10-K 1 vishayintertech_10k.htm ANNUAL REPORT
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file number 1-7416
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware | 38-1686453
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS employer identification no.)

63 Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2143
(Address of principal executive offices)
(610) 644-1300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, $0.10 par value | New York Stock Exchange
(Title of class) | (Exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ý
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

| Large accelerated filer | ý |  | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ |  | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |  |  |  |

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ý
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter ($16.60 on July 1, 2017), assuming conversion of all of its Class B common stock held by non-affiliates into common stock of the registrant, was $2,237,000,000. There is no non-voting stock outstanding.
As of February 14, 2018, registrant had 132,007,719 shares of its common stock and 12,097,427 shares of its Class B common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III.

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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017
CONTENTS

PART I |
Item 1. Business | 4
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 15
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments | 21
Item 2. Properties | 22
Item 3. Legal Proceedings | 23
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 24
Executive Officers of the Registrant | 25
PART II |
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 26
Item 6. Selected Financial Data | 28
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 30
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 60
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 62
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 62
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures | 62
Item 9B. Other Information | 63
PART III |
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance | 63
Item 11. Executive Compensation | 63
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 63
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 63
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services | 63
PART IV |
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | 64
SIGNATURES | 67
Consolidated Financial Statements |
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 | F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | F-8
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 | F-9
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | F-10

3

PART I

Item 1. |  | BUSINESS

Our Business
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. ("Vishay," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of discrete semiconductors and passive components. Semiconductors include MOSFETs, diodes, and optoelectronic components. Passive components include resistive products, capacitors, and inductors. Discrete semiconductors and passive components are essential elements of virtually every type of electronic circuit. They support the microprocessor chips and other integrated circuits ("ICs") that coordinate and control the functions of electronic devices and equipment. We offer our customers "one-stop shop" access to one of the most comprehensive electronic component product lines of any manufacturer in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Our semiconductor components are used for a wide variety of functions, including power control, power conversion, power management, signal switching, signal routing, signal blocking, signal amplification, two-way data transfer, one-way remote control, and circuit isolation. Our passive components are used to restrict current flow, suppress voltage increases, store and discharge energy, control alternating current ("AC") and voltage, filter out unwanted electrical signals, and perform other functions. Our components are used in virtually every type of product that contains electronic circuitry, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, power supplies, military, aerospace, and medical markets.
The Vishay Story
In the 1950's, the late Dr. Felix Zandman, Vishay's founder, was issued patents for his PhotoStress® coatings and instruments, used to reveal and measure the distribution of stresses in structures such as airplanes and cars under live load conditions. His research in this area led him to develop Bulk Metal® foil resistors – ultra-precise, ultra-stable resistors with performance far beyond any other resistor available to date.
In 1962, Dr. Zandman, with a loan from the late Alfred P. Slaner, founded Vishay to develop and manufacture Bulk Metal foil resistors. Concurrently, J.E. Starr developed foil resistance strain gages, which also became part of Vishay. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, Vishay established itself as a technical and market leader in foil resistors, PhotoStress products, and strain gages. These products were included with the measurements and foil resistor businesses that we spun off into an independent, publicly-traded company named Vishay Precision Group, Inc. ("Vishay Precision Group" or "VPG") through a tax-free stock dividend to our stockholders on July 6, 2010.
In 1985, Vishay began to expand its product line through various strategic acquisitions, including the resistor companies Dale Electronics, Draloric Electronic, and Sfernice. In the early 1990's, Vishay applied its acquisition strategy to the capacitor market, with the major acquisitions of Sprague Electric, Roederstein, and Vitramon. In 2002, Vishay acquired BCcomponents, the former passive components business of Philips Electronics and Beyschlag, which greatly enhanced Vishay's global market position in passive components. Over the years, we have made several smaller passive components acquisitions to gain market share, penetrate different geographic markets, enhance new product development, round out our product lines, or grow our high margin niche businesses. These include Electro-Films, Cera-Mite, and Spectrol in 2000; Tansitor and North American Capacitor Company (Mallory) in 2001; the thin film interconnect business of Aeroflex in 2004; Phoenix do Brasil in 2006; the wet tantalum capacitor business of KEMET Corporation in 2008; the resistor businesses of Huntington Electric in 2011; HiRel Systems in 2012; MCB Industrie in 2013; Holy Stone Polytech in 2014; and UltraSource in 2018.
In the late 1990's, Vishay began expanding its product lines to include discrete semiconductors. In 1998, Vishay acquired the Semiconductor Business Group of TEMIC, which included Telefunken and an 80.4% interest in Siliconix, producers of MOSFETs, RF transistors, diodes, optoelectronics, and power and analog switching integrated circuits. Vishay's next semiconductor acquisition came in 2001, with the purchase of the infrared components business of Infineon Technologies, which was followed the same year by Vishay's acquisition of General Semiconductor, a leading global manufacturer of rectifiers and diodes. In 2005, Vishay made a successful tender offer for the minority interest in Siliconix. In 2007, Vishay acquired the Power Control Systems business of International Rectifier, further enhancing our product offerings. These acquisitions propelled Vishay into the top ranks of discrete semiconductor manufacturers. In 2014, Vishay increased its position in optoelectronic sensors through its acquisition of Capella, a fabless IC design company specializing in optoelectronic components.
We continue to implement the vision, strategy, and culture articulated by Dr. Zandman as we continue to work tirelessly to enhance value for our stockholders.
Vishay was incorporated in Delaware in 1962 and maintains its principal executive offices at 63 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2143. Our telephone number is (610) 644-1300.
4

Our Competitive Strengths
Global Technology Leader
We were founded based on the inventions of Dr. Felix Zandman and we continue to emphasize technological innovation as a driver of growth. Many of our products and manufacturing techniques, technologies, and packaging methods have been invented, designed, and developed by Dr. Zandman, our engineers, and our scientists. We are currently a worldwide technology and market leader in wirewound and other power resistors, leaded film resistors, thin film SMD resistors, wet and conformal-coated tantalum capacitors, capacitors for power electronics, power rectifiers, low-voltage power MOSFETs, and infrared components.
Research and Development Provides Customer-Driven Growth Solutions
We maintain strategically placed application and product support centers where proximity to customers and our manufacturing locations enables us to more easily gauge and satisfy the needs of local markets. The breadth of our product portfolio along with the proximity of our field application engineers to customers provides increased opportunities to have our components selected and designed into new end products by customers in all relevant market segments. We also maintain research and development personnel and promote programs at a number of our production facilities to develop new products and new applications of existing products, and to improve manufacturing processes and technologies. We plan to grow our business and increase earnings per share, in part, through accelerating the development of new products and technologies and increasing design-in opportunities by expanding our technical resources for providing solutions to customers.
Operational Excellence
We are a leading manufacturer in our industry, with a broad product portfolio, access to a wide range of end markets and sales channels, and geographic diversity. We have solid, well-established relationships with our customers and strong distribution channels. Our senior management team is highly experienced, with deep industry knowledge. Over the past two decades, our management team has successfully restructured our company and integrated several acquisitions. We can adapt our operations to changing economic conditions, as demonstrated by our ability to remain profitable and generate cash through the volatile economic cycle of the recent past.
Broad Market Penetration
We have one of the broadest product lines of discrete semiconductors and passive components among our competitors. Our broad product portfolio allows us to penetrate markets in all industry segments and all regions, which reduces our exposure to a particular end market or geographic location. We plan to grow our business and increase earnings per share, in part, through improving market penetration by expanding manufacturing facilities for our most successful products, increasing technical resources, and developing markets for specialty products in Asia. Our net revenues for the following applicable periods were attributable to customers in the following regions:

|  | Years Ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Asia |  |  | 42 | % |  |  | 41 | % |  |  | 40 | %
Europe |  |  | 35 | % |  |  | 35 | % |  |  | 34 | %
Americas |  |  | 23 | % |  |  | 24 | % |  |  | 26 | %

The share of net revenues by end market was as follows:

|  | Years Ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Industrial |  |  | 36 | % |  |  | 34 | % |  |  | 35 | %
Automotive |  |  | 28 | % |  |  | 28 | % |  |  | 26 | %
Computing |  |  | 8 | % |  |  | 7 | % |  |  | 8 | %
Telecommunications |  |  | 7 | % |  |  | 8 | % |  |  | 10 | %
Consumer Products |  |  | 6 | % |  |  | 7 | % |  |  | 7 | %
Power Supplies |  |  | 6 | % |  |  | 6 | % |  |  | 5 | %
Military and Aerospace |  |  | 5 | % |  |  | 6 | % |  |  | 5 | %
Medical |  |  | 4 | % |  |  | 4 | % |  |  | 4 | %

5

Strong Track Record of Growth through Acquisitions
Since 1985, we have expanded our product line through various strategic acquisitions, growing from a small manufacturer of precision resistors and resistance strain gages to one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of a broad line of electronic components. We have successfully integrated the acquired companies within our existing management and operational structure, reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses through the integration or elimination of redundant sales and administrative functions, creating manufacturing synergies, while improving customer service. We plan to grow our business and increase earnings per share, in part, through targeted acquisitions. We have often targeted high margin niche business acquisitions. We also target strategic acquisitions of businesses with technology and engineering capabilities that we can use to grow our business.
Strong Free Cash Flow Generation
We refer to the amount of cash generated from operations in excess of our capital expenditure needs and net of proceeds from the sale of assets as "free cash" (see "Overview" included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for "free cash" definition and reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")). Due to our strong operational management, cost control measures, efficient capital expenditures, broad product portfolio, and strong market position, we have generated positive "free cash" in each of the past 21 years and "free cash" in excess of $80 million in each of the past 16 years. We expect the benefits of our restructuring and other cost cutting measures (see "Cost Management" included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations") to contribute to our "free cash" generation going forward.
Financial Strength and Flexibility
As of December 31, 2017, our cash and short-term investment balance exceeded our debt balance by $924.7 million. We also maintain a credit facility, which provides a revolving commitment of up to $640 million through December 10, 2020, of which $486.2 million was available as of December 31, 2017. Our net cash position and short-term investment balance, available revolving commitment, and strong "free cash" flow generation provide financial strength and flexibility and reduce our exposure to future economic uncertainties.
Our Key Challenges
Economic Environment
Our business and operating results have been and will continue to be impacted by the global economy and the local economies in which our customers operate. Our revenues are dependent on end markets that are impacted by fluctuating consumer and industrial demand, and our operating results can be adversely affected by reduced demand in those markets.
Competition
Our business is highly competitive worldwide, with low transportation costs and few import barriers. Our major competitors, some of which are larger than us, have significant financial resources and technological capabilities. To continue to grow our business successfully, we need to continually develop, introduce, and market new and innovative products, modify existing products, respond to technological change, and customize certain products to meet customer requirements.
Continuous Innovation and Protection of Intellectual Property
Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have licenses to use, numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.
Continuing to Grow through Acquisitions
Our long-term historical growth in revenues and net earnings has resulted in large part from our strategy of growth through acquisitions. For this strategy to remain successful, we need to continue to identify attractive and available acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions on favorable terms, and integrate new businesses, manufacturing processes, employees, and logistical arrangements into our existing management and operating infrastructure.
For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A.
6

Key Business Strategies
Since our first acquisition in 1985, we have pursued a business strategy that principally consists of the following elements:
Invest in Innovation to Drive Growth
We plan to continue to use our research and development ("R&D"), engineering, and product marketing resources to continually roll out new and innovative products. As part of our plan to foster intensified internal growth, we have increased our worldwide R&D and engineering technical staff, and increased our technical field sales force in Asia to increase opportunities to design-in our products in local markets. Our ability to react to changing customer needs and industry trends will continue to be key to our success. We intend to leverage our insights into customer demand to continually develop new innovative products within our existing lines and to modify our existing core products to make them more appealing, addressing changing customer needs and industry trends.
We are directing increased funding and are focusing on developing products to capitalize on the connectivity, mobility, and sustainability growth drivers of our business.
Cost Management
We place a strong emphasis on controlling our costs. We focus on controlling fixed costs and reducing variable costs. When our ongoing cost management activities are not adequate, we take actions to maintain our cost competitiveness including restructuring our business to improve efficiency and operating performance.
Growth through Strategic Acquisitions
We plan to continue to expand within the electronic components industry, through the acquisition of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product innovation, quality, and reliability, strong customer bases, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and technical expertise.
Customer Service Excellence
We maintain significant production facilities in those regions where we market the bulk of our products in order to enhance the service and responsiveness that we provide to our customers. We aim to further strengthen our relationships with customers and strategic partners by providing broad product lines that allow us to provide "one-stop shop" service, whereby they can streamline their design and purchasing processes by ordering multiple types of products.
Our growth plan was designed based on the tenets of the key business strategies listed above.
7

Products
We design, manufacture, and market electronic components that cover a wide range of functions and technologies. Our product portfolio includes:

MOSFETs Segment | Resistors & Inductors Segment, continued
MOSFETs | Film Resistors, continued
• Low-Voltage TrenchFET® Power MOSFETs | • Power Thick Film Resistors
• Medium-Voltage Power MOSFETs | • Metal Oxide Film Resistors
• High-Voltage Planar MOSFETs | • Carbon Film Resistors
• High-Voltage Super Junction MOSFETs | Wirewound Resistors
• Automotive-Grade MOSFETs | • Vitreous, Cemented, and Housed Resistors
ICs | • Braking and Neutral Grounding Resistors
• VRPower® DrMOS Integrated Power Stages | • Custom Load Banks
• Power Management and Power Control ICs | Power Metal Strip® Resistors
• Smart Load Switches | Battery Management Shunts
• Analog Switches and Multiplexers | Crowbar and Steel Blade Resistors
| Thermo Fuses
Diodes Segment | Chip Fuses
Rectifiers | Pyrotechnic Initiators / Igniters
• Schottky Rectifiers | Variable Resistors
• Ultra-Fast Recovery Rectifiers | • Cermet Variable Resistors
• Standard and Fast Recovery Rectifiers | • Wirewound Variable Resistors
• High-Power Rectifiers/Diodes | • Conductive Plastic Variable Resistors
• Bridge Rectifiers | • Contactless Potentiometers
Small-Signal Diodes | • Hall Effect Position Sensors
• Schottky and Switching Diodes | • Precision Magnetic Encoders
• Zener Diodes | Networks/Arrays
• RF PIN Diodes | RF and Microwave Resistors
Protection Diodes | High Voltage Resistors
• TVS TransZorb® and PAR® (uni-directional, bi-directional) | Dividers
• ESD Protection Diodes (including arrays) | Non-Linear Resistors and Temperature Sensors
Thyristors/SCR | • NTC Thermistors
• Phase-Control Thyristors | • PTC Thermistors
• Fast Thyristors | • Thin Film RTDs
Power Modules | • Varistors
• Input Modules (diodes and thyristors) | Magnetics
• Output & Switching Modules (contain MOSFETs, IGBTs, and diodes) | • Power Inductors
• Custom Modules | • Power Chokes
| • High Frequency RF Inductors
Optoelectronic Components Segment | • Magnetic Actuators
Infrared Emitters and Detectors | • Wireless Charging Coils
Optical Sensors | • Planar Devices
• Proximity | • Transformers
• Ambient Light | • Custom Magnetics
• Light Index (RGBW, UV, IR) | Connectors
• Humidity |
• Quadrant Sensors | Capacitors Segment
• Transmissive | Tantalum Capacitors
• Reflective | • Molded Chip Tantalum Capacitors
Infrared Remote Control Receivers | • Molded Chip Polymer Tantalum Capacitors
Optocouplers | • Tantalum MAP Capacitors
• Phototransistor, Photodarlington | • Polymer Tantalum MAP Capacitors
• Linear | • Coated Chip Tantalum Capacitors
• Phototriac | • Solid Through-Hole Tantalum Capacitors
• High Speed | • Wet Tantalum Capacitors
• IGBT and MOSFET Driver | Ceramic Capacitors
Solid-State Relays | • Multilayer Chip Capacitors
LEDs and 7-Segment Displays | • Disc Capacitors
Infrared Data Transceiver Modules | • Multilayer Chip RF Capacitors
Custom Products | • Chip Antennas
| • Thin Film Capacitors
Resistors & Inductors Segment | Film Capacitors
Film Resistors | Power Capacitors
• Metal Film Resistors | Heavy-Current Capacitors
• Thin Film Resistors | Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
• Thick Film Resistors | ENYCAPTM Energy Storage Capacitors

We promote our ability to provide "one-stop shop" service to customers, whereby they can streamline their design and purchasing processes by ordering multiple types of products from Vishay. Our technical sales force consisting of field application engineers offers customers the complete breadth of the Vishay portfolio for their applications. We aim to use this broad portfolio to increase opportunities to have our components selected and "designed in" to new end products.
8

Product Segments
Our products can be divided into two general classes: semiconductors and passive components. Semiconductors are sometimes referred to as "active components" because they require power to function whereas passive components do not require power to function. Our semiconductor and passive components products are further categorized based on their functionality for financial reporting purposes. See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on revenues, income, and total assets by segment.
Semiconductors
Our semiconductor products include metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors ("MOSFETs"), Diodes, and Optoelectronic Components. Semiconductors are typically used to perform functions such as switching, amplifying, rectifying, routing, or transmitting electrical signals, power conversion, and power management.
MOSFETs Segment
MOSFETs function as solid state switches to control power. Our MOSFETs business includes both the commodity and non-commodity markets in which we believe that we enjoy a good reputation and strong brand recognition (Siliconix). MOSFETs applications include mobile phones, notebook and desktop computers, tablet computers, digital cameras, televisions, DC/DC and AC/DC switch mode power supplies, solar inverters, automotive and industrial systems. We are a leader in low-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs and also offer high-voltage MOSFETs. Our MOSFETs product line includes low- and medium-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs, high-voltage planar MOSFETs, high voltage Super Junction MOSFETs, power integrated circuits (power ICs), and integrated function power devices. We are one of the technology leaders in MOSFETs, with a tradition of innovation in wafer design, packaging, and performance.
Diodes Segment
Diodes route, regulate, and block radio frequency, analog, and power signals; protect systems from surges or electrostatic discharge damage; or provide electromagnetic interference filtering. Our Diodes business is a solid business with a strong market presence in both the commodity and non-commodity markets. The products that comprise our Diodes business represent our broadest product line and include rectifiers, small signal diodes, protection diodes, thyristors/SCRs and power modules. The primary application of rectifiers, found inside the power supplies of virtually all electronic equipment, is to derive DC power from the AC supply. Vishay is the worldwide leader in rectifiers, having a broad technology base and a good position in automotive, industrial, computing and consumer markets. Our rectifier innovations include TMBS® using Trench MOS barrier Schottky rectifier technology, which reduces power loss and improves the efficiency of end systems and eSMP®, the best in class high-current density surface mount packages. Our wide selection of small signal diodes consist of the following functions: switching, tuning, band-switching, RF attenuation and voltage regulation (Zener). They are available in various glass and plastic packaging options and generally are used in electronic circuits, where small currents and high frequencies are involved. Vishay is also one of the market leaders for TVS (transient voltage suppressor) diodes. The portfolio of protection diodes includes ESD protection and EMI filter. Our thyristors or SCR (silicon-controlled rectifiers) are very popular in the industrial high-voltage AC power control applications. The fast growing markets of solar inverter and HEV/EV are the focus of our power modules business (IGBT or MOSFET modules). These modules can be customized to fit in different customer design requirements.
Optoelectronic Components Segment
Optoelectronic components emit light, detect light, or do both. Our Optoelectronic Components business has a strong market presence in both the commodity and non-commodity markets. Our broad range of standard and customer specific optoelectronic components includes infrared ("IR") emitters and detectors, IR remote control receivers, optocouplers, solid-state relays, optical sensors, light-emitting diodes ("LEDs"), 7-segment displays, and IR data transceiver modules (IrDA®). Our IR remote control receivers are designed for use in infrared remote control, data transmission, and light barrier applications in end products including televisions, set-top boxes, notebook computers, and audio systems. We are the leading manufacturer of IR remote control receivers. Our optocouplers electrically isolate input and output signals. Uses include switch-mode power supplies, consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, solar inverters, and industrial systems. Our IR data transceiver modules are used for short range, two-way, high-speed, and secure wireless data transfer between electronic devices such as home medical appliances, mobile phones, industrial data loggers, and metering. Our optical sensors product line was considerably strengthened by our acquisition of Capella in 2014. Our optical sensors products include ambient light sensors, optical encoders, integrated photodiode and I/V amplifiers, proximity sensors, color sensors, and UV sensors. Applications include telecommunications, mobile phones, smartphone, handheld devices, digital cameras, laptops, desktop computers, LED backlighting, office automation equipment, household electrical appliance and automotive electronics. Our LEDs are designed for backlighting and illumination in automotive and other applications. Our LEDs include ultra-bright as well as small surface-mount packages, with products available in all standard colors including white.
9

Passive Components
Our passive components include resistors, capacitors, and magnetics such as inductors and transformers. Passive components are used to store electrical charges, to limit or resist electrical current, and to help in filtering, surge suppression, measurement, timing, and tuning applications.
Resistors and Inductors Segment
Resistors and inductors both impede electric current. Resistors are basic components used in all forms of electronic circuitry to adjust and regulate levels of voltage and current. Inductors use an internal magnetic field to change alternating current phase and resist alternating current. Our Resistors and Inductors business is our original business. We maintain the broadest portfolio of resistor products worldwide. Under current market conditions, the business is solid, predictable, and growing at relatively stable selling prices. We are a market leader with a strong technology base, many specialty products, and strong brand recognition (such as our Dale, Draloric, Beyschlag, Sfernice, and HiRel Systems brands). We focus on higher value markets in specialized industries, while maintaining a complete portfolio of commodity products. We do not aim to be the volume leader in commodity markets.
Resistors vary widely in precision and cost, and are manufactured from numerous materials and in many forms. Linear resistive components are classified as variable or fixed, depending on whether or not their resistance is adjustable. Non-linear resistors function by varying in resistance under influence of temperature (thermistors) or voltage (varistors). They can be used in temperature-measuring applications or as current or voltage-limiting devices. We manufacture virtually all types of fixed resistors, both in discrete and network forms, as well as many variable types.
Vishay resistor innovations include Power Metal Strip® technology. These resistors feature very low resistance and are used to measure changes in current flow (current sensing) or divert current flow (shunting).
Inductor applications include controlling AC current and voltage, filtering out unwanted electrical signals, and energy storage. Vishay inductor innovations include IHLP® low-profile, high-current inductor technology with industry-leading specifications, which is patented and generates royalty revenue. Our low-profile, high-current inductors save circuit board space and power in voltage regulator module ("VRM") and DC to DC converter applications. In addition, we are a worldwide leader in custom magnetic solutions focusing on high performance and high reliability. This field has been substantially strengthened, with the 2012 acquisition of HiRel Systems, broadening our portfolio, customer, and market segment reach.
Capacitors Segment
Capacitors store energy and discharge it when needed. Our Capacitors business consists of a broad range of reliable, high-quality products. We have a strong presence worldwide in specialty markets based on our product performance and reliability and strong brand recognition (including our Sprague, Vitramon, Roederstein, BCcomponents, and ESTA brands). We focus on higher value markets in specialized industries, while maintaining a complete portfolio of commodity products. We do not aim to be the volume leader in commodity markets. Capacitors are used in almost all electronic circuits. They store energy and discharge it when needed. Important applications for capacitors include electronic filtering for linear and switching power supplies; decoupling and bypass of electronic signals for integrated circuits and circuit boards; and frequency control, timing and conditioning of electronic signals for a broad range of applications.
We manufacture products based on all major capacitor technologies: tantalum (molded chip tantalum, coated chip tantalum, solid through-hole tantalum, wet tantalum, and polymer), ceramic (multilayer chip and ceramic disc), film, power, heavy-current, and aluminum electrolytic. Our capacitors range from tiny surface-mount devices for hearing aids and mobile devices to large power correction capacitors used in renewable energy, heavy industry, and electrical power grids. We are a recognized technology leader in many product ranges, securing our strong position in military and medical markets, and in a wide range of industrial and automotive applications. Our wet tantalum and MicroTan™ technologies are market leaders.
10

Military Qualifications
We have qualified certain of our products under various military specifications approved and monitored by United States government agencies, and under certain European military specifications. Qualification levels are based in part upon the rate of failure of products. In order to maintain the classification level of a product, we must continuously perform tests on the product and the results of these tests must be reported to the government agencies. If the product fails to meet the requirements for the applicable classification level, the product's classification may be reduced to a lower level. During the time that the classification level is reduced for a product with military application, net revenues and earnings attributable to that product may be adversely affected.
Manufacturing Operations
In order to better serve our customers, we maintain production facilities in locations where we market the bulk of our products, such as the United States, Germany, and Asia. To optimize production efficiencies, we have whenever practicable established manufacturing facilities in countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the People's Republic of China, and the Philippines, where we can benefit from lower labor and tax costs and also benefit from various government incentives, including grants and tax relief.
One of our most sophisticated manufacturing operations is the production of power semiconductor components. This manufacturing process involves two phases of production: wafer fabrication and assembly (or packaging). Wafer fabrication subjects silicon wafers to various thermal, metallurgical, and chemical process steps that change their electrical and physical properties. These process steps define cells or circuits within numerous individual devices (termed "dies" or "chips") on each wafer. Assembly is the sequence of production steps that divides the wafer into individual chips and encloses the chips in structures (termed "packages") that make them usable in a circuit. Both wafer fabrication and assembly phases incorporate wafer level and device level electrical testing to ensure that device design integrity has been achieved.
In the United States, our manufacturing facilities are located in California, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In Asia, our main manufacturing facilities are located in the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), India, and Malaysia. In Europe, our main manufacturing facilities are located in Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. We have substantial manufacturing facilities in Israel. We also have manufacturing facilities in Austria, Dominican Republic, Japan, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, and the Philippines. Over the past several years, we have invested substantial resources to increase the efficiency of our plants, which we believe will further reduce production costs.
All of our manufacturing operations have received ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 is a comprehensive set of quality program standards developed by the International Standards Organization.
See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for financial information by geographic area.
Sources of Supplies
Although most materials incorporated in our products are available from a number of sources, certain materials, including plastics and metals, are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers or are subject to significant price volatility.
Silicon wafers are the most important raw material for the manufacturing of our semiconductor products. Silicon wafers are manufactured from high-purity silicon, a metalloid. There have at times been industry-wide shortages of high-purity silicon resulting primarily from growing demand of the electronic component and solar power industries, and limited growth in high-purity silicon manufacturing capacities. Shifts in demand for high-purity silicon and in turn, silicon wafers, have resulted in significant fluctuation in prices of silicon wafers.
We are a major consumer of the world's annual production of tantalum, a metal used in the manufacturing of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder.
Certain materials, in addition to tantalum and including tin, tungsten, and gold are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers, the source for which may be in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") or an adjoining country. We are working toward the elimination of materials that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries from our supply chain.
Palladium, a metal used to produce multi-layer ceramic capacitors, is currently found primarily in South Africa and Russia. Palladium is a commodity metal that is subject to price volatility. We periodically enter into short-term commitments to purchase palladium.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products, such as copper, are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget.
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Inventory and Backlog
We manufacture both standardized products and those designed and produced to meet customer specifications. We maintain an inventory of standardized components and monitor the backlog of outstanding orders for our products.
We include in our backlog only open orders that we expect to ship in the next twelve months. Many of our customers encounter uncertain and changing demand for their products. They typically order products from us based on their forecasts. If demand falls below customers' forecasts, or if customers do not control their inventory effectively, they may cancel or reschedule the shipments included in our backlog, in many instances without the payment of any penalty. Therefore, our backlog at any point in time is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
Customers and Marketing
We sell our products to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), electronic manufacturing services ("EMS") companies, which manufacture for OEMs on an outsourcing basis, and independent distributors that maintain large inventories of electronic components for resale to OEMs and EMS companies. The distribution of sales by customer type for 2017 is shown below:

Distributors |  |  | 57 | %
OEMs |  |  | 36 | %
EMS companies |  |  | 7 | %

Our sales organizations are regionally based. While our sales and support procedures are typically similar across all regions, we remain flexible in our ability to offer programs tailored to our customers' specific support requirements in each local area. The aim of our sales organizations is supporting our customers across all product lines, developing new design wins, negotiating contracts, and providing general commercial support as would normally be expected of a large multi-national sales force.
We have an established Strategic Global Account program, which provides each of our top customers with a dedicated Strategic Global Account Manager. Our Strategic Global Account Managers are typically highly experienced salesmen or saleswomen who are capable of providing key customers with the coordination and management visibility required in a complex multi-product business relationship. They typically coordinate the sales, pricing, contract, logistic, quality, and other aspects of the customer's business requirements. The Strategic Global Account Manager normally is the focal point of communication between Vishay and our main customers. We maintain a similar program for our strategic distributors as well.
We work with our customers so that our products are incorporated into the design of electronic equipment at the earliest stages of development and to provide technical and applications support. In addition to our staff of direct field sales personnel, independent manufacturers' representatives, and distributors, our Business Development group maintains teams of dedicated Field Application Engineers ("FAEs") to assist our customers in solving technical problems and in developing products to meet specific customer application needs using our entire product portfolio to provide support for our customers' engineering needs. Organized by market segment, our Business Development FAEs bring specific knowledge of component applications in their areas of expertise in the automotive, telecommunications, computer, consumer/entertainment, industrial, peripherals, digital consumer, and other market segments. With the ultimate goal of a Vishay "design-in" – the process by which our customers specify a Vishay component in their products – this program offers our customers enhanced access to all Vishay technologies while at the same time increasing design wins, and ultimately sales, for us. Most importantly, the process is closely monitored via a proprietary database developed by our Business Development group. Our database captures specific design activities and allows for real-time measurement of new business potential for our management team.
Our top 30 customers have been relatively stable despite not having long-term commitments to purchase our products. With selected customers, we have signed longer term (greater than one year) contracts for specific products. Net revenues from our top 30 customers represent approximately 70% of our total net revenues. No single customer comprises more than 10% of our total net revenues.
In certain areas we also work with sales representatives. The commission expense for these sales representatives is not material.
Research and Development
Many of our products and manufacturing techniques, technologies, and packaging methods have been invented, designed, and developed by Dr. Felix Zandman, our engineers, and our scientists. We maintain strategically placed design centers where proximity to customers enables us to more easily gauge and satisfy the needs of local markets. These design centers are located predominantly in the United States, Germany, Italy, Israel, the People's Republic of China, France, and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
We also employ research and development personnel and promote programs at a number of our production facilities to develop new products and new applications of existing products and to improve manufacturing processes and technologies. This decentralized system encourages product development at individual manufacturing facilities, closer to our customers.
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Competition
We face strong competition in various product lines from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Our primary competitors by product type include:

| · | MOSFETs: Infineon, Nexperia, ON Semiconductor, Rohm, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba.

| · | Diodes: Diodes, Inc., Infineon, Nexperia, ON Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics.

| · | Optoelectronic Components: Broadcom, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Rohm, Sharp, Toshiba.

| · | Resistors and Inductors: Bourns, KOA, Murata, Panasonic, Rohm, TDK-EPCOS, Yageo.

| · | Capacitors: AVX, KEMET, Murata, Nichicon, Panasonic, TDK-EPCOS, Yageo.

There are many other companies that produce products in the markets in which we compete.
Our competitive position depends on our ability to maintain a competitive advantage on the basis of product quality, know-how, proprietary data, market knowledge, service capability, technological innovation, business reputation, and price competitiveness. Our sales and marketing programs aim to compete by offering our customers a broad range of world-class technologies and products, superior global sales and distribution support, and a secure and multi-location source of product supply.
Recently there has been a considerable amount of consolidation activity in the electronic component industry, some of which involved our primary competitors. We view the industry consolidation as an opportunity for us to gain business as an independent second-source supplier.
Patents and Licenses
We have made a significant investment in securing intellectual property protection for our technology and products. We seek to protect our technology by, among other things, filing patent applications for technology considered important to the development of our business. We also rely upon trade secrets, unpatented know-how, continuing technological innovation, and the aggressive pursuit of licensing opportunities to help develop and maintain our competitive position.
Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under, numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.
We require all of our technical, research and development, sales and marketing, and management employees and most consultants and other advisors to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the entity or individual during the course of the entity's or individual's relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific circumstances. Substantially all of our technical, research and development, sales and marketing, and management employees have entered into agreements providing for the assignment to us of rights to inventions made by them while employed by us.
When we believe other companies are misappropriating our intellectual property rights, we vigorously enforce those rights through legal action, and we intend to continue to do so. See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings."
Although we have numerous United States and foreign patents covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes, no particular patent is considered individually material to our business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 23,000 full time employees, of whom approximately 91% were located outside the United States. Our future success is substantially dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical and administrative personnel. Some of our employees outside the United States are members of trade unions, and employees at one U.S. facility are represented by a trade union. Our relationship with our employees is generally good. However, no assurance can be given that, if we continue to restructure our operations and/or reduce employee hours in response to changing economic conditions, labor unrest or strikes will not occur.
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Environment, Health and Safety
We have adopted an Environmental Health and Safety Corporate Policy that commits us to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws, to promote proper management of hazardous materials for the safety of our employees and the protection of the environment, and to minimize the hazardous materials generated in the course of our operations. This policy is implemented with accountability directly to the Board of Directors. In addition, our manufacturing operations are subject to various federal, state, and local laws restricting discharge of materials into the environment.
We are involved in environmental remediation programs at various sites currently or formerly owned by us and our subsidiaries both within and outside of the U.S., in addition to involvement as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") at Superfund sites. Certain obligations as a PRP have arisen in connection with business acquisitions. The remediation programs are on-going and the ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations and alternative cleanup methods. See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings."
We are not involved in any pending or threatened proceedings that would require curtailment of our operations. We continually expend funds to ensure that our facilities comply with applicable environmental regulations. While we believe that we are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws, we cannot accurately predict future developments and do not necessarily have knowledge of all past occurrences on sites that we currently occupy. More stringent environmental regulations may be enacted in the future, and we cannot determine the modifications, if any, in our operations that any such future regulations might require, or the cost of compliance with such regulations. Moreover, the risk of environmental liability and remediation costs is inherent in the nature of our business and, therefore, there can be no assurance that material environmental costs, including remediation costs, will not arise in the future.
With each acquisition, we attempt to identify potential environmental concerns and to minimize, or obtain indemnification for, the environmental matters we may be required to address. In addition, we establish reserves for specifically identified potential environmental liabilities. We believe that the reserves we have established are adequate. Nevertheless, we have in the past and may in the future inherit certain pre-existing environmental liabilities, generally based on successor liability doctrines. Although we have never been involved in any environmental matter that has had a material adverse impact on our overall operations, there can be no assurance that in connection with any past or future acquisition we will not be obligated to address environmental matters that could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Company Information and Website
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
In addition, our company website can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com. The website contains information about us and our operations. Copies of each of our filings with the SEC on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, can be viewed and downloaded free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. To view the reports, access ir.vishay.com and click on "SEC Filings."
The following corporate governance related documents are also available on our website:

| · | Corporate Governance Principles

| · | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

| · | Code of Ethics Applicable to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and Financial Managers

| · | Audit Committee Charter

| · | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter

| · | Compensation Committee Charter

| · | Policy on Director Attendance at Annual Meetings

| · | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Policy Regarding Qualification of Directors

| · | Procedures for Securityholders' Submissions of Nominating Recommendations

| · | Securityholder Communications with Directors and Interested Party Communication with Non-Management Directors

| · | Whistleblower and Ethics Hotline Procedures

| · | Related Party Transactions Policy

To view these documents, access ir.vishay.com and click on "Corporate Governance."
Any of the above documents can also be obtained in print by any stockholder upon request to our Investor Relations Department at the following address:
Corporate Investor Relations
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
63 Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355-2143
14

