Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a.Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. Upon consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain amounts reported in previous years have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2017 (fiscal 2017). Such reclassified amounts are immaterial.

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52-week or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to the last day in October. Fiscal 2017, the fiscal year ended October 29, 2016 (fiscal 2016) and the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 (fiscal 2015) were 52-week periods.

On March 10, 2017 (Acquisition Date), the Company completed the acquisition of Linear Technology Corporation (Linear), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog integrated circuits. The total consideration paid to acquire Linear was approximately $15.8 billion, consisting of $11.1 billion in cash financed through existing cash on hand, net proceeds from bridge and term loan facilities and proceeds received from the issuance of senior unsecured notes, $4.6 billion from the issuance of the Company's common stock and $0.1 billion of consideration related to the replacement of outstanding equity awards held by Linear employees. The acquisition of Linear is referred to as the Acquisition. The consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include the financial results of Linear prospectively from the Acquisition Date.

See Note 6, Acquisitions, of these notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion related to the Acquisition.


b.	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and maturities of ninety days or less at the time of acquisition. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist primarily of government and institutional money market funds, corporate obligations such as commercial paper and floating rate notes, bonds and bank time deposits.

The Company classifies its investments in readily marketable debt and equity securities as “held-to-maturity,” “available-for-sale” or “trading” at the time of purchase. There were no transfers between investment classifications in any of the fiscal years presented. Held-to-maturity securities, which are carried at amortized cost, include only those securities the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Securities such as bank time deposits, which by their nature are typically held to maturity, are classified as such. The Company’s other readily marketable cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. Adjustments to the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded as an increase or decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, unless the adjustment is considered an other-than-temporary impairment, in which case the adjustment is recorded as a charge in the statement of income.

The Company’s deferred compensation plan investments are classified as trading. See Note 7, Deferred Compensation Plan Investments, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these investments. There were no cash equivalents or short-term investments classified as trading at October 28, 2017 or October 29, 2016.

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of short-term investments in any of the fiscal years presented.

Realized gains or losses on investments are determined based on the specific identification basis and are recognized in nonoperating (income) expense. There were no material net realized gains or losses from the sales of available-for-sale investments during any of the fiscal periods presented.

Gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities classified as short-term investments at October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows:



	2017			2016
Unrealized gains on securities classified as short-term investments	$	2		$	846
Unrealized losses on securities classified as short-term investments	(2		)	(294		)
Net unrealized gain on securities classified as short-term investments	$	—		$	552

As of October 28, 2017, the Company held 18 investment securities, 8 of which were in an unrealized loss position with immaterial gross unrealized losses and an aggregate fair value of $143.9 million. As of October 29, 2016, the Company held 100 investment securities, 25 of which were in an unrealized loss position with gross unrealized losses of $0.3 million and an aggregate fair value of $729.6 million. These unrealized losses were primarily related to corporate obligations that earn lower interest rates than current market rates. None of these investments have been in a loss position for more than twelve months. As the Company does not intend to sell these investments and it is unlikely that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized basis, which will be at maturity, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016.

The components of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows:



	2017		2016
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	226,160	$	67,877
Available-for-sale	751,678		693,255
Held-to-maturity	70,000		160,000
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	1,047,838	$	921,132
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale	$	—	$	3,110,011
Held-to-maturity (less than one year to maturity)	—		24,650
Total short-term investments	$	—	$	3,134,661

See Note 2j, Fair Value, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s cash equivalents and short-term investments.


c.	Supplemental Cash Flow Statement Information



	2017		2016		2015
Cash paid during the fiscal year for:
Income taxes	$	868,492	$	77,918	$	142,931
Interest	$	183,117	$	41,701	$	25,625


d.	Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. The valuation of inventory requires the Company to estimate obsolete or excess inventory as well as inventory that is not of saleable quality. The Company employs a variety of methodologies to determine the net realizable value of its inventory. While a portion of the calculation to record inventory at its net realizable value is based on the age of the inventory and lower of cost or market calculations, a key factor in estimating obsolete or excess inventory requires the Company to estimate the future demand for its products. If actual demand is less than the Company’s estimates, impairment charges, which are recorded to cost of sales, may need to be recorded in future periods. Inventory in excess of saleable amounts is not valued, and the remaining inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market.

