NVIDIA CORP, 10-K filed on 2/26/2021
Annual Report
v3.20.4
Cover Page - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Feb. 19, 2021
Jul. 24, 2020
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Jan. 31, 2021    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 0-23985    
Entity Registrant Name NVIDIA CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0001045810    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 94-3177549    
Entity Address, Address Line One 2788 San Tomas Expressway    
Entity Address, City or Town Santa Clara    
Entity Address, State or Province CA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 95051    
City Area Code 408    
Local Phone Number 486-2000    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share    
Trading Symbol NVDA    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 241,210
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   620  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.    
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenue $ 16,675 $ 10,918 $ 11,716
Cost of revenue 6,279 4,150 4,545
Gross profit 10,396 6,768 7,171
Operating expenses      
Research and development 3,924 2,829 2,376
Sales, general and administrative 1,940 1,093 991
Total operating expenses 5,864 3,922 3,367
Income from operations 4,532 2,846 3,804
Interest income 57 178 136
Interest expense (184) (52) (58)
Other, net 4 (2) 14
Other income (expense), net (123) 124 92
Income before income tax 4,409 2,970 3,896
Income tax expense (benefit) 77 174 (245)
Net income $ 4,332 $ 2,796 $ 4,141
Net income per share:      
Basic (in USD per share) $ 7.02 $ 4.59 $ 6.81
Diluted (in USD per share) $ 6.90 $ 4.52 $ 6.63
Weighted average shares used in per share computation:      
Basic (in shares) 617 609 608
Diluted (in shares) 628 618 625
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 4,332 $ 2,796 $ 4,141
Available-for-sale debt securities:      
Net unrealized gain 2 8 10
Reclassification adjustments for net realized gain (loss) included in net income (2) 0 1
Net change in unrealized gain 0 8 11
Cash flow hedges:      
Net unrealized gain 9 10 6
Reclassification adjustments for net realized gain (loss) included in net income 9 (5) (11)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) 18 5 (5)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 18 13 6
Total comprehensive income $ 4,350 $ 2,809 $ 4,147
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 847 $ 10,896
Marketable securities 10,714 1
Accounts receivable, net 2,429 1,657
Inventories 1,826 979
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 239 157
Total current assets 16,055 13,690
Property and equipment, net 2,149 1,674
Operating lease assets 707 618
Goodwill 4,193 618
Intangible assets, net 2,737 49
Deferred income tax assets 806 548
Other assets 2,144 118
Total assets 28,791 17,315
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 1,201 687
Accrued and other current liabilities 1,725 1,097
Short-term debt 999 0
Total current liabilities 3,925 1,784
Long-term debt 5,964 1,991
Long-term operating lease liabilities 634 561
Other long-term liabilities 1,375 775
Total liabilities 11,898 5,111
Commitments and contingencies - see Note 13
Shareholders’ equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2 shares authorized; none issued 0 0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; 965 shares issued and 620 outstanding as of January 31, 2021; 955 shares issued and 612 outstanding as of January 26, 2020 1 1
Additional paid-in capital 8,721 7,045
Treasury stock, at cost (345 shares in 2021 and 342 shares in 2020) (10,756) (9,814)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 19 1
Retained earnings 18,908 14,971
Total shareholders' equity 16,893 12,204
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 28,791 $ 17,315
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,000,000 2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 0 0
Common stock, par value (in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,000,000,000 2,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 965,000,000 955,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 620,000,000 612,000,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 345,000,000 342,000,000
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Common Stock Outstanding
Additional Paid-in Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Beginning balance, common stock outstanding (in shares) at Jan. 28, 2018     606          
Beginning balances, shareholders' equity at Jan. 28, 2018 $ 7,471 $ 8 $ 1 $ 5,351 $ (6,650) $ (18) $ 8,787 $ 8
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 6         6    
Net income 4,141           4,141  
Convertible debt conversion (in shares)     1          
Issuance of common stock from stock plans (in shares)     13          
Issuance of common stock from stock plans  137     137        
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     (4)          
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (1,032)       (1,032)      
Share repurchase (in shares)     (9)          
Share repurchase (1,579)       (1,579)      
Exercise of convertible note hedges (in shares)     (1)          
Exercise of convertible note hedges 0     2 (2)      
Cash dividends declared and paid (371)           (371)  
Stock-based compensation 561     561        
Ending balance, common stock outstanding (in shares) at Jan. 27, 2019     606          
Ending balances, shareholders' equity at Jan. 27, 2019 9,342   $ 1 6,051 (9,263) (12) 12,565  
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 13         13    
Net income 2,796           2,796  
Issuance of common stock from stock plans (in shares)     9          
Issuance of common stock from stock plans  149     149        
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     (3)          
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (551)       (551)      
Cash dividends declared and paid (390)           (390)  
Stock-based compensation $ 845     845        
Ending balance, common stock outstanding (in shares) at Jan. 26, 2020 612   612          
Ending balances, shareholders' equity at Jan. 26, 2020 $ 12,204   $ 1 7,045 (9,814) 1 14,971  
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 18         18    
Net income 4,332           4,332  
Issuance of common stock from stock plans (in shares)     11          
Issuance of common stock from stock plans  194     194        
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (in shares)     (3)          
Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock units (942)       (942)      
Cash dividends declared and paid (395)           (395)  
Fair value of partially vested equity awards assumed in connection with acquisitions 86     86        
Stock-based compensation $ 1,396     1,396        
Ending balance, common stock outstanding (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2021 620   620          
Ending balances, shareholders' equity at Jan. 31, 2021 $ 16,893   $ 1 $ 8,721 $ (10,756) $ 19 $ 18,908  
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Cash dividends declared and paid (USD per common share) $ 0.640 $ 0.640 $ 0.610
v3.20.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $ 4,332 $ 2,796 $ 4,141
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Stock-based compensation expense 1,397 844 557
Depreciation and amortization 1,098 381 262
Deferred income taxes (282) 18 (315)
Other (20) 5 (45)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:      
Accounts receivable (550) (233) (149)
Inventories (524) 597 (776)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (394) 77 (55)
Accounts payable 363 194 (135)
Accrued and other current liabilities 239 54 256
Other long-term liabilities 163 28 2
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,822 4,761 3,743
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 8,792 4,744 7,232
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 527 3,365 428
Purchases of marketable securities (19,308) (1,461) (11,148)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (8,524) (4) 0
Purchases related to property and equipment and intangible assets (1,128) (489) (600)
Investments and other, net (34) (10) (9)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (19,675) 6,145 (4,097)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs 4,968 0 0
Proceeds related to employee stock plans 194 149 137
Payments related to tax on restricted stock units (942) (551) (1,032)
Dividends paid (395) (390) (371)
Principal payments on property and equipment (17) 0 0
Payments related to repurchases of common stock 0 0 (1,579)
Repayment of Convertible Notes 0 0 (16)
Other (4) 0 (5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 3,804 (792) (2,866)
Change in cash and cash equivalents (10,049) 10,114 (3,220)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 10,896 782 4,002
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 847 10,896 782
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash paid for income taxes, net 249 176 61
Cash paid for interest $ 138 $ 54 $ 55
v3.20.4
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Our Company
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, NVIDIA was incorporated in California in April 1993 and reincorporated in Delaware in April 1998.
All references to “NVIDIA,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” mean NVIDIA Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Fiscal Year
We operate on a 52- or 53-week year, ending on the last Sunday in January. Fiscal year 2021 is a 53-week year. Fiscal years 2020 and 2019 were both 52-week years.
Reclassifications
Certain prior fiscal year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NVIDIA Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from our estimates. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, cash equivalents and marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, goodwill, stock-based compensation, litigation, investigation and settlement costs, restructuring and other charges, and other contingencies. The inputs into our judgments and estimates consider the economic implications of COVID-19. These estimates are based on historical facts and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue from product sales, including hardware and systems, license and development arrangements, and software licensing. We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: (1) identification of the contract with a customer; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract (where revenue is allocated on a relative standalone selling price basis by maximizing the use of observable inputs to determine the standalone selling price for each performance obligation); and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
Product Sales Revenue
Revenue from product sales is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products. Certain products are sold along with support or extended warranty. Support and extended warranty revenue are recognized ratably over the service period, or as services are performed. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns, customer programs and any taxes collected from customers.
For products sold with a right of return, we record a reduction to revenue by establishing a sales return allowance for estimated product returns at the time revenue is recognized, based primarily on historical return rates. However, if product returns for a fiscal period are anticipated to exceed historical return rates, we may determine that additional sales return allowances are required to properly reflect our estimated exposure for product returns.
Our customer programs involve rebates, which are designed to serve as sales incentives to resellers of our products in various target markets, and marketing development funds, or MDFs, which represent monies paid to our partners that are earmarked for market segment development and are designed to support our partners’ activities while also promoting NVIDIA products. We account for customer programs as a reduction to revenue and accrue for potential rebates and MDFs based on the amount we expect to be claimed by customers.
License and Development Arrangements
Our license and development arrangements with customers typically require significant customization of our intellectual property components. As a result, we recognize the revenue from the license and the revenue from the development services as a single performance obligation over the period in which the development services are performed. We measure progress to completion based on actual cost incurred to date as a percentage of the estimated total cost required to complete each project. If a loss on an arrangement becomes probable during a period, we record a provision for such loss in that period.
Software Licensing
Our software licenses provide our customers with a right to use the software when it is made available to the customer. Customers may purchase either perpetual licenses or subscriptions to licenses, which differ mainly in the duration over which the customer benefits from the software. Software licenses are frequently sold along with post-contract customer support, or PCS. Revenue from software licenses is recognized up front when the software is made available to the customer. PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the service period, or as services are performed.
Product Warranties
We generally offer a limited warranty to end-users that ranges from one to three years for products in order to repair or replace products for any manufacturing defects or hardware component failures. Cost of revenue includes the estimated cost of product warranties that are calculated at the point of revenue recognition. Under limited circumstances, we may offer an extended limited warranty to customers for certain products. We also accrue for known warranty and indemnification issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated.
Stock-based Compensation
We use the closing trading price of our common stock on the date of grant, minus a dividend yield discount, as the fair value of awards of restricted stock units, or RSUs, and performance stock units that are based on our corporate financial performance targets, or PSUs. We use a Monte Carlo simulation on the date of grant to estimate the fair value of performance stock units that are based on market conditions, or market-based PSUs. The compensation expense for RSUs and market-based PSUs is recognized using a straight-line attribution method over the requisite employee service period while compensation expense for PSUs is recognized using an accelerated amortization model. We estimate the fair value of shares to be issued under our employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, using the Black-Scholes model at the commencement of an offering period in March and September of each year. Stock-based compensation for our ESPP is expensed using an accelerated amortization model. Additionally, we estimate forfeitures annually based on historical experience and revise the estimates of forfeiture in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Litigation, Investigation and Settlement Costs
From time to time, we are involved in legal actions and/or investigations by regulatory bodies. There are many uncertainties associated with any litigation or investigation, and we cannot be certain that these actions or other third-party claims against us will be resolved without litigation, fines and/or substantial settlement payments. If information becomes available that causes us to determine that a loss in any of our pending litigation, investigations or settlements is probable, and we can reasonably estimate the loss associated with such events, we will record the loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, the actual liability in any such litigation or investigation may be materially different from our estimates, which could require us to record additional costs.
Foreign Currency Remeasurement
We use the United States dollar as our functional currency for all of our subsidiaries. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured into United States dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities such as property and equipment, and equity are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses related to the previously noted balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in other income or expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income and to date have not been significant.
Income Taxes
We recognize federal, state and foreign current tax liabilities or assets based on our estimate of taxes payable or refundable in the current fiscal year by tax jurisdiction. We recognize federal, state and foreign deferred tax assets or liabilities, as appropriate, for our estimate of future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards; and we record a valuation allowance to reduce any deferred tax assets by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence and judgment, are not expected to be realized.
Our calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on certain estimates and judgments and involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Our estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities may change based, in part, on added certainty or finality to an anticipated outcome, changes in accounting standards or tax laws in the United States, or foreign jurisdictions where we operate, or changes in other facts or circumstances. In addition, we recognize liabilities for potential United States and foreign income tax contingencies based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes may be due. If we determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary or if the recorded tax liability is less than our current assessment, we may be required to recognize an income tax benefit or additional income tax expense in our financial statements accordingly.
As of January 31, 2021, we had a valuation allowance of $728 million related to state and certain foreign deferred tax assets that management determined are not likely to be realized due to jurisdictional projections of future taxable income, tax attributes usage limitation by certain jurisdictions, and potential utilization limitations of tax attributes acquired as a result of stock ownership changes. To the extent realization of the deferred tax assets becomes more-likely-than-not, we would recognize such deferred tax assets as an income tax benefit during the period.
We recognize the benefit from a tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the position would be sustained upon audit based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the effect of equity awards outstanding is not included in the computation of diluted net income per share for periods when their effect is anti-dilutive.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
We consider all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Marketable securities consist of highly liquid debt investments with maturities of greater than three months when purchased. We currently classify our investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.
We generally classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities related to debt securities at the date of acquisition as available-for-sale. These available-for-sale debt securities are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax. The fair value of interest-bearing debt securities includes accrued interest. Realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined using the specific-identification method and recorded in the other income (expense), net, section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
All of our available-for-sale debt investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. If the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale debt securities is less than its amortized cost basis, we determine if the difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses and write-down the amortized cost basis of the securities if it is more likely than not we will be required or we intend to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Allowances for credit losses and write-downs are recognized in other income (expense), net section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020. Marketable securities are comprised of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains or losses
included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax. Fair value of the marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices. Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gains or losses are recognized in earnings in the periods of change together with the offsetting losses or gains on the hedged items attributed to the risk being hedged. For derivative instruments designated as cash-flow hedges, the effective portion of the gains or losses on the derivatives is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure is recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments not designated for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, marketable securities, and accounts receivable. Our investment policy requires the purchase of highly-rated fixed income securities, the diversification of investment type and credit exposures, and includes certain limits on our portfolio duration. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses. This allowance consists of an amount identified for specific customers and an amount based on overall estimated exposure. Our overall estimated exposure excludes amounts covered by credit insurance and letters of credit.
Accounts Receivable
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for expected losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine this allowance by identifying amounts for specific customer issues as well as amounts based on overall estimated exposure. Factors impacting the allowance include the level of gross receivables, the financial condition of our customers and the extent to which balances are covered by credit insurance or letters of credit.
Inventories
Inventory cost is computed on an adjusted standard basis, which approximates actual cost on an average or first-in, first-out basis. Inventory costs consist primarily of the cost of semiconductors purchased from subcontractors, including wafer fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, manufacturing support costs, including labor and overhead associated with such purchases, final test yield fallout, and shipping costs, as well as the cost of purchased memory products and other component parts. We charge cost of sales for inventory provisions to write-down our inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value or for obsolete or excess inventory. Most of our inventory provisions relate to excess quantities of products, based on our inventory levels and future product purchase commitments compared to assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Once inventory has been written-off or written-down, it creates a new cost basis for the inventory that is not subsequently written-up.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years. Once an asset is identified for retirement or disposition, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed, and a gain or loss is recorded. The estimated useful lives of our buildings are up to thirty years. Depreciation expense includes the amortization of assets recorded under finance leases. Leasehold improvements and assets recorded under finance leases are amortized over the shorter of the expected lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Operating leases with lease terms of more than 12 months are included in operating lease assets, accrued and other current liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments over the lease term.
Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted using our incremental borrowing rate. Operating lease assets also include initial direct costs incurred and prepaid lease payments, minus any lease incentives. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease
when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
We combine the lease and non-lease components in determining the operating lease assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or earlier if indicators of potential impairment exist. For the purposes of completing our impairment test, we perform either a qualitative or a quantitative analysis on a reporting unit basis. 
Qualitative factors include industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting units.
Our quantitative impairment test considers both the income approach and the market approach to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value. The income and market valuation approaches consider a number of factors that include, but are not limited to, prospective financial information, growth rates, residual values, discount rates and comparable multiples from publicly traded companies in our industry and require us to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors and the future profitability of our business. 
Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Intangible assets primarily represent acquired intangible assets including developed technology, in-process research and development, or IPR&D, and customer relationships, as well as rights acquired under technology licenses, patents, and acquired intellectual property. We currently amortize our intangible assets with finite lives over periods ranging from two to twenty years using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method. We initially capitalize the fair value of IPR&D as an intangible asset with an indefinite life. When IPR&D projects are completed, we reclassify the IPR&D as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and amortize over the asset’s estimated useful life.
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset or asset group. Fair value is determined based on the estimated discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Assets and liabilities to be disposed of would be separately presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the assets would be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.
Business Combination
We allocate the fair value of the purchase price of an acquisition to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired, including IPR&D, based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of these net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but our estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. The estimates and assumptions used in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows and asset lives. These estimates are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results may differ from the estimates made. As a result, during the measurement period of up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of the purchase price of an acquisition, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Acquisition-related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred.
Investment in Non-Affiliated Entities
Non-marketable equity investments in privately-held companies are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment or observable price adjustment occurs in the period with changes in fair value recorded through net income. These investments are valued using observable and unobservable inputs or data in an inactive market and the valuation requires our judgment due to the absence of market prices and inherent lack of liquidity. The estimated fair value is based on quantitative and qualitative factors including subsequent financing activities by the investee.
Adoption of New and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting standard to replace the existing incurred loss impairment methodology 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 for accounts receivable and other financial instruments, including available-for-sale debt securities. We adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 and the impact of the adoption was not material to our consolidated financial statements.
v3.20.4
Business Combination
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Business Combination Business Combination
Pending Acquisition of Arm Limited
On September 13, 2020, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with Arm and SoftBank for us to acquire, from SoftBank all allotted and issued ordinary shares of Arm in a transaction valued at $40 billion. We paid $2 billion in Signing Consideration and will pay upon closing of the acquisition $10 billion in cash and issue to SoftBank 44.3 million shares of our common stock with an aggregate value of $21.5 billion. The transaction includes a potential earn out, which is contingent on the achievement of certain financial performance targets by Arm during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022. If the financial targets are achieved, SoftBank can elect to receive either up to an additional $5 billion in cash or up to an additional 10.3 million shares of our common stock. We will issue up to $1.5 billion in restricted stock units to Arm employees after closing. The $2 billion paid upon signing was allocated between advanced consideration for the acquisition of $1.36 billion and the prepayment of intellectual property licenses from Arm of $0.17 billion and royalties of $0.47 billion, both with a 20-year term. The closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of specified governmental and regulatory consents and approvals and expiration of any related mandatory waiting period, and Arm's implementation of the reorganization and distribution of Arm’s IoT Services Group and certain other assets and liabilities. We are engaged with regulators in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, China and other jurisdictions. If the Purchase Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we will be refunded $1.25 billion of the Signing Consideration. The $2 billion payment upon signing was allocated on a fair value basis and any refund of the Signing Consideration will use stated values in the Purchase Agreement. We believe the closing of the acquisition will likely occur in the first quarter of calendar year 2022.
Acquisition of Mellanox Technologies, Ltd.
On April 27, 2020, we completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Mellanox for a total purchase consideration of $7.13 billion. Mellanox is a supplier of high-performance interconnect products for computing, storage and communications applications. We acquired Mellanox to optimize data center workloads to scale across the entire computing, networking, and storage stack.
Purchase Price Allocation
The aggregate purchase consideration has been allocated as follows (in millions):