Item 1A. |  | RISK FACTORS

From time to time, information provided by us, including but not limited to statements in this report, or other statements made by or on our behalf, may contain "forward-looking" information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated. Set forth below are important factors that could cause our results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.
Risks relating to our business generally
Our business is cyclical and future periods of decline and recovery are not predictable.
The electronic component industry is highly cyclical and experiences periods of decline from time to time. We and others in the electronic component industry have experienced these conditions in the recent past and cannot predict when we may experience such downturns in the future. Market conditions, such as a decline in product demand on a global basis, could result in order cancellations and deferrals, lower average selling prices, and a material and adverse impact on our results of operations. These declines in demand are driven by market conditions in the end markets for our products. Changes in the demand mix, needed technologies, and these end markets may adversely affect our ability to match our products, inventory, and capacity to meet customer demand and could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. A slowdown in demand or recessionary trends in the global economy makes it more difficult for us to predict our future sales and manage our operations, and could adversely impact our results of operations.
We have incurred, and may in the future incur, restructuring costs and associated asset write-downs.
To remain competitive, particularly when business conditions are difficult, we sometimes attempt to reduce our cost structure by restructuring our existing businesses, where we seek to achieve synergies, eliminate redundant facilities and staff positions, and move operations, where possible, to jurisdictions with lower labor costs. In 2013 and 2015, we announced various cost reduction programs as part of our continuous efforts to improve efficiency and operating performance. The programs primarily focused on enhancing the competitiveness of our MOSFETs segment, reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses company-wide, and improving the performance of certain product lines within our Capacitors and Resistors & Inductors segments. In 2016, we announced an extension of the 2013 MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program. We incurred accelerated depreciation expenses related to assets that are no longer used after the implementation of the associated restructuring programs. The expenses associated with the programs were recorded as they become recognizable under GAAP. As of December 31, 2017, the programs were substantially implemented.
Additionally, our long-term strategy includes growing through the integration of acquired businesses, and GAAP requires plant closure and employee termination costs that we incur in connection with our acquisition activities to be recorded as expenses in our consolidated statement of operations, as such expenses are incurred. For this reason, we expect to have some level of future restructuring expenses due to acquisitions.
Our business is cyclical, and in periods of a rising economy we may experience intense demand for our products. If our restructuring activities result in us not being able to satisfy the intense demand from our customers during a rising economy and our competitors sufficiently expand production, we could lose customers and/or market share. These losses could have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, and results of operations.
In the past we have grown through successful integration of acquired businesses, but this may not continue.
Our long-term historical growth in revenues and net earnings has resulted in large part from our strategy of expansion through acquisitions. Despite our plan to continue to grow, in part, through targeted acquisitions, we may be unable to continue to identify, have the financial capabilities to acquire, or successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates. We are subject to various U.S. and foreign competition laws and regulations that may affect our ability to complete certain acquisitions. Also, if an acquired business fails to operate as anticipated, cannot be successfully integrated with our other businesses, or we cannot effectively mitigate the assumed, contingent, and unknown liabilities acquired, our results of operations, financial condition, enterprise value, market value, and prospects could all be materially adversely affected.
To remain successful, we must continue to innovate, and our investments in new technologies may not prove successful.
Our future operating results are dependent on our ability to continually develop, introduce, and market new and innovative products, to modify existing products, to respond to technological change, and to customize certain products to meet customer requirements. There are numerous risks inherent in this process, including the risks that we will be unable to anticipate the direction of technological change or that we will be unable to develop and market new products and applications in a timely fashion to satisfy customer demands. If this occurs, we could lose customers and experience adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to our own research and development initiatives, we periodically invest in technology start-up enterprises, in which we may acquire a controlling or noncontrolling interest but whose technology would be available to be commercialized by us. There are numerous risks in investments of this nature including the limited operating history of such start-up entities, their need for capital, and their limited or absence of production experience, as well as the risk that their technologies may prove ineffective or fail to gain acceptance in the marketplace. Certain of our historical investments in start-up companies have not succeeded, and there can be no assurance that our current and future investments in start-up enterprises will prove successful.
15

Our results are sensitive to raw material availability, quality, and cost.
Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. Our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials. The determination that any of the raw materials used in our products are conflict minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries could increase the probability that we will encounter the challenges noted above, incur additional expenses to comply with government regulations, and face public scrutiny. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, because we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
From time to time there have been short-term market shortages of certain raw materials used in our products. While these shortages have not historically adversely affected our ability to increase production of products containing these materials, they have historically resulted in higher raw material costs for us. We cannot make any assurances that any of these market shortages in the future would not adversely affect our ability to increase production, particularly during periods of growing demand for our products. To assure availability of raw materials in times of shortage, we may enter into long-term supply contracts for these materials, which may prove costly, unnecessary, and burdensome when the shortage abates.
We may not have adequate facilities to satisfy future increases in demand for our products.
Our business is cyclical and in periods of a rising economy, we may experience intense demand for our products. During such periods, we may have difficulty expanding our manufacturing to satisfy demand. Factors which could limit such expansion include delays in procurement of manufacturing equipment, shortages of skilled personnel, and physical constraints on expansion of our facilities. If we are unable to meet our customers' requirements and our competitors sufficiently expand production, we could lose customers and/or market share. These losses could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, capacity that we add during upturns in the business cycle may result in excess capacity during periods when demand for our products recede, resulting in inefficient use of capital which could also adversely affect us.
Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology.
Protection of intellectual property often involves complex legal and factual issues. We will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary technologies are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. We have applied, and will continue to apply, for patents covering our technologies and products, as we deem appropriate. However, our applications may not result in issued patents. Also, our existing patents and any future patents may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from practicing our technologies or from developing competing products. Others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies, design around our patented technologies, or may challenge or seek to invalidate our patents. Also, the legal system in certain countries in which we operate may not provide or may not continue to provide sufficient, intellectual property legal protections and remedies.
Litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights is prevalent in the electronic components industry, particularly the discrete semiconductor sector. We have on occasion been notified that we may be infringing on patent and other intellectual property rights of others. In addition, customers purchasing components from us have rights to indemnification under certain circumstances if such components violate the intellectual property rights of others. Further, we have observed that in the current business environment, electronic component and semiconductor companies have become more aggressive in asserting and defending patent claims against competitors. We will continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property rights, and may become party to disputes regarding patent licensing and cross patent licensing. Although licenses are generally offered in such situations and we have successfully resolved these situations in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to future litigation alleging intellectual property rights infringement, or that we will be able to obtain licenses on acceptable terms. An unfavorable outcome regarding one of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We face intense competition in our business, and we market our products to an increasingly concentrated group of customers.
Our business is highly competitive worldwide, with low transportation costs and few import barriers. We compete principally on the bases of product quality and reliability, availability, customer service, technological innovation, timely delivery, and price. The electronic component industry has become increasingly concentrated and globalized in recent years and our major competitors, some of which are larger than us, have significant financial resources and technological capabilities.
Our customers have become increasingly concentrated in recent years, and as a result, their buying power has increased and they have had greater ability to negotiate favorable pricing and terms. This trend has adversely affected our average selling prices, particularly for commodity components.
Our backlog is subject to customer cancellation.
Many of the orders that comprise our backlog may be canceled by our customers without penalty. Our customers may on occasion double and triple order components from multiple sources to ensure timely delivery when demand exceeds global supply. They often cancel orders when business is weak and inventories are excessive. Therefore, we cannot be certain that the amount of our backlog accurately reflects the level of orders that we will ultimately deliver. Our results of operations could be adversely impacted if customers cancel a material portion of orders in our backlog.
16

Future changes in our environmental liability and compliance obligations may harm our ability to operate or increase our costs.
Our operations, products and/or product packaging are subject to environmental laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances, wastes and certain chemicals used or generated in our manufacturing processes, employee health and safety labeling or other notifications with respect to the content or other aspects of our processes, products or packaging, restrictions on the use of certain materials in or on design aspects of our products or product packaging, and responsibility for disposal of products or product packaging. We establish reserves for specifically identified potential environmental liabilities. Nevertheless, we have in the past and may in the future inherit certain pre-existing environmental liabilities, generally based on successor liability doctrines, or otherwise incur environmental liabilities. We are involved in remediation programs and related litigation at various current and former properties and at third-party disposal sites both within and outside of the U.S., including involvement as a potentially responsible party at Superfund sites. Although we have never been involved in any environmental matter that has had a material adverse impact on our overall operations, there can be no assurance that in connection with any past or future acquisition, future developments, including related to our remediation programs, or otherwise, we will not be obligated to address environmental matters that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, more stringent environmental regulations may be enacted in the future, and we cannot presently determine the modifications, if any, in our operations that any such future regulations might require, or the cost of compliance with these regulations. In order to resolve liabilities at various sites, we have entered into various administrative orders and consent decrees, some of which may be, under certain conditions, reopened or subject to renegotiation.
Our products are sold to or used in goods sold to the U.S. government and other governments. By virtue of such sales, we are subject to various regulatory requirements and risks in the event of non-compliance.
We sell products under prime and subprime contracts with the U.S. government and other governments. Many of these products are used in military applications. Government contractors must comply with specific procurement regulations and other requirements. These requirements, although customary in government contracts, impact our performance and compliance costs. Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements could result in contract modifications or termination, and the assessment of penalties and fines, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. Our failure to comply with these regulations and requirements could also lead to suspension or debarment, for cause, from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. Among the causes for debarment are violations of various statutes, including those related to procurement integrity, export control, government security regulations, employment practices, protection of the environment, accuracy of records and the recording of costs, and foreign corruption. The termination of a government contract as a result of any of these acts could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition and could have a negative impact on our reputation and ability to procure other government contracts in the future.
We have qualified certain of our products under various military specifications approved and monitored by the United States Defense Electronic Supply Center and under certain European military specifications. These products are assigned certain classification levels. In order to maintain the classification level of a product, we must continuously perform tests on the products and the results of these tests must be reported to governmental agencies. If a product fails to meet the requirements of the applicable classification level, its classification may be reduced to a lower level. A decrease in the classification level for a product with a military application could have an adverse impact on the net revenues and earnings attributable to that product.
Our future success is substantially dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical, managerial, marketing, finance, and administrative personnel.
Rapid changes in technologies, frequent new product introductions, and declining average selling prices over product life cycles require us to attract and retain highly qualified personnel to develop and manufacture products that feature technological innovations and bring them to market on a timely basis. Our complex operations also require us to attract and retain highly qualified administrative personnel in functions such as legal, tax, accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and treasury. The market for personnel with such qualifications is highly competitive. While we have employment agreements with certain of our executives, we have not entered into employment agreements with all of our key personnel.
The loss of the services of or the failure to effectively recruit qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Interruptions in our information technology systems could adversely affect our business.
We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of complex information technology systems and networks to operate our business. Any significant system or network disruption, including, but not limited to, new system implementations, computer viruses, security breaches, facility issues or energy blackouts could have a material adverse impact on our operations and results of operations. Such network disruption could result in a loss of the confidentiality of our intellectual property or the release of sensitive competitive information or customer or employee personal data. Any loss of such information could harm our competitive position, result in a loss of customer confidence, and cause us to incur significant costs to remedy the damages caused by the disruptions or security breaches. We have implemented protective measures to prevent against and limit the effects of system or network disruptions, but there can be no assurance that such measures will be sufficient to prevent or limit the damage from any future disruptions and any such disruption could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Third-party service providers, such as foundries, subcontractors, distributors, and vendors have access to certain portions of our sensitive data. In the event that these service providers do not properly safeguard our data that they hold, security breaches and loss of our data could result. Any such loss of data by our third-party service providers could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
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Significant fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our borrowing activities and our cash balances. Our credit facility bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR. A significant increase in LIBOR would significantly increase our interest expense. A general increase in interest rates would be largely offset by an increase in interest income earned on our cash and short-term investment balances, which are currently greater than our debt balances. However, there can be no assurance that the interest rate earned on cash and short-term investments will move in tandem with the interest rate paid on our variable rate debt.
Our debt levels have increased and may continue to increase, which could adversely affect the perception in the financial markets of our financial condition.
The recorded value of our outstanding debt increased from approximately $347 million as of December 31, 2008 to approximately $370 million as of December 31, 2017, primarily due to the issuance of convertible senior debentures, the proceeds from the sale of which we used to fund repurchases of our common stock. The carrying value of our convertible senior debentures will continue to increase as the discount associated with the debentures is amortized. Additionally, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the conditions contained in our existing debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. The marketplace could react negatively to our current debt levels which in turn could affect our share price and also make it more difficult to obtain financing in the future.
Prior to three months before the respective maturity dates of our convertible senior debentures due 2040, 2041, and 2042, the holders of the debentures may only convert the debentures under specific circumstances as defined in the indentures governing the debentures. As of December 31, 2017, our convertible senior debentures due 2040 and 2042 are convertible (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Regardless of current convertibility of the debentures, GAAP requires convertible debentures to be included in the calculation of diluted EPS using either the "If Converted" or the "Treasury Stock Method" depending on our intent and ability to settle the debentures upon repurchase or conversion. The application of the "If Converted" method generally results in significantly more potentially dilutive securities compared to the "Treasury Stock Method." Pursuant to the indentures governing the respective debentures, we have the right to pay the conversion value or purchase price for the debentures in cash, Vishay common stock, or a combination of both. At the direction of our Board of Directors, we intend, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the debentures and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted EPS computation using the "Treasury Stock" method" rather than the "If Converted" method. If we were unable to employ the "Treasury Stock" method due to increased debt levels or changes in intentions, the number of potentially dilutive securities could increase significantly.
Our existing credit facility restricts our current and future operations and requires compliance with certain financial covenants.
Our existing credit facility includes restrictions on, among other things, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens on assets, making investments and acquisitions, making asset sales, and paying cash dividends and making other restricted payments. Our existing credit facility also requires us to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios. If we are not in compliance with all of such covenants, the credit facility could be terminated by the lenders, and all amounts outstanding pursuant to the credit facility could become immediately payable. Additionally, our convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 have cross-default provisions that could accelerate repayment in the event the indebtedness under the credit facility is accelerated.
Future acquisitions could require us to issue additional indebtedness or equity.
If we were to undertake a substantial acquisition for cash, the acquisition would likely need to be financed in part through bank borrowings or the issuance of public or private debt. This acquisition financing would likely decrease our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and adversely affect other leverage criteria. Under our existing credit facility, we are required to obtain the lenders' consent for certain additional debt financing and to comply with other covenants including the application of specific financial ratios. We cannot make any assurances that the necessary acquisition financing would be available to us on acceptable terms if and when required. If we were to undertake an acquisition for equity, the acquisition may have a dilutive effect on the interests of the holders of our common stock.
18

Risks relating to Vishay's operations outside the United States
We are subject to the risks of political, economic, and military instability in countries outside the United States in which we operate.
We have substantial operations outside the United States, and approximately 77% of our revenues during 2017 were derived from sales to customers outside the United States. Certain of our assets are located, and certain of our products are produced, in countries which are subject to risks of social, political, economic, and military instability. This instability could result in wars, riots, nationalization of industry, currency fluctuation, and labor unrest. These conditions could have an adverse impact on our ability to operate in these regions and, depending on the extent and severity of these conditions, could materially and adversely affect our overall financial condition, results of operations, and our ability to access our liquidity.
Our business has been in operation in Israel for 47 years, where we have substantial manufacturing operations. Although we have never experienced any material interruption in our operations attributable to these factors, in spite of several Middle East crises, including wars, our financial condition and results of operations might be adversely affected if events were to occur in the Middle East that interfered with our operations in Israel.
Our global operations are subject to extensive anti-corruption laws and other regulations.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar foreign anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value to improperly influence foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or obtaining an unfair advantage. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws. Our continued operation and expansion outside the United States, including in developing countries, could increase the risk of such violations or violations under other regulations relating to limitations on or licenses required for sales made to customers located in certain countries. Violations of these laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.
We attempt to improve profitability by controlling labor costs, but these activities could result in labor unrest or considerable expense.
Historically, our primary labor cost controlling strategy was to transfer manufacturing operations to countries with lower production costs, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the People's Republic of China, and the Philippines. We believe that our manufacturing footprint is suitable to serve our customers and end markets, while maintaining lower manufacturing costs. We do not anticipate further transferring any significant existing operations to lower-labor-cost countries; however, acquired operations may be transferred to lower-labor-cost countries when integrated into Vishay. Currently, our primary labor cost controlling strategy involves reducing hours and limiting the use of subcontractors and foundries when demand for our products decreases. Shifting operations to lower-labor-cost countries, reducing hours, or limiting the use of subcontractors and foundries could result in production inefficiencies, higher costs, and/or strikes or other types of labor unrest.
We are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risks which may impact our results of operations.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to market values of transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. From time to time, we utilize forward contracts to hedge a portion of projected cash flows from these exposures.
Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Germany, Israel, and Asia. We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies. Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, but these subsidiaries also have significant transactions in local currencies. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is mitigated to the extent that the costs incurred and the revenues earned in a particular currency offset one another. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is more pronounced in situations where, for example, production labor costs are predominantly paid in local currencies while the sales revenue for those products is denominated in U.S. dollars. This is particularly the case for products produced in Israel, the Czech Republic, and China.
A change in the mix of the currencies in which we transact our business could have a material effect on results of operations. Furthermore, the timing of cash receipts and disbursements could have a material effect on our results of operations, particularly if there are significant changes in exchange rates in a short period of time.
19

Approximately 99% of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balances were held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries, and our U.S. parent company and U.S. subsidiaries have significant payment obligations.
We generate a significant amount of cash and profits from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, $1,282.1 million of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by subsidiaries outside of the United States.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), enacted on December 22, 2017, transitions the U.S. from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. Under previous law, companies could indefinitely defer U.S. income taxation on unremitted foreign earnings. The TCJA imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings of 15.5% for liquid assets and 8% for illiquid assets, payable in defined increments over eight years. As a result of this requirement, we provisionally expect to pay $180.0 million, net of estimated applicable foreign tax credits, and after utilization of net operating loss and R&D and FTC Credit carryforwards. Based on our U.S. cash position, we expect that we will be required to repatriate amounts from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States to satisfy this tax obligation.
These previously deferred foreign earnings may now be repatriated to the United States without additional U.S. federal taxation. However, any such repatriation could incur withholding and other foreign taxes in the source and intervening foreign jurisdictions, and certain U.S. state taxes.
Cash dividends to stockholders, share repurchases, and principal and interest payments on our debt instruments need to be paid by the U.S. parent company, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Our U.S. subsidiaries have other operating cash needs.
If we are unable to repatriate adequate cash to the United States to satisfy these obligations, it could materially and adversely affect our overall financial condition, results of operations and our liquidity.
Risks related to our capital structure
The holders of our Class B common stock have effective voting control of our company.
We have two classes of common stock: common stock and Class B common stock. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, while the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held. At December 31, 2017, the holders of Class B common stock held approximately 47.9% of the voting power of Vishay. The ownership of Class B common stock is highly concentrated, and holders of Class B common stock effectively can cause the election of directors and approve other actions as stockholders. As a result of the passing of our founder and former Executive Chairman, Dr. Felix Zandman, Mrs. Ruta Zandman (a member of our Board of Directors) controls the voting of, solely or on a shared basis with Marc Zandman (our Executive Chairman) and Ziv Shoshani (a member of our Board of Directors), approximately 89.5% of our Class B common stock and 42.9% of the total voting power of our capital stock as of December 31, 2017.
We have a staggered board of directors which could make a takeover of Vishay difficult.
Along with the Class B common stock voting power, our staggered board of directors might discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our company by a third party and could discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. Also, as a consequence of our staggered board, directors may not be removed without cause, even though a majority of stockholders may wish to do so.
Our reluctance to issue substantial additional shares in order not to dilute the interests of our existing stockholders could impede growth.
Our overall long-term business strategy has historically included a strong focus on acquisitions financed alternatively through cash on hand, the incurrence of indebtedness, and the issuance of equity, directly or indirectly by refinancing acquisition debt. We may in the future be presented with attractive investment or strategic opportunities that, because of their size and our financial condition at the time, would require the issuance of substantial additional amounts of our common stock. Some or all of our holders of Class B common stock may exert considerable influence over our policies, business and affairs, and in any corporate transaction or other matter, including those described above. If such opportunities were to arise, our Board of Directors may consider the potentially dilutive effect on the interests and voting power of our existing stockholders, including our Class B stockholders. Any resulting reluctance to issue additional shares could impede our future growth.
Our outstanding convertible debentures may impact the trading price of our common stock.
We believe that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, convertible debt instruments employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to these instruments. Investors that employ a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to convertible debt instruments typically implement that strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the convertible instrument and dynamically adjusting their short position while they hold the instrument. The implementation of this strategy by investors in our convertible debentures, as well as related market regulatory actions, could have a significant impact on the trading prices of our common stock, and the trading prices and liquidity of our convertible debentures. The price of our common stock and our convertible debentures could also be affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who view our convertible debentures as more attractive means of equity participation in us.
20

Risks related to the spin-off of the Vishay Precision Group
Vishay Precision Group is using the Vishay name under license from us, which could result in product and market confusion or the loss of certain of our rights to the Vishay name.
VPG has a worldwide, perpetual and royalty-free license from us to use the "Vishay" mark as part of its corporate name and in connection with the manufacture, sale, and marketing of the products and services that comprise its measurements and foil resistors businesses. The license of the Vishay name to VPG is important because we anticipate that the success of VPG will depend in no small measure on the reputation of the Vishay brand for these products and services built over many years. Nonetheless, there exists the risk that the use by VPG could cause confusion in the marketplace over the products of the two companies, that any negative publicity associated with a product or service of VPG following the spin-off could be mistakenly attributed to our company or that we could lose our own rights to the "Vishay" mark if we fail to impose sufficient controls on VPG's use of the mark.
General Economic and Business Risks
In addition to the risks relating specifically to our business, a variety of other factors relating to general conditions could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. These factors include:

| · | overall economic and business conditions;

| · | competitive factors in the industries in which we conduct our business;

| · | changes in governmental regulation;

| · | changes in tax requirements, including tax rate changes, new tax laws, and revised tax law interpretations;

| · | changes in GAAP or interpretations of GAAP by governmental agencies and self-regulatory groups;

| · | interest rate fluctuations, foreign currency rate fluctuations, and other capital market conditions; and

| · | economic and political conditions in international markets, including governmental changes and restrictions on the ability to transfer capital across borders.

Our common stock, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, has in the past experienced, and may continue to experience, significant fluctuations in price and volume. We believe that the financial performance and activities of other publicly traded companies in the electronic component industry could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially without regard to our operating performance.
We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new factors emerge from time to time. Other unknown and unpredictable factors also could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1B. |  | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.
21

Item 2. |  | PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2017, our business had 48 manufacturing locations. Our manufacturing facilities include owned and leased locations. Some locations include both owned and leased facilities in the same location. The list of manufacturing facilities below excludes manufacturing facilities that are presently idle due to our restructuring activities. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for further information related to our restructuring efforts, as well as additional information in "Cost Management" included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
In the opinion of management, our properties and equipment generally are in good operating condition and are adequate for our present needs. Owning many of our manufacturing facilities provides us meaningful financial and operating benefits, including long-term stability and a necessary buffer for economic downturns. We do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities.
The principal locations of our owned manufacturing facilities, along with available space including administrative offices, are as follows:

Owned Locations | Business Segment |  | Approx. Available Space (Square Feet)
United States |  |  |
Columbus, NE | Resistors & Inductors |  | 158,000
Yankton, SD | Resistors & Inductors |  | 58,000
Warwick, RI | Resistors & Inductors |  | 55,000
Bennington, VT | Capacitors |  | 54,000
Niagara Falls, NY | Resistors & Inductors |  | 38,000
Marshall, MN | Resistors & Inductors |  | 22,000
Non-U.S. |  |  |
Israel |  |  |
Dimona | Resistors & Inductors and Capacitors |  | 404,000
Migdal Ha'Emek | Capacitors |  | 288,000
Be'er Sheva | Resistors & Inductors and Capacitors |  | 276,000
People's Republic of China |  |  |
Tianjin | Diodes |  | 374,000
Shanghai | Optoelectronic Components |  | 195,000
Xi'an | MOSFETS and Diodes |  | 121,000
Germany |  |  |
Selb | Resistors & Inductors and Capacitors |  | 306,000
Heide | Resistors & Inductors |  | 161,000
Landshut | Capacitors |  | 72,000
Fichtelberg | Resistors & Inductors |  | 24,000
Czech Republic |  |  |
Blatna | Capacitors |  | 191,000
Dolni Rychnov | Resistors & Inductors and Capacitors |  | 182,000
Prachatice | Resistors & Inductors |  | 91,000
Volary | Resistors & Inductors |  | 35,000
Melaka, Malaysia | Optoelectronic Components |  | 480,000
Republic of China (Taiwan) |  |  |
Taipei | Diodes |  | 366,000
Kaohsiung | MOSFETs |  | 63,000
France |  |  |
Nice | Resistors & Inductors |  | 215,000
Chateau Gontier | Resistors & Inductors |  | 84,000
Hyeres | Resistors & Inductors |  | 65,000
Loni, India | Resistors & Inductors and Capacitors |  | 350,000
Famalicao, Portugal | Capacitors |  | 167,000
Miharu, Japan | Capacitors |  | 163,000
Vocklabruck, Austria | Diodes |  | 153,000
Manila, Philippines | Diodes and Optoelectronic Components |  | 144,000
Turin, Italy | Diodes |  | 127,000
Budapest, Hungary | Diodes |  | 116,000
Juarez, Mexico | Resistors & Inductors |  | 57,000

22

The principal locations of our leased manufacturing facilities, along with available space including administrative offices, are as follows:

Leased Locations | Business Segment |  | Approx. Available Space (Square Feet)
United States |  |  |
Ontario, CA | Resistors & Inductors |  | 46,000
Milwaukee, WI | Resistors & Inductors |  | 42,000
Dover, NH | Resistors & Inductors |  | 35,000
Duluth, MN | Resistors & Inductors |  | 10,000
Non-U.S. |  |  |
People's Republic of China |  |  |
Danshui | Capacitors |  | 446,000
Shanghai | MOSFETS |  | 296,000
Zhuhai | Resistors & Inductors |  | 129,000
Klagenfurt, Austria | Capacitors |  | 130,000
Juarez, Mexico | Resistors & Inductors |  | 128,000
Germany |  |  |
Itzehoe | MOSFETs |  | 207,000
Heilbronn | Diodes and Optoelectronic Components |  | 48,000
Mumbai, India | Diodes |  | 34,000
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | Resistors & Inductors |  | 38,000
Prestice, Czech Republic | Resistors & Inductors |  | 13,000

Item 3. |  | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we are involved in routine litigation incidental to our business. Management believes that such matters, either individually or in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Antitrust Class Action Complaints
Vishay Polytech Co., Ltd. ("VPC"), a subsidiary of Vishay which was purchased from Holy Stone Enterprises Co., Ltd. ("Holy Stone") in June 2014, is a named defendant, among other manufacturers, in purported antitrust class action complaints in the United States and Canada. The complaints allege restraints of trade in aluminum and tantalum electrolytic capacitors, and in some cases, film capacitors, and seek injunctive relief and unspecified joint and several treble damages. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a party to similar cases filed in Canada.
Holy Stone has agreed to indemnify Vishay and VPC for losses, including penalties and expenses associated with the litigation and investigation described above. Notwithstanding this indemnity obligation, the Company and VPC intend to defend vigorously against the civil complaints.
23

Intellectual Property Matters
We are engaged in discussions with various parties regarding patent licensing and cross patent licensing issues. In addition, we have observed that in the current business environment, electronic component and semiconductor companies have become more aggressive in asserting and defending patent claims against competitors. We are a party to disputes alleging infringement of third-party patents. When we believe other companies are misappropriating our intellectual property rights, we vigorously enforce those rights through legal action, and we intend to continue to do so.
Environmental Matters
Vishay is involved in environmental remediation programs at various sites currently or formerly owned by Vishay and its subsidiaries both within and outside of the U.S., in addition to involvement as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") at Superfund sites. Certain obligations as a PRP have arisen in connection with business acquisitions. The remediation programs are on-going and the ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, and alternative cleanup methods. See also Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements.

Item 4. |  | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.
24

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 16, 2018:

Name | Age |  | Positions Held
Marc Zandman* | 56 |  | Executive Chairman of the Board, Chief Business Development Officer, and President, Vishay Israel Ltd.
Dr. Gerald Paul* | 68 |  | Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
Lori Lipcaman | 60 |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Johan Vandoorn | 60 |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
David Valletta | 57 |  | Executive Vice President Worldwide Sales
Joel Smejkal | 51 |  | Executive Vice President and Business Head Passive Components
Clarence Tse | 59 |  | Executive Vice President and Business Head Semiconductors
Werner Gebhardt | 59 |  | Executive Vice President Global Human Resources
* Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Marc Zandman was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Business Development Officer effective June 5, 2011. Mr. Zandman has served as a Director of Vishay since 2001 and President of Vishay Israel Ltd. since 1998. Mr. Zandman previously was Vice Chairman of the Board from 2003 to June 2011, and Chief Administration Officer from 2007 to June 2011. Mr. Zandman was Group Vice President of Vishay Measurements Group from 2002 to 2004. Mr. Zandman has served in various other capacities with Vishay since 1984. He is the son of the late Dr. Felix Zandman, Vishay's Founder. Mr. Zandman controls, on a shared basis with Ruta Zandman and Ziv Shoshani, approximately 34.0% of the total voting power of our capital stock as of December 31, 2017. He also is non-executive Chairman of Vishay Precision Group, Inc., an independent, publicly-traded company spun-off from Vishay Intertechnology in 2010.
Dr. Gerald Paul was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2005. Dr. Paul has served as a Director of the Company since 1993, and has been President of the Company since March 1998. Dr. Paul also was Chief Operating Officer from 1996 to 2006. Dr. Paul previously was an Executive Vice President of the Company from 1996 to 1998, and President of Vishay Electronic Components, Europe from 1994 to 1996. Dr. Paul has been Managing Director of Vishay Electronic GmbH, a subsidiary of the Company, since 1991. Dr. Paul has been employed by Vishay and a predecessor company since 1978.
Lori Lipcaman was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective September 1, 2011. Ms. Lipcaman had been appointed Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Accounting Officer in September 2008. Previously, she served as Vishay's Corporate Senior Vice President, Operations Controller, from March 1998 to September 2008. Prior to that, she served in various positions of increasing responsibility in finance and controlling since joining the Company in May 1989.
Johan Vandoorn was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer effective August 1, 2011. Mr. Vandoorn is responsible for Vishay's technical development and internal growth programs. Mr. Vandoorn has held various positions of increasing responsibility since Vishay's acquisition of BCcomponents Holdings BV ("BCcomponents") in 2002, including Executive Vice President – Passive Components (2006 – 2012). Mr. Vandoorn had been Vice President – Global Operations of BCcomponents from 2000 until its acquisition by Vishay, and previously worked for Philips Components ("Philips") from 1980 until Philips sold the BCcomponents business to a private equity firm in 1998.
David Valletta serves as Vishay's Executive Vice President – Worldwide Sales, a position he has held since 2007. Mr. Valletta has held various positions of increasing responsibility since Vishay's acquisition of Vitramon in 1994. Prior to joining Vitramon, Mr. Valletta also worked for AVX Corporation. His experience with Vishay includes various positions within the Americas region in direct and distribution sales management and global sales responsibility for the Company's key strategic customers.
Joel Smejkal was appointed Executive Vice President and Business Head Passive Components effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Smejkal has held various positions of increasing responsibility since joining Vishay in 1990 including Senior Vice President Global Distribution Sales (2012 - 2016). Mr. Smejkal's experience with Vishay includes worldwide and divisional leadership roles in engineering, marketing, operations and sales. He was a product developer of 18 U.S. Patents for the Power Metal Strip® resistor technology and brings significant business development, marketing and sales experience.
Clarence Tse was appointed Executive Vice President and Business Head Semiconductors effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Tse has held various positions of increasing responsibility since Vishay's acquisition of Siliconix/Telefunken in 1998, including Senior Vice President, Diodes Division (2008 - 2016), Senior Vice President, Power Diodes Division (2002 - 2008) and Vice President, Finance and Administration Asia (1998 - 2001). Mr. Tse was first hired by Siliconix in 1985.
Werner Gebhardt was appointed Executive Vice President Global Human Resources effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Gebhardt has held various positions of increasing responsibility since Vishay's acquisition of Draloric Electronic GmbH ("Draloric") in 1987, including Sr. Vice President Global Human Resources (2011 - 2014) and Administrative President Europe (2006 - 2011). Mr. Gebhardt's experience with Vishay includes leadership roles in Administration and Human Resources. Mr. Gebhardt had been employed by Draloric since 1975.
25

PART II

Item 5. |  | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VSH. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape for the indicated fiscal quarters. Holders of record of our common stock totaled approximately 1,000 at February 14, 2018. Because many of the shares of our common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners represented by these stockholders of record.
In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors instituted a quarterly cash dividend program and declared the first cash dividend in the history of Vishay. Cash dividends of $0.0625 per share of common stock and Class B common stock were paid in each fiscal quarter of 2016 and the first three fiscal quarters of 2017. Cash dividends of $0.0675 per share of common stock and Class B common stock were paid in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017. We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends, although the amount and timing of any future dividends remains subject to authorization of our Board of Directors.
The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, the high and low sales prices of our common stock and the quarterly cash dividends declared.

| Common stock price range |  | Dividends declared |
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | per share |
| High |  | Low |  | High |  | Low |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Fourth quarter |  | $ | 23.45 |  |  | $ | 18.75 |  |  | $ | 16.75 |  |  | $ | 13.66 |  |  | $ | 0.0675 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |
Third quarter |  | $ | 18.85 |  |  | $ | 16.45 |  |  | $ | 14.28 |  |  | $ | 11.68 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |
Second quarter |  | $ | 17.60 |  |  | $ | 15.40 |  |  | $ | 13.51 |  |  | $ | 11.53 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |
First quarter |  | $ | 17.00 |  |  | $ | 15.35 |  |  | $ | 12.78 |  |  | $ | 9.96 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |  |  | $ | 0.0625 |

At February 14, 2018, we had outstanding 12,097,427 shares of Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, each of which entitles the holder to ten votes. The Class B common stock generally is not transferable except in certain very limited instances, and there is no market for those shares. The Class B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into common stock on a share for share basis. As a result of the passing of our founder and former Executive Chairman, Dr. Felix Zandman, Mrs. Ruta Zandman (a member of our Board of Directors) controls the voting of, solely or on a shared basis with Marc Zandman (our Executive Chairman) and Ziv Shoshani (a member of our Board of Directors) approximately 89.7% of our Class B common stock and 43.0% of the total voting power of our capital stock.
Certain of our debt obligations contain restrictions as to the payment of cash dividends. See "Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources" included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
On August 2, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, authorizing us to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $150 million of our outstanding common stock. The stock repurchase plan will expire on June 1, 2018. The stock repurchase plan does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be terminated or suspended at our direction in accordance with the plan. The following table provides information about repurchases of the Company's common stock during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017:

Period |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased |  |  | Average Price Paid per Share (including commission) |  |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program |  |  | Total Dollar Amount Purchased Under the Program |  |  | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program |
October 1 - October 28 |  |  | 123,053 |  |  | $ | 19.34 |  |  |  | 123,053 |  |  | $ | 2,380,328 |  |  | $ | 110,055,873 |
October 29 - November 25 |  |  | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 110,055,873 |
November 26 - December 31 |  |  | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 110,055,873 |
Total |  |  | 123,053 |  |  | $ | 19.34 |  |  |  | 123,053 |  |  | $ | 2,380,328 |  |  | $ | 110,055,873 |

26

Stock Performance Graph
The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Vishay's common stock over a 5-year period with the returns on the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Stock Index (of which Vishay is a component), the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. The line graph assumes that $100 had been invested at December 31, 2012 and assumes that all dividends were reinvested.

| Base |  | Years Ending December 31,
| Period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Company Name / Index | 2012 |  | 2013 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2017
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | 100 |  | 124.74 |  | 135.28 |  | 117.59 |  | 161.02 |  | 209.18
S&P 500 Index | 100 |  | 132.39 |  | 150.51 |  | 152.59 |  | 170.84 |  | 208.14
S&P MidCap 400 Index | 100 |  | 133.50 |  | 146.54 |  | 143.35 |  | 173.08 |  | 201.20
Philadelphia Semiconductor Index | 100 |  | 141.84 |  | 185.26 |  | 182.31 |  | 254.00 |  | 356.98

27

Item 6. |  | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013. This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K (in thousands, except per share amounts):

|  | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 (1) |  |  | 2016 (2) |  |  | 2015 (3) |  |  | 2014 (4) |  |  | 2013 (5) |
Statement of Operations Data: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 2,603,522 |  |  | $ | 2,323,431 |  |  | $ | 2,300,488 |  |  | $ | 2,493,282 |  |  | $ | 2,370,979 |
Costs of products sold |  |  | 1,903,910 |  |  |  | 1,753,648 |  |  |  | 1,758,268 |  |  |  | 1,881,990 |  |  |  | 1,803,719 |
Gross profit |  |  | 699,612 |  |  |  | 569,783 |  |  |  | 542,220 |  |  |  | 611,292 |  |  |  | 567,260 |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  | 376,751 |  |  |  | 367,987 |  |  |  | 362,226 |  |  |  | 385,696 |  |  |  | 368,542 |
Restructuring and severance costs |  |  | 11,273 |  |  |  | 19,199 |  |  |  | 19,215 |  |  |  | 20,897 |  |  |  | 2,814 |
Impairment of intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,559 |  |  |  | 57,600 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Impairment of goodwill |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,380 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
U.S. pension settlement charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | 79,321 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15,588 |  |  |  | - |
Executive compensation charges (credit) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,778 | )
Operating income |  |  | 311,588 |  |  |  | 101,717 |  |  |  | 97,799 |  |  |  | 189,111 |  |  |  | 197,682 |
Other income (expense) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  |  | (27,850 | ) |  |  | (25,623 | ) |  |  | (25,685 | ) |  |  | (24,457 | ) |  |  | (23,130 | )
Other |  |  | 1,738 |  |  |  | 4,716 |  |  |  | 7,976 |  |  |  | 2,489 |  |  |  | 1,853 |
Loss on disposal of equity affiliate |  |  | (6,112 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,597 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,809 |  |  |  | (5,350 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total other income (expense) |  |  | (32,224 | ) |  |  | (7,501 | ) |  |  | (23,059 | ) |  |  | (21,968 | ) |  |  | (21,277 | )
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest |  |  | 279,364 |  |  |  | 94,216 |  |  |  | 74,740 |  |  |  | 167,143 |  |  |  | 176,405 |
Income taxes |  |  | 298,924 |  |  |  | 44,843 |  |  |  | 182,473 |  |  |  | 49,300 |  |  |  | 52,636 |
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | (19,560 | ) |  |  | 49,373 |  |  |  | (107,733 | ) |  |  | 117,843 |  |  |  | 123,769 |
Noncontrolling interest |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | 581 |  |  |  | 781 |  |  |  | 214 |  |  |  | 789 |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (20,344 | ) |  | $ | 48,792 |  |  | $ | (108,514 | ) |  | $ | 117,629 |  |  | $ | 122,980 |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders: |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.33 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | ) |  | $ | 0.80 |  |  | $ | 0.85 |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders: |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.32 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | ) |  | $ | 0.77 |  |  | $ | 0.81 |
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 147,152 |  |  |  | 147,700 |  |  |  | 147,567 |  |  |  | 144,963 |
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 150,697 |  |  |  | 147,700 |  |  |  | 153,716 |  |  |  | 151,417 |
Cash dividends per share |  | $ | 0.255 |  |  | $ | 0.250 |  |  | $ | 0.240 |  |  | $ | 0.240 |  |  | $ | - |
Balance Sheet Data: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | $ | 3,459,189 |  |  | $ | 3,077,801 |  |  | $ | 3,152,986 |  |  | $ | 3,274,151 |  |  | $ | 3,224,455 |
Long-term debt, less current portion |  |  | 370,470 |  |  |  | 357,023 |  |  |  | 436,738 |  |  |  | 444,055 |  |  |  | 352,227 |
Working capital |  |  | 1,627,955 |  |  |  | 1,407,622 |  |  |  | 1,429,768 |  |  |  | 1,461,686 |  |  |  | 1,510,032 |
Total Vishay stockholders' equity |  |  | 1,428,157 |  |  |  | 1,565,517 |  |  |  | 1,622,476 |  |  |  | 1,825,366 |  |  |  | 1,872,756 |

_________________________________________________________
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(1) | Includes $11,273,000 of restructuring and severance costs, $6,112,000 of loss on disposal of an equity affiliate, $234,855,000 net tax expense related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the United States, $1,565,000 tax expense due to the effects of changes in uncertain tax positions, and $5,802,000 tax benefit related to our previous repatriation of foreign earnings to the United States plan. These items, net of their tax consequences, had a negative $1.57 effect on earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders. These items are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(2) | Includes $19,199,000 of restructuring and severance costs, $79,321,000 of non-cash pension settlement charges, $1,559,000 of intangible asset impairment charges, a $4,597,000 gain on early extinguishment of debt, a $8,809,000 gain on the settlement of insurance claims related to the Tianjin explosion, $34,853,000 tax expense from accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of the pension settlement, $8,704,000 tax benefit due to the effects of changes in uncertain tax positions, and $3,553,000 tax benefit related to the planned repatriation of foreign earnings to the United States. These items, net of their tax consequences, had a negative $0.53 effect on earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders. These items are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(3) | Includes $19,215,000 of restructuring and severance costs, $57,600,000 of intangible asset impairment charges, $5,380,000 of goodwill impairment charges, a loss of $5,350,000 related to the Tianjin explosion, a $163,954,000 tax expense related to the planned repatriation of foreign earnings to the United States, a $8,888,000 tax benefit due to the effects of changes in valuation allowances, and a $2,629,000 tax benefit due to the effects of changes in uncertain tax positions. These items, net of their tax consequences, had a negative $1.45 effect on earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders. These items are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(4) | Includes the results of Holy Stone Polytech, from June 11, 2014, and the results of Capella from September 1, 2014, including the noncontrolling interest for the period before full control was obtained. Also includes $20,897,000 of restructuring and severance costs, $15,588,000 of U.S. pension plan non-cash settlement charges, a $25,706,000 tax expense related to a planned repatriation of foreign earnings to the United States, a $25,706,000 tax benefit due to the effects of changes in uncertain tax positions, and a $1,228,000 one-time tax benefit related to tax law changes. These items, net of their tax consequences, had a negative $0.15 effect on earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders.
(5) | Includes the results of MCB Industrie, from June 13, 2013. Also includes a net pretax reversal of stock-based compensation expense recognized for the performance-based RSUs scheduled to vest on January 1, 2014, which were originally reported as a separate line item upon the cessation of employment of certain former executive officers in 2011 of $1,778,000, a $2,867,000 one-time tax benefit due to a new law enacted in Israel in July 2013 which effectively increases the corporate income tax rate on certain types of income earned after January 1, 2014, and, therefore, increases our deferred tax assets, and a $1,330,000 one-time tax benefit due to the retroactive enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law on January 2, 2013, partially offset by $2,814,000 of restructuring and severance costs. These items, net of their related tax consequences, had a positive $0.02 effect on earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders.

