Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles Of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly-owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net income attributable to controlling interest, and in our consolidated balance sheets as a controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for elements sold in ME revenue arrangements; valuation allowances for accounts receivable; carrying values of inventories and certain PP&E, goodwill and intangible assets; fair values of investments; accrued liabilities including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 25, 2015 (fiscal 2015), September 26, 2014 (fiscal 2014), and September 27, 2013 (fiscal 2013). Our fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 will consist of 53 weeks.