Purchase Price
Cash paid for outstanding Mellanox ordinary shares (1)$7,033 
Cash for Mellanox equity awards (2)16 
Total cash consideration7,049 
Fair value of Mellanox equity awards assumed by NVIDIA (3)85 
Total purchase consideration$7,134 
Allocation
Cash and cash equivalents$115 
Marketable securities699 
Accounts receivable, net216 
Inventories320 
Prepaid expenses and other assets179 
Property and equipment, net144 
Goodwill3,431 
Intangible assets2,970 
Accounts payable(136)
Accrued and other current liabilities(236)
Income tax liability(191)
Deferred income tax liability(258)
Other long-term liabilities(119)
$7,134 

(1)    Represents the cash consideration of $125.00 per share paid to Mellanox shareholders for approximately 56 million shares of outstanding Mellanox ordinary shares.
(2)    Represents the cash consideration for the settlement of approximately 249 thousand Mellanox stock options held by employees and non-employee directors of Mellanox.
(3)    Represents the fair value of Mellanox’s stock-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services.

We allocated the purchase price to tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values.
The goodwill is primarily attributable to the planned growth in the combined business of NVIDIA and Mellanox. Goodwill is not amortized to earnings, but instead is reviewed for impairment at least annually, absent any interim indicators of impairment. Goodwill recognized in the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for foreign tax purposes. Goodwill arising from the Mellanox acquisition has been allocated to the Compute and Networking segment. Refer to Note 17 – Segment Information for further details on segments.
The operating results of Mellanox have been included in our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2021 since the acquisition date of April 27, 2020. Revenue attributable to Mellanox was approximately 10% for fiscal year 2021. There is not a practical way to determine net income attributable to Mellanox due to integration. Acquisition-related costs attributable to Mellanox of $28 million were included in selling, general and administrative expense for fiscal year 2021.
Intangible Assets
The estimated fair value and useful life of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
Fair ValueUseful Lives
(In millions)
Developed technology (1)$1,640 5 years
Customer relationships (2)440 3 years
Order backlog (3)190 Based on actual shipments
Trade names (4)70 5 years
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets2,340 
IPR&D (5)630 N/A
Total identified intangible assets$2,970 

(1)    The fair value of developed technology was identified using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method.
(2)    Customer relationships represent the fair value of the existing relationships using the With and Without Method.
(3)    Order backlog represents primarily the fair value of purchase arrangements with customers using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method. The intangible asset was fully amortized as of January 31, 2021.
(4)    Trade names primarily relate to Mellanox trade names and fair value was determined by applying the Relief-from-Royalty Method under the income approach.
(5)    The fair value of IPR&D was determined using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method.

The fair value of the finite-lived intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated useful lives based on the pattern in which the economic benefits are expected to be received to cost of revenue and operating expenses.
Mellanox had an IPR&D project associated with the next generation interconnect product that had not yet reached technological feasibility as of the acquisition date. Accordingly, we recorded an indefinite-lived intangible asset of $630 million for the fair value of this project, which will initially not be amortized. Instead, the project will be tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the project may be impaired or may have reached technological feasibility. Once the project reaches technological feasibility, we will begin to amortize the intangible asset over its estimated useful life.
Supplemental Unaudited Pro Forma Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information summarizes the combined results of operations for NVIDIA and Mellanox as if the companies were combined as of the beginning of fiscal year 2020:
Pro Forma
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Revenue$17,104 $12,250 
Net income$4,757 $2,114 

The unaudited pro forma information includes adjustments related to amortization of acquired intangible assets, adjustments to stock-based compensation expense, fair value of acquired inventory, and transaction costs. The unaudited pro forma information presented above is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our consolidated results of operations of the combined business had the acquisition actually occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 2020 or of the results of our future operations of the combined businesses.
The pro forma results reflect the inventory step-up expense of $161 million in the fiscal year 2020 and were excluded from the pro forma results for fiscal year 2021. There were no other material nonrecurring adjustments.
v3.20.4
Leases
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases Leases
On January 28, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard using the optional transition method.
Our lease obligations primarily consist of operating leases for our headquarters complex, domestic and international office facilities, and data center space, with lease periods expiring between fiscal years 2022 and 2035.
Future minimum lease payments under our non-cancelable operating leases as of January 31, 2021, are as follows:
Operating Lease Obligations
 (In millions)
Fiscal Year: 
2022$152 
2023135 
2024115 
202594 
202686 
2027 and thereafter288 
Total870 
Less imputed interest115 
Present value of net future minimum lease payments755 
Less short-term operating lease liabilities121 
Long-term operating lease liabilities$634 
Operating lease expense for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $145 million, $114 million, $80 million, respectively. Short-term and variable lease expenses for fiscal years 2021 and 2020 were not significant.

Other information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended
January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 (In millions)
Supplemental cash flows information 
Operating cash flows used for operating leases$141 $103 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (1)$200 $238 
(1)    Fiscal year 2021 includes $80 million of operating lease assets addition due to a business combination.
As of January 31, 2021, our operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 7.6 years and a weighted average discount rate of 2.87%. As of January 26, 2020, our operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 8.3 years and a weighted average discount rate of 3.45%.
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based CompensationOur stock-based compensation expense is associated with restricted stock units, or RSUs, performance stock units that are based on our corporate financial performance targets, or PSUs, performance stock units that are based on market conditions, or market-based PSUs, and our ESPP.
Our Consolidated Statements of Income include stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts allocated to inventory, as follows:
 Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Cost of revenue$88 $39 $27 
Research and development860 540 336 
Sales, general and administrative449 265 194 
Total$1,397 $844 $557 
Stock-based compensation capitalized in inventories was not significant during fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019.
The following is a summary of equity awards granted under our equity incentive plans:
Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(In millions, except per share data)
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs
Awards granted
Estimated total grant-date fair value$2,764 $1,282 $1,109 
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share$307.25 $184.47 $258.26 
ESPP
Shares purchased
Weighted average price per share$139.19 $148.76 $107.48 
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share$67.65 $64.87 $38.51 
As of January 31, 2021, there was $3.17 billion of aggregate unearned stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years for RSUs, PSUs, and market-based PSUs, and 0.9 years for ESPP.
The fair value of shares issued under our ESPP have been estimated with the following assumptions:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(Using the Black-Scholes model)
ESPP
Weighted average expected life (in years)
0.1-2.0
0.1-2.0
0.1-2.0
Risk-free interest rate
0.1%-1.6%
1.5%-2.6%
1.6%-2.8%
Volatility
26%-89%
30%-82%
24%-75%
Dividend yield
0.1%-0.3%
0.3%-0.4%
0.3%-0.4%
For ESPP shares, the expected term represents the average term from the first day of the offering period to the purchase date. The risk-free interest rate assumption used to value ESPP shares is based upon observed interest rates on Treasury bills appropriate for the expected term. Our expected stock price volatility assumption for ESPP is estimated using historical volatility. For awards granted, we use the dividend yield at grant date. Our RSU, PSU, and market-based PSU awards are not eligible for cash dividends prior to vesting; therefore, the fair values of RSUs, PSUs, and market-based PSUs are discounted for the dividend yield.
Additionally, for RSU, PSU, and market-based PSU awards, we estimate forfeitures semi-annually and revise the estimates of forfeiture in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience.
Equity Incentive Program
We grant or have granted stock options, RSUs, PSUs, market-based PSUs, and stock purchase rights under the following equity incentive plans. In addition, in connection with our acquisitions of various companies, we have assumed the stock-based awards granted under their stock incentive plans and substituted them with our RSUs.
Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Incentive Plan
In 2007, our shareholders approved the NVIDIA Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as most recently amended and restated, the 2007 Plan.
The 2007 Plan authorizes the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock awards, performance cash awards, and other stock-based awards to employees, directors and consultants. Only our employees may receive incentive stock options. As of January 31, 2021, up to 244 million shares of our common stock could be issued pursuant to stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan, of which 2 million shares were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options. All options are fully vested, the last of which will expire by May 2024 if not exercised. Currently, we grant RSUs, PSUs and market-based PSUs under the 2007 Plan, under which, as of January 31, 2021, there were 37 million shares available for future issuance.
Subject to certain exceptions, RSUs and PSUs granted to employees either vest (A) over a four-year period, subject to continued service, with 25% vesting on a pre-determined date that is close to the anniversary of the date of grant and 6.25% vesting quarterly thereafter, or (B) over a three-year period, subject to continued service, with 40% vesting on a pre-determined date that is close to the anniversary of the date of grant and 7.5% vesting quarterly thereafter. Market-based PSUs vest 100% on approximately the three-year anniversary of the date of grant. However, the number of shares subject to both PSUs and market-based PSUs that are eligible to vest is generally determined by the Compensation Committee based on achievement of pre-determined criteria.
Amended and Restated 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 2012, our shareholders approved the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as most recently amended and restated, the 2012 Plan.
Employees who participate may have up to 10% of their earnings withheld to the purchase of shares of common stock. Starting in March 2021, employees who participate may have up to 15% of their earnings withheld to purchase shares of common stock. The Board may decrease this percentage at its discretion. Each offering period is approximately 24 months, which is generally divided into four purchase periods of six months. The price of common stock purchased under our 2012 Plan will be equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the commencement date of each offering period and the fair market value on each purchase date within the offering. As of January 31, 2021, we had 60 million shares reserved for future issuance under the 2012 Plan.
Equity Award Activity
The following is a summary of our equity award transactions under our equity incentive plans: 
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs Outstanding
 Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
(In millions, except years and per share data)
Balances, January 26, 202014 $176.72 
Granted$307.25 
Vested restricted stock(7)$159.35 
Canceled and forfeited(1)$193.83 
Balances, January 31, 202115 $264.69 
Vested and expected to vest after January 31, 202114 $264.13 