Management believes that stating the impact on net earnings of items such as goodwill and intangible assets impairment charges, restructuring and severance costs, material pension settlement charges, executive compensation charges (credits), material gains and losses on sales of property, special tax items, and other items is meaningful to investors because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the Company.
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Item 7. |  | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a global manufacturer and supplier of semiconductors and passive components, including power MOSFETs, power integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Discrete semiconductors and passive components manufactured by Vishay are used in virtually all types of electronic products, including those in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer electronic products, telecommunications, power supplies, military/aerospace, and medical industries.
We operate in five product segments, MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors.
Since 1985, we have pursued a business strategy of growth through focused research and development and acquisitions. Through this strategy, we have grown to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive components. We expect to continue our strategy of acquisitions while also maintaining a prudent capital structure.
We are focused on enhancing stockholder value and improving earnings per share. In addition to our growth plan, we also have opportunistically repurchased our stock. In 2014, our Board of Directors instituted a quarterly dividend payment program and declared the first cash dividend in the history of Vishay. In December 2015, we amended our credit facility to increase our ability to repurchase shares of stock or pay cash dividends. On August 2, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, authorizing us to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $150 million of our outstanding common stock. The stock repurchase plan will expire on June 1, 2018. The stock repurchase plan does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be terminated or suspended at any time at the Company's direction in accordance with the plan. The Company repurchased 2,250,236 shares of stock for $39.9 million since the inception of this plan. Additionally, we repurchased 1,752,454 shares of stock for $23.2 million pursuant to our stock repurchase plan that began in May 2016 and expired on May 2, 2017.
As part of the amendment and restatement of the revolving credit facility in December 2015, we completed an evaluation of our anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and our most efficient use of liquidity, with consideration of the amount of cash that can be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions. As a result of that evaluation, during the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized income tax expense of $164.0 million, including U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions, on $300 million of foreign earnings which we expect to repatriate to the U.S. over the next several years. We repatriated $38 million and $46 million to the U.S. pursuant to this plan in 2017 and 2016, respectively. This 2015 repatriation program was expected to occur over a multiple-year period in the most tax-efficient manner, considering U.S. tax laws and the impact of withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions, and was designed to be adaptable to the extent necessary or prudent, based on changes in law, tax rates, or other regulations. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), and as further described below, we have terminated the 2015 cash repatriation plan and replaced it as described below.
Our business and operating results have been and will continue to be impacted by worldwide economic conditions. Our revenues are dependent on end markets that are impacted by consumer and industrial demand, and our operating results can be adversely affected by reduced demand in those global markets. For several years, we implemented aggressive cost reduction programs. We continue to monitor the current economic environment and its potential effects on our customers and the end markets that we serve. Additionally, we continue to closely monitor our costs, inventory, and capital resources to respond to changing conditions and to ensure we have the management, business processes, and resources to meet our future needs. In the first fiscal quarter of 2016, we substantially completed the implementation of targeted cost reduction programs that began in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017, we substantially completed the cost reduction programs initiated in 2015 and the extended MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program, which we announced in November 2016. Our cost reduction programs are more fully described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements and in "Cost Management" below. See additional information regarding our competitive strengths and key challenges as disclosed in Part 1.
The TCJA represents the first significant change in U.S. tax law in over 30 years. As permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, the net tax expense recorded in our financial statements for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 due to the enactment of the TCJA is considered "provisional," based on reasonable estimates. The net tax expense recorded was $234.9 million. We are continuing to collect and analyze detailed information that could impact this amount, and may record adjustments to refine those estimates during the measurement period defined in SAB No. 118, as additional analysis is completed.
We recorded noncash intangible asset impairment charges of $1.6 million and $57.6 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $5.4 million in 2015. The goodwill and intangible assets impairment tests are more fully described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
On August 12, 2015, a major explosion occurred in the port of Tianjin, China. We own and operate a diodes manufacturing facility in Tianjin near the port. The shockwave of the explosion resulted in some damage to the facility and caused a temporary shutdown. As more fully described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, we recorded a loss of $5.4 million related to this incident in 2015. The temporary shutdown adversely impacted revenues and margins of our Diodes segment (and total Vishay) for the year ended December 31, 2015. We received insurance payments totaling $13.4 million and recognized a gain of $8.8 million related to this incident and the insurance proceeds received in 2016.
In December 2016, we completed the termination and settlement of our qualified U.S. pension plan. The settlement resulted in a non-cash pre-tax charge of $79.3 million to recognize the unrecognized actuarial items related to the pension plan recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The pension plan termination and settlement is more fully described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
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We utilize several financial metrics, including net revenues, gross profit margin, segment operating income, end-of-period backlog, book-to-bill ratio, inventory turnover, change in average selling prices, net cash and short-term investments (debt), and free cash generation to evaluate the performance and assess the future direction of our business. (See further discussion in "Financial Metrics" and "Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources.") We experienced a continued high level of demand in virtually all end-markets in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017. Net revenues decreased slightly versus the prior fiscal quarter, but remained significantly higher than the prior year quarter. Net revenues for 2017 increased significantly versus 2016. The strong order levels of 2017 continued in the fourth fiscal quarter and resulted in continued strong metrics and an increase in nearly all key financial metrics compared to the prior year quarter.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $2.604 billion, compared to net revenues of $2.323 billion and $2.300 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net loss attributable to Vishay stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $20.3 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders of $48.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2016, and net loss attributable to Vishay stockholders of $108.5 million, or $0.73 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015.
We define adjusted net earnings as net earnings determined in accordance with GAAP adjusted for various items that management believes are not indicative of the intrinsic operating performance of our business. We define free cash as the cash flows generated from continuing operations less capital expenditures plus net proceeds from the sale of property and equipment. The reconciliations below include certain financial measures which are not recognized in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and free cash. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP measures of performance or liquidity. Non-GAAP measures such as adjusted net earnings, adjusted earnings per share, and free cash do not have uniform definitions. These measures, as calculated by Vishay, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Management believes that adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per share are meaningful because they provide insight with respect to our intrinsic operating results. Management believes that free cash is a meaningful measure of our ability to fund acquisitions, repay debt, and otherwise enhance stockholder value through stock repurchases or dividends.
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 include items affecting comparability. The items affecting comparability are (in thousands, except per share amounts):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
GAAP net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (20,344 | ) |  | $ | 48,792 |  |  | $ | (108,514 | )
Reconciling items affecting operating margin: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and severance costs |  | $ | 11,273 |  |  | $ | 19,199 |  |  | $ | 19,215 |
Impairment of intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,559 |  |  |  | 57,600 |
Impairment of goodwill |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,380 |
U.S. pension settlement charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | 79,321 |  |  |  | - |
Reconciling items affecting other income (expense): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on disposal of equity affiliate |  | $ | 6,112 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | (4,597 | ) |  |  | - |
Loss (gain) related to Tianjin explosion |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8,809 | ) |  |  | 5,350 |
Reconciling items affecting tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Enactment of TCJA |  | $ | 234,855 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Effects of cash repatriation program |  |  | (5,802 | ) |  |  | (3,553 | ) |  |  | 163,954 |
Additional tax expense from AOCI - pension plans |  |  | - |  |  |  | 34,853 |  |  |  | - |
Effects of changes in valuation allowances |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8,888 | )
Effects of changes in uncertain tax positions |  |  | 1,565 |  |  |  | (8,704 | ) |  |  | (2,629 | )
Tax effects of pre-tax items above |  |  | (3,331 | ) |  |  | (29,901 | ) |  |  | (22,468 | )
Adjusted net earnings |  | $ | 224,328 |  |  | $ | 128,160 |  |  | $ | 109,000 |
Adjusted weighted average diluted shares outstanding |  |  | 157,010 |  |  |  | 150,697 |  |  |  | 151,329 |
Adjusted earnings per diluted share * |  | $ | 1.43 |  |  | $ | 0.85 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |

* Includes add-back of interest on exchangeable notes in periods where the notes are dilutive.
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Although the term "free cash" is not defined in GAAP, each of the elements used to calculate free cash is presented as a line item on the face of our consolidated statement of cash flows prepared in accordance with GAAP.

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  |  | 2016** |  |  |  | 2015** |
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities |  | $ | 368,777 |  |  | $ | 296,509 |  |  | $ | 245,991 |
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |  |  | 1,685 |  |  |  | 5,701 |  |  |  | 2,049 |
Less: Capital expenditures |  |  | (170,432 | ) |  |  | (134,635 | ) |  |  | (147,142 | )
Free cash |  | $ | 200,030 |  |  | $ | 167,575 |  |  | $ | 100,898 |

** Results have been recast due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Our results for 2016 and 2017 represent the effects of an excellent business environment, a high level of orders, our cost reduction programs, and our organic growth initiatives. Order activity was already strong in 2016, but we experienced a relatively sharp upturn in demand in the first half of 2017 that continued through the second half of the year. Our percentage of euro-based sales approximates our percentage of euro-based expenses so the foreign currency impact on revenues was substantially offset by the impact on expenses. Our pre-tax results were consistent with expectations based on our business model.
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Financial Metrics
We utilize several financial metrics to evaluate the performance and assess the future direction of our business. These key financial measures and metrics include net revenues, gross profit margin, operating margin, segment operating income, end-of-period backlog, and the book-to-bill ratio. We also monitor changes in our inventory turnover and our or publicly available average selling prices ("ASP").
Gross profit margin is computed as gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. Gross profit is generally net revenues less costs of products sold, but also deducts certain other period costs, particularly losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs. Losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs have the impact of reducing gross profit margin in the period of the charge, but result in improved gross profit margins in subsequent periods by reducing costs of products sold as inventory is used. Gross profit margin is clearly a function of net revenues, but also reflects our cost management programs and our ability to contain fixed costs.
Operating margin is computed as gross profit less operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues. We evaluate business segment performance on segment operating margin. Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income. Segment operating margin is computed as operating income less items such as restructuring and severance costs, asset write-downs, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments, inventory write-downs, gain or losses on purchase commitments, global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administrative groups, and other items, expressed as a percentage of net revenues. We believe that evaluating segment performance excluding such items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the segment. Operating margin is clearly a function of net revenues, but also reflects our cost management programs and our ability to contain fixed costs.
End-of-period backlog is one indicator of future revenues. We include in our backlog only open orders that we expect to ship in the next twelve months. If demand falls below customers' forecasts, or if customers do not control their inventory effectively, they may cancel or reschedule the shipments that are included in our backlog, in many instances without the payment of any penalty. Therefore, the backlog is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
An important indicator of demand in our industry is the book-to-bill ratio, which is the ratio of the amount of product ordered during a period as compared with the product that we ship during that period. A book-to-bill ratio that is greater than one indicates that our backlog is building and that we are likely to see increasing revenues in future periods. Conversely, a book-to-bill ratio that is less than one is an indicator of declining demand and may foretell declining revenues.
We focus on our inventory turnover as a measure of how well we are managing our inventory. We define inventory turnover for a financial reporting period as our costs of products sold for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of the reporting period divided by our average inventory (computed using each fiscal quarter-end balance) for this same period. A higher level of inventory turnover reflects more efficient use of our capital.
Pricing in our industry can be volatile. Using our and publicly available data, we analyze trends and changes in average selling prices to evaluate likely future pricing. The erosion of average selling prices of established products is typical for semiconductor products. We attempt to offset this deterioration with ongoing cost reduction activities and new product introductions. Our specialty passive components are more resistant to average selling price erosion. All pricing is subject to governing market conditions.
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The quarter-to-quarter trends in these financial metrics can also be an important indicator of the likely direction of our business. The following table shows net revenues, gross profit margin, operating margin, end-of-period backlog, book-to-bill ratio, inventory turnover, and changes in ASP for our business as a whole during the five fiscal quarters beginning with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 through the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 (dollars in thousands):

|  | 4th Quarter 2016 |  |  | 1st Quarter 2017 |  |  | 2nd Quarter 2017 |  |  | 3rd Quarter 2017 |  |  | 4th Quarter 2017 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 570,819 |  |  | $ | 606,258 |  |  | $ | 644,892 |  |  | $ | 677,883 |  |  | $ | 674,489 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 23.2 | % |  |  | 26.5 | % |  |  | 26.8 | % |  |  | 27.9 | % |  |  | 26.2 | %
Operating margin (1) |  |  | -8.0 | % |  |  | 10.7 | % |  |  | 12.7 | % |  |  | 13.6 | % |  |  | 10.8 | %
End-of-period backlog |  | $ | 653,400 |  |  | $ | 836,500 |  |  | $ | 1,034,000 |  |  | $ | 1,122,200 |  |  | $ | 1,320,200 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 1.11 |  |  |  | 1.29 |  |  |  | 1.27 |  |  |  | 1.11 |  |  |  | 1.28 |
Inventory turnover |  |  | 4.40 |  |  |  | 4.50 |  |  |  | 4.60 |  |  |  | 4.50 |  |  |  | 4.50 |
Change in ASP vs. prior quarter |  |  | -1.2 | % |  |  | -1.3 | % |  |  | -0.7 | % |  |  | -0.1 | % |  |  | -0.2 | %

_______________
(1) Operating margin for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 and the first, second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017 includes $7.1 million, $1.5 million, $0.5 million, $3.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of restructuring and severance expenses (see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements). Operating margin for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 includes $79.3 million of pension settlement charges (see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements).
See "Financial Metrics by Segment" below for net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, and gross profit margin broken out by segment.
Revenues for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 decreased slightly versus the third fiscal quarter of 2017, but increased significantly versus the prior year quarter. The continued strong demand further increased the backlog and the book-to-bill ratio. Distributors continue to drive the high order rate. We keep increasing manufacturing capacities and output of our key product lines, but the high order rates have increased product delivery leadtimes and even caused some shortages of supply. Many of our product lines are operating at or near capacity. Sequentially, average selling prices were virtually stable, reflective of the strong business environment.
Gross profit margin decreased versus the prior fiscal quarter, but increased versus the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016. The fluctuations are primarily volume-driven with decreasing average selling prices burdening each period.
The book-to-bill ratio increased to 1.28 in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 from 1.11 in the third fiscal quarter of 2017. The book-to-bill ratios for distributors and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") were 1.40 and 1.13, respectively, versus ratios of 1.15 and 1.06, respectively, during the third fiscal quarter of 2017.
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Financial Metrics by Segment
The following table shows net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, gross profit margin, and segment operating margin broken out by segment for the five fiscal quarters beginning with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 through the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 (dollars in thousands):

|  | 4th Quarter 2016 |  |  | 1st Quarter 2017 |  |  | 2nd Quarter 2017 |  |  | 3rd Quarter 2017 |  |  | 4th Quarter 2017 |
MOSFETs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 101,497 |  |  | $ | 105,529 |  |  | $ | 114,035 |  |  | $ | 126,522 |  |  | $ | 122,208 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 1.14 |  |  |  | 1.37 |  |  |  | 1.37 |  |  |  | 1.19 |  |  |  | 1.59 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 17.0 | % |  |  | 19.6 | % |  |  | 22.2 | % |  |  | 25.5 | % |  |  | 25.5 | %
Segment operating margin |  |  | 9.4 | % |  |  | 11.1 | % |  |  | 14.6 | % |  |  | 18.5 | % |  |  | 18.2 | %
Diodes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 135,291 |  |  | $ | 144,895 |  |  | $ | 155,717 |  |  | $ | 160,711 |  |  | $ | 159,565 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 1.22 |  |  |  | 1.44 |  |  |  | 1.41 |  |  |  | 1.18 |  |  |  | 1.34 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 21.1 | % |  |  | 25.9 | % |  |  | 26.4 | % |  |  | 26.7 | % |  |  | 25.7 | %
Segment operating margin |  |  | 17.7 | % |  |  | 22.6 | % |  |  | 23.2 | % |  |  | 23.6 | % |  |  | 22.5 | %
Optoelectronic Components |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 68,491 |  |  | $ | 65,682 |  |  | $ | 73,838 |  |  | $ | 76,740 |  |  | $ | 70,089 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 0.99 |  |  |  | 1.16 |  |  |  | 1.11 |  |  |  | 0.94 |  |  |  | 1.21 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 32.1 | % |  |  | 34.0 | % |  |  | 34.5 | % |  |  | 37.7 | % |  |  | 29.6 | %
Segment operating margin |  |  | 25.9 | % |  |  | 25.8 | % |  |  | 29.1 | % |  |  | 32.6 | % |  |  | 23.2 | %
Resistors & Inductors |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 185,503 |  |  | $ | 200,383 |  |  | $ | 209,182 |  |  | $ | 217,601 |  |  | $ | 216,893 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 1.08 |  |  |  | 1.22 |  |  |  | 1.23 |  |  |  | 1.15 |  |  |  | 1.19 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 27.5 | % |  |  | 30.5 | % |  |  | 29.7 | % |  |  | 30.1 | % |  |  | 29.0 | %
Segment operating margin |  |  | 23.7 | % |  |  | 26.9 | % |  |  | 26.1 | % |  |  | 26.8 | % |  |  | 25.7 | %
Capacitors |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 80,037 |  |  | $ | 89,769 |  |  | $ | 92,120 |  |  | $ | 96,309 |  |  | $ | 105,734 |
Book-to-bill ratio |  |  | 1.03 |  |  |  | 1.25 |  |  |  | 1.14 |  |  |  | 0.97 |  |  |  | 1.08 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 17.1 | % |  |  | 21.4 | % |  |  | 20.6 | % |  |  | 20.3 | % |  |  | 19.5 | %
Segment operating margin |  |  | 11.5 | % |  |  | 15.8 | % |  |  | 15.3 | % |  |  | 15.3 | % |  |  | 14.6 | %

__________
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U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") was enacted in the United States. The TCJA represents sweeping changes in U.S. tax law. Among the numerous changes in tax law, the TCJA permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% beginning in 2018; imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings; establishes a participation exemption system by allowing a 100% dividends received deduction on qualifying dividends paid by foreign subsidiaries; limits deductions for net interest expense; and expands the US taxation of foreign earned income to include "global intangible low-taxed income."
Under U.S. GAAP (specifically, ASC Topic 740), the effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted. The total effect of tax law changes on deferred tax balances is recorded as a component of income tax expense.
In response to the TCJA, the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB No. 118") to provide guidance to registrants in applying ASC Topic 740 in connection with the TCJA. SAB No. 118 provides that in the period of enactment, the income tax effects of the TCJA may be reported as a provisional amount based on a reasonable estimate (to the extent a reasonable estimate can be determined), which would be subject to adjustment during a "measurement period". The measurement period begins in the reporting period of the TCJA's enactment and ends when a registrant has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information that was needed in order to complete the accounting requirements under ASC Topic 740. SAB No. 118 also describes supplemental disclosures that should accompany the provisional amounts.
The TCJA represents the first significant change in U.S. tax law in over 30 years. As permitted by SAB No. 118, the net tax expense recorded in our financial statements for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 due to the enactment of the TCJA is considered "provisional," based on reasonable estimates. We are continuing to collect and analyze detailed information about the earnings and profits of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, the related taxes paid, the amounts which could be repatriated, the foreign taxes which may be incurred on repatriation, and the associated impact of these items under the TCJA. We may record adjustments to refine those estimates during the measurement period, as additional analysis is completed. Furthermore, we are continuing to evaluate the TCJA's provisions and may prospectively adjust our financial structure and business practices accordingly.
The provisional amount of net tax expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 that is directly and indirectly related to the TCJA is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):

Remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities |  | $ | (74,816 | )
Transition tax on unremitted foreign earnings |  |  | 215,558 |
Incremental foreign taxes on assumed repatriation |  |  | 213,000 |
Reversal of deferred taxes due to cancellation of 2015 repatriation plan |  |  | (118,887 | )
Total tax expense related to the enactment of the TCJA |  | $ | 234,855 |

As a result of the TCJA, we recognized a provisional tax benefit of $74.8 million to remeasure our net deferred tax liabilities at the lower, 21% rate.
The TCJA transitions the U.S. from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. Under previous law, companies could indefinitely defer U.S. income taxation on unremitted foreign earnings. The TCJA imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings of 15.5% for liquid assets and 8% for illiquid assets, payable in defined increments over eight years. As a result of this requirement, we recognized provisional tax expense of $215.6 million, and provisionally expect to pay $180.0 million, net of estimated applicable foreign tax credits, and after utilization of net operating loss and R&D and FTC Credit carryforwards. These previously deferred foreign earnings may now be repatriated to the United States without additional U.S. federal taxation. However, any such repatriation could incur withholding and other foreign taxes in the source and intervening foreign jurisdictions, and certain U.S. state taxes.
Due to the changes in taxation of dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and also because of the need to finance the payment of the transition tax, we made the determination during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 that certain unremitted foreign earnings in Israel, Germany, Austria, and France are no longer permanently reinvested, and have recorded provisional tax expense of $213.0 million to accrue the incremental foreign income taxes and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions assuming the hypothetical repatriation to the United States of these approximately $1.1 billion of available foreign earnings. Due to the existence of the foreign cash taxes payable at the source, we expect to actually repatriate these amounts at a measured pace over several years, and may decide to ultimately not repatriate some of these amounts.
There are additional amounts of unremitted foreign earnings in other countries, which continue to be reinvested indefinitely, and we have made no provision for incremental foreign income taxes and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions related to these amounts. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred foreign tax liability for these amounts is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
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During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, we recognized income tax, including U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions, on $300 million of foreign earnings. This tax expense was recognized in 2015 following an evaluation of our anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and our most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that could be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions. We repatriated $38.0 million and $46.0 million pursuant to this program in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Prior to the enactment of the TCJA, the related deferred tax liability for the 2015 repatriation plan was $118.9 million. We have terminated the 2015 cash repatriation plan and recorded a provisional income tax benefit to reverse this deferred tax liability, which was replaced by the liability for the transition tax and foreign income and withholding taxes described above.
The deferred tax liability related to these unremitted foreign earnings is based on the available sources of cash, applicable tax rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors and circumstances, as of each balance sheet date. Changes in these underlying facts and circumstances result in changes in the deferred tax liability balance, which are recorded as tax benefit or expense.
We expect to continue to generate a significant amount of cash and profits from our non-U.S. subsidiaries, and our provision for income taxes will continue to be based on various assertions regarding the future use of that cash and profits. Such assertions require us to consider a wide variety of U.S. federal and foreign tax laws, and the application of such laws to our operational and strategic needs.
Our GAAP interest expense generally exceeds our U.S.-based operating income, resulting in pre-tax losses in the U.S. Accordingly, we have historically recorded U.S. federal tax benefits, at 35%, which had the effect of reducing our consolidated GAAP tax rate. Accordingly, the reduction in the statutory U.S. tax rate will generally increase our consolidated GAAP tax rate due to the loss of these tax benefits recognized on a GAAP basis.
The TCJA expands the U.S. current taxation of foreign earned income beginning in 2018. Global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") is income of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that exceeds an allowable return and which will then be included in U.S. current taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, and possibly reduced by indirect foreign tax credits. We have elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore have not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. We expect that we will be subject to incremental U.S. tax on GILTI income beginning in 2018. Because of the complexity of the new GILTI provisions, we are still evaluating the impact on our future effective tax rate. The TCJA also imposes a base erosion and anti-abuse minimum tax ("BEAT"). BEAT could potentially increase our U.S. federal income tax by disallowing certain otherwise deductible payments from the U.S. to non-U.S. subsidiaries and imposing a minimum tax if greater than the regular tax. We are still evaluating the potential impacts of the new BEAT tax rules.
We historically derived significant cash tax savings from our convertible debentures. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the interest deduction for the convertible debentures is computed based on the comparable yield of a hypothetical fixed rate debt instrument with similar terms and conditions but no conversion feature. Accordingly, annual interest deductions are calculated at 8.0%, 8.375%, and 7.5% of the adjusted issue price. The adjusted issue price, and consequently the interest deduction for income tax purposes, grows over the term of the debt due to the difference between the interest deduction using a comparable yield applied to the adjusted issue price, and the coupon rate of 2.5% on the principal amount. Interest expense recognized in accordance with GAAP is calculated at the comparable yield multiplied by the carrying amount of the liability component of convertible debentures, which is substantially lower than the adjusted issue price for tax purposes. The difference between the tax and GAAP interest computations resulted in substantially greater interest deductions for tax purposes than GAAP interest expense. The TCJA limits deduction for net interest expense, which makes the convertible debentures less attractive financial instruments. While the convertible debentures due 2040 and 2042 and currently convertible at the option of the holders, none of the convertible debentures are currently callable by us. We are evaluating financing alternatives, which might include the modification or replacement of such instruments, as a result of the TCJA.
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Acquisition Activity
As part of our growth strategy, we seek to expand through targeted acquisitions of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and technical expertise. This includes exploring opportunities to acquire targets to gain market share, penetrate different geographic markets, enhance new product development, round out our existing product lines, or grow our high margin niche market businesses. Acquisitions of passive components businesses would likely be made to strengthen and broaden our position as a specialty product supplier; acquisitions of discrete semiconductor businesses would be made to increase market share and to generate synergies. To limit our financial exposure, we have implemented a policy not to pursue acquisitions if our post-acquisition debt would exceed 2.5x our pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"). For these purposes, we calculate pro forma EBITDA as the adjusted EBITDA of Vishay and the target for Vishay's four preceding fiscal quarters, with a pro forma adjustment for savings which management estimates would have been achieved had the target been acquired by Vishay at the beginning of the four fiscal quarter period.
Our growth plan targets adding, through acquisitions, an average of approximately $100 million of revenues per year. Depending on the opportunities available, we might make several smaller acquisitions or a few larger acquisitions. We intend to make such acquisitions using mainly cash, rather than debt or equity, although we do have capacity under our revolving credit facility if necessary. We are not currently targeting acquisitions with a purchase price larger than $500 million.
There is no assurance that we will be able to identify and acquire additional suitable acquisition candidates at price levels and on terms and conditions we consider acceptable.
In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, we deposited the $6.8 million purchase price of Sonntag Electronic GmbH ("Sonntag"). The acquisition was effective January 1, 2016. Sonntag is a distributor of electronic components in Germany.
On February 8, 2018, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of UltraSource, Inc., a U.S.-based, privately-held thin film circuit and thin film interconnect manufacturer, for $13.4 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. This business will be incorporated into our Resistors & Inductors segment.
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Cost Management
We place a strong emphasis on controlling our costs, and use various measures and metrics to evaluate our cost structure.
We define variable costs as expenses that vary with respect to quantity produced. Fixed costs do not vary with respect to quantity produced over the relevant time period. Contributive margin is calculated as net revenue less variable costs. It may be expressed in dollars or as a percentage of net revenue. Management uses this measure to determine the amount of profit to be expected for any change in revenues. While these measures are typical cost accounting measures, none of these measures are recognized in accordance with GAAP. The classification of expenses as either variable or fixed is judgmental and other companies might classify such expenses differently. These measures, as calculated by Vishay, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
We closely monitor variable costs and seek to achieve the contributive margin in our business model. Over a period of many years, we have generally maintained a contributive margin of between 45% - 47% of revenues. The erosion of average selling prices, particularly of our semiconductor products, that is typical of our industry, and inflation negatively impact contributive margin and drive us to continually seek ways to reduce our variable costs. Our variable cost reduction efforts include increasing the efficiency in our production facilities by expending capital for automation, reducing materials costs, materials substitution, increasing wafer size and shrinking dies to maximize efficiency in our semiconductor production processes, and other yield improvement activities.
Our cost management strategy also includes a focus on controlling fixed costs recorded as costs of products sold or selling, general, and administrative expenses and maintaining our break-even point (adjusted for acquisitions). We seek to limit increases in selling, general, and administrative expenses to the rate of inflation, excluding foreign currency exchange effects and substantially independent of sales volume changes. At constant fixed costs, we would expect each $1 million increase in revenues to increase our operating income by approximately $450,000 to $470,000. Sudden changes in the business conditions, however, may not allow us to quickly adapt our manufacturing capacity and cost structure.
Occasionally, our ongoing cost containment activities are not adequate and we must take actions to maintain our cost competitiveness. We incurred significant restructuring expenses in our past to reduce our cost structure. Historically, our primary cost reduction technique was through the transfer of production to the extent possible from high-labor-cost countries to lower-labor-cost countries. We believe that our manufacturing footprint is suitable to serve our customers and end markets, while maintaining lower manufacturing costs. Since 2013, our cost reduction programs have primarily focused on reducing fixed costs, including selling, general, and administrative expenses.
In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013, we announced various cost reduction programs as part of our continuous efforts to improve efficiency and operating performance.
The programs initiated in 2013 primarily focused on a plan to enhance the competitiveness of our MOSFETs segment and a voluntary separation / early retirement offer to certain employees Company-wide. We also implemented two other smaller cost reduction programs concerning the manufacturing of products within our Diodes segment. The voluntary separation / early retirement and Diodes segment programs were substantially completed in 2014.
We completed the initially planned production transfer as part of the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program in the first fiscal quarter of 2016. The production transfer occurred over a period of approximately two years. The manufacture of wafers for certain critical products was transferred into a more cost-efficient fab. As a consequence, certain other wafer manufacturing previously occurring in-house was transferred to third-party foundries. We incurred other exit costs associated with the production transfer, including certain contract termination costs.
The initially-planned production transfer achieved the expected improvement in contributive margin percentage and fixed cost reduction; however, as a result of a decrease in net revenues since the plan was first initiated, gross margin for the MOSFETs segment remained below 20%.
As a result of a review of the financial results and outlook for the MOSFETs segment following the completion of production transfers, in November 2016, we determined to implement further cost reductions for the MOSFETs segment.
In November 2016, we announced an extension of the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program. The extended program included various cost reduction initiatives, primarily the transfer of all remaining manufacturing operations at our Santa Clara, California facility to other Vishay facilities or third-party subcontractors.
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We incurred cash charges of $7.2 million, primarily related to severance, to implement these additional steps. We expect to realize annualized savings of approximately $8 million to $9 million as a result of these additional initiatives. These savings were largely achieved by the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2017. We will maintain our R&D and management presence in the Silicon Valley area, and expect to move into a new R&D facility in San Jose in the first fiscal quarter of 2018.
As of December 31, 2017, the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program is substantially completed. We recorded $3.2 million of restructuring and severance expenses in 2017 for the expenses that were recognizable under GAAP in 2017 and $26.7 million of total restructuring and severance expenses to implement the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program.
As a result of our cost reduction activities in our MOSFETs segment, we have established a solid and competitive cost basis for future growth. Segment gross profit margin has improved to acceptable levels beginning in the second fiscal quarter of 2017 (which also reflects higher revenues).
Programs were also initiated in 2015. The programs initiated in 2015 included a plan to reduce selling, general, and administrative costs company-wide, and targeted streamlining and consolidation of production for certain product lines within our Capacitors and Resistors & Inductors segments. The implementation of these programs did not impact planned R&D activities, or our growth initiatives in Asian markets. As of December 31, 2017, these programs have been substantially implemented. The programs in total are expected to lower costs by approximately $35 million annually (at current volumes). We recorded $8.1 million of restructuring and severance expenses in 2017 for expenses that were recognizable under GAAP in 2017 and $31.7 million of total restructuring and severance expenses to implement these programs.
The programs announced in 2015 have reduced selling, general, and administrative costs by approximately $17 million annually. These selling, general, and administrative cost reductions were substantially implemented by the end of 2016. We first solicited volunteers to accept a voluntary separation / early retirement offer. The voluntary separation benefits vary by country and job classification, but generally offer a cash loyalty bonus. Additional involuntary terminations were necessary to achieve the cost reduction targets. We began to realize cost savings as a result of these programs in 2016.
The targeted plans to streamline and consolidate production of certain product lines are expected to decrease costs of products sold by approximately $18 million annually (at current volumes). These plans include the Zwolle, Netherlands aluminum capacitors facility closure announced on June 30, 2015.
We do not anticipate any material restructuring activities in 2018. We believe that we can substantially maintain our trained workforce, even at lower manufacturing activity levels, by reducing hours and limiting the use of subcontractors and foundries. However, a sluggish business environment for the electronics industry or the recurrence of a significant economic downturn may require us to implement additional restructuring initiatives.
Our long-term strategy includes growth through the integration of acquired businesses, and GAAP requires plant closure and employee termination costs that we incur in connection with our acquisition activities to be recorded as expenses in our consolidated statement of operations, as such expenses are incurred. We have not incurred any material plant closure or employee termination costs related to any of the businesses acquired since 2011, but we expect to have some level of future restructuring expenses due to acquisitions.
Even as we seek to manage our costs, we continue to pursue our growth plans through investing in capacities for strategic product lines, and through increasing our resources for R&D, technical marketing, and field application engineering; supplemented by opportunistic acquisitions of specialty businesses.
Growth Plan
We are focused on enhancing stockholder value and improving earnings per share by growing our business and opportunistically repurchasing our stock. We plan to grow our business through intensified internal growth supplemented by opportunistic acquisitions, while at the same time maintaining a prudent capital structure. To foster intensified internal growth, we have increased our worldwide R&D and engineering technical staff; we are expanding critical manufacturing capacities; we are increasing our technical field sales force in Asia to increase our market access to the industrial segment and increase the design-in of our products in local markets; and we are directing increased funding and focus on developing products to capitalize on the connectivity, mobility, and sustainability growth drivers of our business. These efforts as well as our broad and innovative product portfolio and strong position in distribution worldwide have us positioned very well in case of a dramatic upturn in the economy. Our growth plan also targets adding, through acquisitions, $100 million of revenues per year on average. Since 2011, we have acquired the specialty product businesses of Huntington Electric, HiRel Systems, LLC, MCB Industrie, and UltraSource. In 2014, we made strategic acquisitions of Holy Stone Polytech and Capella and plan to use the technology and engineering capabilities acquired to further grow our business. We continue to explore additional acquisition opportunities.
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Goodwill
See Notes 1 and 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our goodwill impairment tests.
In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization for Vishay and our peer group companies, and other factors (including the cost reduction programs announced during the third fiscal quarter of 2015 as described above and more fully in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements), we determined that interim goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment tests were required as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2015. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $5.4 million to write-off the goodwill balance of our Capacitors reporting unit as a result of these tests.
We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. The interim impairment test performed as of October 3, 2015, the last day of the third fiscal quarter, was effectively the annual impairment test for 2015. No goodwill impairment was identified as a result of the 2016 and 2017 annual impairment tests.
The recorded impairment charge is noncash in nature and does not affect our liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and will not have a material impact on future operations.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
See Notes 1 and 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests.
As a result of a review of the financial results and outlook for the MOSFETs segment following the completion of production transfers, we determined that an interim indefinite-lived impairment test was required for our Siliconix tradenames as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2016.
As a result of this analysis, we determined that our Siliconix tradenames, with a carrying value of $20.4 million, were impaired. We recorded an impairment charge of $1.6 million in 2016 to write-down the tradenames to their fair value. The tradenames are no longer considered indefinite-lived and the remaining value is being amortized over the 10 year estimated remaining useful life.
In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization for Vishay and our peer group companies, and other factors (including the cost reduction programs announced during the third fiscal quarter of 2015 as described above and more fully in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements), we determined that interim goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment tests were required as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2015.
Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment, we performed a recoverability test of certain depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets. As a result of those assessments, it was determined that the depreciable and amortizable assets associated with our Capella business were not recoverable, and we recorded impairment charges totaling $57.6 million to write-down the related assets to their fair value.
We perform our annual indefinite-lived asset impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. The interim impairment tests performed as of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the last days of the fiscal third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively, were effectively the annual impairment tests for 2016 and 2015.
The recorded impairment charges are noncash in nature and do not affect our liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and will not have a material impact on future operations.
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Foreign Currency Translation
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. We occasionally use forward exchange contracts to economically hedge a portion of our projected cash flows from these exposures.
GAAP requires that entities identify the "functional currency" of each of their subsidiaries and measure all elements of the financial statements in that functional currency. A subsidiary's functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates. In cases where a subsidiary is relatively self-contained within a particular country, the local currency is generally deemed to be the functional currency. However, a foreign subsidiary that is a direct and integral component or extension of the parent company's operations generally would have the parent company's currency as its functional currency. We have both situations among our subsidiaries.
Foreign Subsidiaries which use the Local Currency as the Functional Currency
We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The significant weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the euro in 2017 had significant impacts on our balance sheet.
For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the consolidated statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies. The dollar was weaker during 2017 versus 2016, with the translation of foreign currency revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars increasing reported revenues and expenses versus 2016. On a weighted average basis for the full year 2016 versus 2015, the U.S. dollar was relatively unchanged versus relevant foreign currencies, with the translation of foreign currency revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars having an immaterial impact on reported revenues and expenses versus 2015.
Foreign Subsidiaries which use the U.S. Dollar as the Functional Currency
Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the results of operations. While these subsidiaries transact most business in U.S. dollars, they may have significant costs, particularly payroll-related, which are incurred in the local currency. The cost of products sold and selling, general, and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been unfavorably impacted (compared to the prior year) by local currency transactions of subsidiaries which use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
See Item 7A for additional discussion of foreign currency exchange risk and forward contracts used to mitigate certain foreign currency risks.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We identify here a number of policies that entail significant judgments or estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For the portion of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, we recognize revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. We historically have had agreements with distributors that provided limited rights of product return. We have modified these arrangements to allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which we term a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, we also have a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby we consider, and grant at our discretion, requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, we have contractual arrangements whereby we provide distributors with protection against price reductions that we initiate after the sale of product to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor.
We record end of period accruals for each of the programs based upon our estimate of future credits under the programs that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. We calculate reductions of revenue attributable to each of the programs during any period by computing the change in the accruals from the prior period and adding the credits actually given to distributors during the period under the programs. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments, but we believe they enable us to reasonably estimate future credits under the programs.
Recording and monitoring of our sales accruals takes place at our subsidiaries and divisions, with input from sales and marketing personnel and review, assessment, and, if necessary, adjustment by corporate management. While our subsidiaries and divisions utilize different methodologies based on their individual experiences, all of the methodologies take into account certain elements that management considers relevant, such as sales to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. In our judgment, the different methodologies provide us with equally reliable estimates upon which to base our accruals. We do not track the credits that we record against specific products sold from distributor inventories, so as to directly compare revenue reduction for credits recorded during any period with credits ultimately awarded in respect of products sold during that period. Nevertheless, we believe that we have an adequate basis to assess the reasonableness and reliability of our estimates.
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for information regarding recent revenue recognition guidance that has not yet been adopted.
Inventories and Purchase Commitments
We value our inventories at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out method and market based upon net realizable value. The valuation of our inventories requires our management to make market estimates. For work in process goods, we are required to estimate the cost to completion of the products and the prices at which we will be able to sell the products. For finished goods, we must assess the prices at which we believe the inventory can be sold. Inventories are also adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget. We record losses and related liabilities when the contractually obligated purchase price under our purchase commitments exceed quoted market prices for the metals.
Goodwill
See Notes 1 and 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our goodwill impairment tests.
The determination of the fair value of the reporting units required for a quantitative goodwill impairment test requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions measured at a point in time. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. In addition, changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting unit and the amount of the goodwill impairment charge.
43

