Description of business and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Fiscal Year

We report results of operations on the basis of fifty-two and fifty-three week periods. The fiscal years ended on September 27, 2015, September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013 consisted of fifty-two weeks. In referencing a year, we are referring to the fiscal year ended on the Sunday generally closest to September 30.

Principles of Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Information

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Microsemi and our subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The accounts receivable amount shown in the balance sheet are trade accounts receivable balances at the respective dates, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based in part on our historical write-off experience and specific review of account balances due. Past due balances are reviewed individually for collectability. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by the age of the receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. To date, our allowance for doubtful accounts has generally been within management’s estimates.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined using the first-in, first-out method, or market. Costs include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We evaluate the carrying value of our inventories taking into account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand and the price we expect to obtain for our products in their respective markets. We also evaluate the composition of our inventories to identify any slow-moving, excess or obsolete products. Additionally, inventory write-downs are made based upon such judgments for any inventories that are identified as having a net realizable value less than their cost, which is further reduced by related selling expenses. The net realizable value of our inventories for ongoing operations has generally been within management’s estimates. We have recorded inventory write-downs for discontinued product lines that did not meet gross margin targets, products that are being migrated to newer generations, products that service the large capital spending end markets for which demand has declined, and products related to facility closures. 

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825 permits entities to elect the fair value option for certain financial assets and financial liabilities. For financial assets or financial liabilities for which an entity elects the fair value option, ASC 825 requires the entity record the financial asset or financial liability at fair value rather than at historical cost with changes in fair value recorded in the income statement. ASC 825-25 requires upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected shall be recognized in earnings as incurred and not deferred.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values and includes the following classifications:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at lower of cost or realizable values. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.

Long-Lived Assets

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted estimated future cash flows expected to result from their use. We are required to make judgments and assumptions in identifying those events or changes in circumstances that may trigger impairment. Some of the factors we consider include:

• Significant decrease in the market value of an asset.

• Significant changes in the extent or manner for which the asset is being used or in its physical condition including manufacturing plant closures.

• A significant change, delay or departure in our business strategy related to the asset.

• Significant negative changes in the business climate, industry or economic conditions.

• Current period operating losses or negative cash flow combined with a history of similar losses or a forecast indicates continuing losses associated with the use of an asset.

If events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the assets within the asset group over their fair value is recorded. The appropriate asset group is determined based on the lowest level of largely independent cash inflows and outflows for the related assets. Depending on the nature of the primary assets in the asset group, fair value is estimated using one of several approaches including replacement cost, appraised values, market quotes or estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risk involved.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We account for goodwill on an impairment-only approach and amortize intangible assets with definite useful lives over the benefit period, which approximates straight-line expense over the respective useful lives. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not an indefinite-lived intangible asset such as goodwill is impaired as the basis for determining whether a quantitative impairment test is required. We assess definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Whenever we determine there has been an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives, we will record an impairment charge against earnings. We operate as one reporting unit and an impairment charge would equal the excess of the carrying value of goodwill in our one reporting unit over its then fair value. The identification of intangible assets and determination of the fair value and useful lives are subjective in nature and often involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The judgments made in determining the estimated useful lives assigned to each class of assets can significantly affect net income.

Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances

We primarily recognize revenue from customers, including distributors, when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer provided that: 1) evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred; 3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. For substantially all sales, revenue is recognized, net of estimated returns and discounts, at the time the product is shipped.

We enter into distribution agreements that permit rights to limited stock rotations, returns, price protection, and volume purchase and other discounts. We provide an estimated allowance for these rights and record a corresponding reduction in revenue. Our estimated allowance is based on several factors including past history and notification from customers of pending activity. Actual activity under such rights have been within management’s expectations.

We also derive a portion of our revenue from fixed-price contracts. Revenue for these contracts is recorded under a percentage of completion method, which is based on the ratio of total costs incurred to date to estimated total costs at completion. Gross profit expected to be realized on fixed-price contracts is based on periodic estimates of total revenues and costs for each contract. Losses on contracts are accrued when estimated total costs are expected to exceed total revenues. Occasionally, we will enter into contracts on a cost plus fee basis. We recognize revenue based on reimbursements for actual expenses plus the contractually agreed upon fee with the customer.

Research and Development

We expense the cost of research and development as incurred. Research and development expenses principally comprise payroll and related costs, supplies, and the cost of prototypes.

Restructuring Charges

We recognize a liability for restructuring costs when the liability is incurred. The restructuring accruals are based upon management estimates at the time they are recorded and can change depending upon changes in facts and circumstances subsequent to the date the original liability is recorded. The main components of our restructuring charges are workforce reductions and elimination of excess facilities. Workforce-related charges are accrued when it is determined a liability exists, which is generally when individuals have been notified of their expected termination dates and expected severance payments or when formal severance plans exist, when the severance payments are probable and reasonably estimable. The elimination of excess facilities results in charges for lease termination fees, future contractual commitments to pay lease charges net of estimated sublease income, facility remediation costs and moving costs to remove property and equipment from the facilities. We recognize charges for elimination of excess facilities when we have vacated the premises or ceased use a functionally separate portion of the facility.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for stock options and stock appreciation rights was calculated based on the on the service period of the grant and the grant date or assumption date fair value using the Black-Scholes pricing model. All stock appreciation rights we have granted or assumed are stock-settled. Stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Assumed stock options and stock appreciation rights are granted at exercise prices determined in accordance with the acquisition agreement. Expected life and forfeiture rates were estimated based primarily on historical data that were stratified between members of the Board of Directors, executive employees and all other recipients. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility using equally weighted daily price observations over a period approximately equal to the expected life of each option. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury securities with an equivalent remaining term. No dividends are expected to be paid.