As of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020, there were 37 million and 29 million shares, respectively, of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans. 
As of January 31, 2021, the total intrinsic value of options currently exercisable and outstanding was $1.20 billion, with an average exercise price of $14.40 per share and an average remaining term of 1.7 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $521 million, $84 million, and $180 million for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Upon the exercise of an option, we issue new shares of stock.
The total fair value of RSUs and PSUs, as of their respective vesting dates, during the years ended January 31, 2021, January 26, 2020, and January 27, 2019, was $2.67 billion, $1.45 billion, and $2.62 billion, respectively.
v3.20.4
Net Income Per Share
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Net Income Per Share Net Income Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions, except per share data)
Numerator:   
Net income$4,332 $2,796 $4,141 
Denominator:   
Basic weighted average shares617 609 608 
Dilutive impact of outstanding equity awards11 17 
Diluted weighted average shares628 618 625 
Net income per share:   
Basic (1)$7.02 $4.59 $6.81 
Diluted (2)$6.90 $4.52 $6.63 
Equity awards excluded from diluted net income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive
11 
(1)    Calculated as net income divided by basic weighted average shares.
(2)    Calculated as net income divided by diluted weighted average shares.
v3.20.4
Goodwill
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill GoodwillWe changed our reportable segments to "Graphics" and "Compute & Networking" starting with the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, as discussed in Note 17 of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result, our reporting units also changed, and we reassigned the goodwill balance to the new reporting units based on their relative fair values. Comparative periods presented reflect this change. We determined there was no goodwill impairment immediately prior to the reorganization. As of January 31, 2021, the total carrying amount of goodwill was $4.19 billion and the amount of goodwill allocated to our Graphics and Compute & Networking reporting units was $347 million and $3.85 billion, respectively. As of January 26, 2020, the total carrying amount of goodwill was $618 million and the amount of goodwill allocated to our Graphics and Compute & Networking reporting units was $347 million and $271 million, respectively. Goodwill increased by $3.57 billion in fiscal year 2021 due to goodwill of $3.43 billion arising from the Mellanox acquisition, and goodwill of $143 million from other acquisition activities, all of which were allocated to the Compute & Networking reporting unit. During the fourth quarters of fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, we completed our annual impairment tests and concluded that goodwill was not impaired in any of these years.
v3.20.4
Amortizable Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Amortizable Intangible Assets Amortizable Intangible Assets
The components of our amortizable intangible assets are as follows:
 January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net 
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net 
Carrying
Amount
 (In millions)(In millions)
Acquisition-related intangible assets (1)$3,280 $(774)$2,506 $195 $(192)$
Patents and licensed technology706 (475)231 520 (474)46 
Total intangible assets$3,986 $(1,249)$2,737 $715 $(666)$49 
(1)    As of January 31, 2021, acquisition-related intangible assets include the fair value of a Mellanox IPR&D project of $630 million, which has not been amortized. Once the project reaches technological feasibility, we will begin to amortize the intangible asset over its estimated useful life. Refer to Note 2 of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $612 million, $25 million, and $29 million, respectively. Future amortization expense related to the net carrying amount of intangible assets as of January 31, 2021 is estimated to be $548 million in fiscal year 2022, $545 million in fiscal year 2023, $423 million in fiscal year 2024, $367 million in fiscal year 2025, $97 million in fiscal year 2026, and $757 million in fiscal year 2027 and thereafter.
v3.20.4
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash Equivalents and Marketable SecuritiesOur cash equivalents and marketable securities related to debt securities are classified as “available-for-sale” debt securities.
The following is a summary of cash equivalents and marketable securities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020:
 January 31, 2021
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Reported as
 Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
 (In millions)
Corporate debt securities$4,442 $$— $4,444 $234 $4,210 
Debt securities issued by United States government agencies2,975 — 2,976 28 2,948 
Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury2,846 — — 2,846 25 2,821 
Certificates of deposit705 — — 705 37 668 
Money market funds313 — — 313 313 — 
Foreign government bonds67 — — 67 67 
Total$11,348 $$— $11,351 $637 $10,714 

 January 26, 2020
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Reported as
 Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
 (In millions)
Money market funds$7,507 $— $— $7,507 $7,507 $— 
Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury1,358 — — 1,358 1,358 — 
Debt securities issued by United States government agencies1,096 — — 1,096 1,096 — 
Corporate debt securities592 — — 592 592 — 
Foreign government bonds200 — — 200 200 — 
Certificates of deposit27 — — 27 27 — 
Asset-backed securities— — — 
Total$10,781 $— $— $10,781 $10,780 $

Net realized gains and unrealized gains and losses were not significant for all periods presented.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of cash equivalents and marketable securities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020 are shown below by contractual maturity.
 January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
 (In millions)
Less than one year$10,782 $10,783 $10,781 $10,781 
Due in 1 - 5 years566 568 — — 
Total$11,348 $11,351 $10,781 $10,781 
v3.20.4
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities are determined using quoted market prices of identical assets or quoted market prices of similar assets from active markets. We review fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis.
Fair Value at
Pricing CategoryJanuary 31, 2021January 26, 2020
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents and marketable securities:
Money market fundsLevel 1$313 $7,507 
Corporate debt securitiesLevel 2$4,444 $592 
Debt securities issued by United States government agenciesLevel 2$2,976 $1,096 
Debt securities issued by the United States TreasuryLevel 2$2,846 $1,358 
Certificates of depositLevel 2$705 $27 
Foreign government bondsLevel 2$67 $200 
Asset-backed securitiesLevel 2$— $
Other asset:
Investment in non-affiliated entities (1)Level 3$144 $77 
Liabilities
2.20% Notes Due 2021 (2)
Level 2$1,011 $1,006 
3.20% Notes Due 2026 (2)
Level 2$1,124 $1,065 
2.85% Notes Due 2030 (2)
Level 2$1,654 $— 
3.50% Notes Due 2040 (2)
Level 2$1,152 $— 
3.50% Notes Due 2050 (2)
Level 2$2,308 $— 
3.70% Notes Due 2060 (2)
Level 2$602 $— 
(1)Investment in private non-affiliated entities is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment or observable price adjustment occurs in the period with changes in fair value recorded through net income. The amount recorded as of January 31, 2021 has not been significant.
(2)    These liabilities are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their original issuance value, net of unamortized debt discount and issuance costs, and are not marked to fair value each period. Refer to Note 12 of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Balance Sheet Components Balance Sheet Components
Certain balance sheet components are as follows:
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Inventories:
Raw materials$632 $249 
Work in-process457 265 
Finished goods737 465 
Total inventories$1,826 $979 

 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Estimated
Useful Life
(In millions)(In years)
Property and Equipment:
Land$218 $218 (A)
Building341 340 
25-30
Test equipment782 532 
3-5
Computer equipment and software1,187 908 
3-5
Leasehold improvements385 293 (B)
Office furniture and equipment86 74 5
Construction in process558 320 (C)
Total property and equipment, gross3,557 2,685  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,408)(1,011) 
Total property and equipment, net$2,149 $1,674  
(A)Land is a non-depreciable asset.
(B)Leasehold improvements and finance leases are amortized based on the lesser of either the asset’s estimated useful life or the expected lease term.
(C)Construction in process represents assets that are not available for their intended use as of the balance sheet date.
Depreciation expense for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $486 million, $355 million, and $233 million, respectively.
Accumulated amortization of leasehold improvements and finance leases was $223 million and $216 million as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020, respectively.

 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Other assets:(In millions)
Advanced consideration for acquisition$1,357 $— 
Prepaid royalties440 
Investment in non-affiliated entities144 77 
Deposits136 
Other67 32 
Total other assets$2,144 $118 
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities:
Customer program accruals$630 $462 
Accrued payroll and related expenses297 185 
Deferred revenue (1)288 141 
Licenses and royalties128 66 
Operating leases121 91 
Coupon interest on debt obligations74 20 
Taxes payable61 61 
Product warranty and return provisions39 24 
Professional service fees26 18 
Other61 29 
Total accrued and other current liabilities$1,725 $1,097 
(1)Deferred revenue primarily includes customer advances and deferrals related to license and development arrangements and PCS.
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
Income tax payable (1)$836 $528 
Deferred income tax241 29 
Deferred revenue (2)163 60 
Licenses payable56 110 
Employee benefits33 22 
Other46 26 
Total other long-term liabilities$1,375 $775 
(1)As of January 31, 2021, income tax payable represents the long-term portion of the one-time transition tax payable of $284 million, long-term portion of the unrecognized tax benefits of $352 million, related interest and penalties of $43 million, and other foreign long-term tax payable of $157 million.
(2)Deferred revenue primarily includes deferrals related to PCS.
Deferred Revenue
The following table shows the changes in deferred revenue during fiscal years 2021 and 2020.
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Balance at beginning of period$201 $138 
Deferred revenue added during the period536 334 
Addition due to business combinations75 — 
Revenue recognized during the period(361)(271)
Balance at end of period$451 $201 
Revenue related to remaining performance obligations represents the remaining contracted license, development arrangements and PCS that has not been recognized. This includes related deferred revenue currently recorded and amounts that will be invoiced in future periods. As of January 31, 2021, the amount of our remaining performance that has not been recognized as revenue was $683 million, of which we expect to recognize approximately 44% as revenue over the next twelve months and the remainder thereafter. This amount excludes the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less.
v3.20.4
Derivative Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements on our operating expenses. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges for hedge accounting treatment. Gains or losses on the contracts are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss and reclassified to operating expense when the related operating expenses are recognized in earnings or ineffectiveness should occur. The fair value of the contracts was not significant as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020.
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of foreign currency movements on monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollar. These forward contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, the change in fair value of these contracts is recorded in other income or expense and offsets the change in fair value of the hedged foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, which is also recorded in other income or expense.
The table below presents the notional value of our foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020:
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
 (In millions)
Designated as cash flow hedges$840 $428 
Not designated for hedge accounting$441 $287 
As of January 31, 2021, all designated foreign currency forward contracts mature within eighteen months. The expected realized gains and losses deferred into accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency forward contracts within the next twelve months was not significant.
During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the impact of derivative financial instruments designated for hedge accounting treatment on other comprehensive income or loss was not significant and all such instruments were determined to be highly effective. Therefore, there were no gains or losses associated with ineffectiveness.
v3.20.4
Debt
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt Debt
Long-Term Debt
In March 2020, we issued $1.50 billion of the 2.85% Notes Due 2030, $1.00 billion of the 3.50% Notes Due 2040, $2.00 billion of the 3.50% Notes Due 2050, and $500 million of the 3.70% Notes Due 2060, or collectively, the March 2020 Notes. Interest on the March 2020 Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2020. Upon 30 days' notice to holders of the Notes, we may redeem the Notes for cash prior to maturity, at redemption prices that include accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. However, no make-whole premium will be paid for redemptions of the Notes Due 2030 on or after January 1, 2030, the Notes Due 2040 on or after October 1, 2039, the Notes Due 2050 on or after October 1, 2049, or the Notes Due 2060 on or after October 1, 2059. The net proceeds from the March 2020 Notes were $4.97 billion, after deducting debt discount and issuance costs.
In September 2016, we issued $1.00 billion of the 2.20% Notes Due 2021, and $1.00 billion of the 3.20% Notes Due 2026, or collectively, the September 2016 Notes. Interest on the September 2016 Notes is payable on March 16 and September 16 of each year. Upon 30 days' notice to holders of the Notes, we may redeem the Notes for cash prior to maturity, at redemption prices that include accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. However, no make-whole premium will be paid for redemptions of the Notes Due 2021 on or after August 16, 2021, or for redemptions of the Notes Due 2026 on or after June 16, 2026. The net proceeds from the September 2016 Notes were $1.98 billion, after deducting debt discount and issuance costs.
Both the September 2016 Notes and the March 2020 Notes, or collectively, the Notes, are our unsecured senior obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries and are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. All existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries will be effectively senior to the Notes.
The carrying value of the Notes and the associated interest rates were as follows:
  Expected
Remaining Term (years)
 Effective
Interest Rate
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
      (In millions)
2.20% Notes Due 2021
 0.6 2.38% $1,000 $1,000 
3.20% Notes Due 2026
 5.6 3.31% 1,000 1,000 
2.85% Notes Due 2030
9.22.93%1,500 — 
3.50% Notes Due 2040
19.23.54%1,000 — 
3.50% Notes Due 2050
29.23.54%2,000 — 
3.70% Notes Due 2060
39.23.73%500 — 
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs     (37)(9)
Net carrying amount     6,963 1,991 
Less short-term portion(999)— 
Total long-term portion$5,964 $1,991 
As of January 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the required covenants under the Notes.
Credit Facilities
We have a Credit Agreement under which we may borrow up to $575 million for general corporate purposes and can obtain revolving loan commitments up to $425 million. As of January 31, 2021, we had not borrowed any amounts and were in compliance with the required covenants under this agreement. The Credit Agreement expires October 2021.
We have a $575 million commercial paper program to support general corporate purposes. As of January 31, 2021, we had not issued any commercial paper.
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Obligations
As of January 31, 2021, we had outstanding inventory purchase obligations totaling $2.54 billion, which are expected to occur over the next 12 months, and other purchase obligations totaling $317 million, which are primarily expected to occur over the next 18 months.
Accrual for Product Warranty Liabilities
The estimated amount of product warranty liabilities was $22 million and $15 million as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020, respectively.
In connection with certain agreements that we have entered in the past, we have provided indemnities to cover the indemnified party for matters such as tax, product, and employee liabilities. We have included intellectual property indemnification provisions in our technology related agreements with third parties. Maximum potential future payments cannot be estimated because many of these agreements do not have a maximum stated liability. We have not recorded any liability for such indemnifications.
Litigation
Securities Class Action and Derivative Lawsuits
The plaintiffs in the putative securities class action lawsuit, captioned 4:18-cv-07669-HSG, initially filed on December 21, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and titled In Re NVIDIA Corporation
Securities Litigation, filed an amended complaint on May 13, 2020. The amended complaint asserts that NVIDIA and certain NVIDIA executives violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and SEC Rule 10b-5, by making materially false or misleading statements related to channel inventory and the impact of cryptocurrency mining on GPU demand between May 10, 2017 and November 14, 2018. Plaintiffs also allege that the NVIDIA executives who they named as defendants violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plaintiffs seek class certification, an award of unspecified compensatory damages, an award of reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees, and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. On June 29, 2020, NVIDIA moved to dismiss the amended complaint on the basis that plaintiffs failed to state any claims for violations of the securities laws by NVIDIA or the individual defendants. As of September 14, 2020, the motion was fully briefed but the Court has not yet issued a decision.
The putative derivative lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, captioned 4:19-cv-00341-HSG, initially filed January 18, 2019 and titled In re NVIDIA Corporation Consolidated Derivative Litigation, remains stayed pending resolution of NVIDIA’s motion to dismiss the complaint in the In Re NVIDIA Corporation Securities Litigation action. The lawsuit asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, waste of corporate assets, and violations of Sections 14(a), 10(b), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act based on the dissemination of allegedly false and misleading statements related to channel inventory and the impact of cryptocurrency mining on GPU demand. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and other relief, including reforms and improvements to NVIDIA’s corporate governance and internal procedures.
The putative derivative actions initially filed September 24, 2019 and pending in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Lipchitz v. Huang, et al. (Case No. 1:19-cv-01795-UNA) and Nelson v. Huang, et. al. (Case No. 1:19-cv-01798- UNA), remain stayed pending resolution of NVIDIA’s motion to dismiss the complaint in the In Re NVIDIA Corporation Securities Litigation action. The lawsuits assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, insider trading, misappropriation of information, corporate waste and violations of Sections 14(a), 10(b), and 20(a) of the Exchange Act based on the dissemination of allegedly false, and misleading statements related to channel inventory and the impact of cryptocurrency mining on GPU demand. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and other relief, including disgorgement of profits from the sale of NVIDIA stock and unspecified corporate governance measures.
It is possible that additional suits will be filed, or allegations received from shareholders, with respect to these same or other matters, naming NVIDIA and/or its officers and directors as defendants.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies
As of January 31, 2021, we have not recorded any accrual for contingent liabilities associated with the legal proceedings described above based on our belief that liabilities, while possible, are not probable. Further, except as specifically described above, any possible loss or range of loss in these matters cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. We are engaged in legal actions not described above arising in the ordinary course of business and, while there can be no assurance of favorable outcomes, we believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity or financial position.
v3.20.4
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
The income tax expense (benefit) applicable to income before income taxes consists of the following:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Current income taxes:   
Federal$197 $65 $
State— 
Foreign161 87 69 
Total current359 156 70 
Deferred taxes:   
Federal(246)(315)
Foreign(36)16 — 
Total deferred(282)18 (315)
Income tax expense (benefit)$77 $174 $(245)
Income before income tax consists of the following:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Domestic$1,437 $620 $1,843 
Foreign2,972 2,350 2,053 
Income before income tax$4,409 $2,970 $3,896 