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
See Notes 1 and 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment analyses.
The evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets, and the determination of their fair value, requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions measured at a point in time. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the identification of the asset group at the lowest level of independent cash flows and the principal asset of the group; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
The evaluation of the fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks also requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the assumed market-royalty rate; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. In addition, changes in underlying assumptions would have a significant impact on the conclusion that an asset group's carrying value is recoverable, that an indefinite-lived asset is not impaired, or the determination of any impairment charge if it was determined that the asset values were indeed impaired.
Accounts Receivable
Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets. We are required to estimate the collectibility of our receivables and to establish allowances for the amount of receivables that will prove uncollectible. We base these allowances on our historical collection experience, the length of time our receivables are outstanding, the financial circumstances of individual customers, and general business and economic conditions. Due to our large number of customers and their dispersion across many countries and industries, we have limited exposure to concentrations of credit risk. As of December 31, 2017, one customer comprised 16.1% of our accounts receivable balance. This customer comprised 15.4% of our accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2016. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. We continually monitor the credit risks associated with our accounts receivable and adjust the allowance for uncollectible accounts accordingly. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure beyond such allowance is not material to the financial statements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Our defined benefit plans are concentrated in the United States, Germany, and the Republic of China (Taiwan). At December 31, 2017, our U.S. plans include various non-qualified plans. As further described below, our U.S. plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") was terminated and settled in 2016. The table below summarizes information about our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This information should be read in conjunction with Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements (amounts in thousands):

|  | Benefit obligation |  |  | Plan assets |  |  | Funded position |  |  | Informally funded assets |  |  | Net position |  |  | Unrecognized actuarial items |
U.S. non-qualified pension plans |  | $ | 39,917 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | (39,917 | ) |  | $ | 26,294 |  |  | $ | (13,623 | ) |  | $ | 7,731 |
German pension plans |  |  | 185,342 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (185,342 | ) |  |  | 4,621 |  |  |  | (180,721 | ) |  |  | 57,476 |
Taiwanese pension plans |  |  | 70,292 |  |  |  | 45,226 |  |  |  | (25,066 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (25,066 | ) |  |  | 22,310 |
Other pension plans |  |  | 35,528 |  |  |  | 25,379 |  |  |  | (10,149 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (10,149 | ) |  |  | 8,612 |
OPEB plans |  |  | 15,531 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (15,531 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (15,531 | ) |  |  | 815 |
Other retirement obligations |  |  | 13,852 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (13,852 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (13,852 | ) |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 360,462 |  |  | $ | 70,605 |  |  | $ | (289,857 | ) |  | $ | 30,915 |  |  | $ | (258,942 | ) |  | $ | 96,944 |

Accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans involves numerous assumptions and estimates. The discount rate at which obligations could effectively be settled and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets are two critical assumptions in measuring the cost and benefit obligations of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Other important assumptions include the anticipated rate of future increases in compensation levels, estimated mortality, and for certain postretirement medical plans, increases or trends in health care costs. Management reviews these assumptions at least annually. We use independent actuaries and investment advisers to assist us in formulating assumptions and making estimates. These assumptions are updated periodically to reflect the actual experience and expectations on a plan specific basis as appropriate.
In the U.S., we utilize published long-term high quality bonds to determine the discount rate at the measurement date. In Germany and the Republic of China (Taiwan), we utilize published long-term government bond rates to determine the discount rate at the measurement date. We utilize bond yields at various maturity dates that reflect the timing of expected future benefit payments. We believe the discount rates selected are the rates at which these obligations could effectively be settled.
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Non-qualified plans in the U.S. are considered by law to be unfunded. However, the Company maintains assets in a rabbi trust to fund benefit payments under certain of these plans. Such assets would be subject to creditor claims under certain conditions. (See also Notes 11 and 18 to our consolidated financial statements.)
Many of our non-U.S. plans are unfunded based on local laws and customs. For those non-U.S. plans that do maintain investments, their asset holdings are primarily cash and fixed income securities, based on local laws and customs. Some non-U.S. plans also informally fund their plans by holding certain available-for-sale investments. Such assets would be subject to creditor claims under certain conditions. (See also Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements.)
We set the expected long-term rate of return based on the expected long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this rate, we consider historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, advice from pension consultants and investment advisors, and current economic and capital market conditions. The expected return on plan assets is incorporated into the computation of pension expense. The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred. The net deferral of past asset losses (gains) affects the calculated value of plan assets and, ultimately, future pension expense (income).
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, we adopted amendments to our principal U.S. defined benefit pension plans, such that effective January 1, 2009, the plans were frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees may participate in the plans, no further participant contributions were required or permitted, and no further benefits accrued after December 31, 2008.
During the third fiscal quarter of 2014, we executed two partial-settlement transactions to reduce the risk associated with our U.S. qualified pension obligations. These transactions reduced the number of participants the plan was obligated to pay by approximately 1,500 and also resulted in the recognition of non-cash settlement charges aggregating $15.6 million, representing previously unrecognized actuarial items.
In the second fiscal quarter of 2015, we began the process of terminating the Vishay Retirement Plan, our remaining U.S. qualified pension plan. We completed the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan in December 2016. The termination and settlement required no additional cash contributions. Excess plan assets were transferred to a qualified defined contribution retirement plan. We recognized pre-tax non-cash settlement charges aggregating $79.3 million in 2016, representing previously unrecognized actuarial items.
We continue to seek to de-risk our global pension exposures. Such actions could result in increased net periodic pension cost due to lower expected rates of return on plan assets and/or possible additional charges to recognize unamortized actuarial items if all or a portion of the obligations were to be settled.
We believe that the current assumptions used to estimate plan obligations and annual expenses are appropriate. However, if economic conditions change or if our investment strategy changes, we may be inclined to change some of our assumptions, and the resulting change could have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations and on the consolidated balance sheet.
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Income Taxes
See Note 1 to consolidated financial statements for a description of our income tax policies.
See "U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" above, for a discussion of the net expense recorded in 2017 related to the TCJA and qualitative disclosure of the future impact of the TCJA on our financial position, financial results, and liquidity.
We have recorded deferred tax assets representing future tax benefits, but may not be able to realize these future tax benefits in certain jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the expected future realizability of these deferred tax assets. We periodically evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets by assessing the valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include deferred tax liabilities, our forecast of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. We have generally recognized net deferred tax assets only where there is a recent history of taxable income and forecasts of future taxable income.
We and our subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as tax returns in multiple states and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has concluded examinations of our U.S. federal income tax returns through the 2012 tax year and we are not currently under examination for any years. During 2017, the examinations of tax returns of principal non-U.S. subsidiaries in Germany (2009 through 2012) and Israel (2013 through 2015) were concluded, and certain other tax examinations were concluded and certain statutes of limitations lapsed. Our tax provision for the year-ended December 31, 2017 includes tax benefits related to the resolution of these matters. The tax returns of other non-U.S. subsidiaries which are currently under examination include France (2015 through 2016), India (2004 through 2014), Italy (2012 through 2016), and Taiwan (2016). We and our subsidiaries also file income tax returns in other taxing jurisdictions around the world, many of which are still open to examination.
Additional information about income taxes is included in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Results of Operations
Statement of operations' captions as a percentage of net revenues and the effective tax rates were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Costs of products sold |  |  | 73.1 | % |  |  | 75.5 | % |  |  | 76.4 | %
Gross profit |  |  | 26.9 | % |  |  | 24.5 | % |  |  | 23.6 | %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  | 14.5 | % |  |  | 15.8 | % |  |  | 15.7 | %
Operating income |  |  | 12.0 | % |  |  | 4.4 | % |  |  | 4.3 | %
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest |  |  | 10.7 | % |  |  | 4.1 | % |  |  | 3.2 | %
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  |  | (0.8 | )% |  |  | 2.1 | % |  |  | (4.7 | )%
________ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Effective tax rate |  |  | 107.0 | % |  |  | 47.6 | % |  |  | 244.1 | %

Net Revenues
Net revenues were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 2,603,522 |  |  | $ | 2,323,431 |  |  | $ | 2,300,488 |
Change versus prior year |  | $ | 280,091 |  |  | $ | 22,943 |  |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus prior year |  |  | 12.1 | % |  |  | 1.0 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in volume |  |  | 14.8 | % |  |  | 4.3 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -2.6 | % |  |  | -3.1 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 0.7 | % |  |  | 0.0 | %
Other |  |  | -0.8 | % |  |  | -0.2 | %
Net change |  |  | 12.1 | % |  |  | 1.0 | %

We experienced a substantial, broad-based increase in demand for our products in 2017. Demand for our products in 2016 increased compared to 2015. The increases in demand resulted in increases in net revenues compared to the prior year periods.
We deduct, from the sales that we record to distributors, allowances for future credits that we expect to provide for returns, scrapped product, and price adjustments under various programs made available to the distributors. We make deductions corresponding to particular sales in the period in which the sales are made, although the corresponding credits may not be issued until future periods. We estimate the deductions based on sales levels to distributors, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. We recorded deductions from gross sales under our distributor incentive programs of $89.0 million, $86.9 million, and $83.1 million, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, or, as a percentage of gross sales, 3.3%, 3.6%, and 3.5%, respectively. Actual credits issued under the programs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were approximately $87.4 million, $85.3 million, and $84.0 million, respectively. Increases and decreases in these incentives are largely attributable to the then-current business climate.
Royalty revenues, included in net revenues on the consolidated statements of operations, were $0.1 million, $0.3 million, and $3.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The decrease is due to the expiration of certain licensing agreements.
Gross Profit and Margins
Gross profit margins for the year ended December 31, 2017 were 26.9%, as compared to 24.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily due to increased sales volume. We were able to offset the negative impacts of inflation and average selling price decline by our cost reductions and innovation, and maintain our contributive margin.
Gross profit margins for the year ended December 31, 2016 were 24.5%, as compared to 23.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was due primarily to higher volume, cost savings from our restructuring programs, and lower metals and materials prices.
47

Segments
Analysis of revenues and gross profit margins for our segments is provided below.
MOSFETs
Net revenues of the MOSFETs segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 468,294 |  |  | $ | 406,336 |  |  | $ | 426,683 |
Change versus comparable prior year period |  | $ | 61,958 |  |  | $ | (20,347 | ) |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus comparable prior year period |  |  | 15.2 | % |  |  | -4.8 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in MOSFETs segment net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in volume |  |  | 20.0 | % |  |  | 1.3 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -3.6 | % |  |  | -6.0 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 0.3 | % |  |  | 0.1 | %
Other |  |  | -1.5 | % |  |  | -0.2 | %
Net change |  |  | 15.2 | % |  |  | -4.8 | %

Gross profit margins for the MOSFETs segment were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 23.4 | % |  |  | 14.3 | % |  |  | 13.7 | %

The MOSFETs segment significantly increased its net revenues in 2017 versus the prior year. Sales volume increased in all regions and particularly in Asia, the segment's biggest market. Declining average selling prices and other negative factors had only small offsetting effects on the growth. Our IC products business contributed strongly to the growth.
The gross profit margin for 2017 was significantly higher than the prior years and reflects the impact of the substantial completion of the cost reduction program (see below). The increase is primarily attributable to the revenue growth and the aforementioned cost reduction program, which exceeded the impact from lower average selling prices and cost inflation. The prior year was also burdened by the recognition of fixed costs in inventory produced in 2015 due to the restructuring program and sold in 2016.
The positive business climate led to less pricing pressure for our established MOSFETs products in 2017. We experienced only a moderate decline in average selling prices in 2017 versus a significant decline in average selling prices in 2016.
In 2013, we announced a cost reduction program to enhance the competitiveness of our MOSFETs segment and announced an extension of the program in November 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program is substantially implemented. The program included various cost reduction initiatives, primarily the transfer of manufacturing operations at our Santa Clara, California facility to other Vishay facilities or third-party subcontractors. We incurred cash charges of $26.7 million, primarily related to severance, to implement the program. See "Cost Management" above and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.
We continue to make capital and R&D investments in this business. We will maintain our R&D and management presence in the Silicon Valley area, and expect to move into a new R&D facility in San Jose in the first fiscal quarter of 2018. We are in the process of increasing manufacturing volume at third-party foundries and maximizing the output of our internal fab to meet the increased demand.
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Diodes
Net revenues of the Diodes segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 620,888 |  |  | $ | 553,920 |  |  | $ | 533,931 |
Change versus comparable prior year period |  | $ | 66,968 |  |  | $ | 19,989 |  |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus comparable prior year period |  |  | 12.1 | % |  |  | 3.7 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in Diodes segment net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in volume |  |  | 15.6 | % |  |  | 7.8 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -3.0 | % |  |  | -3.6 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 0.5 | % |  |  | 0.1 | %
Other |  |  | -1.0 | % |  |  | -0.6 | %
Net change |  |  | 12.1 | % |  |  | 3.7 | %

Gross profit margins for the Diodes segment were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Gross profit margins |  |  | 26.2 | % |  |  | 24.4 | % |  |  | 22.4 | %

Net revenues of our Diodes segment increased significantly in 2017 versus the prior year. The increase was primarily from volume increases in all regions and sales channels, especially in Asia and Europe. We are increasing our manufacturing capacity in all critical lines to meet the increased demand. The declining average selling prices had a minor negative impact.
The gross profit margin increased versus the prior year primarily due to increases in sales volume and the effects of our cost reduction activities. Declining average selling prices, cost inflation, and negative foreign currency effects only partially offset the increases.
Pricing pressure for our established Diodes products was slightly reduced in 2017. We experienced a moderate price decline versus the prior year.
On August 12, 2015, a major explosion occurred in the port of Tianjin, China. We own and operate a diodes manufacturing facility in Tianjin near the port. The shockwave of the explosion resulted in some damage to the facility and caused a temporary shutdown. The temporary shutdown adversely impacted 2015 revenues and margins of our Diodes segment (and total Vishay), but was also one of the primary reasons for the segment's volume increases in 2016.
49

Optoelectronic Components
Net revenues of the Optoelectronic Components segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 286,349 |  |  | $ | 272,126 |  |  | $ | 279,553 |
Change versus comparable prior year period |  | $ | 14,223 |  |  | $ | (7,427 | ) |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus comparable prior year period |  |  | 5.2 | % |  |  | -2.7 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in Optoelectronic Components segment net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in volume |  |  | 7.6 | % |  |  | 1.3 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -2.7 | % |  |  | -3.8 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 0.7 | % |  |  | 0.0 | %
Other |  |  | -0.4 | % |  |  | -0.2 | %
Net change |  |  | 5.2 | % |  |  | -2.7 | %

Gross profit margins for the Optoelectronic Components segment were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 34.0 | % |  |  | 32.0 | % |  |  | 31.7 | %

The Optoelectronic Components segment net revenues increased significantly in 2017 versus the prior year. The volume increases, especially with distributors in all regions and European end customers, were only partially offset by a decrease in sales of our mobile sensor products in Asia and declining average selling prices.
The increase in gross profit margin in 2017 versus the prior year is primarily due to the significant volume increase and general cost reduction activities, which offset the negative impact from lower average selling prices and general cost inflation. The lower share of mobile sensors in 2017 also contributed to the gross profit margin increase.
The overall positive business environment resulted in reduced pricing pressure for our established Optoelectronic Components products. We only experienced a slight decline in average selling prices versus the prior year versus a moderate average selling price decline in 2016.
In 2015, we recorded long-lived depreciable and amortizable asset impairment charges of $57.6 million in the Optoelectronic Components segment. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Resistors & Inductors
Net revenues of the Resistors & Inductors segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 844,059 |  |  | $ | 753,837 |  |  | $ | 707,421 |
Change versus comparable prior year period |  | $ | 90,222 |  |  | $ | 46,416 |  |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus comparable prior year period |  |  | 12.0 | % |  |  | 6.6 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in Resistors & Inductors segment net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in volume |  |  | 13.8 | % |  |  | 8.7 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -2.1 | % |  |  | -1.9 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 0.9 | % |  |  | -0.1 | %
Other |  |  | -0.6 | % |  |  | -0.1 | %
Net change |  |  | 12.0 | % |  |  | 6.6 | %

Gross profit margins for the Resistors & Inductors segment were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 29.8 | % |  |  | 29.6 | % |  |  | 29.5 | %

Net revenues of the Resistors & Inductors segment increased significantly versus the prior year. All regions experienced growth in net revenues with Europe and Asia experiencing the most significant growth. Distribution and the automotive and industrial end-markets contributed the most to the revenue increase.
The gross profit margin increased slightly versus the prior year. The higher sales volume and cost reduction efforts were partially offset by some negative impacts of training requirements and overtime for additional production staff.
Average selling prices declined slightly versus the prior year, consistent with historical performance.
Market demand currently exceeds our capacity for certain product lines. Capital spending projects to expand capacity are underway with several expected to be completed in 2018.
In 2015, we announced global cost reduction programs which include targeted plans to streamline and consolidate certain product lines, including within our Resistors & Inductors segment. As of December 31, 2017, the programs were substantially completed. See "Cost Management" above and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Capacitors
Net revenues of the Capacitors segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 383,932 |  |  | $ | 337,212 |  |  | $ | 352,900 |
Change versus comparable prior year period |  | $ | 46,720 |  |  | $ | (15,688 | ) |  |  |  |
Percentage change versus comparable prior year period |  |  | 13.9 | % |  |  | -4.4 | % |  |  |  |

Changes in Capacitors segment net revenues were attributable to the following:

|  | 2017 vs. 2016 |  |  | 2016 vs. 2015 |
Change attributable to: |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in volume |  |  | 15.3 | % |  |  | -4.0 | %
Decrease in average selling prices |  |  | -1.9 | % |  |  | -0.5 | %
Foreign currency effects |  |  | 1.0 | % |  |  | 0.0 | %
Other |  |  | -0.5 | % |  |  | 0.1 | %
Net change |  |  | 13.9 | % |  |  | -4.4 | %

Gross profit margins for the Capacitors segment were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Gross profit margin |  |  | 20.4 | % |  |  | 19.8 | % |  |  | 18.9 | %

Net revenues of the Capacitors segment in 2017 increased significantly versus the prior year. All regions experienced growth in net revenues with Asia experiencing the most significant growth. Sales to distribution recovered from the 2016 decline and experienced a large increase.
The gross profit margin increased slightly versus the prior year. The increase is primarily due to increased sales volume and cost reduction efforts, partially offset by a less favorable product and customer mix, additional costs for overtime and training of new personnel, and unfavorable exchange rate impacts.
Average selling prices have decreased slightly versus the prior year.
Capital spending projects are underway in response to the increased market demand for certain product lines.
In 2015, we announced global cost reduction programs which include targeted plans to streamline and consolidate certain product lines, including within our Capacitors segment. As of December 31, 2017, the programs were substantially completed. See "Cost Management" above and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.
In 2015, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $5.4 million in the Capacitors segment. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

| Years ended December 31, |
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Total SG&A expenses |  | $ | 376,751 |  |  | $ | 367,987 |  |  | $ | 362,226 |
as a percentage of sales |  |  | 14.5 | % |  |  | 15.8 | % |  |  | 15.7 | %

SG&A increased slightly versus the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs and negative foreign currency impacts, which were partially offset by the effects of our cost reduction programs. The overall increase in SG&A expenses in 2016 versus 2015 is primarily due to increased R&D expenses, higher environmental remediation costs, and additional compensation costs in general, partially offset by lower amortization expense and our cost reduction programs.
Certain items included in SG&A expenses impact the comparability of these amounts, as summarized below (in thousands):

| Years ended December 31, |
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Amortization of intangible assets |  | $ | 14,263 |  |  | $ | 14,842 |  |  | $ | 21,829 |

Certain intangible assets became fully amortized in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. We recognized indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $1.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2016 and amortizable intangible asset impairment charges of $57.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2015. Additionally, in September 2016, we began to amortize our Siliconix tradenames, which were previously considered indefinite-lived, over their remaining useful life of 10 years. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
In 2013 and 2015, we announced restructuring programs targeting SG&A expenses. These programs were substantially implemented as of December 31, 2017. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements and "Cost Management" above.
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Other Income (Expense)
2017 Compared to 2016
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $2.2 million versus the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily due to higher average outstanding balances and slightly higher interest rates on our revolving credit facility and increased amortization of the debt discounts associated with our convertible senior debentures, partially offset by decreases in the estimated values of the embedded derivatives associated with our convertible debentures.
In 2017, we sold our 50% interest in an investment accounted for using the equity method, and recorded a loss aggregating to $6.1 million. The loss recorded in March 2017 included our proportionate share of the investee's accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.1 million, recognized upon discontinuation of the equity investment, and the estimated cost of certain contingencies pending resolution related to the investee. In December 2017, the contingencies were favorably settled and we reduced the loss by $0.9 million. The loss on disposal is not deductible for income tax purposes.
The following table analyzes the components of the line "Other" on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |  |  |  |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | Change |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |  | $ | (4,536 | ) |  | $ | 292 |  |  | $ | (4,828 | )
Interest income |  |  | 6,482 |  |  |  | 4,264 |  |  |  | 2,218 |
Other |  |  | (208 | ) |  |  | 160 |  |  |  | (368 | )
|  | $ | 1,738 |  |  | $ | 4,716 |  |  | $ | (2,978 | )

2016 Compared to 2015
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $0.1 million versus the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase is primarily due to higher average outstanding balances on our revolving credit facility and increased amortization of the debt discounts associated with our convertible senior debentures, partially offset by decreases in the estimated values of the embedded derivatives associated with our convertible debentures.
The following table analyzes the components of the line "Other" on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | Change |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |  | $ | 292 |  |  | $ | 3,180 |  |  | $ | (2,888 | )
Interest income |  |  | 4,264 |  |  |  | 4,397 |  |  |  | (133 | )
Other |  |  | 160 |  |  |  | 399 |  |  |  | (239 | )
|  | $ | 4,716 |  |  | $ | 7,976 |  |  | $ | (3,260 | )

54

Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the effective tax rates were 107.0%, 47.6%, and 244.1%, respectively. Historically, the effective tax rates are generally less than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of earnings in foreign jurisdictions. While our effective tax rate has historically been less than the U.S. statutory rate, the effective tax rate for each of the years presented is higher than the U.S. statutory rate, primarily due to certain discrete items recorded in each year. These items were $230.6 million in 2017, $22.6 million in 2016, and $152.4 million in 2015.
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was significantly impacted by the effect of the TCJA (see "U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" above). As permitted by SAB No. 118, the net tax expense recorded in our financial statements for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 due to the enactment of the TCJA is considered "provisional," based on reasonable estimates. The net tax expense recorded was $234.9 million. We are continuing to collect and analyze detailed information that could impact this amount, and may record adjustments to refine those estimates during the measurement period defined in SAB No. 118, as additional analysis is completed.
Also during 2017, we recorded $5.8 million of tax benefit for periodic remeasurement related to the 2015 cash repatriation program described below, and $1.6 million of net tax expense for changes in uncertain tax positions.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the discrete items include $34.9 million of additional tax expense related to the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan (see above and Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements), $8.7 million (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions largely related to statute expiration, and $3.6 million tax benefit for periodic remeasurement of the deferred tax liability related to the cash repatriation program described below.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the discrete items included $164.0 million of expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter primarily to repatriate $300.0 million of foreign earnings to the United States, following an evaluation of our anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and our most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that can be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions (the "2015 cash repatriation program"). It also includes $8.9 million (tax benefit) for changes in valuation allowances and $2.6 million (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions.
The 2015 cash repatriation program was expected to occur over several years, and the deferred tax liability is based on the available sources of cash, applicable tax rates, and other factors and circumstances, as of each respective balance sheet date. Changes in the underlying facts and circumstances result in changes in the deferred tax liability balance, which are recorded as tax benefit or expense. As a result of the TCJA, we have terminated the 2015 cash repatriation plan and replaced it as described in "U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cut and Jobs Act" above.
We operate in a global environment with significant operations in various locations outside the United States. Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting our earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various locations where we operate. Part of our historical strategy has been to achieve cost savings through the transfer and expansion of manufacturing operations to countries where we can take advantage of lower labor costs and available tax and other government-sponsored incentives. Accordingly, our effective tax rate has historically been less than the U.S. statutory rate, except in years where there are material discrete items.
The TCJA significantly reduces the U.S. statutory tax rate, to a rate that is less than the applicable tax rates of many of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Furthermore, our GAAP interest expense generally exceeds our U.S.-based operating income, resulting in pre-tax losses in the U.S. Accordingly, we have historically recorded U.S. federal tax benefits, at 35%, which had the effect of reducing our consolidated GAAP tax rate. Accordingly, the reduction in the statutory U.S. tax rate will generally increase our consolidated GAAP tax rate due to the loss of these tax benefits recognized on a GAAP basis. We are still evaluating the effects of the TCJA on our future effective tax rate. Other actions independent of the TCJA will also impact the future effective tax rate.
Additional information about income taxes is included in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
We focus on our ability to generate cash flows from operations. The cash generated from operations is used to fund our capital expenditure plans, and cash in excess of our capital expenditure needs is available to fund our acquisition strategy, to reduce debt levels, and to pay dividends and repurchase stock. We have generated cash flows from operations in excess of $200 million in each of the past 16 years, and cash flows from operations in excess of $100 million in each of the past 23 years.
Management uses a non-GAAP measure, "free cash," to evaluate our ability to fund acquisitions, repay debt, and otherwise enhance stockholder value through stock repurchases or dividends. See "Overview" above for "free cash" definition and reconciliation to GAAP. Vishay has generated positive "free cash" in each of the past 21 years, and "free cash" in excess of $80 million in each of the past 16 years. We continue to focus on the generation of free cash, including an emphasis on cost controls.
We continued to generate positive cash flows from operations and free cash during the year ended December 31, 2017. We generated $200 million of free cash in 2017, which is higher than our historical average. There is no assurance, however, that we will be able to continue to generate cash flows from operations and free cash at the same levels, or at all, going forward if the current economic environment worsens.
Beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we have reacted to favorable market conditions to significantly reshape the company's capital structure. We have completed three issuances of low-coupon convertible debentures since the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, each of which matures thirty years from the date of issuance. We utilized the proceeds of those debenture offerings to repurchase approximately 24% of our outstanding stock prior to implementing these initiatives.
On May 2, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, pursuant to which we repurchased 1,752,454 shares of stock for $23.2 million in 2016. That stock repurchase plan expired on May 2, 2017.
On August 2, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, authorizing us to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to $150 million of our outstanding common stock. The stock repurchase plan will expire on June 1, 2018. The stock repurchase plan does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be terminated or suspended at any time at the Company's direction in accordance with the plan. We repurchased 2,250,236 shares of stock for $39.9 million since the inception of this plan.
In 2016, we acquired, in two privately negotiated transactions, all of the outstanding exchangeable notes due 2102. The total purchase price for the two transactions was $34.0 million. The exchangeable unsecured notes were issued in 2002 in connection with an acquisition, and were subject to a put and call agreement dated December 13, 2002. The repurchased notes had been exchangeable for approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock.
We also entered into a new, larger, revolving credit facility in 2010, which was amended and restated on August 8, 2013, and further amended and restated on December 10, 2015. The amended and restated credit facility provides an aggregate commitment of $640 million of revolving loans available until December 10, 2020, and we have the ability to request up to $50 million of incremental revolving commitments, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The previous credit agreement was scheduled to mature on August 8, 2018. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $150 million and $143 million, respectively, were outstanding under our credit facility.
The amended and restated credit facility allows an unlimited amount of defined "Restricted Payments," which include cash dividends to stockholders and share repurchases, provided our pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If our leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the credit facility allows such payments up to $75 million per annum (subject to a cap of $225 million for the term of the facility). The amended and restated credit facility provides us with significantly more flexibility to execute these transactions, and our ability to utilize some of our foreign-source income for these types of transactions provides even further financial flexibility.
Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on our leverage ratio. Based on our current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. The interest rate on our borrowings will increase to LIBOR plus 2.00% if our leverage ratio equals or exceeds 2.50 to 1 and will decrease to LIBOR plus 1.50% if our leverage ratio decreases below 1.50 to 1.
We also pay a fee, also based on our leverage ratio, on undrawn amounts. The undrawn commitment fee, based on our current leverage ratio, is 0.35% per annum. Such undrawn commitment fee will increase to 0.50% per annum if our leverage ratio equals or exceeds 2.50 to 1 and will decrease to 0.30% per annum if our leverage ratio decreases below 1.50 to 1. Prior to the December 10, 2015 amendment and restatement, the credit agreement required Vishay to pay facility fees on the entire commitment amount.
The borrowings under the credit facility are secured by a lien on substantially all assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, and general intangibles (but excluding real estate, intellectual property registered or licensed for use in, or arising under the laws of, any country other than the United States, assets located outside of the United States and deposit and securities accounts), of Vishay and certain significant subsidiaries located in the United States, and pledges of stock in certain significant domestic and foreign subsidiaries; and are guaranteed by certain significant subsidiaries. Certain of our subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the credit facility, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions. Any borrowings by these subsidiaries under the credit facility will be guaranteed by Vishay and certain subsidiaries.
The credit facility also limits or restricts us, from, among other things, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens on assets, making investments and acquisitions, and making asset sales, and making other restricted payments (assuming our leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1), and requires us to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios.
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The financial maintenance covenants include (a) an interest expense coverage ratio of not less than 2.00 to 1; and (b) a leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1 (and a pro forma ratio of 2.75 to 1 on the date of incurrence of additional debt). The computation of these ratios is prescribed in Article VI of the Credit Agreement between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., which has been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 10, 2015.
We were in compliance with all financial covenants under the credit facility at December 31, 2017. Our interest expense coverage ratio and leverage ratio were 14.99 to 1 and 1.51 to 1, respectively. We expect to continue to be in compliance with these covenants based on current projections.
If we are not in compliance with all of the required financial covenants, the credit facility could be terminated by the lenders, and all amounts outstanding pursuant to the credit facility could become immediately payable. Additionally, our convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 have cross-default provisions that could accelerate repayment in the event the indebtedness under the credit facility is accelerated.
The balance of our revolving credit facility was $143 million at December 31, 2016. We borrowed $557 million and repaid $550 million on our credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2017. The average outstanding balance on our credit facility calculated at fiscal month-ends was $213 million and the highest amount outstanding on our credit facility at a month end was $273 million during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Prior to three months before the maturity date, our convertible senior debentures are convertible by the holders under certain circumstances. The convertible debentures due 2042 became convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria, remained convertible subsequent to the April 1, 2017, July 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017 evaluations, and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation, due to the sale price of our common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable periods in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 and the first, second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017. The convertible debentures due 2040 became convertible subsequent to the September 30, 2017 evaluation of the conversion criteria and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation due to the sale price of our common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable periods in the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017. Such debentures will remain convertible until March 31, 2018, at which time the conversion criteria will be reevaluated. At the direction of our Board of Directors, we intend, upon conversion, to repay the principal amount of the convertible debentures in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of our common stock. We intend to finance the principal amount of any converted debentures using borrowings under our credit facility. Accordingly, the debt component of the convertible debentures due 2040 and due 2042 continues to be classified as a noncurrent liability on the consolidated balance sheets. No conversions have occurred to date. The convertible debentures due 2041 are not currently convertible.
As of December 31, 2017, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment were held in countries outside of the United States.
The TCJA imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings of 15.5% for liquid assets and 8% for illiquid assets, payable in defined increments over eight years. As a result of this requirement, we provisionally expect to pay $180.0 million, net of estimated applicable foreign tax credits, and after utilization of net operating loss and R&D and FTC Credit carryforwards. Based on our U.S. cash position, we expect that we will be required to repatriate amounts from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States to satisfy this tax obligation.
These previously deferred foreign earnings may now be repatriated to the United States without additional U.S. federal taxation. However, any such repatriation could incur withholding and other foreign taxes in the source jurisdiction, and certain U.S. state taxes.
Additionally, cash dividends to stockholders, share repurchases, and principal and interest payments on our debt instruments need to be paid by the U.S. parent company, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Our U.S. subsidiaries have other operating cash needs.
During 2017 and 2016, we repatriated $38.0 million and $46.0 million pursuant to our 2015 cash repatriation program. The 2015 cash repatriation program has been cancelled due to the TCJA, and replaced with the planned cash repatriation described in "U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" above.
Our substantially undrawn credit facility provides us with significant operating liquidity in the United States.
Management expects to periodically pay down the balance of our revolving credit facility with available cash or use the credit facility to meet short-term financing needs. We expect that cash on-hand and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our longer-term financing needs related to normal operating requirements, regular dividend payments, and our research and development and capital expenditure plans. Additional acquisition activity, share repurchases, or conversion of our convertible debentures may require additional borrowing under our credit facility or may otherwise require us to incur additional debt. No principal payments on our debt are due before the maturity of our revolving credit facility in December 2020. As described above, we plan to repatriate cash to the U.S. to satisfy the TCJA transition tax, which is payable in increments over eight years.
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We invest a portion of our excess cash in highly liquid, high-quality instruments with maturities greater than 90 days, but less than 1 year, which we classify as short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheets. As these investments were funded using a portion of excess cash and represent a significant aspect of our cash management strategy, we include the investments in the calculation of net cash and short-term investments (debt).
The interest rates on our short-term investments vary by location, but can be up to 150 bps higher than the interest rates on our cash accounts. The average interest rate on our short-term investments was 0.74% due to the low interest rate environment in Europe. Transactions related to these investments are classified as investing activities on our consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.
The following table summarizes the components of net cash and short-term investments (debt) (in thousands):

