Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

1. Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the consolidated operations of TE Connectivity Ltd. and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in United States ("U.S.") dollars in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP").

Description of the Business

TE Connectivity Ltd. ("TE Connectivity" or the "Company," which may be referred to as "we," "us," or "our") is a global technology leader. We design and manufacture connectivity and sensor solutions that are essential in today's increasingly connected world. We help our customers solve the need for intelligent, efficient, and high-performing products and solutions.

We operate through three reportable segments:


	•	Transportation Solutions. The Transportation Solutions segment is a leader in connectivity and sensor technologies. Our products, which must withstand harsh conditions, are used in the automotive, commercial transportation, and sensors markets.
	•	Industrial Solutions. The Industrial Solutions segment is a leading supplier of products that connect and distribute power, data, and signals. Our products are used in the industrial equipment; aerospace, defense, oil, and gas; and energy markets.
	•	Communications Solutions. The Communications Solutions segment is a leading supplier of electronic components for the data and devices and appliances markets. We are also a leader in developing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining some of the world's most advanced subsea fiber optic communications systems.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates in these Consolidated Financial Statements include restructuring and other charges, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, estimates of future cash flows and discount rates associated with asset impairments, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, loss contingencies, net realizable value of inventories, estimated contract revenue and related costs, legal contingencies, tax reserves and deferred tax asset valuation allowances, and the determination of discount and other rate assumptions for pension benefit cost. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Fiscal Year

We have a 52 or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Friday of September. For fiscal years in which there are 53 weeks, the fourth quarter reporting period includes 14 weeks. Fiscal 2016 was a 53 week year and ended on September 30, 2016. Fiscal 2015 and 2014 were 52 weeks in length and ended on September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014, respectively.