The income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% to income before income taxes as follows:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate$926 $624 $818 
Expense (benefit) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect10 12 23 
Foreign tax rate differential(561)(301)(412)
U.S. federal R&D tax credit(173)(110)(141)
Stock-based compensation(136)(60)(191)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017— — (368)
Other11 26 
Income tax expense (benefit)$77 $174 $(245)
The tax effect of temporary differences that gives rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented below: 
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
 (In millions)
Deferred tax assets: 
GILTI deferred tax assets$709 $428 
Research and other tax credit carryforwards650 605 
Operating lease liabilities120 114 
Net operating loss carryforwards100 62 
Accruals and reserves, not currently deductible for tax purposes59 39 
Stock-based compensation36 28 
Property, equipment and intangible assets32 12 
Gross deferred tax assets1,706 1,288 
Less valuation allowance(728)(621)
Total deferred tax assets978 667 
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Acquired intangibles(191)(1)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries(111)(40)
Operating lease assets(111)(107)
Gross deferred tax liabilities(413)(148)
Net deferred tax asset (1)$565 $519 
(1) Net deferred tax asset includes long-term deferred tax assets of $806 million and $548 million and long-term deferred tax liabilities of $241 million and $29 million for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Long-term deferred tax liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We recognized an income tax expense of $77 million and $174 million for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively, and income tax benefit of $245 million for fiscal year 2019. Our annual effective tax rate was 1.7%, 5.9%, and (6.3)% for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The decrease in our effective tax rate in fiscal year 2021 as compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in the proportional amount of earnings subject to United States tax and an increase of tax benefits from stock-based compensation. The increase in our effective tax rate in fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2020 as compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to an absence of tax benefits related to the enactment of the TCJA and a decrease of tax benefits from stock-based compensation.
Our effective tax rate for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due primarily to income earned in jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands, Israel and Hong Kong, where the tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate, recognition of U.S. federal research tax credits, excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation, and the finalization of the enactment-date income tax effects of the TCJA in 2019.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, we completed the acquisition of Mellanox. As a result of the acquisition, we recorded $256 million of net deferred tax liabilities primarily on the excess of book basis over the tax basis of the acquired intangible assets and undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. We also recorded $153 million of long-term tax liabilities related to tax basis differences in Mellanox. The net deferred tax liabilities and long-term tax liabilities are based upon certain assumptions underlying our purchase price allocation. As a result of the acquisition, as of January 31, 2021, we intend to indefinitely reinvest approximately $1.16 billion of cumulative undistributed earnings held by Mellanox non-U.S. subsidiaries. We have not provided the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities for temporary differences related to investments in Mellanox non-U.S. subsidiaries as the determination of such amount is not practicable.
As of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020, we had a valuation allowance of $728 million and $621 million, respectively, related to state and certain foreign deferred tax assets that management determined not likely to be realized due, in part, to jurisdictional projections of future taxable income. To the extent realization of the deferred tax
assets becomes more-likely-than-not, we would recognize such deferred tax asset as an income tax benefit during the period.
As of January 31, 2021, we had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $333 million, $308 million and $344 million, respectively. The federal and state carryforwards will begin to expire in fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively. The foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $344 million may be carried forward indefinitely. As of January 31, 2021, we had federal research tax credit carryforwards of $238 million that will begin to expire in fiscal year 2035. We have state research tax credit carryforwards of $987 million, of which $944 million is attributable to the State of California and may be carried over indefinitely, and $43 million is attributable to various other states and will begin to expire in fiscal year 2022. Our tax attributes, net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, remain subject to audit and may be adjusted for changes or modification in tax laws, other authoritative interpretations thereof, or other facts and circumstances. Utilization of federal, state, and foreign net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards may also be subject to limitations due to ownership changes and other limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state and foreign tax provisions. If any such limitations apply, the federal, state, or foreign net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, as applicable, may expire or be denied before utilization.
As of January 31, 2021, we had $776 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $606 million would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. However, $132 million of the unrecognized tax benefits were related to state income tax positions taken, that, if recognized, would be in the form of a carryforward deferred tax asset that would likely attract a full valuation allowance. The $606 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2021 consisted of $352 million recorded in non-current income taxes payable, $5 million recorded in current income taxes payable, and $249 million reflected as a reduction to the related deferred tax assets.
A reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Balance at beginning of period$583 $477 $447 
Increases in tax positions for current year158 104 129 
Increases in tax positions for prior years (1)60 52 
Decreases in tax positions for prior years(11)— (141)
Settlements(5)— — 
Lapse in statute of limitations(9)(5)(10)
Balance at end of period$776 $583 $477 
(1) The fiscal year 2021 balance represents prior year gross unrecognized tax benefits recorded as a result of the Mellanox acquisition.

We classify an unrecognized tax benefit as a current liability, or amount refundable, to the extent that we anticipate payment or receipt of cash for income taxes within one year. The amount is classified as a long-term liability, or reduction of long-term deferred tax assets or amount refundable if we anticipate payment or receipt of cash for income taxes during a period beyond a year.
Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of January 31, 2021, January 26, 2020, and January 27, 2019, we had accrued $44 million, $31 million, and $21 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, which is not included as a component of our unrecognized tax benefits. As of January 31, 2021, unrecognized tax benefits of $352 million and the related interest and penalties of $43 million are included in non-current income taxes payable, and unrecognized tax benefits of $5 million and the related interest and penalties of $1 million are included in current income taxes payable.
While we believe that we have adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by tax authorities could be greater or less than our accrued position. Accordingly, our provisions on federal, state and foreign tax-related matters to be recorded in the future may change as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved. As of January 31, 2021, we do not believe that our estimates, as otherwise provided for, on such tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.
We are subject to taxation by taxing authorities both in the United States and other countries. As of January 31, 2021, the significant tax jurisdictions that may be subject to examination include the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, and India for fiscal years 2005 through 2020. As of January 31, 2021, the significant tax jurisdictions for which we are currently under examination include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel and India, for fiscal years 2005 through 2019.
v3.20.4
Shareholders’ Equity
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Shareholders’ Equity Shareholders’ Equity
Capital Return Program
Beginning August 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase our stock.
Through January 31, 2021, we have repurchased an aggregate of 260 million shares under our share repurchase program for a total cost of $7.08 billion. All shares delivered from these repurchases have been placed into treasury stock. As of January 31, 2021, we are authorized, subject to certain specifications, to repurchase shares of our common stock up to $7.24 billion through December 2022.
During fiscal year 2021, we paid $395 million in cash dividends to our shareholders.
v3.20.4
Employee Retirement Plans
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Retirement Plans Employee Retirement PlansWe provide tax-qualified defined contribution plans to eligible employees in the U.S. and certain other countries. Our contribution expense for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $120 million, $76 million, and $70 million, respectively.
v3.20.4
Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information Segment Information 
Our Chief Executive Officer, who is considered to be our chief operating decision maker, or CODM, reviews financial information presented on an operating segment basis for purposes of making decisions and assessing financial performance. In the prior fiscal year, we had reported two operating segments: GPU and Tegra Processor. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, we changed our operating segments to be consistent with the revised manner in which our CODM reviews our financial performance and allocates resources. The two new operating segments are "Graphics" and "Compute & Networking". Comparative periods presented reflect this change. Our operating segments are equivalent to our reportable segments.
Our Graphics segment includes GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, and solutions for gaming platforms; Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise design; GRID software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing; and automotive platforms for infotainment systems. Our Compute & Networking segment includes Data Center platforms and systems for AI, HPC, and accelerated computing; Mellanox networking and interconnect solutions; automotive AI Cockpit, autonomous driving development agreements, and autonomous vehicle solutions; and Jetson for robotics and other embedded platforms.
Operating results by segment include costs or expenses that are directly attributable to each segment, and costs or expenses that are leveraged across our unified architecture and therefore allocated between our two segments.
The “All Other” category includes the expenses that our CODM does not assign to either Graphics or Compute & Networking for purposes of making operating decisions or assessing financial performance. The expenses include stock-based compensation expense, corporate infrastructure and support costs, acquisition-related costs, legal settlement costs, and other non-recurring charges and benefits that our CODM deems to be enterprise in nature.
Our CODM does not review any information regarding total assets on a reportable segment basis. Depreciation and amortization expense directly attributable to each reportable segment is included in operating results for each segment. However, the CODM does not evaluate depreciation and amortization expense by operating segment and, therefore, it is not separately presented. There is no intersegment revenue. The accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as for our consolidated financial statements. The table below presents details of our reportable segments and the “All Other” category.
 GraphicsCompute & NetworkingAll OtherConsolidated
(In millions)
Year Ended January 31, 2021:
    
Revenue$9,834 $6,841 $— $16,675 
Operating income (loss)$4,612 $2,548 $(2,628)$4,532 
Year Ended January 26, 2020:
    
Revenue$7,639 $3,279 $— $10,918 
Operating income (loss)$3,267 $751 $(1,172)$2,846 
Year Ended January 27, 2019:
    
Revenue$8,159 $3,557 $— $11,716 
Operating income (loss)$3,417 $1,251 $(864)$3,804 

Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(In millions)
Reconciling items included in "All Other" category:
Stock-based compensation expense$(1,397)$(844)$(557)
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization(591)(6)(6)
Unallocated cost of revenue and operating expenses(357)(283)(261)
Acquisition-related inventory step-up charge(161)— — 
Acquisition-related and other costs(84)(25)
IP-related costs(38)(14)(35)
Legal settlement costs— — (9)
Total$(2,628)$(1,172)$(864)

Revenue by geographic region is allocated to individual countries based on the location to which the products are initially billed even if our customers’ revenue is attributable to end customers that are located in a different location. The following table summarizes information pertaining to our revenue from customers based on the invoicing address by geographic regions: 
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
Revenue:(In millions)
Taiwan$4,531 $3,025 $3,360 
China (including Hong Kong)3,886 2,731 2,801 
United States3,214 886 1,506 
Other Asia Pacific3,093 2,685 2,368 
Europe1,118 992 914 
Other countries833 599 767 
Total revenue$16,675 $10,918 $11,716 
The following table summarizes information pertaining to our revenue by each of the specialized markets we serve:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
Revenue:(In millions)
Gaming$7,759 $5,518 $6,246 
Professional Visualization1,053 1,212 1,130 
Data Center6,696 2,983 2,932 
Automotive536 700 641 
OEM & Other631 505 767 
Total revenue$16,675 $10,918 $11,716 
The following table presents summarized information for long-lived assets by geographic region. Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment and exclude other assets, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets.