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
Credit Facility |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  | $ | 143,000 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2040* |  |  | 110,412 |  |  |  | 108,120 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2041* |  |  | 56,641 |  |  |  | 55,442 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2042* |  |  | 62,518 |  |  |  | 61,341 |
Deferred financing costs |  |  | (9,101 | ) |  |  | (10,880 | )
Total debt |  |  | 370,470 |  |  |  | 357,023 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 748,032 |  |  |  | 471,781 |
Short-term investments |  |  | 547,136 |  |  |  | 626,627 |
Net cash and short-term investments (debt) |  | $ | 924,698 |  |  | $ | 741,385 |

*Represents the carrying amount of the convertible debentures, which is comprised of the principal amount of the debentures, net of the unamortized discount and the associated embedded derivative liability.
"Net cash and short-term investments (debt)" does not have a uniform definition and is not recognized in accordance with GAAP. This measure should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance or liquidity. However, management believes that an analysis of "net cash and short-term investments (debt)" assists investors in understanding aspects of our cash and debt management. The measure, as calculated by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Our financial condition as of December 31, 2017 continued to be strong, with a current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) of 3.9 to 1, as compared to 4.1 to 1 as of December 31, 2016. The decrease is primarily due to increased trade accounts payable and income taxes payable, which were only partially offset by increases in nearly all current assets. Our ratio of total debt to Vishay stockholders' equity was 0.26 to 1 at December 31, 2017 as compared to a ratio of 0.23 to 1 at December 31, 2016. The increase in the ratio is primarily due to reclassification of the equity portion of our convertible debentures due 2040 from permanent to temporary equity due to the sale price of our common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable periods in the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $368.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to cash flows provided by operations of $296.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The improvement in operating cash flows is primarily due to the increase in pre-tax earnings. Cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 were negatively impacted by $17.0 million of cash contributions to our Taiwanese pension plans and restructuring payments of $33.0 million.
Cash paid for property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $170.4 million, as compared to $134.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. We expect capital spending of approximately $210 million in 2018, in accordance with requirements of our markets. Some of this 2018 capital spending represents an acceleration of expected expansion from later years of our long-range plan.
Cash paid for dividends to our common and Class B common stockholders totalled $37.0 million and $36.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We expect dividend payments in 2018 to total approximately $38.9 million. However, any future dividend declaration and payment remains subject to authorization by our Board of Directors.
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Contractual Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2017 we had contractual obligations as follows (in thousands):

|  |  |  |  | Payments due by period |
|  | Total |  |  | Year 1 |  |  | Years 2-3 |  |  | Years 4-5 |  |  | More than 5 |
Long-term debt |  | $ | 725,000 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 575,000 |
Interest payments on long-term debt |  |  | 322,206 |  |  |  | 19,516 |  |  |  | 38,667 |  |  |  | 25,875 |  |  |  | 238,148 |
Operating and capital leases |  |  | 80,826 |  |  |  | 19,773 |  |  |  | 25,442 |  |  |  | 15,133 |  |  |  | 20,478 |
Letters of credit |  |  | 3,789 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,789 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Expected pension and postretirement plan funding |  |  | 214,005 |  |  |  | 20,357 |  |  |  | 44,383 |  |  |  | 42,290 |  |  |  | 106,975 |
Estimated costs to complete construction in progress |  |  | 79,000 |  |  |  | 79,000 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
TCJA transition tax |  |  | 180,000 |  |  |  | 28,800 |  |  |  | 28,800 |  |  |  | 41,400 |  |  |  | 81,000 |
Uncertain tax positions |  |  | 18,443 |  |  |  | 3,205 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15,238 |
Purchase commitments |  |  | 56,924 |  |  |  | 41,166 |  |  |  | 15,758 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Other long-term liabilities |  |  | 58,211 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 58,211 |
Total contractual cash obligations |  | $ | 1,738,404 |  |  | $ | 211,817 |  |  | $ | 306,839 |  |  | $ | 124,698 |  |  | $ | 1,095,050 |

Commitments for long-term debt are based on the amount required to settle the obligation. Accordingly, the discounts and capitalized deferred financing costs associated with our convertible debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are excluded from the calculation of long-term debt commitments in the table above.
Commitments for interest payments on long-term debt are cash commitments based on the stated maturity dates of each agreement and include fees under our revolving credit facility, which expires on December 10, 2020. Commitments for interest payments on long-term debt exclude non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discount associated with our convertible debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042.
Various factors could have a material effect on the amount of future principal and interest payments. Among other things, approximately $575 million of our outstanding debt instruments are convertible into common stock. Also, although we intend to net share settle our convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, we have the option to settle these instruments in shares of common stock pursuant to the indenture governing these debentures. Additionally, interest commitments for our revolving credit facility are based on the rate prevailing at December 31, 2017, but actual rates are variable and are certain to change over time.
The TCJA imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings of 15.5% for liquid assets and 8% for illiquid assets, payable in defined increments over eight years. As a result of this requirement, we provisionally expect to pay $180.0 million, net of estimated applicable foreign tax credits, and after utilization of net operating loss and R&D and FTC Credit carryforwards.
Our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 includes liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions in multiple taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, combined with the difficulty in predicting when tax audits throughout the world may be concluded, we cannot make reliable estimates of the timing of the remaining cash outflows relating to these liabilities. Accordingly, we have classified the amount recorded as a current liability as payable within one year, and the remaining uncertain tax positions are classified as payments due after five years, although actual timing of payments may be sooner.
There are certain guarantees and indemnifications extended among Vishay and VPG in accordance with the terms of the Master Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. The guarantees primarily relate to certain contingent tax liabilities included in the Tax Matters Agreement. See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Tax Matters Agreement. These obligations are included in the uncertain tax positions disclosed above, but were not material to us as of December 31, 2017.
Expected pension and postretirement plan funding is based on a projected schedule of benefit payments under the plans.
We maintain long-term foundry arrangements with subcontractors to ensure access to external front-end capacity for our semiconductor products. The purchase commitments in the table above represent the estimated minimum commitments for silicon wafers under these arrangements. Our actual purchases in future periods are expected to be greater than these minimum commitments.
Other long-term liabilities in the table above include obligations that are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017. We include the current portion of the long-term liabilities in the table above. Other long-term liabilities for which we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of the settlement are classified as payments due after five years in the table above, although actual timing of payments may be sooner.
For a further discussion of our long-term debt, pensions and other postretirement benefits, leases, uncertain tax positions, and purchase commitments, see Notes 5, 6, 11, and 13 to our consolidated financial statements.
We do not participate in, nor have we created, any off-balance sheet variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet financing, other than the operating leases described above.
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Inflation
Normally, inflation does not have a significant impact on our operations as our products are not generally sold on long-term contracts. Consequently, we can adjust our selling prices, to the extent permitted by competition and other market conditions, to reflect cost increases caused by inflation.
See also "Commodity Price Risk" included in Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for additional related information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for information about recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 7A. |  | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Disclosure
We are exposed to certain financial risks, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our borrowing activities and our cash balances. On a selective basis, we have in the past entered into interest rate swap or cap agreements to reduce the potential negative impact that increases in interest rates could have on our outstanding variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 we did not have any outstanding interest rate swap or cap agreements.
The interest paid on our credit facility is based on a LIBOR spread. At December 31, 2017, we had $150.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The present amounts outstanding under the revolving credit commitment bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%.
Our convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 bear interest at a fixed rate, and accordingly are not subject to interest rate fluctuation risks.
At December 31, 2017, we have $748.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $547.1 million of short-term investments, which earn interest at various variable rates.
Based on the debt and cash positions at December 31, 2017, we would expect a 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates to increase or decrease our annualized net earnings by approximately $4.0 million.
See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our long-term debt. Also see "Economic Outlook and Impact on Operations and Future Financial Results" included in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for additional discussion of market risks.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to market values of transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. We use forward exchange contracts to economically hedge a portion of these exposures. We entered into forward contracts with highly-rated financial institutions to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with intercompany loans denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency. The notional amount of the forward contracts was $100 million as of December 31, 2017. The forward contracts are short-term in nature and are expected to be renewed at our discretion until the intercompany loans are repaid. We have not designated the forward contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, and as such the change in the fair value of contracts is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of other income (expense). We do not utilize derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
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Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Germany, Israel, and Asia. We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies. Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, but these subsidiaries also have significant transactions in local currencies. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is mitigated to the extent that the costs incurred and the revenues earned in a particular currency offset one another. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is more pronounced in Israel, the Czech Republic, and China because the percentage of expenses denominated in Israeli shekels, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi to total expenses is much greater than the percentage of sales denominated in Israeli shekels, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi to total sales. Therefore, if the Israeli shekel, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi strengthen against all or most of our other major currencies, our operating profit is reduced. Where possible, we maintain local currency denominated cash balances in these countries approximately equal to the local currency liabilities to naturally hedge our exposures. We also have a slightly higher percentage of euro-denominated sales than expenses. Therefore, when the euro strengthens against all or most of our other major currencies, our operating profit is slightly increased. Accordingly, we monitor several important cross-rates.
We have performed sensitivity analyses of our consolidated foreign exchange risk as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, using a model that measures the change in the values arising from a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant. The foreign currency exchange rates we used were based on market rates in effect at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The sensitivity analyses indicated that a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates would impact our net earnings by approximately $9.0 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, although individual line items in our consolidated statement of operations would be materially affected. For example, a 10% weakening in all foreign currencies would decrease the U.S. dollar equivalent of operating income generated in foreign currencies, which would be offset by foreign exchange gains of our foreign subsidiaries that have significant transactions in U.S. dollars or have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
A change in the mix of the currencies in which we transact our business could have a material effect on the estimated impact of the hypothetical 10% movement in the value of the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the timing of cash receipts and disbursements could result in materially different actual results versus the hypothetical 10% movement in the value of the U.S. dollar, particularly if there are significant changes in exchange rates in a short period of time.
Commodity Price Risk
Although most materials incorporated in our products are available from a number of sources, certain materials are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers or are subject to significant price volatility. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price changes for these raw materials. The determination that any of the raw materials used in our products are conflict minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries could increase the probability that we will encounter the challenges noted above, incur additional expenses to comply with government regulations, and face public scrutiny. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, since we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could have a material adverse effect on our net earnings. We also may need to record losses for adverse purchase commitments for these materials in periods of declining prices.
Silicon wafers are the most important raw material for the manufacturing of our semiconductor products. Silicon wafers are manufactured from high-purity silicon, a metalloid. There have at times been industry-wide shortages of high-purity silicon resulting primarily from growing demand of the electronic component and solar power industries, and limited growth in high-purity silicon manufacturing capacities. Shifts in demand for high-purity silicon and in turn, silicon wafers, have resulted in significant fluctuation in prices of silicon wafers.
We are a major consumer of the world's annual production of tantalum, a metal used in the manufacturing of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder.
Palladium, a metal used to produce multi-layer ceramic capacitors, is currently found primarily in South Africa and Russia. Palladium is a commodity metal that is subject to price volatility. We periodically enter into short-term commitments to purchase palladium.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products, such as copper, are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget.
We estimate that a 10% increase or decrease in the costs of raw materials subject to commodity price risk would decrease or increase our net earnings by $6.1 million, assuming that such changes in our costs have no impact on the selling prices of our products and that we have no pending commitments to purchase metals at fixed prices.
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Item 8. |  | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements required by this Item are included herein, commencing on page F-1 of this report.

Item 9. |  | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A. |  | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms; and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the 2013 framework set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.
Ernst & Young LLP has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report which is included herein on page F-3.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Certifications
The certifications of our CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have also filed with the New York Stock Exchange the most recent Annual Certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
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Item 9B. |  | OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 10. |  | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We have a code of ethics applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller, and financial managers. The text of this code has been posted on our website. To view the code, go to our website at ir.vishay.com and click on Corporate Governance. You can obtain a printed copy of this code, free of charge, by contacting us at the following address:
Corporate Investor Relations
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
63 Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355-2143
It is our intention to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or any waiver from, a provision of this code by posting such information on our website, at the aforementioned address and location.
Certain information required under this Item with respect to our Executive Officers is set forth in Part I hereof under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant."
Other information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. |  | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. |  | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. |  | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. |  | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 15. |  | EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents Filed as Part of Form 10-K

1. | Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 are filed herewith. See Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.

2. | Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

3. | Exhibits

| 3.1 | Corrected Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. dated June 5, 2012. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2012.
| 3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws dated June 1, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2011.
| 3.3 | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 11, 2015.
| 4.1 | Note Instrument, dated as of December 13, 2002. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2002.
| 4.2 | Indenture, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2010.
| 4.3 | Indenture, dated as of May 13, 2011, by and between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2011.
| 4.4 | Indenture, dated as of May 31, 2012, by and between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed May 31, 2012.
| 10.1† | Amended and restated Vishay Intertechnology 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to our Proxy Statement, dated March 31, 2017, for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
| 10.2† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Program. Incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement, dated April 16, 1998, for our 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
| 10.3† | Amendment to Section 4.1 of Vishay's 1998 Stock Option Program. Incorporated by reference to Proposal Three, included in our Proxy Statement, dated April 16, 2007, for our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
| 10.4† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Program. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to our Proxy Statement, dated April 5, 2013, for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
| 10.5† | Amended and Restated Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Program. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to our definitive proxy statement, dated April 4, 2014, for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
| 10.6 | Securities Investment and Registration Rights Agreement by and among Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and the Original Holders (as defined), dated as of December 13, 2002. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2002.
| 10.7 | Note Purchase Agreement between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Subscribers (as defined), dated as of December 13, 2002. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2002.
| 10.8 | Put and Call Agreement between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and the Initial Holders (as defined), dated as of December 13, 2002. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2002.
| 10.9 | Press release, dated July 21, 2010, announcing the terms of the replacement notes to be issued to holders of Vishay's exchangeable floating-rate unsecured notes due 2102 and revised terms of its outstanding warrants as required due to the spin-off of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. on July 6, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to our current report on Form 8-K filed July 22, 2010.
| 10.10† | Employment agreement, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dr. Gerald Paul. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2004.
| 10.11† | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated August 8, 2010, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dr. Gerald Paul. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 2010.
| 10.12† | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated August 28, 2011, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dr. Gerald Paul. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2011.
| 10.13† | Employment Agreement between Vishay Israel Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Marc Zandman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2004.

64

| 10.14† | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated August 8, 2010, between Vishay Israel Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Marc Zandman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 2010.
| 10.15† | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated August 30, 2011, between Vishay Israel Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Marc Zandman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2011.
| 10.16† | Compensation Matters Agreement, dated August 23, 2011, between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Lori Lipcaman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2011.
| 10.17† | Amendment to Compensation Matters Agreement, dated March 4, 2014, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Lori Lipcaman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014.
| 10.18† | Second Amendment to Compensation Matters Agreement, dated March 3, 2015, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Lori Lipcaman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015.
| 10.19† | Compensation Matters Agreement, dated November 11, 2011, between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Dieter Wunderlich. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to our 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.
| 10.20† | Amendment to Compensation Matters Agreement, dated March 4, 2014, between Vishay Electronic GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dieter Wunderlich. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014.
| 10.21† | Second Amendment to Compensation Matters Agreement, dated March 3, 2015, between Vishay Electronic GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dieter Wunderlich. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015.
| 10.22† | Termination Agreement, dated November 14, 2016, between Vishay Electronic GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and Dieter Wunderlich. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 2016.
| 10.23† | Amendment to Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated November 14, 2016, between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Dieter Wunderlich. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 2016.
| 10.24† | Terms and Conditions of Johan Vandoorn Employment Agreement, dated January 16, 2012. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to our 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.
| 10.25† | Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Johan Vandoorn Employment Agreement, dated March 4, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014.
| 10.26† | Second Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Johan Vandoorn Employment Agreement, dated March 3, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015.
| 10.27† | Employment Agreement between Vishay Americas, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and David Valletta dated November 21, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to our 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.
| 10.28† | Amendment to Employment Agreement between Vishay Americas, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and David Valletta dated March 4, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014.
| 10.29† | Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Vishay Americas, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.) and David Valletta dated March 3, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015.
| 10.30† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Key Employee Wealth Accumulation Plan (as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2017). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2016.
| 10.31 | Technology License Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2007, by and between International Rectifier Corporation and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to International Rectifier Corporation's current report on Form 8-K filed April 9, 2007.
| 10.32 | Technology License Back Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2007, by and between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and International Rectifier Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to International Rectifier Corporation's current report on Form 8-K filed April 9, 2007.
| 10.33 | Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release, Amendment No. 1 to Transition Buy Back Die Supply Agreement, Amendment No. 2 to Technology License Agreement, Amendment No. 7 to Master Purchase Agreement, and Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 25, 2009, by and between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and International Rectifier Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to International Rectifier Corporation's current report on Form 8-K/A filed July 29, 2009.
| 10.34 | Master Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated June 22, 2010, by and among Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 23, 2010.
| 10.35 | Employee Matters Agreement, dated June 22, 2010, by and among Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K filed June 23, 2010.
| 10.36 | Tax Matters Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Precision Group, Inc. and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.37 | Trademark License Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Precision Group, Inc. and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.

65

| 10.38* | Supply Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Advanced Technology, Ltd. And Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.39* | Patent License Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Precision Group, Inc. and Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.40* | Supply Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc. and Vishay Advanced Technology, Ltd. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.41* | Supply Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. and Vishay S.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.42* | Manufacturing Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay S.A. and Vishay Precision Foil GmbH. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.43 | Intellectual Property License Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay S.A. and Vishay Precision Foil GmbH. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.44* | Supply Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay Precision Foil GmbH and Vishay S.A. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.45* | Intellectual Property License Agreement, dated July 6, 2010, between Vishay S.A. and Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.46 | Lease Agreement between Vishay Alpha Electronics Corporation and Vishay Japan Co., Ltd. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Vishay Precision Group, Inc.'s current report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2010.
| 10.47 | Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2010, as amended and restated as of August 8, 2013, as further amended and restated December 10, 2015, among Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders and other parties thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 10, 2015.
| 10.48† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Form of Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 21, 2014.
| 10.49† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 21, 2014.
| 10.50† | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Form of Executive Officer Phantom Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 21, 2014.
| 10.51† | Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018, between Vishay Europe GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and Lori Lipcaman. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 10.52† | Third Amendment to Terms and Conditions of Johan Vandoorn Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 10.53† | Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018, between Vishay Americas, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and David Valletta. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 10.54† | Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018, between Vishay Singapore Pte. Ltd. (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and Clarence Tse. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 10.55† | Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018, between Vishay Americas, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and Joel Smejkal. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 10.56† | Employment Agreement, dated February 15, 2018, between Vishay Electronic GmbH (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and Werner Gebhardt. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2018.
| 21** | Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
| 23.1** | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
| 31.1** | Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Executive Officer.
| 31.2** | Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Financial Officer.
| 32.1** | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Executive Officer.
| 32.2** | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Chief Financial Officer.
| 101** | Interactive Data File (Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2017, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).

__________________
* Confidential treatment has been requested by, and accorded to, VPG with respect to certain portions of this Exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately by VPG with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
** Filed herewith.
† Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract, or arrangement.
66

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.

By: | /s/ Gerald Paul |
| Dr. Gerald Paul |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| February 16, 2018 |

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.

Signature | Title | Date
Principal Executive Officer: |  |
/s/ Gerald Paul | President, Chief Executive Officer, | February 16, 2018
Dr. Gerald Paul | and Director |
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer: |  |
/s/ Lori Lipcaman | Executive Vice President and Chief | February 16, 2018
Lori Lipcaman | Financial Officer |
Board of Directors: |  |
/s/ Marc Zandman | Executive Chairman of | February 16, 2018
Marc Zandman | the Board of Directors |
/s/ Abraham Ludomirski | Director | February 16, 2018
Dr. Abraham Ludomirski |  |
/s/ Frank D. Maier | Director | February 16, 2018
Frank D. Maier |  |
/s/ Ronald M. Ruzic | Director | February 16, 2018
Ronald M. Ruzic |  |
/s/ Ziv Shoshani | Director | February 16, 2018
Ziv Shoshani |  |
/s/ Timothy V. Talbert | Director | February 16, 2018
Timothy V. Talbert |  |
/s/ Thomas C. Wertheimer | Director | February 16, 2018
Thomas C. Wertheimer |  |
/s/ Ruta Zandman | Director | February 16, 2018
Ruta Zandman |  |
/s/ Raanan Zilberman | Director | February 16, 2018
Raanan Zilberman |  |

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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-2
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations | F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-8
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity | F-9
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | F-10

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 16, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1968
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 16, 2018
F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements") and our report dated February 16, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting." Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting incudes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of managements and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect material misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to provide future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 16, 2018
F-3

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share amounts)

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 748,032 |  |  | $ | 471,781 |
Short-term investments |  |  | 547,136 |  |  |  | 626,627 |
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2,008 and $1,772, respectively |  |  | 340,027 |  |  |  | 274,027 |
Inventories: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finished goods |  |  | 127,272 |  |  |  | 109,075 |
Work in process |  |  | 177,419 |  |  |  | 162,311 |
Raw materials |  |  | 132,068 |  |  |  | 109,859 |
Total inventories |  |  | 436,759 |  |  |  | 381,245 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  |  | 120,336 |  |  |  | 110,792 |
Total current assets |  |  | 2,192,290 |  |  |  | 1,864,472 |
Property and equipment, at cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Land |  |  | 92,285 |  |  |  | 89,753 |
Buildings and improvements |  |  | 606,168 |  |  |  | 570,932 |
Machinery and equipment |  |  | 2,415,769 |  |  |  | 2,283,222 |
Construction in progress |  |  | 103,058 |  |  |  | 71,777 |
Allowance for depreciation |  |  | (2,311,522 | ) |  |  | (2,166,813 | )
Property and equipment, net |  |  | 905,758 |  |  |  | 848,871 |
Goodwill |  |  | 142,742 |  |  |  | 141,407 |
Other intangible assets, net |  |  | 69,754 |  |  |  | 84,463 |
Other assets |  |  | 148,645 |  |  |  | 138,588 |
Total assets |  | $ | 3,459,189 |  |  | $ | 3,077,801 |

Continues on following page.
F-4

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(In thousands, except share amounts)

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
Liabilities and equity |  |  |  |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes payable to banks |  | $ | 4 |  |  | $ | 3 |
Trade accounts payable |  |  | 222,373 |  |  |  | 174,107 |
Payroll and related expenses |  |  | 135,702 |  |  |  | 114,576 |
Other accrued expenses |  |  | 156,030 |  |  |  | 149,131 |
Income taxes |  |  | 50,226 |  |  |  | 19,033 |
Total current liabilities |  |  | 564,335 |  |  |  | 456,850 |
Long-term debt, less current portion |  |  | 370,470 |  |  |  | 357,023 |
U.S. transition tax payable |  |  | 151,200 |  |  |  | - |
Deferred income taxes |  |  | 335,775 |  |  |  | 286,797 |
Other liabilities |  |  | 73,449 |  |  |  | 59,725 |
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs |  |  | 281,701 |  |  |  | 257,789 |
Total liabilities |  |  | 1,776,930 |  |  |  | 1,418,184 |
Commitments and contingencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Redeemable convertible debentures |  |  | 252,070 |  |  |  | 88,659 |
Stockholders' equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share: authorized - 1,000,000 shares; none issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share: authorized - 300,000,000 shares; 131,874,587 and 133,846,801 shares outstanding |  |  | 13,188 |  |  |  | 13,385 |
Class B convertible common stock, par value $0.10 per share: authorized - 40,000,000 shares; 12,129,227 and 12,129,227 shares outstanding |  |  | 1,213 |  |  |  | 1,213 |
Capital in excess of par value |  |  | 1,752,506 |  |  |  | 1,952,988 |
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings |  |  | (364,464 | ) |  |  | (307,417 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | 25,714 |  |  |  | (94,652 | )
Total Vishay stockholders' equity |  |  | 1,428,157 |  |  |  | 1,565,517 |
Noncontrolling interests |  |  | 2,032 |  |  |  | 5,441 |
Total equity |  |  | 1,430,189 |  |  |  | 1,570,958 |
Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity |  | $ | 3,459,189 |  |  | $ | 3,077,801 |

See accompanying notes.
F-5

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net revenues |  | $ | 2,603,522 |  |  | $ | 2,323,431 |  |  | $ | 2,300,488 |
Costs of products sold |  |  | 1,903,910 |  |  |  | 1,753,648 |  |  |  | 1,758,268 |
Gross profit |  |  | 699,612 |  |  |  | 569,783 |  |  |  | 542,220 |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |  |  | 376,751 |  |  |  | 367,987 |  |  |  | 362,226 |
Restructuring and severance costs |  |  | 11,273 |  |  |  | 19,199 |  |  |  | 19,215 |
Impairment of intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,559 |  |  |  | 57,600 |
Impairment of goodwill |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,380 |
U.S. pension settlement charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | 79,321 |  |  |  | - |
Operating income |  |  | 311,588 |  |  |  | 101,717 |  |  |  | 97,799 |
Other income (expense): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  |  | (27,850 | ) |  |  | (25,623 | ) |  |  | (25,685 | )
Other |  |  | 1,738 |  |  |  | 4,716 |  |  |  | 7,976 |
Loss on disposal of equity affiliate |  |  | (6,112 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,597 |  |  |  | - |
Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,809 |  |  |  | (5,350 | )
Total other income (expense) |  |  | (32,224 | ) |  |  | (7,501 | ) |  |  | (23,059 | )
Income before taxes |  |  | 279,364 |  |  |  | 94,216 |  |  |  | 74,740 |
Income tax expense |  |  | 298,924 |  |  |  | 44,843 |  |  |  | 182,473 |
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | (19,560 | ) |  |  | 49,373 |  |  |  | (107,733 | )
Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | 581 |  |  |  | 781 |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (20,344 | ) |  | $ | 48,792 |  |  | $ | (108,514 | )
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders: |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.33 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders: |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.32 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | )
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 147,152 |  |  |  | 147,700 |
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 150,697 |  |  |  | 147,700 |
Cash dividends per share |  | $ | 0.255 |  |  | $ | 0.250 |  |  | $ | 0.240 |

See accompanying notes.
F-6

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | (19,560 | ) |  | $ | 49,373 |  |  | $ | (107,733 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items |  |  | (4,545 | ) |  |  | 71,926 |  |  |  | 19,338 |
Foreign currency translation adjustment |  |  | 124,220 |  |  |  | (35,863 | ) |  |  | (80,106 | )
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities |  |  | 691 |  |  |  | 612 |  |  |  | (1,419 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | 120,366 |  |  |  | 36,675 |  |  |  | (62,187 | )
Comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | 100,806 |  |  |  | 86,048 |  |  |  | (169,920 | )
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | 581 |  |  |  | 781 |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | 100,022 |  |  | $ | 85,467 |  |  | $ | (170,701 | )

See accompanying notes.
F-7

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
|  |  |  |  | (recast - see Note1) |  |  | (recast - see Note1) |
Operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings (loss) |  | $ | (19,560 | ) |  | $ | 49,373 |  |  | $ | (107,733 | )
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 163,146 |  |  |  | 159,363 |  |  |  | 176,169 |
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment |  |  | (265 | ) |  |  | (4,054 | ) |  |  | (86 | )
Accretion of interest on convertible debentures |  |  | 4,984 |  |  |  | 4,610 |  |  |  | 4,264 |
Inventory write-offs for obsolescence |  |  | 17,771 |  |  |  | 22,619 |  |  |  | 21,384 |
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,559 |  |  |  | 62,980 |
U.S. pension settlement charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | 79,321 |  |  |  | - |
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, net of contributions |  |  | (2,425 | ) |  |  | (3,282 | ) |  |  | (3,543 | )
Loss on disposal of equity affiliate |  |  | 6,112 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  |  | (4,597 | ) |  |  | - |
U.S. transition tax |  |  | 180,000 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Deferred income taxes |  |  | 52,377 |  |  |  | (2,519 | ) |  |  | 118,447 |
Other |  |  | 13,044 |  |  |  | (1,678 | ) |  |  | 1,358 |
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired |  |  | (46,407 | ) |  |  | (4,206 | ) |  |  | (27,249 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  |  | 368,777 |  |  |  | 296,509 |  |  |  | 245,991 |
Investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures |  |  | (170,432 | ) |  |  | (134,635 | ) |  |  | (147,142 | )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |  |  | 1,685 |  |  |  | 5,701 |  |  |  | 2,049 |
Purchase and deposits for businesses, net of cash acquired |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (6,750 | )
Purchase of short-term investments |  |  | (749,600 | ) |  |  | (555,250 | ) |  |  | (486,949 | )
Maturity of short-term investments |  |  | 887,729 |  |  |  | 532,601 |  |  |  | 345,397 |
Sale of short-term investments |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 503 |
Sale of other investments |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 400 |
Other investing activities |  |  | (4,189 | ) |  |  | 2,942 |  |  |  | (4,884 | )
Net cash used in investing activities |  |  | (34,807 | ) |  |  | (148,641 | ) |  |  | (297,376 | )
Financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt issuance costs |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (3,693 | )
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases |  |  | - |  |  |  | (34,044 | ) |  |  | - |
Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit lines |  |  | 7,000 |  |  |  | (47,000 | ) |  |  | (10,000 | )
Common stock repurchases |  |  | (39,944 | ) |  |  | (23,159 | ) |  |  | - |
Dividends paid to common stockholders |  |  | (33,956 | ) |  |  | (33,693 | ) |  |  | (32,506 | )
Dividends paid to Class B common stockholders |  |  | (3,093 | ) |  |  | (3,032 | ) |  |  | (2,911 | )
Net changes in short-term borrowings |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | (723 | ) |  |  | (14 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  | (1,140 | ) |  |  | (707 | ) |  |  | (725 | )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests |  |  | (4,100 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Proceeds from stock options exercised |  |  | 1,260 |  |  |  | 356 |  |  |  | - |
Cash withholding taxes paid when shares withheld for vested equity awards |  |  | (1,971 | ) |  |  | (542 | ) |  |  | (639 | )
Other financing activities |  |  | (1,255 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Net cash used in financing activities |  |  | (77,198 | ) |  |  | (142,544 | ) |  |  | (50,488 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 19,479 |  |  |  | (9,050 | ) |  |  | (14,792 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 276,251 |  |  |  | (3,726 | ) |  |  | (116,665 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  |  | 471,781 |  |  |  | 475,507 |  |  |  | 592,172 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |  | $ | 748,032 |  |  | $ | 471,781 |  |  | $ | 475,507 |

See accompanying notes
F-8

VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share amounts)

|  | Common Stock |  |  | Class B Convertible Common Stock |  |  | Capital in Excess of Par Value |  |  | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) |  |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  |  | Total Vishay Stockholders' Equity |  |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  |  | Total Equity |
Balance at January 1, 2015 |  | $ | 13,532 |  |  | $ | 1,213 |  |  | $ | 2,055,246 |  |  | $ | (175,485 | ) |  | $ | (69,140 | ) |  | $ | 1,825,366 |  |  | $ | 5,511 |  |  | $ | 1,830,877 |
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (108,514 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (108,514 | ) |  |  | 781 |  |  |  | (107,733 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (62,187 | ) |  |  | (62,187 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (62,187 | )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (725 | ) |  |  | (725 | )
Issuance of stock and related tax withholdings for vested restricted stock units (136,498 shares) |  |  | 14 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (653 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (639 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (639 | )
Dividends declared ($0.24 per share) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 32 |  |  |  | (35,449 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (35,417 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (35,417 | )
Stock compensation expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,846 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,846 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,846 |
Tax effects of stock plan |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 21 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 21 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 21 |
Balance at December 31, 2015 |  | $ | 13,546 |  |  | $ | 1,213 |  |  | $ | 2,058,492 |  |  | $ | (319,448 | ) |  | $ | (131,327 | ) |  | $ | 1,622,476 |  |  | $ | 5,567 |  |  | $ | 1,628,043 |
Net earnings |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 48,792 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 48,792 |  |  |  | 581 |  |  |  | 49,373 |
Other comprehensive income |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36,675 |  |  |  | 36,675 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36,675 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (707 | ) |  |  | (707 | )
Common stock repurchase (1,752,454 shares) |  |  | (175 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (22,984 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (23,159 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (23,159 | )
Temporary equity reclassification |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (88,659 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (88,659 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (88,659 | )
Issuance of stock and related tax withholdings for vested restricted stock units (110,825 shares) |  |  | 11 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (553 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (542 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (542 | )
Dividends declared ($0.25 per share) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36 |  |  |  | (36,761 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (36,725 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (36,725 | )
Stock compensation expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6,380 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6,380 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6,380 |
Stock options exercised 27,619 shares) |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 353 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 356 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 356 |
Tax effects of stock plan |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (77 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (77 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (77 | )
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | 13,385 |  |  | $ | 1,213 |  |  | $ | 1,952,988 |  |  | $ | (307,417 | ) |  | $ | (94,652 | ) |  | $ | 1,565,517 |  |  | $ | 5,441 |  |  | $ | 1,570,958 |
Cumulative effect of accounting change for adoption of ASU 2016-09 (see Note 1) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 386 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 386 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 386 |
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (20,344 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (20,344 | ) |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | (19,560 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 120,366 |  |  |  | 120,366 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 120,366 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,140 | ) |  |  | (1,140 | )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,047 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,047 | ) |  |  | (3,053 | ) |  |  | (4,100 | )
Common stock repurchase (2,250,236 shares) |  |  | (225 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (39,719 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (39,944 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (39,944 | )
Temporary equity reclassification |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (163,411 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (163,411 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (163,411 | )
Issuance of stock and related tax withholdings for vested restricted stock units (200,688 shares) |  |  | 20 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,991 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,971 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,971 | )
Dividends declared ($0.255 per share) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 40 |  |  |  | (37,089 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (37,049 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (37,049 | )
Stock compensation expense |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,394 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,394 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,394 |
Stock options exercised (77,334 shares) |  |  | 8 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,252 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,260 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,260 |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |  | $ | 13,188 |  |  | $ | 1,213 |  |  | $ | 1,752,506 |  |  | $ | (364,464 | ) |  | $ | 25,714 |  |  | $ | 1,428,157 |  |  | $ | 2,032 |  |  | $ | 1,430,189 |