Compensation expense for restricted shares was calculated based on the service period of the grant and the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Restricted shares are subject to forfeiture if a participant does not meet length of service requirements. Restricted stock awards granted to employees typically vest over a three year period and awards granted to non-employee directors vest in accordance with our director compensation policy.

Compensation expense for performance stock units was calculated based upon expected achievement of the performance metrics specified in the grant and the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, or when a grant contains a market condition, the grant date fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation incorporates estimates of the potential outcomes of the market condition on the grant date fair value of each award.

Accounting For Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We evaluate the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based upon the amount of existing temporary differences, the period in which they are expected to be recovered and expected levels of taxable income. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets are established when it is more likely than not some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions when they meet a more-likely-than-not threshold. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.

We file U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Fiscal years 2007 to 2014 generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. In significant foreign jurisdictions, the 2011 to 2014 tax years generally remain subject to examination by tax authorities. We establish liabilities for possible assessments by tax authorities resulting from known tax exposures including, but not limited to, international tax issues and certain tax credits. We are currently undergoing an Internal Revenue Service examination as well as certain state examinations. There have been no significant proposed adjustments to date.

Segment Information

We use the management approach for segment disclosure, which designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. We manage our business on the basis of one reportable segment, as a manufacturer of semiconductors in different geographic areas, including the United States, Europe and Asia.

Foreign Currency

All of our significant subsidiaries outside the United States use the United States dollar ("USD") as their functional currency. We have one subsidiary in China that uses the Chinese renminbi as its functional currency. For subsidiaries that use USD as the functional currency, assets and liabilities are remeasured to USD at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date except for non-monetary assets and capital accounts which are measured at historical rates; revenues, expenses, gains and losses are remeasured at rates of exchange that approximate the rates in effect at the transaction date. For subsidiaries that use the local currency as the functional currency, all assets and liabilities are translated to USD using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Resulting translation gains or losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. We also conduct a relatively small portion of our business in a number of foreign currencies, principally the European Union euro, Canadian dollar, British pound, Israeli shekel and Chinese renminbi.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share have been computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share have been computed, when the result is dilutive, using the treasury stock method for stock awards outstanding during the respective periods.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Foreign Sales

Concentrations of credit risk exist because we rely on a number of customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government. Approximately 27% of total net sales in 2015 were in the Defense & Security end market, with a very significant amount of these sales to customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government or to subcontractors whose material sales are to the U.S. Government. We, as a subcontractor, sell our products to higher-tier subcontractors or to prime contractors based upon purchase orders that usually do not contain all of the conditions included in the prime contract with the U.S. Government. However, these sales are usually subject to termination and/or price renegotiations by virtue of their reference to a U.S. Government prime contract. Therefore, we believe all of our product sales that ultimately are sold to the U.S. Government may be subject to termination, at the convenience of the U.S. Government or to price renegotiations under the Renegotiation Act. In addition, the shutdown of non-essential U.S. Government services in October 2013 and any future government shutdowns may significantly increase the risk of contract terminations or renegotiations. At least one of our contracts has been terminated in the past due to the termination of the underlying government contract. There can be no assurance we will not have contract termination or price renegotiation in the future, and any such termination or renegotiation could have a material adverse impact upon our revenues and results of operations.

In addition, net sales from international markets represent a significant portion of total net sales. Our net sales to international customers represented 51% of consolidated net sales for 2015 and 47% of consolidated net sales for each of 2014 and 2013. These sales were principally to customers in Europe and Asia. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, the objective of which is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance in the update requires that these arrangements be recorded as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11 which requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08 which changes the threshold for reporting discontinued operations and adds additional disclosures. The guidance in this ASU updates the definition of discontinued operations to include the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for all disposals of components of an entity that occur with annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt this ASU and adoption did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which provides guidance on how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and on accounting for costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. The ASU also requires expanded disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, with early application permitted as of the original effective date. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12 which provides guidance on how to account for shared-based payment awards where the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 which provides guidance on management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations, however, we do not anticipate that adoption of this ASU will impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01 which eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of extraordinary items. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, it is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and is shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We elected to early adopt this ASU and adoption did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 whose objective is to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 which clarifies the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with lines of credit. These costs may be presented as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement, regardless of whether there were any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit agreement. ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We elected to early adopt these ASUs and the adoption resulted in a reclassification of $4.7 million in debt issuance costs from "other assets" to "credit facility" in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2014.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05 which adds guidance to Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which will help entities evaluate when a cloud computing arrangement includes the sale or license of software. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt this ASU retrospectively and adoption did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 whose objective is to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventory by using only the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the adoption and impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 whose objective is to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments from a business combination. GAAP currently requires that during the measurement period, the acquirer retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. The acquirer must revise comparative information for prior periods presented in financial statements as needed. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We elected to early adopt this ASU retrospectively and adoption did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.