 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Long-lived assets:(In millions)
United States$1,643 $1,451 
Taiwan183 114 
Israel147 — 
China (including Hong Kong)71 28 
India64 51 
Europe34 28 
Other countries
Total long-lived assets$2,149 $1,674 
No customer represented 10% or more of total revenue for fiscal years 2021 and 2019. One customer represented 11% of our total revenue for fiscal year 2020 and was attributable primarily to the Graphics segment.

One customer represented 16% and 21% of our accounts receivable balance as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020, respectively.
v3.20.4
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
DescriptionBalance at
Beginning of Period
Additions Deductions Balance at
End of Period
 (In millions)
Fiscal year 2021
      
Allowance for doubtful accounts$$(1)$— (1)$
Sales return allowance$$30 (2)$(22)(4)$17 
Deferred tax valuation allowance$621 $107 (3)$— $728 
Fiscal year 2020
      
Allowance for doubtful accounts$$— (1)$— (1)$
Sales return allowance$$18 (2)$(17)(4)$
Deferred tax valuation allowance$562 $59 (3)$— $621 
Fiscal year 2019
      
Allowance for doubtful accounts$$— (1)$(2)(1)$
Sales return allowance$$21 (2)$(22)(4)$
Deferred tax valuation allowance$469 $93 (3)$— $562 
(1)Additions represent allowance for doubtful accounts charged to expense and deductions represent amounts recorded as reduction to expense upon reassessment of allowance for doubtful accounts at period end.
(2)Represents allowance for sales returns estimated at the time revenue is recognized primarily based on historical return rates and is charged as a reduction to revenue.
(3)Represents change in valuation allowance primarily related to state and certain foreign deferred tax assets that management has determined not likely to be realized due, in part, to projections of future taxable income of the respective jurisdictions. Refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
(4)Represents sales returns.
v3.20.4
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Our Company
Our Company
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, NVIDIA was incorporated in California in April 1993 and reincorporated in Delaware in April 1998.
All references to “NVIDIA,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” mean NVIDIA Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year
We operate on a 52- or 53-week year, ending on the last Sunday in January. Fiscal year 2021 is a 53-week year. Fiscal years 2020 and 2019 were both 52-week years.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
Certain prior fiscal year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NVIDIA Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from our estimates. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, cash equivalents and marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventories, income taxes, goodwill, stock-based compensation, litigation, investigation and settlement costs, restructuring and other charges, and other contingencies. The inputs into our judgments and estimates consider the economic implications of COVID-19. These estimates are based on historical facts and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue from product sales, including hardware and systems, license and development arrangements, and software licensing. We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: (1) identification of the contract with a customer; (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determination of the transaction price; (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract (where revenue is allocated on a relative standalone selling price basis by maximizing the use of observable inputs to determine the standalone selling price for each performance obligation); and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
Product Sales Revenue
Revenue from product sales is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products. Certain products are sold along with support or extended warranty. Support and extended warranty revenue are recognized ratably over the service period, or as services are performed. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns, customer programs and any taxes collected from customers.
For products sold with a right of return, we record a reduction to revenue by establishing a sales return allowance for estimated product returns at the time revenue is recognized, based primarily on historical return rates. However, if product returns for a fiscal period are anticipated to exceed historical return rates, we may determine that additional sales return allowances are required to properly reflect our estimated exposure for product returns.
Our customer programs involve rebates, which are designed to serve as sales incentives to resellers of our products in various target markets, and marketing development funds, or MDFs, which represent monies paid to our partners that are earmarked for market segment development and are designed to support our partners’ activities while also promoting NVIDIA products. We account for customer programs as a reduction to revenue and accrue for potential rebates and MDFs based on the amount we expect to be claimed by customers.
License and Development Arrangements
Our license and development arrangements with customers typically require significant customization of our intellectual property components. As a result, we recognize the revenue from the license and the revenue from the development services as a single performance obligation over the period in which the development services are performed. We measure progress to completion based on actual cost incurred to date as a percentage of the estimated total cost required to complete each project. If a loss on an arrangement becomes probable during a period, we record a provision for such loss in that period.
Software Licensing
Our software licenses provide our customers with a right to use the software when it is made available to the customer. Customers may purchase either perpetual licenses or subscriptions to licenses, which differ mainly in the duration over which the customer benefits from the software. Software licenses are frequently sold along with post-contract customer support, or PCS. Revenue from software licenses is recognized up front when the software is made available to the customer. PCS revenue is recognized ratably over the service period, or as services are performed.
Product Warranties
Product Warranties
We generally offer a limited warranty to end-users that ranges from one to three years for products in order to repair or replace products for any manufacturing defects or hardware component failures. Cost of revenue includes the estimated cost of product warranties that are calculated at the point of revenue recognition. Under limited circumstances, we may offer an extended limited warranty to customers for certain products. We also accrue for known warranty and indemnification issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based Compensation
We use the closing trading price of our common stock on the date of grant, minus a dividend yield discount, as the fair value of awards of restricted stock units, or RSUs, and performance stock units that are based on our corporate financial performance targets, or PSUs. We use a Monte Carlo simulation on the date of grant to estimate the fair value of performance stock units that are based on market conditions, or market-based PSUs. The compensation expense for RSUs and market-based PSUs is recognized using a straight-line attribution method over the requisite employee service period while compensation expense for PSUs is recognized using an accelerated amortization model. We estimate the fair value of shares to be issued under our employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, using the Black-Scholes model at the commencement of an offering period in March and September of each year. Stock-based compensation for our ESPP is expensed using an accelerated amortization model. Additionally, we estimate forfeitures annually based on historical experience and revise the estimates of forfeiture in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Litigation, Investigation and Settlement Costs
Litigation, Investigation and Settlement Costs
From time to time, we are involved in legal actions and/or investigations by regulatory bodies. There are many uncertainties associated with any litigation or investigation, and we cannot be certain that these actions or other third-party claims against us will be resolved without litigation, fines and/or substantial settlement payments. If information becomes available that causes us to determine that a loss in any of our pending litigation, investigations or settlements is probable, and we can reasonably estimate the loss associated with such events, we will record the loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, the actual liability in any such litigation or investigation may be materially different from our estimates, which could require us to record additional costs.
Foreign Currency Remeasurement
Foreign Currency Remeasurement
We use the United States dollar as our functional currency for all of our subsidiaries. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured into United States dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities such as property and equipment, and equity are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses related to the previously noted balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurement are included in other income or expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income and to date have not been significant.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We recognize federal, state and foreign current tax liabilities or assets based on our estimate of taxes payable or refundable in the current fiscal year by tax jurisdiction. We recognize federal, state and foreign deferred tax assets or liabilities, as appropriate, for our estimate of future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards; and we record a valuation allowance to reduce any deferred tax assets by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence and judgment, are not expected to be realized.
Our calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on certain estimates and judgments and involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Our estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities may change based, in part, on added certainty or finality to an anticipated outcome, changes in accounting standards or tax laws in the United States, or foreign jurisdictions where we operate, or changes in other facts or circumstances. In addition, we recognize liabilities for potential United States and foreign income tax contingencies based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes may be due. If we determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary or if the recorded tax liability is less than our current assessment, we may be required to recognize an income tax benefit or additional income tax expense in our financial statements accordingly.
As of January 31, 2021, we had a valuation allowance of $728 million related to state and certain foreign deferred tax assets that management determined are not likely to be realized due to jurisdictional projections of future taxable income, tax attributes usage limitation by certain jurisdictions, and potential utilization limitations of tax attributes acquired as a result of stock ownership changes. To the extent realization of the deferred tax assets becomes more-likely-than-not, we would recognize such deferred tax assets as an income tax benefit during the period.
We recognize the benefit from a tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the position would be sustained upon audit based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Net Income Per Share Net Income Per ShareBasic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the effect of equity awards outstanding is not included in the computation of diluted net income per share for periods when their effect is anti-dilutive.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
We consider all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Marketable securities consist of highly liquid debt investments with maturities of greater than three months when purchased. We currently classify our investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.
We generally classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities related to debt securities at the date of acquisition as available-for-sale. These available-for-sale debt securities are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax. The fair value of interest-bearing debt securities includes accrued interest. Realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined using the specific-identification method and recorded in the other income (expense), net, section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
All of our available-for-sale debt investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. If the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale debt securities is less than its amortized cost basis, we determine if the difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses and write-down the amortized cost basis of the securities if it is more likely than not we will be required or we intend to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Allowances for credit losses and write-downs are recognized in other income (expense), net section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Marketable Securities
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
We consider all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Marketable securities consist of highly liquid debt investments with maturities of greater than three months when purchased. We currently classify our investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.
We generally classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities related to debt securities at the date of acquisition as available-for-sale. These available-for-sale debt securities are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax. The fair value of interest-bearing debt securities includes accrued interest. Realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined using the specific-identification method and recorded in the other income (expense), net, section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
All of our available-for-sale debt investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. If the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale debt securities is less than its amortized cost basis, we determine if the difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses and write-down the amortized cost basis of the securities if it is more likely than not we will be required or we intend to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Allowances for credit losses and write-downs are recognized in other income (expense), net section of our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020. Marketable securities are comprised of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains or losses
included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax. Fair value of the marketable securities is determined based on quoted market prices. Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gains or losses are recognized in earnings in the periods of change together with the offsetting losses or gains on the hedged items attributed to the risk being hedged. For derivative instruments designated as cash-flow hedges, the effective portion of the gains or losses on the derivatives is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure is recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments not designated for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, marketable securities, and accounts receivable. Our investment policy requires the purchase of highly-rated fixed income securities, the diversification of investment type and credit exposures, and includes certain limits on our portfolio duration. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses. This allowance consists of an amount identified for specific customers and an amount based on overall estimated exposure. Our overall estimated exposure excludes amounts covered by credit insurance and letters of credit.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for expected losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine this allowance by identifying amounts for specific customer issues as well as amounts based on overall estimated exposure. Factors impacting the allowance include the level of gross receivables, the financial condition of our customers and the extent to which balances are covered by credit insurance or letters of credit.
Inventories InventoriesInventory cost is computed on an adjusted standard basis, which approximates actual cost on an average or first-in, first-out basis. Inventory costs consist primarily of the cost of semiconductors purchased from subcontractors, including wafer fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, manufacturing support costs, including labor and overhead associated with such purchases, final test yield fallout, and shipping costs, as well as the cost of purchased memory products and other component parts. We charge cost of sales for inventory provisions to write-down our inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value or for obsolete or excess inventory. Most of our inventory provisions relate to excess quantities of products, based on our inventory levels and future product purchase commitments compared to assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Once inventory has been written-off or written-down, it creates a new cost basis for the inventory that is not subsequently written-up.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years. Once an asset is identified for retirement or disposition, the related cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed, and a gain or loss is recorded. The estimated useful lives of our buildings are up to thirty years. Depreciation expense includes the amortization of assets recorded under finance leases. Leasehold improvements and assets recorded under finance leases are amortized over the shorter of the expected lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Leases
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Operating leases with lease terms of more than 12 months are included in operating lease assets, accrued and other current liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments over the lease term.
Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted using our incremental borrowing rate. Operating lease assets also include initial direct costs incurred and prepaid lease payments, minus any lease incentives. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease
when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
We combine the lease and non-lease components in determining the operating lease assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill is subject to our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or earlier if indicators of potential impairment exist. For the purposes of completing our impairment test, we perform either a qualitative or a quantitative analysis on a reporting unit basis. 
Qualitative factors include industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting units.
Our quantitative impairment test considers both the income approach and the market approach to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value. The income and market valuation approaches consider a number of factors that include, but are not limited to, prospective financial information, growth rates, residual values, discount rates and comparable multiples from publicly traded companies in our industry and require us to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors and the future profitability of our business.
Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Intangible assets primarily represent acquired intangible assets including developed technology, in-process research and development, or IPR&D, and customer relationships, as well as rights acquired under technology licenses, patents, and acquired intellectual property. We currently amortize our intangible assets with finite lives over periods ranging from two to twenty years using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method. We initially capitalize the fair value of IPR&D as an intangible asset with an indefinite life. When IPR&D projects are completed, we reclassify the IPR&D as an amortizable purchased intangible asset and amortize over the asset’s estimated useful life.
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset or asset group. Fair value is determined based on the estimated discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Assets and liabilities to be disposed of would be separately presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the assets would be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.
Business Combination
Business Combination
We allocate the fair value of the purchase price of an acquisition to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired, including IPR&D, based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of these net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but our estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. The estimates and assumptions used in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, discount rate used to determine the present value of these cash flows and asset lives. These estimates are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results may differ from the estimates made. As a result, during the measurement period of up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of the purchase price of an acquisition, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Acquisition-related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred.
Investment in Non-Affiliated Entities
Investment in Non-Affiliated Entities
Non-marketable equity investments in privately-held companies are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment or observable price adjustment occurs in the period with changes in fair value recorded through net income. These investments are valued using observable and unobservable inputs or data in an inactive market and the valuation requires our judgment due to the absence of market prices and inherent lack of liquidity. The estimated fair value is based on quantitative and qualitative factors including subsequent financing activities by the investee.
Adoption of New and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Adoption of New and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting standard to replace the existing incurred loss impairment methodology 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 for accounts receivable and other financial instruments, including available-for-sale debt securities. We adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 and the impact of the adoption was not material to our consolidated financial statements.
v3.20.4
Business Combination (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The aggregate purchase consideration has been allocated as follows (in millions):