See accompanying notes.
F-9

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. ("Vishay" or the "Company") is a global manufacturer and supplier of semiconductors and passive components, including power MOSFETs, power integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Semiconductors and electronic components manufactured by the Company are used in virtually all types of electronic products, including those in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer electronics products, telecommunications, power supplies, military/aerospace, and medical industries.
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vishay and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling financial interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company's ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Investments in affiliates over which the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany transactions, accounts, and profits are eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For the portion of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, the Company recognizes revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. The Company historically has had agreements with distributors that provided limited rights of product return. The Company has modified these arrangements to allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which it terms a "scrap allowance." Consistent with industry practice, the Company also has a "stock, ship and debit" program whereby it considers requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors' inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements whereby it provides distributors with protection against price reductions initiated by the Company after product is sold by the Company to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor.
The Company records a reduction of revenue during each period, and records a related accrued expense for the period, based upon its estimate of product returns, scrap allowances, "stock, ship and debit" credits, and price protection credits that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. The Company makes these estimates based upon sales levels to its distributors during the period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market conditions, and historical experience under the programs. While the Company utilizes a number of different methodologies to estimate the accruals, all of the methodologies take into account sales levels to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis to estimate future credits under the programs.
F-10

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development (exclusive of purchased in-process research and development) aggregated $67,153, $66,842, and $64,193, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The Company spends additional amounts for the development of machinery and equipment for new processes and for cost reduction measures.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances have been established for deferred tax assets which the Company believes do not meet GAAP criteria of "more likely than not" to be realized. This criterion requires a level of judgment regarding future taxable income, which may be revised due to changes in market conditions, tax laws, or other factors. If the Company's assumptions and estimates change in the future, valuation allowances established may be increased, resulting in increased tax expense. Conversely, if the Company is ultimately able to utilize all or a portion of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then the related portion of the valuation allowance can be released, resulting in decreased tax expense.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company's belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.
These accruals for tax-related uncertainties are based on management's best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by tax authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company's effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The amount included in current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect only amounts expected to be settled in cash within one year.
See Note 5.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents includes demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year.
F-11

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt expense (income realized upon subsequent collection) was $301, $61, and $(152) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. The estimated cost to complete construction in progress at December 31, 2017 was approximately $79,000. Depreciation of capital lease assets is included in total depreciation expense. Depreciation expense was $148,883, $144,521, and $154,340 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Gains and losses on the disposal of assets which do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations are included in the determination of operating margin (within selling, general, and administrative expenses). Individually material gains and losses on disposal are separately disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Certain of the Company's tradenames were assigned indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but rather are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. The Company's business segments (see Note 15) represent its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, the Company has no recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty-five years. Capitalized software is amortized over periods of three to ten years, primarily included in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of five to twenty years. Noncompete agreements are amortized over periods of three to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets.
GAAP prescribes a quantitative method for determining goodwill impairment. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is not more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. If it is determined that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required.
The Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, the Company would recognize an impairment charge.
F-12

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for anticipated disposal costs.
See Note 3 for further information on the impairment tests performed in 2016 and 2015.
Available-for-Sale Securities
Short-term investments and other assets reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets include time deposits with financial institutions whose original maturity exceeds three months, but less than one year and investments in marketable securities which are classified as available-for-sale. These assets include assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans (see Note 11) and assets that are intended to fund a portion of the Company's other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. These assets are reported at fair value, based on quoted market prices as of the end of the reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of their related tax consequences, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until sold. At the time of sale, the assets that are held in trust related to the Company's non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans, any gains (losses) calculated by the specific identification method are recognized as a reduction (increase) to benefits expense, within selling, general, and administrative expenses. See "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" below.
Financial Instruments
The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business, including from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts that are not considered derivative financial instruments in their entirety, but that include embedded derivative features. The convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 contain embedded derivatives that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, outstanding derivative instruments were not material.
The Company reports derivative instruments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at their fair values. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. For instruments designated as hedges, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in current period net earnings (loss). Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges, including embedded derivatives, are recorded in current period net earnings (loss).
The Company has in the past used interest rate swap agreements to modify variable rate obligations to fixed rate obligations, thereby reducing exposure to market rate fluctuations. The Company uses financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts to mitigate a portion, but not all, of the risk associated with its firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of the Company's foreign currency management is to minimize the effect of exchange rate changes on actual cash flows from foreign currency denominated transactions.
Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, held-to-maturity short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments reported on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation costs related to stock-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity (or liability) instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award. For awards subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs") that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes.
F-13

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company finances its operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company's operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies.
For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated results of operations.
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies, including environmental remediation costs, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. The costs for a specific environmental remediation site are discounted if the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for that site are fixed or reliably determinable based upon information derived from the remediation plan for that site. Accrued liabilities for environmental matters recorded at December 31, 2017 and 2016 do not include claims against third parties.
Restructuring and Severance Costs
Restructuring and severance costs reflect charges resulting from cost reduction programs implemented by the Company. Restructuring and severance costs include exit costs, severance benefits pursuant to an on-going arrangement, voluntary termination compensation under a defined program, and any related pension curtailment and settlement charges.
The Company recognizes expense for one-time benefits only after management has committed to a plan, the plan is sufficiently detailed to provide the number, classification, and location of employees to be terminated as well as the expected completion date, the plan has been sufficiently communicated to employees such that they are able to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if terminated, and it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn. If an employee is not required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense once the aforementioned criteria have been met. If an employee is required to render service beyond a minimum retention period, the Company recognizes expense over the period that the employee is required to render future service.
The Company recognizes expense for on-going benefit arrangements when the liability is reasonably estimable and considered probable.
The Company recognizes expense for voluntary separation / early retirement when the employee delivers an irrevocable voluntary termination notice pursuant to a defined company program.
The Company recognizes other exit costs as incurred.
Self-Insurance Programs
The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, property damage, director and officers' liability, and vehicle liability.
As part of its self-insurance program for certain risks, the Company created a wholly-owned captive insurance entity in 2007. At December 31, 2017, the captive insurance entity provides only property and general liability insurance, although it is licensed to also provide casualty and directors' and officers' insurance. The captive insurance entity had $560 accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2017 and no amounts accrued for outstanding claims at December 31, 2016.
Certain cash and investments held by the captive insurance entity are restricted primarily for the purpose of potential insurance claims. Restricted cash of $9,438 and $10,211 is included in other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing required statutory reserves of the captive insurance entity.
F-14

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Convertible Debentures
The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash in a manner that reflects the Company's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The liability component at issuance is recognized at fair value, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature. A discount is recorded if debentures are issued at a coupon rate which is below the rate of a similar instrument that did not have a conversion feature at issuance. The equity component is based on the excess of the principal amount of the debentures over the fair value of the liability component, after adjusting for an allocation of debt issuance costs and the deferred tax impact, and is recorded as capital in excess of par. Debt discounts are amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the expected life of the debt.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Guidance Adopted
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The ASU is the result of the FASB's simplification initiative intended to improve GAAP by reducing costs and complexity while maintaining or enhancing the usefulness of related financial statement information. The ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the ASU on January 1, 2017. The ASU allowed prospective adoption of certain aspects, while requiring retrospective adoption of other aspects of the guidance. The Company recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits in January 1, 2017 retained earnings (accumulated deficit) of $386. The Company reclassified $542 and $639 of cash withholding taxes paid when shares were withheld for vested equity awards in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to financing cash flows. The Company retrospectively reclassified an immaterial amount of excess tax benefits as operating cash flows on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company will recognize forfeitures on its stock-based awards as they occur.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") was enacted in the United States. The TCJA represents sweeping changes in U.S. tax law. Under GAAP (specifically, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740), the effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted. The total effect of tax law changes on deferred tax balances is recorded as a component of income tax expense.
In response to the TCJA, the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB No. 118") to provide guidance to registrants in applying ASC Topic 740 in connection with the TCJA. SAB No. 118 provides that in the period of enactment, the income tax effects of the TCJA may be reported as a provisional amount based on a reasonable estimate (to the extent a reasonable estimate can be determined), which would be subject to adjustment during a "measurement period". The measurement period begins in the reporting period of the TCJA's enactment and ends when a registrant has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information that was needed in order to complete the accounting requirements under ASC Topic 740. SAB No. 118 also describes supplemental disclosures that should accompany the provisional amounts. The Company has applied the guidance in SAB No. 118 to account for the financial accounting impacts of the TCJA as of December 31, 2017, and has provided the applicable supplemental disclosures in Note 5.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU is the result of a convergence project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The ASU removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; provides more useful information to users of financial statements through expanded disclosure requirements; and simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company intends to retrospectively adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2018. Based on work performed to date, the Company expects to record a cumulative-effect adjustment of approximately $2,500 to January 1, 2016 retained earnings (accumulated deficit) upon the retrospective adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 for certain custom products where revenue will be recognized throughout the production process. The Company also expects to record a reclassification of warranty expenses from costs of products sold to contra-revenue of $4,154 and $6,103 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
F-15

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU enhances the reporting model for financial instruments by addressing certain aspects, including requiring equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplifying the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values; eliminating the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the disclosed fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost; and requiring the use of the exit price notion for fair value measurements of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company will recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) of $1,801 on January 1, 2018 for the cumulative change in fair value of available-for-sale equity investments previously recognized in other comprehensive income.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU is the result of a project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Upon adoption of the ASU, the Company will recognize lease assets and liabilities for its operating leases which are not currently reported on its consolidated balance sheets. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with the ability to early adopt. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its lease contracts.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020, with the ability to early adopt for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the ASU on its financial assets measured at amortized cost.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The ASU amends the income statement presentation requirements of net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The ASU is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and requires retrospective adoption. Upon adoption, the Company will reclassify the components of net benefit costs other than the current service component, currently presented as $3,497 and $4,040 of cost of goods sold for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $8,919 and $11,981 million of selling, general, and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to other expenses. The Company will also reclassify the $79,321 U.S. pension settlement charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 to other expenses.
Reclassifications
In addition to the changes due to the retrospective adoption of certain aspects of new accounting guidance described above, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
F-16

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 2 - Acquisition and Divestiture Activities
As part of its growth strategy, the Company seeks to expand through targeted acquisitions of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which the Company has substantial marketing and technical expertise.
In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company deposited the $6,750 purchase price of Sonntag Electronic GmbH ("Sonntag"). The purchase price, net of cash acquired was $5,450. The acquisition was effective January 1, 2016. Sonntag is a distributor of electronic components in Germany. The inclusion of this business did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2016. After allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an estimation of their fair values at the date of acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $3,485 related to this acquisition. The goodwill related to this acquisition is included in the Resistors & Inductors reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing.
Had this acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, the pro forma statements of operations would not be materially different than the consolidated statements of operations presented.
Subsequent Events
On February 8, 2018, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of UltraSource, Inc., a U.S.-based, privately-held thin film circuit and thin film interconnect manufacturer, for $13,372, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. This business will be incorporated into the Company's Resistors & Inductors segment.
F-17

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As a result of a review of the financial results and outlook for the MOSFETs segment following the completion of production transfers, Vishay determined that an interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test was required for its Siliconix tradenames as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2016.
As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that its Siliconix tradenames, with a carrying value of $20,359, were impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,559 to write-down the tradenames to their fair value. The tradenames are no longer considered indefinite-lived and the remaining value is being amortized over 10 years, which was the estimated remaining useful life.
The fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such tradenames and not having to pay a royalty for their use. The evaluation of the fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the assumed market-royalty rate; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue.
In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization for Vishay and its peer group companies, and other factors (including the cost reduction programs announced during the third fiscal quarter of 2015 as described in Note 4), Vishay determined that interim goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment tests were required as of the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2015.
Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment, the Company performed a recoverability test of certain depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets. As a result of those assessments, it was determined that the depreciable and amortizable assets associated with the Company's Capella business were not recoverable, and the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $57,600 to write-down the related assets to their fair value.
The Company determined that the estimated fair value of the Capacitors reporting unit was less than the net book value of that reporting unit. Upon completion of the impairment analysis for the Capacitors reporting unit, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $5,380.
The fair value of long-lived assets is measured primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. The evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets, and the determination of their fair value, requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the identification of the asset group at the lowest level of independent cash flows and the principal asset of the group; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
The fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes is measured primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the reporting unit. The calculated results are evaluated for reasonableness using comparable company data. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit or the amount of the goodwill impairment charge; could have a significant impact on the conclusion that an asset group's carrying value is recoverable, that an indefinite-lived asset is not impaired, or the determination of any impairment charge if it was determined that the asset values were indeed impaired.
The Company performs its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. The interim impairment tests performed as the last day of the third fiscal quarters of 2016 and 2015, were effectively the annual impairment tests for 2016 and 2015. No impairment was identified as a result of the Company's annual impairment test for 2017.
The recorded impairment charges are noncash in nature and do not affect Vishay's liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and will not have a material impact on future operations.
F-18

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

|  | Optoelectronic Components |  |  | Resistors & Inductors |  |  | Total |
Balance at January 1, 2016 |  | $ | 96,849 |  |  | $ | 41,395 |  |  | $ | 138,244 |
Sonntag acquisition |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,485 |  |  |  | 3,485 |
Exchange rate effects |  |  | - |  |  |  | (322 | ) |  |  | (322 | )
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | 96,849 |  |  | $ | 44,558 |  |  | $ | 141,407 |
Exchange rate effects |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,335 |  |  |  | 1,335 |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |  | $ | 96,849 |  |  |  | 45,893 |  |  |  | 142,742 |

Other intangible assets are as follows:

|  | December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Intangible assets subject to amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |
Patents and acquired technology |  | $ | 71,596 |  |  | $ | 93,395 |
Capitalized software |  |  | 54,325 |  |  |  | 53,807 |
Customer relationships |  |  | 63,655 |  |  |  | 84,905 |
Tradenames |  |  | 55,272 |  |  |  | 53,680 |
Non-competition agreements |  |  | 606 |  |  |  | 1,266 |
|  |  | 245,454 |  |  |  | 287,053 |
Accumulated amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Patents and acquired technology |  |  | (63,868 | ) |  |  | (81,807 | )
Capitalized software |  |  | (50,246 | ) |  |  | (49,388 | )
Customer relationships |  |  | (26,622 | ) |  |  | (42,787 | )
Tradenames |  |  | (34,378 | ) |  |  | (27,460 | )
Non-competition agreements |  |  | (586 | ) |  |  | (1,148 | )
|  |  | (175,700 | ) |  |  | (202,590 | )
Net Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization |  | $ | 69,754 |  |  | $ | 84,463 |

Amortization expense (excluding capitalized software) was $14,263, $14,842, and $21,829, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets on the balance sheet at December 31, 2017 for each of the next five years is as follows:

2018 |  | $ | 11,620 |
2019 |  |  | 7,741 |
2020 |  |  | 6,750 |
2021 |  |  | 5,863 |
2022 |  |  | 5,192 |

F-19

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities
The Company places a strong emphasis on controlling its costs and combats general price inflation by continuously improving its efficiency and operating performance. When the ongoing cost containment activities are not adequate, the Company takes actions to maintain its cost competitiveness.
The Company incurred significant restructuring costs in its past to reduce its cost structure. Historically, the Company's primary cost reduction technique was through the transfer of production from high-labor-cost countries to lower-labor-cost countries. Since 2013, the Company's cost reduction programs have primarily focused on reducing fixed costs, including selling, general, and administrative expenses.
In 2013, the Company announced various cost reduction programs. These programs were substantially implemented by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016, with some additional costs and adjustments incurred in 2016. Many of the severance costs were recognized ratably over the required stay periods. In November 2016, the Company announced an extension of one of these programs, which was substantially completed as of December 31, 2017.
In 2015, the Company announced additional global cost reduction programs. These programs included a facility closure in the Netherlands. These programs were substantially implemented as of December 31, 2017. The cash costs of these programs, primarily severance, aggregated to $31,740.
The following table summarizes restructuring and related expenses which were recognized and reported on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program |  | $ | 3,204 |  |  | $ | 9,744 |  |  | $ | 5,367 |
Global Cost Reduction Programs |  |  | 8,069 |  |  |  | 9,918 |  |  |  | 13,753 |
Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 95 |
Modules Production Transfer |  |  | - |  |  |  | (463 | ) |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 11,273 |  |  | $ | 19,199 |  |  | $ | 19,215 |

MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program
Over a period of approximately 2 years and in a period of discrete steps, the manufacture of wafers for a substantial share of products was transferred into a more cost-efficient fab. As a consequence, certain other manufacturing previously occurring in-house was transferred to third-party foundries. This transfer of production was substantially completed by the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2016.
Employees generally were required to remain with the Company during the production transfer period. Accordingly, the Company accrued these severance costs ratably over the respective employees' remaining service periods. The Company incurred other exit costs associated with the production transfer, including certain contract termination costs.
As a result of a review of the financial results and outlook for the Company's MOSFETs segment following the completion of the aforementioned production transfers, in November 2016, the Company determined to implement further cost reductions for the MOSFETs segment.
On November 7, 2016, the Company announced an extension of the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program. The revised program included various cost reduction initiatives, primarily the transfer of all remaining manufacturing operations at its Santa Clara, California facility to other Vishay facilities or third-party subcontractors. The Company incurred cash charges of $7,248, primarily related to severance, to implement these additional steps. The total cash charges for the MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program were $26,668. The Company expects to maintain its R&D and management presence in the Silicon Valley area.
F-20

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities (continued)
The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:

Expense recorded in 2013 |  | $ | 2,328 |
Cash paid |  |  | (267 | )
Balance at December 31, 2013 |  | $ | 2,061 |
Expense recorded in 2014 |  |  | 6,025 |
Cash paid |  |  | (856 | )
Balance at December 31, 2014 |  | $ | 7,230 |
Expense recorded in 2015 |  |  | 5,367 |
Cash paid |  |  | (426 | )
Foreign currency translation |  |  | 1 |
Balance at December 31, 2015 |  | $ | 12,172 |
Expense recorded in 2016 |  |  | 9,744 |
Cash paid |  |  | (15,686 | )
Foreign currency translation |  |  | 2 |
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | 6,232 |
Expense recorded in 2017 |  |  | 3,204 |
Cash paid |  |  | (7,173 | )
Balance at December 31, 2017 |  | $ | 2,263 |

Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Other exit costs of $958 and $5,763 are included in the expenses incurred in 2017 and 2016, respectively, in the table above. The entire amount of the liability is considered current and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Voluntary Separation / Retirement Program
The voluntary separation / early retirement program was offered to employees worldwide who were eligible because they met job classification, age, and years-of-service criteria as of October 31, 2013. The program benefits varied by country and job classification, but generally included a cash loyalty bonus based on years of service. All employees eligible for the program have left the Company.
These employees generally were not aligned with any particular segment. The effective separation / retirement date for most employees who accepted the offer was June 30, 2014 or earlier, with a few exceptions to allow for a transition period. The Company recorded $13,373 of expenses for this program, primarily in 2013 and 2014. Substantially all amounts related to this program have been paid as of December 31, 2017.
Modules Production Transfer
In an effort to reduce costs and streamline production of its module products within its Diodes segment, the Company committed to two smaller cost reduction programs related to the transferring of production of certain of its products.
The Company recorded restructuring and severance costs of $2,080 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and an adjustment of $(463) during the year ended December 31, 2016 related to these production transfer programs. Substantially all amounts related to these programs were paid as of December 31, 2016.
F-21

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 4 – Restructuring and Related Activities (continued)
Global Cost Reduction Programs
The global cost reduction programs announced in 2015 included a plan to reduce selling, general, and administrative costs company-wide, and targeted streamlining and consolidation of production for certain product lines within its Capacitors and Resistors & Inductors segments.
The following table summarizes the activity to date related to this program:

Expense recorded in 2015 |  | $ | 13,753 |
Cash paid |  |  | (986 | )
Foreign currency translation |  |  | (150 | )
Balance at December 31, 2015 |  | $ | 12,617 |
Expense recorded in 2016 |  |  | 9,918 |
Cash paid |  |  | (16,237 | )
Foreign currency translation |  |  | (34 | )
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | 6,264 |
Expense recorded in 2017 |  |  | 8,069 |
Cash paid |  |  | (7,168 | )
Foreign currency translation |  |  | 500 |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |  | $ | 7,665 |

The following table summarizes the expense recognized by segment related to this program:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Diodes |  | $ | 428 |  |  | $ | 788 |  |  | $ | 133 |
Optoelectronic Components |  |  | 437 |  |  |  | 936 |  |  |  | 215 |
Resistors & Inductors |  |  | 4,981 |  |  |  | 5,173 |  |  |  | 5,972 |
Capacitors |  |  | 434 |  |  |  | 687 |  |  |  | 5,209 |
Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses |  |  | 1,789 |  |  |  | 2,334 |  |  |  | 2,224 |
Total |  | $ | 8,069 |  |  | $ | 9,918 |  |  | $ | 13,753 |

Severance benefits are generally paid in a lump sum at cessation of employment. Other exit costs of $577 are included in the expenses incurred in 2017 in the tables above. The current portion of the liability is $5,089 and is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The non-current portion of the liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
F-22

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5 – Income Taxes
U.S. Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") was enacted in the United States. The TCJA represents sweeping changes in U.S. tax law. Among the numerous changes in tax law, the TCJA permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% beginning in 2018; imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings; establishes a participation exemption system by allowing a 100% dividends received deduction on qualifying dividends paid by foreign subsidiaries; limits deductions for net interest expense; and expands the U.S. taxation of foreign earned income to include "global intangible low-taxed income" ("GILTI").
The TCJA represents the first significant change in U.S. tax law in over 30 years. As permitted by SAB No. 118 (see Note 1), the tax expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 due to the enactment of the TCJA is considered "provisional," based on reasonable estimates. The Company is continuing to collect and analyze detailed information about the earnings and profits of its non-U.S. subsidiaries, the related taxes paid, the amounts which could be repatriated, the foreign taxes which may be incurred on repatriation, and the associated impact of these items under the TCJA. The Company may record adjustments to refine those estimates during the measurement period, as additional analysis is completed. Furthermore, the Company is continuing to evaluate the TCJA's provisions and may prospectively adjust its financial structure and business practices accordingly.
As a result of the TCJA, the Company recognized a provisional tax benefit of $74,816 to remeasure its net deferred tax liabilities at the lower, 21% rate.
The TCJA transitions the U.S. from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. Under previous law, companies could indefinitely defer U.S. income taxation on unremitted foreign earnings. The TCJA imposes a one-time transition tax on deferred foreign earnings of 15.5% for liquid assets and 8% for illiquid assets, payable in defined increments over eight years. As a result of this requirement, the Company recognized provisional tax expense of $215,558, and provisionally expects to pay $180,000, net of estimated applicable foreign tax credits, and after utilization of net operating loss and R&D and FTC Credit carryforwards. These previously deferred foreign earnings may now be repatriated to the United States without additional U.S. federal taxation. However, any such repatriation could incur withholding and other foreign taxes in the source and intervening foreign jurisdictions, and certain U.S. state taxes.
Due to the changes in taxation of dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and also because of the need to finance the payment of the transition tax, the Company has made the determination during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 that certain unremitted foreign earnings in Israel, Germany, Austria, and France are no longer permanently reinvested, and has recorded provisional tax expense of $213,000 to accrue the incremental foreign income taxes and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions assuming the hypothetical repatriation to the United States of these approximately $1,100,000 of available foreign earnings. Due to the existence of the foreign cash taxes payable at the source, the Company expects to actually repatriate these amounts at a measured pace over several years, and may decide to ultimately not repatriate some of these amounts.
There are additional amounts of unremitted foreign earnings in other countries, which continue to be reinvested indefinitely, and the Company has made no provision for incremental foreign income taxes and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions related to these amounts. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred foreign tax liability for these amounts is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company recognized income tax, including U.S. federal and state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions, on $300,000 of foreign earnings. This tax expense was recognized in 2015 following an evaluation of the Company's anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and the Company's most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that could be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions. The Company repatriated $38,000 and $46,000 pursuant to this program in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Prior to the enactment of the TCJA, the related deferred tax liability for the 2015 repatriation plan was $118,887. The Company has terminated the 2015 cash repatriation plan and recorded a provisional income tax benefit to reverse this deferred tax liability, which was replaced by the liability for the transition tax and foreign income and withholding taxes described above.
The deferred tax liability related to these unremitted foreign earnings is based on the available sources of cash, applicable tax rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and other factors and circumstances, as of each balance sheet date. Changes in these underlying facts and circumstances result in changes in the deferred tax liability balance, which are recorded as tax benefit or expense.
The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The provisional amount of net tax expense recorded by the Company in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 that is directly and indirectly related to the TCJA is summarized as follows:

Remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities |  | $ | (74,816 | )
Transition tax on unremitted foreign earnings |  |  | 215,558 |
Incremental foreign taxes on assumed repatriation |  |  | 213,000 |
Reversal of deferred taxes due to cancellation of 2015 repatriation plan |  |  | (118,887 | )
Total tax expense related to the enactment of the TCJA |  | $ | 234,855 |

F-23

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and noncontrolling interests consists of the following components:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Domestic |  | $ | (40,171 | ) |  | $ | (135,953 | ) |  | $ | (40,929 | )
Foreign |  |  | 319,535 |  |  |  | 230,169 |  |  |  | 115,669 |
|  | $ | 279,364 |  |  | $ | 94,216 |  |  | $ | 74,740 |

Significant components of income taxes are as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Current: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $ | 180,873 |  |  | $ | 358 |  |  | $ | 290 |
State and local |  |  | 108 |  |  |  | 5 |  |  |  | 163 |
Foreign |  |  | 65,566 |  |  |  | 46,999 |  |  |  | 63,573 |
|  |  | 246,547 |  |  |  | 47,362 |  |  |  | 64,026 |
Deferred: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  |  | (101,896 | ) |  |  | 6,163 |  |  |  | 78,933 |
State and local |  |  | 1,538 |  |  |  | (3,039 | ) |  |  | 311 |
Foreign |  |  | 152,735 |  |  |  | (5,643 | ) |  |  | 39,203 |
|  |  | 52,377 |  |  |  | (2,519 | ) |  |  | 118,447 |
Total income tax expense |  | $ | 298,924 |  |  | $ | 44,843 |  |  | $ | 182,473 |

F-24

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

|  | December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Deferred tax assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension and other retiree obligations |  | $ | 43,536 |  |  | $ | 47,104 |
Inventories |  |  | 9,658 |  |  |  | 7,691 |
Property and equipment |  |  | 3,798 |  |  |  | (1,025 | )
Net operating loss carryforwards |  |  | 136,599 |  |  |  | 183,562 |
Tax credit carryforwards |  |  | 13,328 |  |  |  | 25,432 |
Other accruals and reserves |  |  | 22,930 |  |  |  | 29,401 |
Total gross deferred tax assets |  |  | 229,849 |  |  |  | 292,165 |
Less valuation allowance |  |  | (149,070 | ) |  |  | (165,269 | )
|  |  | 80,779 |  |  |  | 126,896 |
Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Earnings not permanently reinvested |  |  | (213,000 | ) |  |  | (139,165 | )
Convertible debentures |  |  | (135,576 | ) |  |  | (203,641 | )
Other - net |  |  | (6,125 | ) |  |  | (10,646 | )
Total gross deferred tax liabilities |  |  | (354,701 | ) |  |  | (353,452 | )
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) |  | $ | (273,922 | ) |  | $ | (226,556 | )

The Company makes significant judgments regarding the realizability of its deferred tax assets (principally net operating losses). The carrying value of deferred tax assets is based on the Company's assessment that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize these assets after consideration of all available positive and negative evidence.
A reconciliation of income tax expense at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax provision is as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Tax at statutory rate |  | $ | 97,777 |  |  | $ | 32,976 |  |  | $ | 26,159 |
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit |  |  | 1,070 |  |  |  | (1,972 | ) |  |  | 309 |
Effect of foreign operations |  |  | (54,807 | ) |  |  | (26,551 | ) |  |  | (13,212 | )
Tax on earnings not permanently reinvested |  |  | 88,311 |  |  |  | (3,553 | ) |  |  | 163,699 |
Unrecognized tax benefits |  |  | 5,887 |  |  |  | (8,453 | ) |  |  | (1,353 | )
Change in valuation allowance on non-U.S. deferred tax assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 991 |  |  |  | (8,888 | )
TCJA - remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities |  |  | (74,816 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
TCJA - transition tax on unremitted foreign earnings |  |  | 215,558 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Foreign income taxable in the U.S. |  |  | 20,436 |  |  |  | 18,442 |  |  |  | 7,025 |
Termination of U.S. pension |  |  | - |  |  |  | 34,853 |  |  |  | - |
Tax effect of impairment charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | (454 | ) |  |  | 8,305 |
Other |  |  | (492 | ) |  |  | (1,436 | ) |  |  | 429 |
Total income tax expense |  | $ | 298,924 |  |  | $ | 44,843 |  |  | $ | 182,473 |

F-25

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued)
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 includes certain discrete tax items for changes in uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, tax rates, and other related items. These items total $230,618, $22,596, and $152,437 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the discrete items include $234,855 related to the enactment of the TCJA, as previously described; $5,802 (tax benefit) for the periodic remeasurement of the deferred tax liability related to the 2015 cash repatriation program described below, and $1,565 of net tax expense for changes in uncertain tax positions. The 2015 cash repatriation program was expected to occur over several years, and the deferred tax liability is based on the available sources of cash, applicable tax rates, and other factors and circumstances, as of each respective balance sheet date. Changes in the underlying facts and circumstances result in changes in the deferred tax liability balance, which are recorded as tax benefit or expense.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the discrete items include $34,853 of additional tax expense related to the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan (see Notes 10 and 11), $8,704 (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions related largely to statute expiration, and $3,553 (tax benefit) for periodic remeasurement of the deferred tax liability related to the 2015 cash repatriation program described below.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the discrete items include $163,954 of expense recorded in the fourth fiscal quarter primarily to repatriate $300,000 of foreign earnings to the United States, following an evaluation of the Company's anticipated domestic cash needs over the next several years and the Company's most efficient use of liquidity, and with consideration of the amount of cash that can be repatriated to the U.S. efficiently with lesser withholding taxes in foreign jurisdictions (the "2015 cash repatriation program"). The 2015 cash repatriation program has been terminated and replaced as described under the heading "US Tax Reform: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act," above. Discrete items for 2015 also include $8,888 (tax benefit) for changes in valuation allowances and $2,629 (tax benefit) for changes in uncertain tax positions.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had the following significant net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes:

|  |  |  |  | Expires |
Austria |  | $ | 16,836 |  |  | No expiration |
Belgium |  |  | 171,122 |  |  | No expiration |
Brazil |  |  | 12,622 |  |  | No expiration |
Germany |  |  | 6,272 |  |  | No expiration |
Israel |  |  | 10,707 |  |  | No expiration |
Japan |  |  | 5,358 |  |  |  | 2018 - 2026 |
Netherlands |  |  | 19,073 |  |  |  | 2018 - 2026 |
The Republic of China (Taiwan) |  |  | 14,594 |  |  |  | 2024 - 2027 |
California |  |  | 55,479 |  |  |  | 2026 - 2037 |
Pennsylvania |  |  | 722,277 |  |  |  | 2018 - 2037 |

At December 31, 2017, the Company had the following significant tax credit carryforward available:

|  |  | Expires
California Research Credit |  | $ | 13,327 |  | No expiration

F-26

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 5 – Income Taxes (continued)
Net income taxes paid were $76,900, $58,788, and $49,301 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
See Note 19 for a discussion of the tax-related uncertainties for the pre-spin-off period of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. ("VPG"), which was spun off on July 6, 2010.
The following table summarizes changes in the liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 16,805 |  |  | $ | 23,527 |  |  | $ | 26,583 |
Addition based on tax positions related to the current year |  |  | 3,911 |  |  |  | 1,553 |  |  |  | 1,439 |
Addition based on tax positions related to prior years |  |  | 1,837 |  |  |  | 1,047 |  |  |  | 1,894 |
Currency translation adjustments |  |  | 915 |  |  |  | (96 | ) |  |  | (1,370 | )
Reduction based on tax positions related to prior years |  |  | (1,473 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Reduction for settlements |  |  | (4,077 | ) |  |  | (1,210 | ) |  |  | (4,879 | )
Reduction for lapses of statute of limitation |  |  | (862 | ) |  |  | (8,016 | ) |  |  | (140 | )
Balance at end of year |  | $ | 17,056 |  |  | $ | 16,805 |  |  | $ | 23,527 |

All of the unrecognized tax benefits of $17,056 and $16,805, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, would reduce the effective tax rate if recognized.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $2,845 and $1,638, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company recognized $2,479, $542, and $785, respectively, in interest and penalties.
The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as tax returns in multiple states and foreign jurisdictions. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, certain tax examinations were concluded, including in 2017 the examinations of tax returns of principal non-U.S. subsidiaries in Germany (2009 through 2012) and Israel (2013 through 2015), and certain statutes of limitations lapsed. The tax provision for those years includes adjustments related to the resolution of these matters, as reflected in the table above. The tax returns of other non-U.S. subsidiaries which are currently under examination include France (2015 through 2016), India (2004 through 2014), Italy (2012 through 2016), and Taiwan (2016). The Company and its subsidiaries also file income tax returns in other taxing jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world, many of which are still open to examination.
The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, as are the amounts and timing of tax payments that result from such examinations. These events could cause large fluctuations in the balance sheet classification of current and non-current unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that in the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that certain income tax examinations will conclude or the statutes of limitation on certain income tax periods open to examination will expire, or both. Given the uncertainties described above, the Company can only determine an estimate of potential decreases in unrecognized tax benefits ranging from $2,730 to $5,149.
F-27

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6 – Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
Credit facility |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  | $ | 143,000 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2040 |  |  | 110,412 |  |  |  | 108,120 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2041 |  |  | 56,641 |  |  |  | 55,442 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2042 |  |  | 62,518 |  |  |  | 61,341 |
Deferred financing costs |  |  | (9,101 | ) |  |  | (10,880 | )
|  |  | 370,470 |  |  |  | 357,023 |
Less current portion |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 370,470 |  |  | $ | 357,023 |

Credit Facility
The Company maintains a credit facility with a consortium of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the "Credit Facility"). On December 10, 2015, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which provides an aggregate commitment of $640,000 of revolving loans available until December 10, 2020. The credit agreement initially became effective December 1, 2010 and was first amended and restated on August 8, 2013. The Credit Facility, as amended and restated, also provides for the ability of Vishay to request up to $50,000 of incremental revolving commitments, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on Vishay's leverage ratio. Based on Vishay's current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. Vishay also pays a fee, also based on its leverage ratio, on undrawn amounts. The undrawn commitment fee, based on Vishay's current leverage ratio, is 0.35% per annum. The previous credit agreement required Vishay to pay facility fees on the entire commitment amount.
The Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows an unlimited amount of defined "Restricted Payments," which include cash dividends and share repurchases, provided the Company's pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows such payments up to $75,000 per annum (subject to a cap of $225,000 for the term of the facility).
The borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, and general intangibles (but excluding real estate, intellectual property registered or licensed for use in, or arising under the laws of, any country other than the United States, assets located outside of the United States and deposit and securities accounts), of Vishay and certain significant subsidiaries located in the United States, and pledges of stock in certain significant domestic and foreign subsidiaries; and are guaranteed by certain significant subsidiaries. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the Credit Facility, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions. Any borrowings by these subsidiaries under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by Vishay and certain subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also limits or restricts the Company and its subsidiaries, from, among other things, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens on its respective assets, making investments and acquisitions, making asset sales, and making other restricted payments (assuming the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1), and requires the Company to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios.
The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also removes certain restrictions related to intercompany transactions. These changes are expected to enable the Company to streamline its complex subsidiary structure and provide greater operating flexibility.
F-28

