions also impart substantial uncertainty into our operating environment, which presents additional challenges for our business. These factors and the related uncertainty may cause delays or a decrease in the adoption or implementation of our technologies into new products by partners and licensees. These conditions may impact consumer demand for devices and services and our partners’ ability to manufacture devices. Further, we may be negatively impacted by delays in transaction cycles and our recoveries efforts due to the noted macroeconomic conditions and related uncertainty. The future implications of these macroeconomic conditions on our business, the markets we serve, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain.

Current wording

Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, elevated interest rates, and supply chain constraints have impacted and may continue to impact the markets we serve and our business and results of operations. Our revenue and operations and the markets we serve have been, and may continue to be, impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to, inflation, elevated interest rates, supply chain constraints, increased shipping costs, tariffs and changes in international trade relations, international conflicts, reduced discretionary consumer spending, and reduced new product investment by our customers caused by elevated interest rates and lower demand. The current macroeconomic environment has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, many of our licensees and that directly impacts, and may continue to impact, our financial results. The impacts of the current macroeconomic environment on our partners have resulted in, and may continue to cause, the disruption of consumer products' supply chains, shortages of certain semiconductor components, and delays in shipments, product development, and product launches. The macroeconomic conditions also impart substantial uncertainty into our operating environment, which presents additional challenges for our business. These factors and the related uncertainty may cause delays or a decrease in the adoption or implementation of our technologies into new products by partners and licensees. These conditions may impact consumer demand for devices and services and our partners’ ability to manufacture devices. Further, we may be negatively impacted by delays in transaction cycles and our recoveries efforts due to the noted macroeconomic conditions and related uncertainty. The future implications of these macroeconomic conditions on our business, the markets we serve, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain.

Previous wording

The following table provides information regarding our share repurchases made under the program during the first quarter of fiscal 2025:

Current wording

The following table provides information regarding our share repurchases made under the program during the second quarter of fiscal 2025:
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or technology into our organization may create challenges to our business, including:
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Reporting practices and uncertainty may result in fluctuations in our royalty revenue from period to period.