Purchase Price
Cash paid for outstanding Mellanox ordinary shares (1)$7,033 
Cash for Mellanox equity awards (2)16 
Total cash consideration7,049 
Fair value of Mellanox equity awards assumed by NVIDIA (3)85 
Total purchase consideration$7,134 
Allocation
Cash and cash equivalents$115 
Marketable securities699 
Accounts receivable, net216 
Inventories320 
Prepaid expenses and other assets179 
Property and equipment, net144 
Goodwill3,431 
Intangible assets2,970 
Accounts payable(136)
Accrued and other current liabilities(236)
Income tax liability(191)
Deferred income tax liability(258)
Other long-term liabilities(119)
$7,134 

(1)    Represents the cash consideration of $125.00 per share paid to Mellanox shareholders for approximately 56 million shares of outstanding Mellanox ordinary shares.
(2)    Represents the cash consideration for the settlement of approximately 249 thousand Mellanox stock options held by employees and non-employee directors of Mellanox.
(3)    Represents the fair value of Mellanox’s stock-based compensation awards attributable to pre-combination services.
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination
The estimated fair value and useful life of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
Fair ValueUseful Lives
(In millions)
Developed technology (1)$1,640 5 years
Customer relationships (2)440 3 years
Order backlog (3)190 Based on actual shipments
Trade names (4)70 5 years
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets2,340 
IPR&D (5)630 N/A
Total identified intangible assets$2,970 

(1)    The fair value of developed technology was identified using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method.
(2)    Customer relationships represent the fair value of the existing relationships using the With and Without Method.
(3)    Order backlog represents primarily the fair value of purchase arrangements with customers using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method. The intangible asset was fully amortized as of January 31, 2021.
(4)    Trade names primarily relate to Mellanox trade names and fair value was determined by applying the Relief-from-Royalty Method under the income approach.
(5)    The fair value of IPR&D was determined using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information summarizes the combined results of operations for NVIDIA and Mellanox as if the companies were combined as of the beginning of fiscal year 2020:
Pro Forma
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Revenue$17,104 $12,250 
Net income$4,757 $2,114 
v3.20.4
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of future minimum lease payments
Future minimum lease payments under our non-cancelable operating leases as of January 31, 2021, are as follows:
Operating Lease Obligations
 (In millions)
Fiscal Year: 
2022$152 
2023135 
2024115 
202594 
202686 
2027 and thereafter288 
Total870 
Less imputed interest115 
Present value of net future minimum lease payments755 
Less short-term operating lease liabilities121 
Long-term operating lease liabilities$634 
Schedule of other information related to leases
Other information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended
January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 (In millions)
Supplemental cash flows information 
Operating cash flows used for operating leases$141 $103 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (1)$200 $238 
(1)    Fiscal year 2021 includes $80 million of operating lease assets addition due to a business combination.
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts capitalized as inventory
Our Consolidated Statements of Income include stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts allocated to inventory, as follows:
 Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Cost of revenue$88 $39 $27 
Research and development860 540 336 
Sales, general and administrative449 265 194 
Total$1,397 $844 $557 
Summary of equity awards
The following is a summary of equity awards granted under our equity incentive plans:
Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(In millions, except per share data)
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs
Awards granted
Estimated total grant-date fair value$2,764 $1,282 $1,109 
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share$307.25 $184.47 $258.26 
ESPP
Shares purchased
Weighted average price per share$139.19 $148.76 $107.48 
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share$67.65 $64.87 $38.51 
Summary of ESPP valuation assumptions
The fair value of shares issued under our ESPP have been estimated with the following assumptions:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(Using the Black-Scholes model)
ESPP
Weighted average expected life (in years)
0.1-2.0
0.1-2.0
0.1-2.0
Risk-free interest rate
0.1%-1.6%
1.5%-2.6%
1.6%-2.8%
Volatility
26%-89%
30%-82%
24%-75%
Dividend yield
0.1%-0.3%
0.3%-0.4%
0.3%-0.4%
Schedule of equity award transactions
The following is a summary of our equity award transactions under our equity incentive plans: 
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs Outstanding
 Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
(In millions, except years and per share data)
Balances, January 26, 202014 $176.72 
Granted$307.25 
Vested restricted stock(7)$159.35 
Canceled and forfeited(1)$193.83 
Balances, January 31, 202115 $264.69 
Vested and expected to vest after January 31, 202114 $264.13 
v3.20.4
Net Income Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations
The following is a reconciliation of the denominator of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions, except per share data)
Numerator:   
Net income$4,332 $2,796 $4,141 
Denominator:   
Basic weighted average shares617 609 608 
Dilutive impact of outstanding equity awards11 17 
Diluted weighted average shares628 618 625 
Net income per share:   
Basic (1)$7.02 $4.59 $6.81 
Diluted (2)$6.90 $4.52 $6.63 
Equity awards excluded from diluted net income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive
11 
(1)    Calculated as net income divided by basic weighted average shares.
(2)    Calculated as net income divided by diluted weighted average shares.
v3.20.4
Amortizable Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of the components of our amortizable intangible assets
The components of our amortizable intangible assets are as follows:
 January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net 
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net 
Carrying
Amount
 (In millions)(In millions)
Acquisition-related intangible assets (1)$3,280 $(774)$2,506 $195 $(192)$
Patents and licensed technology706 (475)231 520 (474)46 
Total intangible assets$3,986 $(1,249)$2,737 $715 $(666)$49 
(1)    As of January 31, 2021, acquisition-related intangible assets include the fair value of a Mellanox IPR&D project of $630 million, which has not been amortized. Once the project reaches technological feasibility, we will begin to amortize the intangible asset over its estimated useful life. Refer to Note 2 of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
v3.20.4
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of cash equivalents and marketable securities
The following is a summary of cash equivalents and marketable securities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020:
 January 31, 2021
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Reported as
 Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
 (In millions)
Corporate debt securities$4,442 $$— $4,444 $234 $4,210 
Debt securities issued by United States government agencies2,975 — 2,976 28 2,948 
Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury2,846 — — 2,846 25 2,821 
Certificates of deposit705 — — 705 37 668 
Money market funds313 — — 313 313 — 
Foreign government bonds67 — — 67 67 
Total$11,348 $$— $11,351 $637 $10,714 

 January 26, 2020
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Reported as
 Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
 (In millions)
Money market funds$7,507 $— $— $7,507 $7,507 $— 
Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury1,358 — — 1,358 1,358 — 
Debt securities issued by United States government agencies1,096 — — 1,096 1,096 — 
Corporate debt securities592 — — 592 592 — 
Foreign government bonds200 — — 200 200 — 
Certificates of deposit27 — — 27 27 — 
Asset-backed securities— — — 
Total$10,781 $— $— $10,781 $10,780 $
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of cash equivalents and marketable securities as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020 are shown below by contractual maturity.
 January 31, 2021January 26, 2020
 Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
 (In millions)
Less than one year$10,782 $10,783 $10,781 $10,781 
Due in 1 - 5 years566 568 — — 
Total$11,348 $11,351 $10,781 $10,781 
v3.20.4
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of fair value of financial assets and liabilities
Fair Value at
Pricing CategoryJanuary 31, 2021January 26, 2020
(In millions)
Assets
Cash equivalents and marketable securities:
Money market fundsLevel 1$313 $7,507 
Corporate debt securitiesLevel 2$4,444 $592 
Debt securities issued by United States government agenciesLevel 2$2,976 $1,096 
Debt securities issued by the United States TreasuryLevel 2$2,846 $1,358 
Certificates of depositLevel 2$705 $27 
Foreign government bondsLevel 2$67 $200 
Asset-backed securitiesLevel 2$— $
Other asset:
Investment in non-affiliated entities (1)Level 3$144 $77 
Liabilities
2.20% Notes Due 2021 (2)
Level 2$1,011 $1,006 
3.20% Notes Due 2026 (2)
Level 2$1,124 $1,065 
2.85% Notes Due 2030 (2)
Level 2$1,654 $— 
3.50% Notes Due 2040 (2)
Level 2$1,152 $— 
3.50% Notes Due 2050 (2)
Level 2$2,308 $— 
3.70% Notes Due 2060 (2)
Level 2$602 $— 
(1)Investment in private non-affiliated entities is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment or observable price adjustment occurs in the period with changes in fair value recorded through net income. The amount recorded as of January 31, 2021 has not been significant.
(2)    These liabilities are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their original issuance value, net of unamortized debt discount and issuance costs, and are not marked to fair value each period. Refer to Note 12 of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Summary of inventory
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Inventories:
Raw materials$632 $249 
Work in-process457 265 
Finished goods737 465 
Total inventories$1,826 $979 
Summary of property and equipment
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Estimated
Useful Life
(In millions)(In years)
Property and Equipment:
Land$218 $218 (A)
Building341 340 
25-30
Test equipment782 532 
3-5
Computer equipment and software1,187 908 
3-5
Leasehold improvements385 293 (B)
Office furniture and equipment86 74 5
Construction in process558 320 (C)
Total property and equipment, gross3,557 2,685  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,408)(1,011) 
Total property and equipment, net$2,149 $1,674  
(A)Land is a non-depreciable asset.
(B)Leasehold improvements and finance leases are amortized based on the lesser of either the asset’s estimated useful life or the expected lease term.
(C)Construction in process represents assets that are not available for their intended use as of the balance sheet date.
Summary of other assets
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Other assets:(In millions)
Advanced consideration for acquisition$1,357 $— 
Prepaid royalties440 
Investment in non-affiliated entities144 77 
Deposits136 
Other67 32 
Total other assets$2,144 $118 
Summary of accrued and other current liabilities
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities:
Customer program accruals$630 $462 
Accrued payroll and related expenses297 185 
Deferred revenue (1)288 141 
Licenses and royalties128 66 
Operating leases121 91 
Coupon interest on debt obligations74 20 
Taxes payable61 61 
Product warranty and return provisions39 24 
Professional service fees26 18 
Other61 29 
Total accrued and other current liabilities$1,725 $1,097 
(1)Deferred revenue primarily includes customer advances and deferrals related to license and development arrangements and PCS.
Summary of other long-term liabilities
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
Income tax payable (1)$836 $528 
Deferred income tax241 29 
Deferred revenue (2)163 60 
Licenses payable56 110 
Employee benefits33 22 
Other46 26 
Total other long-term liabilities$1,375 $775 
(1)As of January 31, 2021, income tax payable represents the long-term portion of the one-time transition tax payable of $284 million, long-term portion of the unrecognized tax benefits of $352 million, related interest and penalties of $43 million, and other foreign long-term tax payable of $157 million.
(2)Deferred revenue primarily includes deferrals related to PCS.
Schedule of changes in deferred revenue
The following table shows the changes in deferred revenue during fiscal years 2021 and 2020.
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
(In millions)
Balance at beginning of period$201 $138 
Deferred revenue added during the period536 334 
Addition due to business combinations75 — 
Revenue recognized during the period(361)(271)
Balance at end of period$451 $201 
v3.20.4
Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of notional value of our foreign currency forward contracts outstanding
The table below presents the notional value of our foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of January 31, 2021 and January 26, 2020:
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
 (In millions)
Designated as cash flow hedges$840 $428 
Not designated for hedge accounting$441 $287 
v3.20.4
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-term Debt
The carrying value of the Notes and the associated interest rates were as follows:
  Expected
Remaining Term (years)
 Effective
Interest Rate
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
      (In millions)
2.20% Notes Due 2021
 0.6 2.38% $1,000 $1,000 
3.20% Notes Due 2026
 5.6 3.31% 1,000 1,000 
2.85% Notes Due 2030
9.22.93%1,500 — 
3.50% Notes Due 2040
19.23.54%1,000 — 
3.50% Notes Due 2050
29.23.54%2,000 — 
3.70% Notes Due 2060
39.23.73%500 — 
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs     (37)(9)
Net carrying amount     6,963 1,991 
Less short-term portion(999)— 
Total long-term portion$5,964 $1,991 
v3.20.4
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit)
The income tax expense (benefit) applicable to income before income taxes consists of the following:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Current income taxes:   
Federal$197 $65 $
State— 
Foreign161 87 69 
Total current359 156 70 
Deferred taxes:   
Federal(246)(315)
Foreign(36)16 — 
Total deferred(282)18 (315)
Income tax expense (benefit)$77 $174 $(245)
Schedule of income before income tax
Income before income tax consists of the following:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Domestic$1,437 $620 $1,843 
Foreign2,972 2,350 2,053 
Income before income tax$4,409 $2,970 $3,896 
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation
The income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% to income before income taxes as follows:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate$926 $624 $818 
Expense (benefit) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect10 12 23 
Foreign tax rate differential(561)(301)(412)
U.S. federal R&D tax credit(173)(110)(141)
Stock-based compensation(136)(60)(191)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017— — (368)
Other11 26 
Income tax expense (benefit)$77 $174 $(245)
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities
The tax effect of temporary differences that gives rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented below: 
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
 (In millions)
Deferred tax assets: 
GILTI deferred tax assets$709 $428 
Research and other tax credit carryforwards650 605 
Operating lease liabilities120 114 
Net operating loss carryforwards100 62 
Accruals and reserves, not currently deductible for tax purposes59 39 
Stock-based compensation36 28 
Property, equipment and intangible assets32 12 
Gross deferred tax assets1,706 1,288 
Less valuation allowance(728)(621)
Total deferred tax assets978 667 
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Acquired intangibles(191)(1)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries(111)(40)
Operating lease assets(111)(107)
Gross deferred tax liabilities(413)(148)
Net deferred tax asset (1)$565 $519 
(1) Net deferred tax asset includes long-term deferred tax assets of $806 million and $548 million and long-term deferred tax liabilities of $241 million and $29 million for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively. Long-term deferred tax liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Summary of gross unrecognized tax benefits
A reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
 (In millions)
Balance at beginning of period$583 $477 $447 
Increases in tax positions for current year158 104 129 
Increases in tax positions for prior years (1)60 52 
Decreases in tax positions for prior years(11)— (141)
Settlements(5)— — 
Lapse in statute of limitations(9)(5)(10)
Balance at end of period$776 $583 $477 
(1) The fiscal year 2021 balance represents prior year gross unrecognized tax benefits recorded as a result of the Mellanox acquisition.
v3.20.4
Segment Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of reportable segments
 GraphicsCompute & NetworkingAll OtherConsolidated
(In millions)
Year Ended January 31, 2021:
    