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued)
The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to pay principal or interest, failure to pay or default under other material debt, material misrepresentation or breach of warranty, violation of certain covenants, a change of control, the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings, the insolvency of Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries, and the rendering of a judgment in excess of $25,000 against Vishay or certain of its significant subsidiaries. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the Company's obligations under the credit facility may be accelerated and the lending commitments under the credit facility terminated.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was $486,211 and $490,136, respectively, available under the Credit Facility. Letters of credit totaling $3,789 and $6,864 were outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Convertible Senior Debentures
Vishay currently has three issuances of convertible senior debentures outstanding with generally congruent terms. The quarterly cash dividend program of the Company results in adjustments to the conversion rate and effective conversion price for each issuance of the Company's convertible senior debentures effective as of the ex-dividend date of each cash dividend.
The following table summarizes some key facts and terms regarding the three series of outstanding convertible senior debentures following the adjustment made to the conversion rate of the debentures on the ex-dividend date of the December 21, 2017 dividend payment:

|  | Due 2040 |  |  | Due 2041 |  |  | Due 2042 |
Issuance date |  | November 9, 2010 |  |  | May 13, 2011 |  |  | May 31, 2012 |
Maturity date |  | November 15, 2040 |  |  | May 15, 2041 |  |  | June 1, 2042 |
Principal amount |  | $ | 275,000 |  |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  | $ | 150,000 |
Cash coupon rate (per annum) |  |  | 2.25 | % |  |  | 2.25 | % |  |  | 2.25 | %
Nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance (per annum) |  |  | 8.00 | % |  |  | 8.375 | % |  |  | 7.50 | %
Conversion rate effective December 6, 2017 (per $1 principal amount) |  |  | 77.2085 |  |  |  | 56.3427 |  |  |  | 90.7787 |
Effective conversion price effective December 6, 2017 (per share) |  | $ | 12.95 |  |  | $ | 17.75 |  |  | $ | 11.02 |
130% of the conversion price (per share) |  | $ | 16.84 |  |  | $ | 23.08 |  |  | $ | 14.33 |
Call date |  | November 20, 2020 |  |  | May 20, 2021 |  |  | June 7, 2022 |

Prior to three months before the maturity date, the holders may only convert their debentures under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter after the first full quarter subsequent to issuance, if the sale price of Vishay common stock reaches 130% of the conversion price for a specified period; (2) the trading price of the debentures falls below 98% of the product of the sale price of Vishay's common stock and the conversion rate for a specified period; (3) Vishay calls any or all of the debentures for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.
The convertible debentures due 2042 became convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria, remained convertible subsequent to the April 1, 2017, July 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017 evaluations, and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation due to the sale price of Vishay's common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable periods in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2016 and first, second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017. The convertible debentures due 2040 became convertible subsequent to the September 30, 2017 evaluation of the conversion criteria, and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation due to the sale price of Vishay's common stock exceeding 130% of the conversion price for the applicable periods in the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017. The debentures due 2040 and due 2042 will remain convertible until March 31, 2018, at which time the conversion criteria will be reevaluated. At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon future conversion of any of the convertible senior debentures, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. The excess of the amount that the Company would pay to the holders of the debentures due 2040 and due 2042 upon conversion over the carrying value of the liability component of the debentures currently convertible has been reclassified as temporary equity on the consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to finance the principal amount of any converted debentures using borrowings under its credit facility. Accordingly, the debt component of the convertible debentures due 2040 and due 2042 continues to be classified as a non-current liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Vishay must provide additional shares upon conversion if there is a "fundamental change" in the business as defined in the indenture governing the debentures.
Vishay may not redeem the debentures prior to the respective call dates. On or after the call date and prior to the maturity date, Vishay may redeem for cash all or part of the debentures at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the last reported sale price of Vishay's common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period prior to the date on which Vishay provides notice of redemption.
F-29

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued)
GAAP requires an issuer to separately account for the liability and equity components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest costs are recognized in subsequent periods. The resulting discount on the debt is amortized as non-cash interest expense in future periods.
The carrying values of the liability and equity components of the convertible debentures are reflected in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

|  | Principal amount of the debentures |  |  | Unamortized discount |  |  | Embedded derivative |  |  | Carrying value of liability component |  |  | Equity component (including temporary equity) - net carrying value |
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due 2040 |  | $ | 275,000 |  |  |  | (164,794 | ) |  |  | 206 |  |  | $ | 110,412 |  |  | $ | 110,094 |
Due 2041 |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  |  | (93,573 | ) |  |  | 214 |  |  | $ | 56,641 |  |  | $ | 62,246 |
Due 2042 |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  |  | (87,600 | ) |  |  | 118 |  |  | $ | 62,518 |  |  | $ | 57,874 |
Total |  | $ | 575,000 |  |  | $ | (345,967 | ) |  | $ | 538 |  |  | $ | 229,571 |  |  | $ | 230,214 |
December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due 2040 |  | $ | 275,000 |  |  |  | (167,273 | ) |  |  | 393 |  |  | $ | 108,120 |  |  | $ | 110,094 |
Due 2041 |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  |  | (94,843 | ) |  |  | 285 |  |  | $ | 55,442 |  |  | $ | 62,246 |
Due 2042 |  | $ | 150,000 |  |  |  | (88,835 | ) |  |  | 176 |  |  | $ | 61,341 |  |  | $ | 57,874 |
Total |  | $ | 575,000 |  |  | $ | (350,951 | ) |  | $ | 854 |  |  | $ | 224,903 |  |  | $ | 230,214 |

Interest is payable on the debentures semi-annually at the cash coupon rate; however, the remaining debt discount is being amortized as additional non-cash interest expense using an effective annual interest rate equal to the Company's estimated nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at the time of issuance. In addition to ordinary interest, contingent interest will accrue in certain circumstances relating to the trading price of the debentures and under certain other circumstances beginning ten years subsequent to issuance.
Interest expense related to the debentures is reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31:

|  | Contractual coupon interest |  |  | Non-cash amortization of debt discount |  |  | Non-cash amortization of deferred financing costs |  |  | Non-cash change in value of derivative liability |  |  | Total interest expense related to the debentures |
2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due 2040 |  | $ | 6,188 |  |  |  | 2,479 |  |  |  | 88 |  |  |  | (187 | ) |  | $ | 8,568 |
Due 2041 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,270 |  |  |  | 47 |  |  |  | (71 | ) |  | $ | 4,621 |
Due 2042 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,235 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | (58 | ) |  | $ | 4,606 |
Total |  | $ | 12,938 |  |  | $ | 4,984 |  |  | $ | 189 |  |  | $ | (316 | ) |  | $ | 17,795 |
2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due 2040 |  | $ | 6,188 |  |  |  | 2,292 |  |  |  | 88 |  |  |  | (183 | ) |  | $ | 8,385 |
Due 2041 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,171 |  |  |  | 47 |  |  |  | (153 | ) |  | $ | 4,440 |
Due 2042 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,147 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | (126 | ) |  | $ | 4,450 |
Total |  | $ | 12,938 |  |  | $ | 4,610 |  |  | $ | 189 |  |  | $ | (462 | ) |  | $ | 17,275 |
2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due 2040 |  | $ | 6,188 |  |  |  | 2,120 |  |  |  | 88 |  |  |  | 50 |  |  | $ | 8,446 |
Due 2041 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,078 |  |  |  | 47 |  |  |  | 97 |  |  | $ | 4,597 |
Due 2042 |  | $ | 3,375 |  |  |  | 1,066 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | 64 |  |  | $ | 4,559 |
Total |  | $ | 12,938 |  |  | $ | 4,264 |  |  | $ | 189 |  |  | $ | 211 |  |  | $ | 17,602 |

F-30

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6 – Long-Term Debt (continued)
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102
On December 13, 2002, Vishay issued $105,000 in nominal (or principal) amount of its floating rate unsecured exchangeable notes due 2102 in connection with an acquisition. The notes were governed by a note instrument and a put and call agreement dated December 13, 2002. The notes could be put to Vishay in exchange for shares of its common stock and, under certain circumstances, could be called by Vishay for similar consideration. Following the spin-off of VPG on July 6, 2010 and a 2013 exchange by a holder of the notes, Vishay had outstanding exchangeable unsecured notes with a principal amount of $38,642, which were exchangeable for an aggregate of 2,511,742 shares of Vishay common stock.
On June 28, 2016 and March 31, 2016, pursuant to agreements dated June 13, 2016 and March 10, 2016, respectively, the Company acquired from holders $12,436 and $26,206, respectively, principal amount of the Company's floating rate exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102. The purchase price for these privately negotiated transactions was $11,449 and $22,595, respectively. Vishay recognized gains on early extinguishment of debt of $4,597 presented as a separate line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Following the June 28, 2016 transaction, no exchangeable unsecured notes are outstanding.
Other Borrowings Information
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, based on the terms stated in the respective agreements, are as follows:

2018 |  | $ | - |
2019 |  |  | - |
2020 |  |  | 150,000 |
2021 |  |  | - |
2022 |  |  | - |
Thereafter |  |  | 575,000 |

The annual maturities of long-term debt are based on the amount required to settle the obligation. Accordingly, the discounts associated with the convertible debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are excluded from the calculation of the annual maturities of long-term debt in the table above.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had committed and uncommitted short-term credit lines with various U.S. and foreign banks aggregating approximately $15,000, with substantially no amounts borrowed. At December 31, 2016, the Company had committed and uncommitted short-term credit lines with various U.S. and foreign banks aggregating approximately $11,000, with substantially no amounts borrowed.
Interest paid was $21,216, $19,316, and $19,134 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
See Note 18 for further discussion on the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.
F-31

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 7 – Stockholders' Equity
The Company's Class B common stock carries 10 votes per share while the common stock carries 1 vote per share. Class B shares are transferable only to certain permitted transferees while the common stock is freely transferable. Class B shares are convertible on a one-for-one basis at any time into shares of common stock. Transfers of Class B shares other than to permitted transferees result in the automatic conversion of the Class B shares into common stock.
The Board of Directors may only declare dividends or other distributions with respect to the common stock or the Class B common stock if it grants such dividends or distributions in the same amount per share with respect to the other class of stock. Stock dividends or distributions on any class of stock are payable only in shares of stock of that class. Shares of either common stock or Class B common stock cannot be split, divided, or combined unless the other is also split, divided, or combined equally.
In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend program. Cash dividends were paid quarterly in 2017 and 2016 as follows:

Record date | Payment date |  | Amount (per share) |  | Record date | Payment date |  | Amount (per share) |
March 14, 2017 | March 29, 2017 |  | $ | 0.0625 |  | March 11, 2016 | March 29, 2016 |  | $ | 0.0625 |
June 15, 2017 | June 29, 2017 |  | $ | 0.0625 |  | June 15, 2016 | June 29, 2016 |  | $ | 0.0625 |
September 15, 2017 | September 28, 2017 |  | $ | 0.0625 |  | September 15, 2016 | September 29, 2016 |  | $ | 0.0625 |
December 7, 2017 | December 21, 2017 |  | $ | 0.0675 |  | December 8, 2016 | December 22, 2016 |  | $ | 0.0625 |

The Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows an unlimited amount of defined "Restricted Payments," which include cash dividends and share repurchases, provided the Company's pro forma leverage ratio is less than 2.25 to 1. If the Company's leverage ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1, the Amended and Restated Credit Facility allows such payments up to $75,000 per annum (subject to a cap of $225,000 for the term of the facility). The amount and timing of any future stock repurchases or cash dividends remains subject to authorization of the Company's Board of Directors.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for future issuance as follows:

Restricted stock units outstanding |  |  | 986,000 |
Phantom stock units outstanding |  |  | 157,000 |
2007 Stock Incentive Program - available to grant |  |  | 3,158,000 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2040* |  |  | 24,185,258 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2041* |  |  | 9,670,490 |
Convertible senior debentures, due 2042* |  |  | 15,550,865 |
Conversion of Class B common stock |  |  | 12,129,227 |
|  |  | 65,836,840 |

___________________
*At December 31, 2017, the convertible senior debentures due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042 are convertible into 21,232,338, 8,451,405, and 13,616,805 shares, respectively, of Vishay common stock. The Company has reserved adequate shares to ensure it could issue the maximum amount of shares to be delivered upon a make-whole fundamental change as defined in the indentures governing the debentures.
F-32

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 8 – Other Income (Expense)
The caption "Other" on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations consists of the following:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |  | $ | (4,536 | ) |  | $ | 292 |  |  | $ | 3,180 |
Interest income |  |  | 6,482 |  |  |  | 4,264 |  |  |  | 4,397 |
Other |  |  | (208 | ) |  |  | 160 |  |  |  | 399 |
|  | $ | 1,738 |  |  | $ | 4,716 |  |  | $ | 7,976 |

In 2017, the Company sold its 50% interest in an investment accounted for using the equity method, and recorded a loss aggregating to $6,112. The $7,060 loss recorded in March 2017 included Vishay's proportionate share of the investee's accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1,110, recognized upon discontinuation of the equity investment, and the estimated cost of certain contingencies pending resolution related to the investee. In December 2017, the remaining contingencies related to the investee were favorably resolved and the Company reduced the loss by $948. The loss on disposal is not deductible for income tax purposes.
On August 12, 2015, a major explosion occurred in the port of Tianjin, China. Vishay owns and operates a diodes manufacturing facility in Tianjin near the port. The shockwave of the explosion resulted in some damage to the facility and caused a temporary shutdown. Full production resumed on September 8, 2015.
As a result of this incident, the Company recorded, as a separate line on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, a loss of $5,350 related to these items, which represented the insurance deductible and certain costs which were considered to be not recoverable.
The Company's insurance coverage generally provides for replacement cost of damaged items. Any amount received in excess of the book value is treated as a gain. The Company also had business interruption claims under its insurance policies. The Company did not record any gains on damaged property or business interruption income until all contingencies were resolved.
During 2016, the Company received proceeds totaling $13,406 under its various insurance policies, of which $4,911 is classified as proceeds from the sale of property and equipment on the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows, and the remainder is considered cash flows from operating activities. The Company recorded, as a separate line on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, a gain of $8,809, equal to the proceeds received less the costs incurred for inventory, property, and equipment damage (at net book value) and related repair and clean-up costs.
Note 9 – Other Accrued Expenses
Other accrued expenses consist of the following:

|  | December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Sales returns and allowances |  | $ | 36,688 |  |  | $ | 34,479 |
Goods received, not yet invoiced |  |  | 39,221 |  |  |  | 30,987 |
Accrued restructuring |  |  | 7,352 |  |  |  | 12,655 |
Other |  |  | 72,769 |  |  |  | 71,010 |
|  | $ | 156,030 |  |  | $ | 149,131 |

F-33

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The cumulative balance of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the income tax effects allocated to each component are as follows:

|  | Pension and other post-retirement actuarial items |  |  | Currency translation adjustment |  |  | Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities |  |  | Total |
Balance at January 1, 2015 |  | $ | (155,760 | ) |  | $ | 84,703 |  |  | $ | 1,917 |  |  | $ | (69,140 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications |  |  | 15,169 |  |  |  | (80,106 | ) |  |  | (1,503 | ) |  | $ | (66,440 | )
Tax effect |  |  | (4,196 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | 526 |  |  | $ | (3,670 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax |  |  | 10,973 |  |  |  | (80,106 | ) |  |  | (977 | ) |  | $ | (70,110 | )
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI |  |  | 12,869 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (680 | ) |  | $ | 12,189 |
Tax effect |  |  | (4,504 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | 238 |  |  | $ | (4,266 | )
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax |  |  | 8,365 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (442 | ) |  | $ | 7,923 |
Net comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 19,338 |  |  | $ | (80,106 | ) |  | $ | (1,419 | ) |  | $ | (62,187 | )
Balance at December 31, 2015 |  | $ | (136,422 | ) |  | $ | 4,597 |  |  | $ | 498 |  |  | $ | (131,327 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications |  |  | (32,398 | ) |  |  | (35,863 | ) |  |  | 941 |  |  | $ | (67,320 | )
Tax effect |  |  | 9,815 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (329 | ) |  | $ | 9,486 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax |  |  | (22,583 | ) |  |  | (35,863 | ) |  |  | 612 |  |  | $ | (57,834 | )
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI |  |  | 91,014 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 91,014 |
Tax effect |  |  | 3,495 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 3,495 |
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax |  |  | 94,509 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 94,509 |
Net comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 71,926 |  |  | $ | (35,863 | ) |  | $ | 612 |  |  | $ | 36,675 |
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | $ | (64,496 | ) |  | $ | (31,266 | ) |  | $ | 1,110 |  |  | $ | (94,652 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications |  |  | (15,671 | ) |  |  | 124,220 |  |  |  | 1,881 |  |  | $ | 110,430 |
Tax effect |  |  | 4,373 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (659 | ) |  | $ | 3,714 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax |  |  | (11,298 | ) |  |  | 124,220 |  |  |  | 1,222 |  |  | $ | 114,144 |
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI |  |  | 9,147 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (817 | ) |  | $ | 8,330 |
Tax effect |  |  | (2,394 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | 286 |  |  | $ | (2,108 | )
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI, net of tax |  |  | 6,753 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (531 | ) |  | $ | 6,222 |
Net comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | (4,545 | ) |  | $ | 124,220 |  |  | $ | 691 |  |  | $ | 120,366 |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |  | $ | (69,041 | ) |  | $ | 92,954 |  |  | $ | 1,801 |  |  | $ | 25,714 |

Reclassifications of pension and other post-retirement actuarial items out of AOCI, including the recognition of the settlement charge for the termination of the Vishay Retirement Plan in 2016, are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 11). Historically, valuation allowances were recorded against the deferred taxes associated with certain unrecognized pension and other postretirement actuarial items. Changes in estimates related to these valuation allowances are recorded in the statement of operations and do not affect accumulated other comprehensive income until the underlying pension or other postretirement benefit plan is extinguished. As a result of the termination and settlement of the Vishay Retirement Plan, the Company recorded $34,853 of additional income tax expense and the related reclassification adjustment within accumulated other comprehensive income related to changes in estimates recorded in 2010.
The amount of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI as a result of sales of securities held by the Company's rabbi trust used to fund a deferred compensation plan was $817, $0, and $680 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. These reclassifications are recorded as a component of compensation expense within Selling, General, and Administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The pre-tax amount of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of AOCI as a result of sales of available-for-sale securities was $0 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. These reclassifications are recorded as a component of Other Income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The tax effect of the reclassifications of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities is recorded as a component of Income Tax Expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Other comprehensive income (loss) includes Vishay's proportionate share of other comprehensive income (loss) of nonconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.
F-34

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans. GAAP requires employers to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, in its balance sheet. The recognition of the funded status on the balance sheet requires employers to recognize actuarial items (such as actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs, and transition obligations) as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax.
The following table summarizes amounts recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets associated with these various retirement benefit plans:

|  | December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
Included in "Other assets": |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-U.S. pension plans |  | $ | 347 |  |  | $ | 248 |
Total included in other assets |  | $ | 347 |  |  | $ | 248 |
Included in "Payroll and related expenses": |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. pension plans |  | $ | (37 | ) |  | $ | (35 | )
Non-U.S. pension plans |  |  | (7,308 | ) |  |  | (6,405 | )
U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | (705 | ) |  |  | (717 | )
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | (453 | ) |  |  | (322 | )
Total included in payroll and related expenses |  | $ | (8,503 | ) |  | $ | (7,479 | )
Accrued pension and other postretirement costs: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. pension plans |  | $ | (39,880 | ) |  | $ | (38,879 | )
Non-U.S. pension plans |  |  | (213,596 | ) |  |  | (194,180 | )
U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | (6,928 | ) |  |  | (6,930 | )
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | (7,445 | ) |  |  | (6,303 | )
Other retirement obligations |  |  | (13,852 | ) |  |  | (11,497 | )
Total accrued pension and other postretirement costs |  | $ | (281,701 | ) |  | $ | (257,789 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. pension plans |  | $ | 7,731 |  |  | $ | 7,313 |
Non-U.S. pension plans |  |  | 88,398 |  |  |  | 82,360 |
U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | (1,101 | ) |  |  | (2,287 | )
Non-U.S. other postretirement plans |  |  | 1,916 |  |  |  | 1,474 |
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss* |  | $ | 96,944 |  |  | $ | 88,860 |

* - Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are presented in this table pre-tax.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
U.S. Pension Plans
The Company maintained several defined benefit pension plans which covered most full-time U.S. employees. These included pension plans which are "qualified" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Internal Revenue Code, and "non-qualified" pension plans which provide defined benefits primarily to U.S. employees whose benefits under the qualified pension plan would be limited by ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Pension benefits earned are generally based on years of service and compensation during active employment.
The Society of Actuaries Retirement Plans Experience Committee issued updated mortality improvement scales in 2017 and 2016, which did not have a material effect on the Company's projected benefit obligations or future net periodic pension cost.
F-35

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
Qualified U.S. Pension Plans
The qualified U.S. pension plans historically included both contributory and non-contributory plans. The Company's principal qualified U.S. pension plan (the Vishay Retirement Plan) was funded through Company and participant contributions to an irrevocable trust fund. The Company's other qualified U.S. pension plans, which were assumed as a result of past acquisitions, were funded only through Company contributions.
In 2008, the Company adopted amendments to the Vishay Retirement Plan such that effective January 1, 2009, the plan was frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees could participate in the plan, no further participant contributions were required or permitted, and no further benefits accrued after December 31, 2008. The Company's other qualified U.S. pension plans had all been effectively frozen in prior years. All of the Company's qualified U.S. pension plans were merged into the Vishay Retirement Plan.
In the second fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company began the process of terminating the Vishay Retirement Plan. During the third fiscal quarter of 2016, the Company received a favorable determination letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), and met all other applicable IRS and Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation requirements. The termination and settlement occurred in December 2016. Plan participants had their benefits either converted into a lump sum cash payment or an annuity contract placed with an insurance carrier. The settlement resulted in a non-cash charge of $79,321 to recognize the unrecognized actuarial items related to the Vishay Retirement Plan recorded in 2016 in accumulated other comprehensive income. These non-cash charges are presented on a separate line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The termination and settlement required no additional cash contributions. Excess plan assets were transferred to a qualified defined contribution retirement plan, and are presented on the accompanying reconciliation as a negative Company contribution.
A final reconciliation of participant data subject to the settlement annuity contract was completed during the second fiscal quarter of 2017. The final annuity pricing adjustment and related items did not have a material impact on the Company's financial results.
Non-qualified U.S. Pension Plans
The Company's principal non-qualified U.S. pension plan (the Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan) was a contributory pension plan designed to provide similar defined benefits to covered U.S. employees whose benefits under the Vishay Retirement Plan would be limited by ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan was identical in construction to the Vishay Retirement Plan, except that the plan is not qualified under ERISA.
The Vishay Non-qualified Retirement Plan, like all non-qualified plans, is considered to be unfunded. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund benefit payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to the non-qualified pension plan were $24,505 and $22,896 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In 2008, the Company adopted amendments to the Vishay Non-Qualified Retirement Plan such that effective January 1, 2009, the plan was frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees may participate in the plans, no further participant contributions were required or permitted, and no further benefits shall accrue after December 31, 2008. Benefits accumulated as of December 31, 2008 will be paid to employees upon retirement, and the Company will likely need to make additional cash contributions to the rabbi trust to fund this accumulated benefit obligation. To mitigate the loss in benefits of these employees, effective January 1, 2009, the Company increased the Company-match portion of its 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for employees impacted by the pension freeze.
The Company also maintains other pension plans which provide supplemental defined benefits primarily to former U.S. employees whose benefits under qualified pension plans were limited by ERISA. These non-qualified plans are all non-contributory plans, and are considered to be unfunded.
In 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Felix Zandman, its Executive Chairman and then-Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company is providing an annual retirement benefit of approximately $614 to his surviving spouse. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund benefit payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to this non-qualified pension plan were $1,789 and $2,389 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
The Company provides pension and similar benefits to employees of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries consistent with local practices. Pension benefits earned are generally based on years of service and compensation during active employment.
F-36

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status related to U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Change in benefit obligation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $ | 38,914 |  |  | $ | 266,427 |  |  | $ | 274,122 |  |  | $ | 260,554 |
Service cost |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,725 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,291 |
Interest cost |  |  | 1,643 |  |  |  | 4,866 |  |  |  | 11,788 |  |  |  | 5,475 |
Plan amendments |  |  | - |  |  |  | 686 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 291 |
Transfer from equity affiliate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 358 |
Actuarial (gains) losses |  |  | 1,149 |  |  |  | 3,019 |  |  |  | 19,916 |  |  |  | 17,202 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (1,789 | ) |  |  | (17,921 | ) |  |  | (15,625 | ) |  |  | (12,607 | )
Curtailments and settlements |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (251,287 | ) |  |  | - |
Currency translation |  |  | - |  |  |  | 30,360 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8,137 | )
Benefit obligation at end of year |  | $ | 39,917 |  |  | $ | 291,162 |  |  | $ | 38,914 |  |  | $ | 266,427 |
Change in plan assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 66,090 |  |  | $ | 258,092 |  |  |  | 51,263 |
Actual return on plan assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,608 |  |  |  | 14,068 |  |  |  | 2,588 |
Transfer from equity affiliate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 358 |
Company contributions |  |  | 1,789 |  |  |  | 16,120 |  |  |  | (5,248 | ) |  |  | 27,311 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (1,789 | ) |  |  | (17,921 | ) |  |  | (15,625 | ) |  |  | (12,607 | )
Curtailments and settlements |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (251,287 | ) |  |  | - |
Currency translation |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,708 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (2,823 | )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 70,605 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 66,090 |
Funded status at end of year |  | $ | (39,917 | ) |  | $ | (220,557 | ) |  | $ | (38,914 | ) |  | $ | (200,337 | )

The plan assets are stated at fair value. See Note 18 for further discussion of the valuation of the plan assets.
Amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Other assets |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 347 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 248 |
Accrued benefit liability - current |  |  | (37 | ) |  |  | (7,308 | ) |  |  | (35 | ) |  |  | (6,405 | )
Accrued benefit liability - non-current |  |  | (39,880 | ) |  |  | (213,596 | ) |  |  | (38,879 | ) |  |  | (194,180 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  |  | 7,731 |  |  |  | 88,398 |  |  |  | 7,313 |  |  |  | 82,360 |
|  | $ | (32,186 | ) |  | $ | (132,159 | ) |  | $ | (31,601 | ) |  | $ | (117,977 | )

F-37

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
Actuarial items consist of the following:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Unrecognized net actuarial loss |  | $ | 6,804 |  |  | $ | 87,896 |  |  | $ | 6,241 |  |  | $ | 82,360 |
Unamortized prior service cost |  |  | 927 |  |  |  | 502 |  |  |  | 1,072 |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 7,731 |  |  | $ | 88,398 |  |  | $ | 7,313 |  |  | $ | 82,360 |

The following table sets forth additional information regarding the projected and accumulated benefit obligations:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Accumulated benefit obligation, all plans |  | $ | 39,917 |  |  | $ | 270,914 |  |  | $ | 38,914 |  |  | $ | 247,838 |
Plans for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds plan assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation |  | $ | 39,917 |  |  | $ | 277,615 |  |  | $ | 38,914 |  |  | $ | 253,390 |
Accumulated benefit obligation |  |  | 39,917 |  |  |  | 262,779 |  |  |  | 38,914 |  |  |  | 240,793 |
Fair value of plan assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | 57,727 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 56,649 |

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Service cost net of employee contributions |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 3,725 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 3,291 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 3,265 |
Interest cost |  |  | 1,643 |  |  |  | 4,866 |  |  |  | 11,788 |  |  |  | 5,475 |  |  |  | 11,657 |  |  |  | 5,636 |
Expected return on plan assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | (2,072 | ) |  |  | (11,302 | ) |  |  | (2,117 | ) |  |  | (13,566 | ) |  |  | (1,798 | )
Amortization of actuarial losses |  |  | 587 |  |  |  | 6,179 |  |  |  | 6,513 |  |  |  | 4,733 |  |  |  | 8,175 |  |  |  | 5,131 |
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) |  |  | 144 |  |  |  | 150 |  |  |  | 144 |  |  |  | 261 |  |  |  | 64 |  |  |  | (282 | )
Curtailment and settlement losses |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,360 |  |  |  | 79,321 |  |  |  | 841 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 452 |
Net periodic pension cost |  | $ | 2,374 |  |  | $ | 14,208 |  |  | $ | 86,464 |  |  | $ | 12,484 |  |  | $ | 6,330 |  |  | $ | 12,404 |

Net periodic benefit cost in 2017 was significantly impacted by the termination and settlement of the Company's qualified U.S. pension plan in December 2016. The settlement resulted in the immediate recognition of previously unrecognized actuarial items related to the plan in 2016 that were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and were being amortized into net periodic pension cost.
F-38

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
See Note 10 for the pretax, tax effect and after tax amounts included in other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. The estimated actuarial items for the defined benefit pensions plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost during 2017 is $7,300.
The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years:

|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Discount rate |  |  | 3.75 | % |  |  | 1.80 | % |  |  | 4.25 | % |  |  | 1.76 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.10 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.12 | %

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic pension costs:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Discount rate |  |  | 4.25 | % |  |  | 1.76 | % |  |  | 4.50 | % |  |  | 2.30 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.12 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 1.99 | %
Expected return on plan assets |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.90 | % |  |  | 4.50 | % |  |  | 3.38 | %

The plans' expected return on assets is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, advice from pension consultants and investment advisors, and current economic and capital market conditions.
The investment mix between equity securities and fixed income securities is based upon achieving a desired return, balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities, and lower return, less volatile fixed income securities and is adjusted for the expected duration of the obligation and the funded status of the plan. Investment allocations are made across a range of securities, maturities and credit quality. The Company's non-U.S. defined benefit plan investments are based on local laws and customs. Most plans invest in cash and local government fixed income securities, although plans in certain countries have investments in equity securities. The plans do not invest in securities of Vishay or its subsidiaries. Negative investment returns could ultimately affect the funded status of the plans, requiring additional cash contributions. See Note 18 for further information on the fair value of the plan assets by asset category.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
2018 |  | $ | 1,802 |  |  | $ | 17,397 |
2019 |  |  | 1,809 |  |  |  | 16,418 |
2020 |  |  | 7,880 |  |  |  | 15,958 |
2021 |  |  | 3,038 |  |  |  | 15,773 |
2022 |  |  | 3,006 |  |  |  | 17,962 |
2023-2027 |  |  | 16,904 |  |  |  | 84,438 |

The Company's anticipated 2017 contributions for defined benefit pension plans will approximate the expected benefit payments disclosed above.
F-39

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
Other Postretirement Benefits
In the U.S., the Company maintains unfunded non-pension postretirement plans, including medical benefits for certain executives and their surviving spouses, which are funded as costs are incurred. The Company also maintains two unfunded non-pension postretirement plans at two European subsidiaries.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the benefit obligation, plan assets, and accrued benefit cost related to U.S. and non-U.S. non-pension defined benefit postretirement plans:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Change in benefit obligation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $ | 7,647 |  |  | $ | 6,625 |  |  | $ | 7,909 |  |  | $ | 6,488 |
Service cost |  |  | 131 |  |  |  | 273 |  |  |  | 126 |  |  |  | 268 |
Interest cost |  |  | 311 |  |  |  | 103 |  |  |  | 340 |  |  |  | 143 |
Plan curtailments and settlements |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Actuarial (gains) losses |  |  | 257 |  |  |  | 312 |  |  |  | (25 | ) |  |  | 171 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (713 | ) |  |  | (349 | ) |  |  | (703 | ) |  |  | (221 | )
Currency translation |  |  | - |  |  |  | 934 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (224 | )
Benefit obligation at end of year |  | $ | 7,633 |  |  | $ | 7,898 |  |  | $ | 7,647 |  |  | $ | 6,625 |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Funded status at end of year |  | $ | (7,633 | ) |  | $ | (7,898 | ) |  | $ | (7,647 | ) |  | $ | (6,625 | )

Amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Accrued benefit liability - current |  | $ | (705 | ) |  | $ | (453 | ) |  | $ | (717 | ) |  | $ | (322 | )
Accrued benefit liability - non-current |  |  | (6,928 | ) |  |  | (7,445 | ) |  |  | (6,930 | ) |  |  | (6,303 | )
Accumulated other comprehensive income |  |  | (1,101 | ) |  |  | 1,916 |  |  |  | (2,287 | ) |  |  | 1,474 |
|  | $ | (8,734 | ) |  | $ | (5,982 | ) |  | $ | (9,934 | ) |  | $ | (5,151 | )

F-40

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
Actuarial items consist of the following:

|  | December 31, 2017 |  |  | December 31, 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) |  | $ | (953 | ) |  | $ | 1,916 |  |  | $ | (1,303 | ) |  | $ | 1,474 |
Unamortized prior service (credit) cost |  |  | (148 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (984 | ) |  |  | - |
|  | $ | (1,101 | ) |  | $ | 1,916 |  |  | $ | (2,287 | ) |  | $ | 1,474 |

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Service cost |  | $ | 131 |  |  | $ | 273 |  |  | $ | 126 |  |  | $ | 268 |  |  | $ | 121 |  |  | $ | 273 |
Interest cost |  |  | 311 |  |  |  | 103 |  |  |  | 340 |  |  |  | 143 |  |  |  | 333 |  |  |  | 147 |
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses |  |  | (93 | ) |  |  | 76 |  |  |  | (30 | ) |  |  | 68 |  |  |  | 90 |  |  |  | 76 |
Amortization of prior service credit |  |  | (837 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (837 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (837 | ) |  |  | - |
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) |  | $ | (488 | ) |  | $ | 452 |  |  | $ | (401 | ) |  | $ | 479 |  |  | $ | (293 | ) |  | $ | 496 |

The estimated actuarial items for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2018 are not material.
The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 of the respective years:

|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Discount rate |  |  | 3.75 | % |  |  | 1.50 | % |  |  | 4.25 | % |  |  | 1.50 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.88 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.58 | %

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic benefit costs:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |  |  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
Discount rate |  |  | 4.25 | % |  |  | 1.50 | % |  |  | 4.50 | % |  |  | 2.31 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.58 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 2.69 | %

The impact of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the net periodic benefit cost and postretirement benefit obligation is not material.
F-41

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 11 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

|  | U.S. Plans |  |  | Non-U.S. Plans |
2018 |  | $ | 705 |  |  | $ | 453 |
2019 |  |  | 703 |  |  |  | 338 |
2020 |  |  | 685 |  |  |  | 592 |
2021 |  |  | 660 |  |  |  | 494 |
2022 |  |  | 632 |  |  |  | 725 |
2023-2027 |  |  | 2,472 |  |  |  | 3,161 |

As the plans are unfunded, the Company's anticipated contributions for 2017 are equal to its estimated benefits payments.
Other Retirement Obligations
The Company participates in various other defined contribution and government-mandated retirement plans based on local law or custom. The Company periodically makes required contributions for certain of these plans, whereas other plans are unfunded retirement bonus plans which will be paid at the employee's retirement date. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets include $13,852 and $11,497, respectively, within accrued pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans.
The Company's U.S. employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) savings plan, which provides for Company matching contributions. The Company's matching expense for the plans was $5,843, $5,039, and $5,369 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. No material amounts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 related to unfunded 401(k) contributions.
Certain key employees participate in a deferred compensation plan. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, these employees could defer a portion of their compensation until retirement, or elect shorter deferral periods. The Company maintains a liability within other noncurrent liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets related to these deferrals. The Company maintains a non-qualified trust, referred to as a "rabbi" trust, to fund payments under this plan. Rabbi trust assets are subject to creditor claims under certain conditions and are not the property of employees. Therefore, they are accounted for as other noncurrent assets. Assets held in trust related to the deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $18,958 and $16,632, respectively.
F-42

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has various stockholder-approved programs which allow for the grant of share-based compensation to officers, employees, and non-employee directors.
The amount of compensation cost related to stock-based payment transactions is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company determines compensation cost for restricted stock units ("RSUs"), phantom stock units, and restricted stock based on the grant-date fair value of the underlying common stock adjusted for expected dividends paid over the required vesting period for non-participating awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award.
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Restricted stock units |  | $ | 4,231 |  |  | $ | 6,263 |  |  | $ | 3,705 |
Phantom stock units |  |  | 163 |  |  |  | 117 |  |  |  | 141 |
Stock options |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total |  | $ | 4,394 |  |  | $ | 6,380 |  |  | $ | 3,846 |

The Company recognizes compensation cost for RSUs that are expected to vest and records cumulative adjustments in the period that the expectation changes.
The following table summarizes unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted average remaining amortization periods at December 31, 2017 (amortization periods in years):

|  | Unrecognized Compensation Cost |  |  | Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Periods |
Restricted stock units |  | $ | 2,900 |  |  |  | 1.0 |
Phantom stock units |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.0 |
Stock options |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.0 |
Total |  | $ | 2,900 |  |  |  |  |