Revenue$9,834 $6,841 $— $16,675 
Operating income (loss)$4,612 $2,548 $(2,628)$4,532 
Year Ended January 26, 2020:
    
Revenue$7,639 $3,279 $— $10,918 
Operating income (loss)$3,267 $751 $(1,172)$2,846 
Year Ended January 27, 2019:
    
Revenue$8,159 $3,557 $— $11,716 
Operating income (loss)$3,417 $1,251 $(864)$3,804 

Year Ended
January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
(In millions)
Reconciling items included in "All Other" category:
Stock-based compensation expense$(1,397)$(844)$(557)
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization(591)(6)(6)
Unallocated cost of revenue and operating expenses(357)(283)(261)
Acquisition-related inventory step-up charge(161)— — 
Acquisition-related and other costs(84)(25)
IP-related costs(38)(14)(35)
Legal settlement costs— — (9)
Total$(2,628)$(1,172)$(864)
Schedule of revenue by geographic regions The following table summarizes information pertaining to our revenue from customers based on the invoicing address by geographic regions: 
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
Revenue:(In millions)
Taiwan$4,531 $3,025 $3,360 
China (including Hong Kong)3,886 2,731 2,801 
United States3,214 886 1,506 
Other Asia Pacific3,093 2,685 2,368 
Europe1,118 992 914 
Other countries833 599 767 
Total revenue$16,675 $10,918 $11,716 
Schedule of revenue by specialized markets
The following table summarizes information pertaining to our revenue by each of the specialized markets we serve:
 Year Ended
 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
January 27,
2019
Revenue:(In millions)
Gaming$7,759 $5,518 $6,246 
Professional Visualization1,053 1,212 1,130 
Data Center6,696 2,983 2,932 
Automotive536 700 641 
OEM & Other631 505 767 
Total revenue$16,675 $10,918 $11,716 
Summary of long-lived assets by geographic region
The following table presents summarized information for long-lived assets by geographic region. Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment and exclude other assets, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets.