The Company currently expects all performance-based RSUs to vest and all of the associated unrecognized compensation cost for performance-based RSUs presented in the table above to be recognized.
F-43

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
2007 Stock Incentive Program
The Company's 2007 Stock Incentive Program (the "2007 Program"), as amended and restated, was approved by Vishay's stockholders at Vishay's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 20, 2014. The 2007 Program permits the grant of up to 6,500,000 shares of restricted stock, unrestricted stock, RSUs, stock options, and phantom stock units, to officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company. Such instruments are available for grant until May 20, 2024.
At December 31, 2017, the Company has reserved 3,158,000 shares of common stock for future grants of equity awards pursuant to the 2007 Program. If any outstanding awards are forfeited by the holder or cancelled by the Company, the underlying shares would be available for regrant to others.
Restricted Stock Units
Each RSU entitles the recipient to receive a share of common stock when the RSU vests.
RSU activity is presented below (number of RSUs in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
|  | Number of RSUs |  |  | Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value |  |  | Number of RSUs |  |  | Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value |  |  | Number of RSUs |  |  | Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value |
Outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of year |  |  | 1,004 |  |  | $ | 12.74 |  |  |  | 1,028 |  |  | $ | 13.24 |  |  |  | 1,147 |  |  | $ | 12.75 |
Granted |  |  | 304 |  |  |  | 15.52 |  |  |  | 353 |  |  |  | 11.35 |  |  |  | 349 |  |  |  | 13.60 |
Vested* |  |  | (322 | ) |  |  | 13.54 |  |  |  | (155 | ) |  |  | 12.27 |  |  |  | (182 | ) |  |  | 11.41 |
Cancelled or forfeited |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (222 | ) |  |  | 13.19 |  |  |  | (286 | ) |  |  | 12.89 |
End of year |  |  | 986 |  |  | $ | 13.34 |  |  |  | 1,004 |  |  | $ | 12.74 |  |  |  | 1,028 |  |  | $ | 13.24 |
Expected to vest |  |  | 986 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,004 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 806 |  |  |  |  |

* The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements.
The number of performance-based RSUs scheduled to vest increases ratably based on the achievement of defined performance criteria between the established target and maximum levels. RSUs with performance-based vesting criteria are expected to vest as follows (number of RSUs in thousands):

Vesting Date |  | Expected to Vest |  |  | Not Expected to Vest |  |  | Total |
January 1, 2018** |  |  | 202 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 202 |
January 1, 2019 |  |  | 213 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 213 |
January 1, 2020 |  |  | 167 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 167 |

** The performance vesting criteria for the performance-based RSUs with a vesting date of January 1, 2018 were achieved.
In the event of (i) any termination (other than for cause) after attaining retirement age (as defined in the respective executive's employment arrangement), the executive's outstanding RSUs shall immediately vest and the outstanding performance-based RSUs shall vest on their normal vesting date to the extent applicable performance criteria are realized; and (ii) a change of control of Vishay, all of such executive's outstanding RSUs and performance-based RSUs shall immediately vest. In the event of voluntary termination by the executive prior to attaining retirement age or termination for cause, the executive's outstanding RSUs and performance-based RSUs will be forfeited.
F-44

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
Phantom Stock Units
The 2007 Program authorizes the grant of phantom stock units to the extent provided for in the Company's employment agreements with certain executives. Each phantom stock unit entitles the recipient to receive a share of common stock at the individual's termination of employment or any other future date specified in the applicable employment agreement. Phantom stock units participate in dividend distribution on the same basis as the Company's common stock and Class B common stock. Dividend equivalents are issued in the form of additional units of phantom stock. The phantom stock units are fully vested at all times.
The following table summarizes the Company's phantom stock units activity (number of phantom stock units in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
|  | Number of Phantom Stock Units |  |  | Grant- date Fair Value per Unit |  |  | Number of Phantom Stock Units |  |  | Grant- date Fair Value per Unit |  |  | Number of Phantom Stock Units |  |  | Grant- date Fair Value per Unit |
Outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of year |  |  | 145 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 132 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 119 |  |  |  |
Granted |  |  | 10 |  |  | $ | 16.25 |  |  |  | 10 |  |  | $ | 11.71 |  |  |  | 10 |  |  | $ | 14.09 |
Dividend equivalents issued |  |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  |  |
Redeemed for common stock |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |
End of year |  |  | 157 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 145 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 132 |  |  |  |  |

Stock Options
During the periods presented, the Company had stock options outstanding under the 2007 Program and previous stockholder-approved stock option programs.
Since December 31, 2013, all outstanding options had vested and were exercisable. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 105,000 options were outstanding. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 77,000 options were outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $16.29. At December 31, 2017, there are no stock options outstanding.
There were no options granted in 2017, 2016, or 2015.
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 77,000 and 28,000 options were exercised, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $20 and $85, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015.
F-45

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
The Company uses various leased facilities and equipment in its operations. In the normal course of business, operating leases are generally renewed or replaced by other leases. Certain operating leases include escalation clauses.
Total rental expense under operating leases was $29,039, $27,431, and $27,210 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

2018 |  | $ | 19,773 |
2019 |  |  | 14,360 |
2020 |  |  | 11,082 |
2021 |  |  | 8,499 |
2022 |  |  | 6,634 |
Thereafter |  |  | 20,478 |

Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations governing environmental matters, including the use, discharge, and disposal of hazardous materials. The Company's manufacturing facilities are believed to be in substantial compliance with current laws and regulations. Complying with current laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition.
The Company has engaged environmental consultants and attorneys to assist management in evaluating potential liabilities related to environmental matters. Management assesses the input from these consultants along with other information known to the Company in its effort to continually monitor these potential liabilities. Management assesses its environmental exposure on a site-by-site basis, including those sites where the Company has been named as a "potentially responsible party." Such assessments include the Company's share of remediation costs, information known to the Company concerning the size of the hazardous waste sites, their years of operation, and the number of past users and their financial viability.
The Company has accrued environmental liabilities of $13,307, of which $4,727 is included in other accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and $8,580 is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
While the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined, management does not believe that the final disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company's present and past facilities have been in operation for many years. These facilities have used substances and have generated and disposed of wastes which are or might be considered hazardous. Therefore, it is possible that additional environmental issues may arise in the future, which the Company cannot now predict.
Litigation
The Company is a party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. The Company is of the opinion that these litigations or claims will not have a material negative effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Semiconductor Foundry Agreements
The Company's Siliconix subsidiary maintains long-term foundry agreements with subcontractors to ensure access to external front-end capacity.
Since 2004, Siliconix has maintained long-term foundry arrangements for semiconductor manufacturing with Tower Semiconductor, pursuant to which Siliconix transferred certain technology to Tower Semiconductor and committed to purchase a minimum amount of semiconductor wafers. The Company has minimum purchase commitments pursuant to the current arrangement of $41,166 and $15,758 for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The minimum purchase commitments are based on a 18-month rolling forecast and, accordingly, the 2019 minimum purchase commitments will likely increase. The Company has the option to purchase wafers in addition to the minimum commitment and, accordingly, actual purchases may be different than the amounts disclosed above. The Company's 2017 purchases pursuant to the arrangement exceeded the minimum purchase commitment.
F-46

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Product Quality Claims
The Company is a party to various product quality claims in the normal course of business. The Company provides warranties for its products which offer replacement of defective products. Annual warranty expenses are generally not significant. The Company periodically receives claims which arise from consequential damages which result from a customer's installation of an alleged defective Vishay component into the customer's product. Although not covered by its stated warranty, Vishay may occasionally reimburse the customer for these consequential damages.
Executive Employment Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with certain of its senior executives. These employment agreements provide incremental compensation in the event of termination. The Company does not provide any severance or other benefits specifically upon a change in control.
F-47

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 14 – Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations
Market Concentrations
While no single customer comprises greater than 10% of consolidated net revenues, a material portion of the Company's revenues are derived from the worldwide industrial, automotive, telecommunications, and computing markets. These markets have historically experienced wide variations in demand for end products. If demand for these end products should decrease, the producers thereof could reduce their purchases of the Company's products, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.
While no single customer comprises greater than 10% of consolidated net revenues, certain subsidiaries and product lines have customers which comprise greater than 10% of the subsidiary's or product line's net revenues. The loss of one of these customers could have a material effect on the results of operations of the subsidiary or product line and financial position of the subsidiary, which could result in an impairment charge which could be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Credit Risk Concentrations
Financial instruments with potential credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and notes receivable. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are generally limited due to the Company's large number of customers and their dispersion across many countries and industries. As of December 31, 2017, one customer comprised 16.1% of the Company's accounts receivable balance. This customer comprised 15.4% of the Company's accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2016. No other customer comprised greater than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. The Company continually monitors the credit risks associated with its accounts receivable and adjusts the allowance for uncollectible accounts accordingly. The credit risk exposure associated with the accounts receivable is limited by the allowance and is not considered material to the financial statements.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with various major financial institutions. The Company is exposed to credit risk related to the potential inability to access liquidity in financial institutions where its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are concentrated. As of December 31, 2017, the following financial institutions held over 10% of the Company's combined cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments balance:

Bank of China |  |  | 13.9 | %
Deutsche Bank |  |  | 13.1 | %

Sources of Supplies
Many of the Company's products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. The Company's consolidated results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if there are significant price increases for these raw materials, the Company has difficulty obtaining these raw materials, or the quality of available raw materials deteriorates. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, the Company may be unable to pass on the increased cost to the Company's customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, the Company may be required to write down its inventory carrying cost of these raw materials which, depending on the extent of the difference between market price and its carrying cost, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's net earnings.
Vishay is a major consumer of the world's annual production of tantalum. Tantalum, a metal purchased in powder or wire form, is the principal material used in the manufacture of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder.
From time to time, there have been short-term market shortages of raw materials utilized by the Company. While these shortages have not historically adversely affected the Company's ability to increase production of products containing these raw materials, they have historically resulted in higher raw material costs for the Company. The Company cannot assure that any of these market shortages in the future would not adversely affect the Company's ability to increase production, particularly during periods of growing demand for the Company's products.
F-48

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 14 – Current Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations (continued)
Certain raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, such as gold, copper, palladium, and other metals, are traded on active markets and can be subject to significant price volatility. To ensure adequate supply and to provide cost certainty, the Company's policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of the raw materials utilized by the Company if market prices decline below budget. If after entering into these commitments, the market prices for these raw materials decline, the Company must recognize losses on these adverse purchase commitments.
Recently enacted rules in the U.S. on conflict minerals, which include tantalum, tungsten, tin, and gold, all of which are used in the Company's products, could result in increased prices and decreased supply of conflict minerals, which could negatively affect the Company's consolidated results of operations.
Geographic Concentration
The Company has operations outside the United States, and approximately 77% of revenues earned during 2017 were derived from sales to customers outside the United States. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, $1,282,120 of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by subsidiaries outside of the United States. Some of the Company's products are produced and cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are held in countries which are subject to risks of political, economic, and military instability. This instability could result in wars, riots, nationalization of industry, currency fluctuations, and labor unrest. These conditions could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to operate in these regions and, depending on the extent and severity of these conditions, could materially and adversely affect the Company's overall financial condition, operating results, and ability to access its liquidity when needed.
As of December 31, 2017 the Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were concentrated in the following countries:

Germany |  |  | 43.6 | %
Israel |  |  | 21.6 | %
United States |  |  | 8.1 | %
Singapore |  |  | 8.1 | %
The Republic of China (Taiwan) |  |  | 7.6 | %
People's Republic of China |  |  | 6.9 | %
Other Asia |  |  | 1.7 | %
Other Europe |  |  | 1.6 | %
Other |  |  | 0.8 | %

Certain of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries have cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments deposited in U.S. financial institutions.
Vishay has been in operation in Israel for 47 years. The Company has never experienced any material interruption in its operations attributable to these factors, in spite of several Middle East crises, including wars.
F-49

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 15 – Segment and Geographic Data
Vishay is a global manufacturer and supplier of electronic components. Vishay operates, and its chief operating decision maker makes strategic and operating decisions with regards to assessing performance and allocating resources based on, five reporting segments: MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors & Inductors, and Capacitors. These segments represent groupings of product lines based on their functionality:

● |  | Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors ("MOSFETs") function as solid state switches to control power.
● |  | Diodes route, regulate, and block radio frequency, analog, and power signals; protect systems from surges or electrostatic discharge damage; or provide electromagnetic interference filtering.
● |  | Optoelectronic components emit light, detect light, or do both.
● |  | Resistors and inductors both impede electric current. Resistors are basic components used in all forms of electronic circuitry to adjust and regulate levels of voltage and current. Inductors use an internal magnetic field to change alternating current phase and resist alternating current.
● |  | Capacitors store energy and discharge it when needed.

Vishay's reporting segments generate substantially all of their revenue from product sales to the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, computing, consumer products, power supplies, military and aerospace, and medical end markets. A small portion of revenues are from royalties.
The Company evaluates business segment performance on operating income, exclusive of certain items ("segment operating income"). Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income. The Company's calculation of segment operating income excludes such selling, general, and administrative costs as global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administration groups, as well as restructuring and severance costs, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges, and other items. Management believes that evaluating segment performance excluding such items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the Company. These items represent reconciling items between segment operating income and consolidated operating income. Business segment assets are the owned or allocated assets used by each business.
The Company also regularly evaluates gross profit by segment to assist in the analysis of consolidated gross profit. The Company considers segment operating income to be the more important metric because it more fully captures the business operations of the segments.
F-50

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 15 – Segment and Geographic Data (continued)
The following tables set forth business segment information:

|  | MOSFETs |  |  | Diodes |  |  | Optoelectronic Components |  |  | Resistors & Inductors |  |  | Capacitors |  |  | Corporate / Other |  |  | Total |
Year ended December 31, 2017: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Product sales |  | $ | 468,294 |  |  | $ | 620,888 |  |  | $ | 286,349 |  |  | $ | 843,965 |  |  | $ | 383,932 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,603,428 |
Royalty revenues |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 94 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 94 |
Total revenue |  | $ | 468,294 |  |  | $ | 620,888 |  |  | $ | 286,349 |  |  | $ | 844,059 |  |  | $ | 383,932 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,603,522 |
Gross Profit |  | $ | 109,436 |  |  | $ | 162,645 |  |  | $ | 97,436 |  |  | $ | 251,725 |  |  | $ | 78,370 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 699,612 |
Segment Operating Income |  | $ | 74,002 |  |  | $ | 142,833 |  |  | $ | 79,691 |  |  | $ | 222,634 |  |  | $ | 58,474 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 577,634 |
Depreciation expense |  | $ | 34,731 |  |  | $ | 37,396 |  |  | $ | 16,871 |  |  | $ | 34,083 |  |  | $ | 17,736 |  |  | $ | 8,066 |  |  | $ | 148,883 |
Capital expenditures |  |  | 33,475 |  |  |  | 38,681 |  |  |  | 16,115 |  |  |  | 67,007 |  |  |  | 11,135 |  |  |  | 4,019 |  |  | $ | 170,432 |
Total Assets as of December 31, 2017: |  | $ | 412,598 |  |  | $ | 792,610 |  |  | $ | 332,228 |  |  | $ | 992,439 |  |  | $ | 567,413 |  |  | $ | 361,901 |  |  | $ | 3,459,189 |
Year ended December 31, 2016: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Product sales |  | $ | 406,336 |  |  | $ | 553,920 |  |  | $ | 272,126 |  |  | $ | 753,578 |  |  | $ | 337,212 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,323,172 |
Royalty revenues |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 259 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 259 |
Total revenue |  | $ | 406,336 |  |  | $ | 553,920 |  |  | $ | 272,126 |  |  | $ | 753,837 |  |  | $ | 337,212 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,323,431 |
Gross Profit |  | $ | 58,155 |  |  | $ | 134,937 |  |  | $ | 87,022 |  |  | $ | 222,786 |  |  | $ | 66,883 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 569,783 |
Segment Operating Income |  | $ | 22,254 |  |  | $ | 113,995 |  |  | $ | 67,548 |  |  | $ | 191,283 |  |  | $ | 46,338 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 441,418 |
Depreciation expense |  | $ | 34,531 |  |  | $ | 35,335 |  |  | $ | 15,549 |  |  | $ | 32,240 |  |  | $ | 17,817 |  |  | $ | 9,049 |  |  | $ | 144,521 |
Capital expenditures |  |  | 22,430 |  |  |  | 29,860 |  |  |  | 18,276 |  |  |  | 47,006 |  |  |  | 14,410 |  |  |  | 2,653 |  |  | $ | 134,635 |
Total Assets as of December 31, 2016: |  | $ | 389,482 |  |  | $ | 714,898 |  |  | $ | 312,423 |  |  | $ | 905,795 |  |  | $ | 495,225 |  |  | $ | 259,978 |  |  | $ | 3,077,801 |
Year ended December 31, 2015: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Product sales |  | $ | 426,672 |  |  | $ | 533,931 |  |  | $ | 279,553 |  |  | $ | 704,109 |  |  | $ | 352,900 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,297,165 |
Royalty revenues |  |  | 11 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,312 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  | $ | 3,323 |
Total revenue |  | $ | 426,683 |  |  | $ | 533,931 |  |  | $ | 279,553 |  |  | $ | 707,421 |  |  | $ | 352,900 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 2,300,488 |
Gross Profit |  | $ | 58,626 |  |  | $ | 119,762 |  |  | $ | 88,625 |  |  | $ | 208,384 |  |  | $ | 66,823 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 542,220 |
Segment Operating Income |  | $ | 21,366 |  |  | $ | 95,887 |  |  | $ | 68,410 |  |  | $ | 173,805 |  |  | $ | 44,863 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 404,331 |
Depreciation expense |  | $ | 47,172 |  |  | $ | 35,526 |  |  | $ | 14,118 |  |  | $ | 30,576 |  |  | $ | 18,168 |  |  | $ | 8,780 |  |  | $ | 154,340 |
Capital expenditures |  |  | 29,289 |  |  |  | 38,971 |  |  |  | 21,853 |  |  |  | 38,169 |  |  |  | 14,763 |  |  |  | 4,097 |  |  | $ | 147,142 |
Total Assets as of December 31, 2015: |  | $ | 477,984 |  |  | $ | 718,548 |  |  | $ | 325,600 |  |  | $ | 839,249 |  |  | $ | 543,507 |  |  | $ | 248,098 |  |  | $ | 3,152,986 |

________________
F-51

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 15 – Segment and Geographic Data (continued)

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Reconciliation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Operating Income |  | $ | 577,634 |  |  | $ | 441,418 |  |  | $ | 404,331 |
Restructuring and Severance Costs |  |  | (11,273 | ) |  |  | (19,199 | ) |  |  | (19,215 | )
Impairment of Intangible Assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,559 | ) |  |  | (57,600 | )
Impairment of Goodwill |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (5,380 | )
U.S. Pension Settlement Charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | (79,321 | ) |  |  | - |
Unallocated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses |  |  | (254,773 | ) |  |  | (239,622 | ) |  |  | (224,337 | )
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) |  | $ | 311,588 |  |  | $ | 101,717 |  |  | $ | 97,799 |
Unallocated Other Income (Expense) |  |  | (32,224 | ) |  |  | (7,501 | ) |  |  | (23,059 | )
Consolidated Income Before Taxes |  | $ | 279,364 |  |  | $ | 94,216 |  |  | $ | 74,740 |

See Note 4 for restructuring and severance costs segment information.
The following table summarizes net revenues based on revenues generated by subsidiaries located within the identified geographic area:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
United States |  | $ | 590,638 |  |  | $ | 542,506 |  |  | $ | 560,973 |
Germany |  |  | 839,984 |  |  |  | 746,657 |  |  |  | 719,246 |
Other Europe |  |  | 99,327 |  |  |  | 83,744 |  |  |  | 88,553 |
Israel |  |  | 11,292 |  |  |  | 10,007 |  |  |  | 12,597 |
Asia |  |  | 1,062,281 |  |  |  | 940,517 |  |  |  | 919,119 |
|  | $ | 2,603,522 |  |  | $ | 2,323,431 |  |  | $ | 2,300,488 |

The following table summarizes property and equipment based on physical location:

|  | December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
United States |  | $ | 99,993 |  |  | $ | 94,589 |
Germany |  |  | 154,874 |  |  |  | 120,223 |
Other Europe |  |  | 130,523 |  |  |  | 112,953 |
Israel |  |  | 102,890 |  |  |  | 104,824 |
People's Republic of China |  |  | 192,521 |  |  |  | 183,158 |
Republic of China (Taiwan) |  |  | 122,080 |  |  |  | 124,724 |
Other Asia |  |  | 99,493 |  |  |  | 105,400 |
Other |  |  | 3,384 |  |  |  | 3,000 |
|  | $ | 905,758 |  |  | $ | 848,871 |

F-52

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 16 – Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units (see Note 12), convertible debt instruments (see Note 6), and other potentially dilutive securities.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (shares in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (20,344 | ) |  | $ | 48,792 |  |  | $ | (108,514 | )
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible and exchangeable notes, net of tax |  |  | - |  |  |  | 38 |  |  |  | - |
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings (loss) attributed to Vishay stockholders - diluted |  | $ | (20,344 | ) |  | $ | 48,830 |  |  | $ | (108,514 | )
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average shares |  |  | 145,478 |  |  |  | 147,009 |  |  |  | 147,570 |
Outstanding phantom stock units |  |  | 155 |  |  |  | 143 |  |  |  | 130 |
Adjusted weighted average shares - basic |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 147,152 |  |  |  | 147,700 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Convertible and exchangeable debt instruments |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,219 |  |  |  | - |
Restricted stock units |  |  | - |  |  |  | 323 |  |  |  | - |
Other |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | - |
Dilutive potential common shares |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,545 |  |  |  | - |
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted |  |  | 145,633 |  |  |  | 150,697 |  |  |  | 147,700 |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.33 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders |  | $ | (0.14 | ) |  | $ | 0.32 |  |  | $ | (0.73 | )

F-53

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 16 – Earnings Per Share (continued)
Diluted earnings per share for the years presented do not reflect the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands):

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Convertible and exchangeable notes: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2040 |  |  | 21,184 |  |  |  | 10,312 |  |  |  | 20,477 |
Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2041 |  |  | 8,432 |  |  |  | 8,249 |  |  |  | 8,151 |
Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2042 |  |  | 13,586 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 13,133 |
Exchangeable Unsecured Notes, due 2102 |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,512 |
Weighted average employee stock options |  |  | 26 |  |  |  | 91 |  |  |  | 105 |
Weighted average other |  |  | 981 |  |  |  | 512 |  |  |  | 1,014 |

In periods in which they are dilutive, if the potential common shares related to the exchangeable notes are included in the computation, the related interest savings, net of tax, assuming conversion/exchange is added to the net earnings used to compute earnings per share.
The Company's convertible debt instruments are only convertible for specified periods upon the occurrence of certain events. The convertible debentures due 2042 became convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2016 evaluation of the conversion criteria, remained convertible subsequent to the April 1, 2017, July 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017 evaluations, and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation. The convertible debentures due 2040 became convertible subsequent to the September 30, 2017 evaluation of the conversion criteria and remain convertible subsequent to the December 31, 2017 evaluation. In periods that the debentures are not convertible, the certain conditions which could trigger conversion of the remaining debentures have been deemed to be non-substantive, and accordingly, the Company assumes the conversion of these instruments in its diluted earnings per share computation during periods in which they are dilutive.
At the direction of its Board of Directors, the Company intends, upon conversion, to repay the principal amounts of the convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, in cash and settle any additional amounts in shares of Vishay common stock. Accordingly, the debentures are included in the diluted earnings per share computation using the "treasury stock method" (similar to options and warrants) rather than the "if converted method" otherwise required for convertible debt. Under the "treasury stock method," Vishay calculates the number of shares issuable under the terms of the debentures based on the average market price of Vishay common stock during the period, and that number is included in the total diluted shares figure for the period. If the average market price is less than $12.95, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2040, if the average market price is less than $17.75, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2041, and if the average market price is less than $11.02, no shares are included in the diluted earnings per share computation for the convertible senior debentures due 2042.
F-54

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 17 – Additional Cash Flow Information
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired consists of the following:

|  | Years ended December 31, |
|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Accounts receivable |  | $ | (51,152 | ) |  | $ | (4,120 | ) |  | $ | (11,250 | )
Inventories |  |  | (55,062 | ) |  |  | 13,760 |  |  |  | (30,302 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  |  | (3,668 | ) |  |  | (12,180 | ) |  |  | (5,203 | )
Accounts payable |  |  | 42,291 |  |  |  | 17,839 |  |  |  | (13,419 | )
Other current liabilities |  |  | 21,184 |  |  |  | (19,505 | ) |  |  | 32,925 |
Net change in operating assets and liabilities |  | $ | (46,407 | ) |  | $ | (4,206 | ) |  | $ | (27,249 | )

F-55

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements
The fair value measurement accounting guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's own assumptions.
An asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following table provides the financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

|  | Total Fair Value |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held in rabbi trusts |  | $ | 45,252 |  |  | $ | 28,589 |  |  | $ | 16,663 |  |  | $ | - |
Available for sale securities |  | $ | 4,621 |  |  |  | 4,621 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity securities |  | $ | 8,793 |  |  |  | 8,793 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Fixed income securities |  | $ | 12,793 |  |  |  | 12,793 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Cash |  | $ | 49,019 |  |  |  | 49,019 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 120,478 |  |  | $ | 103,815 |  |  | $ | 16,663 |  |  | $ | - |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 |  | $ | (206 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (206 | )
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 |  | $ | (214 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (214 | )
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 |  | $ | (118 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (118 | )
|  | $ | (538 | ) |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | (538 | )
December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held in rabbi trusts |  | $ | 41,917 |  |  | $ | 27,297 |  |  | $ | 14,620 |  |  | $ | - |
Available for sale securities |  | $ | 3,969 |  |  |  | 3,969 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Non - U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity securities |  | $ | 9,963 |  |  |  | 9,963 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Fixed income securities |  | $ | 12,780 |  |  |  | 12,780 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Cash |  | $ | 43,347 |  |  |  | 43,347 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
|  | $ | 111,976 |  |  | $ | 97,356 |  |  | $ | 14,620 |  |  | $ | - |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2040 |  | $ | (393 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (393 | )
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2041 |  | $ | (285 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (285 | )
Embedded derivative - convertible debentures due 2042 |  | $ | (176 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (176 | )
|  | $ | (854 | ) |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | (854 | )

F-56

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-20, and as described in Note 3, the Company performed nonrecurring fair value measurements of its indefinite-lived Siliconix tradenames as of the last day of its third fiscal quarter of 2016. As a result of the fair value measurements, the Siliconix tradenames with a carrying value of $20,359 were written down to their fair value of $18,800, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,559, recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
The Company's nonrecurring fair value measurement of its Siliconix tradenames is considered Level 3 measurements. See Note 3 for further information on the measurements and inputs.
The Company maintains non-qualified trusts, referred to as "rabbi" trusts, to fund payments under deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans. Rabbi trust assets consist primarily of marketable securities, classified as available-for-sale, and company-owned life insurance assets. The marketable securities held in the rabbi trusts are valued using quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The company-owned life insurance assets are valued in consultation with the Company's insurance brokers using the value of underlying assets of the insurance contracts. The fair value measurement of the marketable securities held in the rabbi trust is considered a Level 1 measurement and the measurement of the company-owned life insurance assets is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
The Company maintains defined benefit retirement plans in certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. The assets of the plans are measured at fair value.
Equity securities held by the non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of equity securities that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the equity securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Fixed income securities held by the non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consist of government bonds in the Philippines and India and corporate notes that are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the fixed income securities is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Cash held by the non-U.S. defined benefit retirement plans consists of demand deposits on account in various financial institutions to fund current benefit payments. The carrying amount of the cash approximates its fair value.
The Company holds available for sale investments in debt securities that are intended to fund a portion of its pension and other postretirement benefit obligations outside of the U.S. The investments are valued based on quoted market prices on the last business day of the year. The fair value measurement of the investments is considered a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
The convertible senior debentures, due 2040, due 2041, and due 2042, issued by the Company on November 9, 2010, May 13, 2011, and May 31, 2012, respectively, contain embedded derivative features that GAAP requires to be bifurcated and remeasured each reporting period. Each quarter, the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative features, if any, is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses a derivative valuation model to derive the value of the embedded derivative features. Key inputs into this valuation model are the Company's current stock price, risk-free interest rates, the stock dividend yield, the stock volatility, and the debentures' credit spread over London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The first three aforementioned inputs are based on observable market data and are considered Level 2 inputs while the last two aforementioned inputs are unobservable and thus require management's judgment and are considered Level 3 inputs. The fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
F-57

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)
The Company enters into forward contracts with highly-rated financial institutions to mitigate the foreign currency risk associated with intercompany loans denominated in a currency other than the legal entity's functional currency. The notional amount of the forward contracts was $100,000 and $100,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The forward contracts are short-term in nature and are expected to be renewed at the Company's discretion until the intercompany loans are repaid. We have not designated the forward contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, and as such the changes in the fair value of the contracts are recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as a component of other income (expense). The Company estimates the fair value of the forward contracts based on applicable and commonly used pricing models using current market information and is considered a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Due to the timing of the renewal of the forward contracts, the value of the forward contracts were immaterial as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company does not utilize derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
The fair value of the long-term debt, excluding the derivative liability and capitalized deferred financing costs, at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is approximately $1,071,200 and $860,600, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding the derivative liability and capitalized deferred financing costs, of $379,033 and $367,049, respectively. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using a combination of quoted market prices for similar financing arrangements and expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, which are considered level 2 inputs.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's short-term investments were comprised of time deposits with financial institutions that have maturities that exceed 90 days from the date of acquisition; however they all mature within one year from the respective balance sheet dates. The Company's short-term investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity debt instruments, at amortized cost, which approximates their fair value. The investments are funded with excess cash not expected to be needed for operations prior to maturity; therefore, the Company believes it has the intent and ability to hold the short-term investments until maturity. At each reporting date, the Company performs an evaluation to determine if any unrealized losses are other-than-temporary. No other-than-temporary impairments have been recognized on these securities, and there are no unrecognized holding gains or losses for these securities during the periods presented. There have been no transfers to or from the held-to-maturity classification. All decreases in the account balance are due to returns of principal at the securities' maturity dates. Interest on the securities is recognized as interest income when earned.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's cash and cash equivalents were comprised of demand deposits, time deposits with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and money market funds. The Company estimates the fair value of its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments using level 2 inputs. Based on the current interest rates for similar investments with comparable credit risk and time to maturity, the fair value of the Company's cash, cash equivalents, and held-to-maturity short-term investments approximate the carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Company's financial instruments also include accounts receivable, short-term notes payable, and accounts payable. The carrying amounts for these financial instruments reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.
F-58

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 19 – Related Party Transactions
Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
On July 6, 2010, Vishay completed the spin-off of its measurements and foil resistors businesses into an independent, publicly-traded company, Vishay Precision Group, Inc. Vishay's common stockholders received 1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock they held on the record date, June 25, 2010, and Vishay's Class B common stockholders received 1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock they held on the record date.
Following the spin-off, VPG is an independent company and Vishay retains no ownership interest.
Relationship with VPG after Spin-off
Following the spin-off, VPG and Vishay operate separately, each as independent public companies. Vishay has no ownership interest in VPG. However, Ruta Zandman solely or on a shared basis with Marc Zandman and Ziv Shoshani, all of whom are members of Vishay's Board of Directors, control a large portion of the voting power of both Vishay and VPG. Marc Zandman, Vishay's Executive Chairman of the Board and an executive officer of Vishay, serves as the Chairman of VPG. Ziv Shoshani, CEO of VPG, serves as a director of Vishay. Additionally, Timothy V. Talbert, a member of Vishay's Board of Directors is also a member of the Board of Directors of VPG.
In connection with the completion of the spin-off, Vishay and its subsidiaries entered into several agreements with VPG and its subsidiaries that govern the relationship of the parties following the spin-off. Among the agreements entered into with VPG and its subsidiaries were a transition services agreement, several lease agreements, and supply agreements. None of the agreements have had nor are expected to have a material impact on Vishay's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Some of these agreements have expired and have not been renewed.
Vishay also entered into a trademark license agreement with VPG pursuant to which Vishay granted VPG the license to use certain trademarks, service marks, logos, trade names, entity names, and domain names which include the term "Vishay." The license granted VPG the limited, exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use certain marks and names incorporating the term "Vishay" in connection with the design, development, manufacture, marketing, provision and performance of certain VPG products that do not compete with any products within Vishay's product range as constituted immediately following the separation and certain services provided in connection with the products. The license cannot be terminated except as a result of willful misconduct or liquidation bankruptcy of VPG.
Until the spin-off, VPG was included in Vishay's consolidated federal income tax returns and with Vishay and/or certain of Vishay's subsidiaries in applicable combined or unitary state and local income tax returns. In conjunction with the spin-off, Vishay and VPG entered a tax matters agreement under which Vishay generally will be liable for all U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income taxes attributable to VPG with respect to taxable periods ending on or before the distribution date except to the extent that VPG has a liability for such taxes on its books at the time of the spin-off. Vishay is also principally responsible for managing any income tax audits by the various tax jurisdictions for pre-spin-off periods. Vishay has fully indemnified VPG of tax exposures arising prior to the spin-off.
F-59

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 20 – Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

|  | 2017 |  |  | 2016 |
|  | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |  |  | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |
Statement of Operations data: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net revenues |  | $ | 606,258 |  |  | $ | 644,892 |  |  | $ | 677,883 |  |  | $ | 674,489 |  |  | $ | 570,606 |  |  | $ | 590,051 |  |  | $ | 591,955 |  |  | $ | 570,819 |
Gross profit |  |  | 160,875 |  |  |  | 172,963 |  |  |  | 189,273 |  |  |  | 176,501 |  |  |  | 137,309 |  |  |  | 146,128 |  |  |  | 153,901 |  |  |  | 132,445 |
Operating income (loss) |  |  | 64,688 |  |  |  | 82,036 |  |  |  | 92,328 |  |  |  | 72,536 |  |  |  | 40,548 |  |  |  | 49,408 |  |  |  | 57,229 |  |  |  | (45,468 | )
Net earnings (loss) |  |  | 36,949 |  |  |  | 56,409 |  |  |  | 64,583 |  |  |  | (177,501 | ) |  |  | 28,152 |  |  |  | 33,229 |  |  |  | 36,596 |  |  |  | (48,604 | )
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  | 230 |  |  |  | 219 |  |  |  | 179 |  |  |  | 156 |  |  |  | 138 |  |  |  | 143 |  |  |  | 156 |  |  |  | 144 |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders |  |  | 36,719 |  |  |  | 56,190 |  |  |  | 64,404 |  |  |  | (177,657 | ) |  |  | 28,014 |  |  |  | 33,086 |  |  |  | 36,440 |  |  |  | (48,748 | )
Per Share data: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) |  | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 0.44 |  |  | $ | (1.23 | ) |  | $ | 0.19 |  |  | $ | 0.22 |  |  | $ | 0.25 |  |  | $ | (0.33 | )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Vishay stockholders (a) |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.36 |  |  | $ | 0.41 |  |  | $ | (1.23 | ) |  | $ | 0.19 |  |  | $ | 0.22 |  |  | $ | 0.24 |  |  | $ | (0.33 | )
Certain Items Recorded during the Quarters: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and severance costs |  | $ | 1,469 |  |  | $ | 481 |  |  | $ | 3,244 |  |  | $ | 6,079 |  |  | $ | 6,475 |  |  | $ | 4,467 |  |  | $ | 1,197 |  |  | $ | 7,060 |
Impairment of intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,559 |  |  |  | - |
U.S. pension settlement charges |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 79,321 |
Other income (expense): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (loss) on disposal of equity affiliate |  | $ | (7,060 | ) |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 948 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Gain on early extinguishment of debt |  |  | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,611 |  |  |  | 986 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Gain (loss) related to Tianjin explosion |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 8,809 |
Income tax expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Enactment of TCJA |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | 234,855 |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |  |  | $ | - |
Tax effects of cash repatriation program |  |  | (968 | ) |  |  | (1,240 | ) |  |  | (892 | ) |  |  | (2,702 | ) |  |  | (769 | ) |  |  | (1,217 | ) |  |  | (1,402 | ) |  |  | (165 | )
Additional tax expense from AOCI - pension plan |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 34,853 |
Tax effects of changes in uncertain tax positions |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (804 | ) |  |  | 2,369 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (8,704 | )
Quarter end date (b) |  | April 1 |  |  | July 1 |  |  | September 30 |  |  | December 31 |  |  | April 2 |  |  | July 2 |  |  | October 1 |  |  | December 31 |

(a) May not add due to differences in weighted average share counts.
(b) The Company reports interim financial information for 13-week periods beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday, except for the first fiscal quarter, which always begins on January 1, and the fourth fiscal quarter, which always ends on December 31.
F-60