 January 31,
2021
January 26,
2020
Long-lived assets:(In millions)
United States$1,643 $1,451 
Taiwan183 114 
Israel147 — 
China (including Hong Kong)71 28 
India64 51 
Europe34 28 
Other countries
Total long-lived assets$2,149 $1,674 
v3.20.4
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance $ 728 $ 621
Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant & equipment, useful life 30 years  
Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Warranty liability, term 1 year  
Property, plant & equipment, useful life 3 years  
Intangible assets, useful life 2 years  
Minimum | Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant & equipment, useful life 25 years  
Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Warranty liability, term 3 years  
Property, plant & equipment, useful life 5 years  
Intangible assets, useful life 20 years  
Maximum | Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant & equipment, useful life 30 years  
v3.20.4
Business Combination - Pending Acquisition of Arm Limited, Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 13, 2020
Mar. 31, 2022
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Advanced consideration for acquisition     $ 1,357,000,000 $ 0
Maximum        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Intangible assets, useful life     20 years  
Arm Limited        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Total cash consideration $ 2,000,000,000      
Restricted stock units issuable 1,500,000,000      
Advanced consideration for acquisition 1,360,000,000      
Prepaid royalties 470,000,000      
Potential refund receivable 1,250,000,000      
Arm Limited | Forecast        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Merger agreement price   $ 40,000,000,000    
Total cash consideration   $ 10,000,000,000    
Business combination, shares issued (in shares)   44.3    
Business combination, shares issuable, value   $ 21,500,000,000    
Arm Limited | Maximum        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Earnout payable $ 5,000,000,000      
Earnout shares payable (in shares) 10.3      
Arm Limited | Intellectual Property License        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Intangible assets, useful life 20 years      
Intellectual property license $ 170,000,000      
Arm Limited | Prepaid Royalties        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Intangible assets, useful life 20 years      
v3.20.4
Business Combination - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 27, 2020
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired   $ 8,524 $ 4 $ 0
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired $ 7,130      
Transaction costs   28    
IPR&D $ 630 $ 630    
Fair value adjustment, inventory     $ 161  
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd | Revenue        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Concentration risk (as percent)   10.00%    
v3.20.4
Business Combination - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
Apr. 27, 2020
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Allocation      
Goodwill   $ 4,193 $ 618
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd      
Purchase Price      
Total cash consideration $ 7,049    
Fair value of Mellanox equity awards assumed by NVIDIA 85    
Total purchase consideration 7,134    
Allocation      
Cash and cash equivalents 115    
Marketable securities 699    
Accounts receivable, net 216    
Inventories 320    
Prepaid expenses and other assets 179    
Property and equipment, net 144    
Goodwill 3,431    
Intangible assets 2,970    
Accounts payable (136)    
Accrued and other current liabilities (236)    
Income tax liability (191)    
Deferred income tax liability (258)    
Other long-term liabilities (119)    
Net assets acquired (liabilities assumed) $ 7,134    
Merger agreement price (in dollars per share) $ 125.00    
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd | Mellanox Technologies, Ltd      
Allocation      
Business combination, shares issued (in shares) 56,000    
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd | Equity awards      
Purchase Price      
Total cash consideration $ 16    
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd | Employee Stock Option | Mellanox Technologies, Ltd      
Allocation      
Acquiree stock options settled in cash (in shares) 249    
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd | Ordinary shares      
Purchase Price      
Total cash consideration $ 7,033    
v3.20.4
Business Combination - Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - Mellanox Technologies, Ltd - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Apr. 27, 2020
Jan. 31, 2021
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets $ 2,340  
IPR&D 630 $ 630
Total identified intangible assets 2,970  
Developed Technology    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets $ 1,640  
Weighted Average Useful Lives 5 years  
Customer relationships    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets $ 440  
Weighted Average Useful Lives 3 years  
Order backlog    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets $ 190  
Trade names    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total identified finite-lived intangible assets $ 70  
Weighted Average Useful Lives 5 years  
v3.20.4
Business Combination - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]    
Revenue $ 17,104 $ 12,250
Net income $ 4,757 $ 2,114
v3.20.4
Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating lease expense $ 145 $ 114 $ 80
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases 7 years 7 months 6 days 8 years 3 months 18 days  
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 2.87% 3.45%  
v3.20.4
Leases - Schedule of future minimum payments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Leases [Abstract]    
2022 $ 152  
2023 135  
2024 115  
2025 94  
2026 86  
2027 and thereafter 288  
Total 870  
Less imputed interest 115  
Present value of net future minimum lease payments 755  
Less short-term operating lease liabilities 121 $ 91
Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 634 $ 561
v3.20.4
Leases - Schedule of other lease information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 141 $ 103
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations 200 $ 238
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations $ 80  
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 1,397 $ 844 $ 557
Cost of revenue      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 88 39 27
Research and development      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 860 540 336
Sales, general and administrative      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 449 $ 265 $ 194
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Equity Awards (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Awards granted (in shares) 9    
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 307.25    
Shares purchased (in shares) 1 1 1
Summary of unearned SBC expense      
Unearned stock-based compensation expense $ 3,170    
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Awards granted (in shares) 9 7 4
Estimated total grant-date fair value $ 2,764 $ 1,282 $ 1,109
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 307.25 $ 184.47 $ 258.26
Summary of unearned SBC expense      
Estimated weighted average amortization period 2 years 6 months    
Employee Stock Purchase Plan      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 67.65 64.87 38.51
Weighted average price (in dollars per share) $ 139.19 $ 148.76 $ 107.48
Summary of unearned SBC expense      
Estimated weighted average amortization period 10 months 24 days    
Fair Value Assumptions      
Risk free interest rate, minimum 0.10% 1.50% 1.60%
Risk free interest rate, maximum 1.60% 2.60% 2.80%
Volatility rate, minimum 26.00% 30.00% 24.00%
Volatility rate, maximum 89.00% 82.00% 75.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Minimum      
Fair Value Assumptions      
Weighted average expected life (in years) 1 month 6 days 1 month 6 days 1 month 6 days
Dividend yield 0.10% 0.30% 0.30%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Maximum      
Fair Value Assumptions      
Weighted average expected life (in years) 2 years 2 years 2 years
Dividend yield 0.30% 0.40% 0.40%
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
USD ($)
period
$ / shares
shares
Jan. 26, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Jan. 27, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 01, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Number of shares may be issued under the Restated 2007 Plan (in shares) 244      
Outstanding stock options subject to exercise (in shares) 2      
Number of shares available for grant (in shares) 37 29    
Employee stock purchase plan, offering period duration 24 months      
Employee stock purchase plan, number of purchase periods in offering period | period 4      
Employee stock purchase plan, purchase period duration 6 months      
Exercisable options, total intrinsic value | $ $ 1,200      
Outstanding options, total intrinsic value | $ $ 1,200      
Exercisable options, average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 14.40      
Outstanding options, average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 14.40      
Exercisable options, average remaining term 1 year 8 months 12 days      
Outstanding options, average remaining term 1 year 8 months 12 days      
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period | $ $ 521 $ 84 $ 180  
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Number of shares available for grant (in shares) 37      
Total fair value of units as of respective vesting dates | $ $ 2,670 $ 1,450 $ 2,620  
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares | Tranche One        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period 4 years      
Vesting rights (as percent) 25.00%      
Quarterly vesting schedule - RSUs and PSUs (as percent) 6.25%      
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares | Tranche Two        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period 3 years      
Vesting rights (as percent) 40.00%      
Quarterly vesting schedule - RSUs and PSUs (as percent) 7.50%      
Market-based PSUs        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period 3 years      
Maximum issuable shares of Market-based PSUs, percentage (as percent) 100.00%      
Employee Stock Purchase Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) 60      
Maximum employee subscription rate (as percent) 10.00%      
Purchase price of ESPP (as percent) 85.00%      
Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Forecast        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Maximum employee subscription rate (as percent)       15.00%
v3.20.4
Stock-Based Compensation - Equity Incentive Plans (Details)
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
$ / shares
shares
Number of Shares  
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | shares 14
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, granted (in shares) | shares 9
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, vested (in shares) | shares (7)
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, canceled and forfeited (in shares) | shares (1)
RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | shares 15
Vested and expected to vest, RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs (in shares) | shares 14
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value  
PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (in USD per share) | $ / shares $ 176.72
PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value, granted (in USD per share) | $ / shares 307.25
PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value, vested (in USD per share) | $ / shares 159.35
PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value, canceled and forfeited (in USD per share) | $ / shares 193.83
PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (in USD per share) | $ / shares 264.69
Vested and expected to vest, RSUs, PSUs and Market-based PSUs, weighted average grant date fair value (in USD per share) | $ / shares $ 264.13
v3.20.4
Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Numerator:      
Net income $ 4,332 $ 2,796 $ 4,141
Denominator:      
Basic weighted average shares (in shares) 617 609 608
Equity awards (in shares) 11 9 17
Diluted weighted average shares (in shares) 628 618 625
Net income per share:      
Basic (in USD per share) $ 7.02 $ 4.59 $ 6.81
Diluted (in USD per share) $ 6.90 $ 4.52 $ 6.63
Equity awards excluded from diluted net income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in shares) 3 11 5
v3.20.4
Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Apr. 27, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill impairment loss $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
Goodwill 4,193,000,000 618,000,000    
Goodwill acquired during period 3,570,000,000      
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd        
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill       $ 3,431,000,000
Goodwill acquired during period 3,430,000,000      
Individually Immaterial Acquisitions        
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill acquired during period 143,000,000      
Graphics        
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill 347,000,000 347,000,000    
Compute & Networking        
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill $ 3,850,000,000 $ 271,000,000    
v3.20.4
Amortizable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Apr. 27, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount $ 3,986 $ 715    
Accumulated Amortization (1,249) (666)    
Net  Carrying Amount 2,737 49    
Amortization expense 612 25 $ 29  
Future amortization expense associated with intangible assets        
Fiscal 2022 548      
Fiscal 2023 545      
Fiscal 2024 423      
Fiscal 2025 367      
Fiscal 2026 97      
Fiscal 2027 and thereafter 757      
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
IPR&D 630     $ 630
Acquisition-related intangible assets        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount 3,280 195    
Accumulated Amortization (774) (192)    
Net  Carrying Amount 2,506 3    
Patents and licensed technology        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount 706 520    
Accumulated Amortization (475) (474)    
Net  Carrying Amount $ 231 $ 46    
v3.20.4
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost $ 11,348 $ 10,781
Unrealized Gain 3 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 11,351 10,781
Cash Equivalents 637 10,780
Marketable Securities 10,714 1
Corporate debt securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 4,442 592
Unrealized Gain 2 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 4,444 592
Cash Equivalents 234 592
Marketable Securities 4,210 0
Debt securities issued by United States government agencies    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 2,975 1,096
Unrealized Gain 1 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 2,976 1,096
Cash Equivalents 28 1,096
Marketable Securities 2,948 0
Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 2,846 1,358
Unrealized Gain 0 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 2,846 1,358
Cash Equivalents 25 1,358
Marketable Securities 2,821 0
Certificates of deposit    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 705 27
Unrealized Gain 0 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 705 27
Cash Equivalents 37 27
Marketable Securities 668 0
Money market funds    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 313 7,507
Unrealized Gain 0 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 313 7,507
Cash Equivalents 313 7,507
Marketable Securities 0 0
Foreign government bonds    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost 67 200
Unrealized Gain 0 0
Unrealized Loss 0 0
Estimated Fair Value 67 200
Cash Equivalents 200
Marketable Securities $ 67 0
Asset-backed securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Amortized Cost   1
Unrealized Gain   0
Unrealized Loss   0
Estimated Fair Value   1
Cash Equivalents   0
Marketable Securities   $ 1
v3.20.4
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Amortized Cost    
Less than one year $ 10,782 $ 10,781
Due in 1 - 5 years 566 0
Amortized Cost 11,348 10,781
Estimated Fair Value    
Less than one year 10,783 10,781
Due in 1 - 5 years 568 0
Estimated Fair Value $ 11,351 $ 10,781
v3.20.4
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 11,351 $ 10,781
Investment in non-affiliated entities $ 144 77
2.20% Notes Due 2021    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 2.20%  
3.20% Notes Due 2026    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.20%  
2.85% Notes Due 2030    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 2.85%  
3.50% Notes Due 2040    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.50%  
3.50% Notes Due 2050    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.50%  
3.70% Notes Due 2060    
Liabilities    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.70%  
Level 1 | Money market funds    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 313 7,507
Level 2 | 2.20% Notes Due 2021    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 1,011 1,006
Level 2 | 3.20% Notes Due 2026    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 1,124 1,065
Level 2 | 2.85% Notes Due 2030    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 1,654 0
Level 2 | 3.50% Notes Due 2040    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 1,152 0
Level 2 | 3.50% Notes Due 2050    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 2,308 0
Level 2 | 3.70% Notes Due 2060    
Liabilities    
Long-term debt 602 0
Level 2 | Corporate debt securities    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 4,444 592
Level 2 | Debt securities issued by United States government agencies    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 2,976 1,096
Level 2 | Debt securities issued by the United States Treasury    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 2,846 1,358
Level 2 | Certificates of deposit    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 705 27
Level 2 | Foreign government bonds    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 67 200
Level 2 | Asset-backed securities    
Assets    
Cash equivalents and marketable securities 0 1
Level 3    
Assets    
Investment in non-affiliated entities $ 144 $ 77
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Inventories:    
Raw materials $ 632 $ 249
Work in-process 457 265
Finished goods 737 465
Total inventories $ 1,826 $ 979
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 3,557 $ 2,685
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,408) (1,011)
Property and equipment, net $ 2,149 1,674
Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 3 years  
Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 5 years  
Land    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 218 218
Building    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 341 340
Estimated Useful Life 30 years  
Building | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 25 years  
Building | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 30 years  
Test equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 782 532
Test equipment | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 3 years  
Test equipment | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 5 years  
Computer equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 1,187 908
Computer equipment | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 3 years  
Computer equipment | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated Useful Life 5 years  
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 385 293
Office furniture and equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 86 74
Estimated Useful Life 5 years  
Construction in process    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Total property and equipment, gross $ 558 $ 320
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]      
Depreciation expense $ 486 $ 355 $ 233
Accumulated amortization of lease hold improvements and capital lease $ 223 $ 216  
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Text Block [Abstract]    
Advanced consideration for acquisition $ 1,357 $ 0
Prepaid royalties 440 1
Investment in non-affiliated entities 144 77
Deposits 136 8
Other 67 32
Other assets $ 2,144 $ 118
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Text Block [Abstract]    
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities:    
Customer program accruals $ 630 $ 462
Accrued payroll and related expenses 297 185
Deferred revenue 288 141
Licenses and royalties 128 66
Operating leases 121 91
Coupon interest on debt obligations 74 20
Taxes payable 61 61
Product warranty and return provisions 39 24
Professional service fees 26 18
Other 61 29
Accrued and other current liabilities $ 1,725 $ 1,097
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]      
Income tax payable $ 836 $ 528  
Deferred income tax 241 29  
Deferred revenue 163 60  
Licenses payable 56 110  
Employee benefits 33 22  
Other 46 26  
Total other long-term liabilities 1,375 775  
One time transition tax payable, noncurrent 284    
Unrecognized tax benefits 352    
Interest and penalties 44 $ 31 $ 21
Foreign long-term tax payable 157    
Other long-term liabilities      
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]      
Interest and penalties $ 43    
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period $ 201 $ 138
Deferred revenue added during the period 536 334
Addition due to business combinations 75 0
Revenue recognized during the period (361) (271)
Balance at end of period $ 451 $ 201
v3.20.4
Balance Sheet Components - Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation (Details)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 683
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-02-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation (as percent) 44.00%
Expected performance period 12 months
v3.20.4
Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Designated as cash flow hedges $ 840 $ 428
Not designated for hedge accounting $ 441 $ 287
v3.20.4
Derivative Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Foreign currency forward contract  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Maximum maturity period 18 months
v3.20.4
Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Sep. 30, 2016
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Notice period   30 days      
Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs     $ 4,968,000,000 $ 0 $ 0
Net proceeds from debt issuance   $ 1,980,000,000      
Additional borrowing capacity from Revolving Credit Facility     425,000,000    
Outstanding commercial paper     0    
Revolving Credit Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Current borrowing capacity     575,000,000    
Line of credit outstanding     0    
Commercial Paper          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Current borrowing capacity     $ 575,000,000    
2.85% Notes Due 2030          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued $ 1,500,000,000        
Interest rate (as percent)     2.85%    
3.50% Notes Due 2040          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued 1,000,000,000.00        
Interest rate (as percent)     3.50%    
3.50% Notes Due 2050          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued 2,000,000,000.00        
Interest rate (as percent)     3.50%    
3.70% Notes Due 2060          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued $ 500,000,000        
Interest rate (as percent)     3.70%    
March 2020 Notes          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Notice period 30 days        
Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs $ 4,970,000,000        
2.20% Notes Due 2021          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued   1,000,000,000.00      
Interest rate (as percent)     2.20%    
3.20% Notes Due 2026          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Face amount of debt issued   $ 1,000,000,000.00      
Interest rate (as percent)     3.20%    
v3.20.4
Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs $ (37) $ (9)
Net carrying amount 6,963 1,991
Less short-term portion (999) 0
Long-term debt $ 5,964 1,991
2.20% Notes Due 2021    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 2.20%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 7 months 6 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 2.38%  
Gross carrying amount $ 1,000 1,000
3.20% Notes Due 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.20%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 5 years 7 months 6 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 3.31%  
Gross carrying amount $ 1,000 1,000
2.85% Notes Due 2030    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 2.85%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 9 years 2 months 12 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 2.93%  
Gross carrying amount $ 1,500 0
3.50% Notes Due 2040    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.50%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 19 years 2 months 12 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 3.54%  
Gross carrying amount $ 1,000 0
3.50% Notes Due 2050    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.50%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 29 years 2 months 12 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 3.54%  
Gross carrying amount $ 2,000 0
3.70% Notes Due 2060    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate (as percent) 3.70%  
Expected Remaining Term (years) 39 years 2 months 12 days  
Effective Interest Rate (as percent) 3.73%  
Gross carrying amount $ 500 $ 0
v3.20.4
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
Outstanding inventory purchase obligation $ 2,540  
Other purchase obligations 317  
Product warranty liabilities $ 22 $ 15
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Current income taxes:      
Federal $ 197 $ 65 $ 1
State 1 4 0
Foreign 161 87 69
Total current 359 156 70
Deferred taxes:      
Federal (246) 2 (315)
Foreign (36) 16 0
Total deferred (282) 18 (315)
Income tax expense (benefit) 77 174 (245)
Income before Income Taxes      
Domestic 1,437 620 1,843
Foreign 2,972 2,350 2,053
Income before income tax $ 4,409 $ 2,970 $ 3,896
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate $ 926 $ 624 $ 818
Expense (benefit) resulting from:      
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 10 12 23
Foreign tax rate differential (561) (301) (412)
U.S. federal R&D tax credit (173) (110) (141)
Stock-based compensation (136) (60) (191)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 0 0 (368)
Other 11 9 26
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 77 $ 174 $ (245)
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Deferred tax assets:    
GILTI deferred tax assets $ 709 $ 428
Research and other tax credit carryforwards 650 605
Operating lease liabilities 120 114
Net operating loss carryforwards 100 62
Accruals and reserves, not currently deductible for tax purposes 59 39
Stock-based compensation 36 28
Property, equipment and intangible assets 32 12
Gross deferred tax assets 1,706 1,288
Less valuation allowance (728) (621)
Total deferred tax assets 978 667
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Acquired intangibles (191) (1)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries (111) (40)
Operating lease assets (111) (107)
Gross deferred tax liabilities (413) (148)
Net deferred tax asset 565 519
Deferred tax assets, noncurrent    
Deferred tax assets:    
Gross deferred tax assets 806 548
Other long-term liabilities    
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Gross deferred tax liabilities $ (241) $ (29)
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Jul. 26, 2020
Jan. 28, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 77 $ 174 $ (245)    
Effective tax rate (as percent) 1.70% 5.90% (6.30%)    
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance $ 728 $ 621      
Gross unrecognized tax benefits 776 583 $ 477   $ 447
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate 606        
Unrecognized tax benefit related to state tax positions 132        
Reduction of deferred tax asset included in unrecognized tax benefit 249        
Interest and penalties 44 $ 31 $ 21    
Other long-term liabilities          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate 352        
Interest and penalties 43        
Accrued and other current liabilities          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate 5        
Interest and penalties 1        
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Deferred tax liabilities, intangibles and undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries       $ 256  
Deferred liabilities, inside basis difference in acquired business       $ 153  
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries 1,160        
Federal          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Net operating loss carryforwards 333        
Research tax credit carryforwards 238        
Foreign Country          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Net operating loss carryforwards 344        
State and Local Jurisdiction          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Net operating loss carryforwards 308        
Research tax credit carryforwards 987        
California          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Research tax credit carryforwards 944        
Other states          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Research tax credit carryforwards $ 43        
v3.20.4
Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period $ 583 $ 477 $ 447
Increases in tax positions for current year 158 104 129
Increases in tax positions for prior years 60 7 52
Decreases in tax positions for prior years (11) 0 (141)
Settlements (5) 0 0
Lapse in statute of limitations (9) (5) (10)
Balance at end of period $ 776 $ 583 $ 477
v3.20.4
Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Equity [Abstract]      
Aggregate number of shares repurchased under stock repurchase program (in shares) 260    
Aggregated cost of shares repurchased $ 7,080    
Remaining authorized shares repurchase amount 7,240    
Dividends paid $ 395 $ 390 $ 371
v3.20.4
Employee Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Defined contribution plan costs $ 120 $ 76 $ 70
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - segment
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 26, 2020
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]      
Number of reportable segments 2 2 2
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 16,675 $ 10,918 $ 11,716
Operating income (loss) 4,532 2,846 3,804
All Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenue 0 0 0
Operating income (loss) (2,628) (1,172) (864)
Graphics | Operating segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenue 9,834 7,639 8,159
Operating income (loss) 4,612 3,267 3,417
Compute & Networking | Operating segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenue 6,841 3,279 3,557
Operating income (loss) $ 2,548 $ 751 $ 1,251
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Reconciling Items (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ (1,397) $ (844) $ (557)
Operating income (loss) 4,532 2,846 3,804
All Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense (1,397) (844) (557)
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization (591) (6) (6)
Unallocated cost of revenue and operating expenses (357) (283) (261)
Acquisition-related inventory step-up charge (161) 0 0
Acquisition-related and other costs (84) (25) 4
IP-related costs (38) (14) (35)
Legal settlement costs 0 0 (9)
Operating income (loss) $ (2,628) $ (1,172) $ (864)
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Revenue and Long-lived Assets by Region (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue $ 16,675 $ 10,918 $ 11,716
Long-lived assets 2,149 1,674  
Taiwan      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 4,531 3,025 3,360
Long-lived assets 183 114  
China (including Hong Kong)      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 3,886 2,731 2,801
Long-lived assets 71 28  
United States      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 3,214 886 1,506
Long-lived assets 1,643 1,451  
Other Asia Pacific      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 3,093 2,685 2,368
Europe      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 1,118 992 914
Long-lived assets 34 28  
Israel      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Long-lived assets 147 0  
India      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Long-lived assets 64 51  
Other countries      
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets      
Revenue 833 599 $ 767
Long-lived assets $ 7 $ 2  
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Market (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 16,675 $ 10,918 $ 11,716
Gaming      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue 7,759 5,518 6,246
Professional Visualization      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue 1,053 1,212 1,130
Data Center      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue 6,696 2,983 2,932
Automotive      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue 536 700 641
OEM & Other      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 631 $ 505 $ 767
v3.20.4
Segment Information - Revenue and Accounts Receivable by Major Customer (Details) - Significant Customer - Customer Concentration Risk
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Revenue    
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]    
Concentration risk (as percent)   11.00%
Accounts Receivable    
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]    
Concentration risk (as percent) 16.00% 21.00%
v3.20.4
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Jan. 26, 2020
Jan. 27, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period $ 2 $ 2 $ 4
Additions 2 0 0
Deductions 0 0 (2)
Balance at End of Period 4 2 2
Sales return allowance      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 9 8 9
Additions 30 18 21
Deductions (22) (17) (22)
Balance at End of Period 17 9 8
Deferred tax valuation allowance      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 621 562 469
Additions 107 59 93
Deductions 0 0 0
Balance at End of Period $ 728 $ 621 $ 562