Inventories at October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows:



	2017		2016
Raw materials	$	35,436	$	20,263
Work in process	376,476		232,196
Finished goods	138,904		124,096
Total inventories	$	550,816	$	376,555


e.	Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, less allowances for depreciation. The straight-line method of depreciation is used for all classes of assets for financial statement purposes while both straight-line and accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the lease or the useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is based on the following ranges of estimated useful lives:



Buildings	Up to 30 years
Machinery & equipment	3-10 years
Office equipment	3-10 years

Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $194.7 million, $134.5 million and $130.1 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company reviews property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparison of their carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic lives. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized in earnings equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value determined by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow technique. If such assets are not impaired, but their useful lives have decreased, the remaining net book value is depreciated over the revised useful life. The Company has not recorded any material impairment charges related to our property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015.


f.	Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level which we have determined is consistent with our operating segments, on an annual basis on the first day of the fourth quarter (on or about August 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The goodwill impairment test requires an entity to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighting of the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, the Company uses a discounted cash flow methodology which requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasted revenues, gross profit margins, operating income margins, working capital cash flow, perpetual growth rates, and long-term discount rates, among others. For the market approach, the Company uses the guideline public company method. Under this method the Company utilizes information from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting units, to create valuation multiples that are applied to the operating performance of the reporting unit being tested, in order to estimate their respective fair values. In order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated reporting unit fair values, the Company reconciles the aggregate estimated fair values of its reporting units determined to its current market capitalization, allowing for a reasonable control premium. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, calculated using the above approaches, exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount of the carrying value that exceeds the amount of the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Additionally, the Company considers income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. There was no impairment of goodwill in any of the fiscal years presented. The Company’s next annual impairment assessment will be performed as of the first day of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending November 3, 2018 (fiscal 2018) unless indicators arise that would require the Company to reevaluate at an earlier date. The following table presents the changes in goodwill during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016:



	2017		2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,679,116	$	1,636,526
Acquisition of Linear (Note 6)	10,532,272		—
Goodwill adjustment related to other acquisitions (1)	4,198		44,046
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,869		(1,456		)
Balance at end of year	$	12,217,455	$	1,679,116

(1) Represents goodwill related to other acquisitions that were not material to the Company on either an individual or aggregate basis.

Intangible Assets

The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparison of their carrying value to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate over their remaining estimated useful lives. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized in earnings equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value determined by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow technique.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis on the first day of the fourth quarter (on or about August 1) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment test involves a qualitative assessment on the indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine whether it is more likely-than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is determined that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value, the Company would recognize into earnings the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value. No impairment of intangible assets resulted from the impairment tests in any of the fiscal years presented.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or on an accelerated method of amortization that is expected to reflect the estimated pattern of economic use. In-process research and development (IPR&D) assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the associated research and development (R&D) efforts. Upon completion of the projects, the IPR&D assets are reclassified to technology-based intangible assets and amortized over their estimated useful lives.

As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, the Company’s intangible assets consisted of the following:



	October 28, 2017				October 29, 2016
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	4,683,461	$	449,369	$	649,159	$	158,979
Technology-based	1,097,025		101,920		38,731		9,958
Trade-name	72,800		6,906		600		60
Backlog	200		200		200		—
IPR&D	24,334		—		29,675		—
Total (1) (2)	$	5,877,820	$	558,395	$	718,365	$	168,997

________

(1) Foreign intangible asset carrying amounts are affected by foreign currency translation.

(2) Increases in intangible assets primarily relate to the Acquisition and other acquisitions. See Note 6, Acquisitions, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Intangible assets, along with the related accumulated amortization, are removed from the table above at the end of the fiscal year they become fully amortized.

Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $389.4 million, $75.3 million and $92.1 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The remaining amortization expense will be recognized over a weighted average life of approximately 5.1 years.

The Company expects annual amortization expense for intangible assets as follows:



Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
2018	$	565,885
2019	$	562,696
2020	$	562,457
2021	$	562,037
2022	$	559,107


g.	Grant Accounting

Certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have received grants from governmental agencies. These grants include capital, employment and research and development grants. Capital grants for the acquisition of property and equipment are netted against the related capital expenditures and amortized as a credit to depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Employment grants, which relate to employee hiring and training, and research and development grants are recognized in earnings in the period in which the related expenditures are incurred by the Company. The amounts recognized were not material in fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015.


h.	Translation of Foreign Currencies

The functional currency for the Company’s foreign sales and research and development operations is the applicable local currency. Gains and losses resulting from translation of these foreign currencies into U.S. dollars are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. Transaction gains and losses and re-measurement of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are included in income currently, including those at the Company’s principal foreign manufacturing operations where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses included in other expenses, net, were not material in fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015.


i.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Agreements

Foreign Exchange Exposure Management — The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to offset certain operational and balance sheet exposures from the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Such exposures result from the portion of the Company’s operations, assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro; other significant exposures include the British Pound, Philippine Peso and the Japanese Yen. These foreign currency exchange contracts are entered into to support transactions made in the normal course of business, and accordingly, are not speculative in nature. The contracts are for periods consistent with the terms of the underlying transactions, generally one year or less. Hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and documented at the inception of the respective hedges as cash flow hedges and are evaluated for effectiveness monthly. Derivative instruments are employed to eliminate or minimize certain foreign currency exposures that can be confidently identified and quantified. As the terms of the contract and the underlying transaction are matched at inception, forward contract effectiveness is calculated by comparing the change in fair value of the contract to the change in the forward value of the anticipated transaction, with the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (OCI) in shareholders’ equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any residual change in fair value of the instruments, or ineffectiveness, is recognized immediately in other (income) expense.

The total notional amounts of forward foreign currency derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments of cash flow hedges denominated in Euros, British Pounds, Philippine Pesos and Japanese Yen as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 was $194.3 million and $179.5 million, respectively. The fair values of forward foreign currency derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 were as follows:



		Fair Value At
	Balance Sheet Location	October 28, 2017		October 29, 2016
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	257	$	—
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	—	$	5,260

Additionally, the Company enters into forward foreign currency contracts that economically hedge the gains and losses generated by the re-measurement of certain recorded assets and liabilities in a non-functional currency. Changes in the fair value of these undesignated hedges are recognized in other (income) expense immediately as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the asset or liability being hedged. As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, the total notional amount of these undesignated hedges was $100.4 million and $46.2 million, respectively. The fair value of these hedging instruments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets was a liability of $1.8 million as of October 28, 2017 and was immaterial as of October 29, 2016.

The Company estimates that $0.5 million, net of tax, of forward foreign currency derivative instruments included in OCI will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. There was no material ineffectiveness during the fiscal years ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016.

All of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are eligible for netting arrangements that allow the Company and its counterparties to net settle amounts owed to each other. Derivative assets and liabilities that can be net settled under these arrangements have been presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheet on a net basis. As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, none of the netting arrangements involved collateral. The following table presents the gross amounts of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities and the net amounts recorded in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016:



	October 28, 2017			October 29, 2016
Gross amount of recognized liabilities	$	(5,039	)	$	(5,788	)
Gross amounts of recognized assets offset in the consolidated balance sheet	3,512			557
Net liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheet	$	(1,527	)	$	(5,231	)

Interest Rate Exposure Management — The Company's current and future debt may be subject to interest rate risk. The Company utilizes interest rate derivatives to alter interest rate exposure in an attempt to reduce the effects of these changes.

The market risk associated with the Company’s derivative instruments results from currency exchange rate or interest rate movements that are expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. The counterparties to the agreements relating to the Company’s derivative instruments consist of a number of major international financial institutions with high credit ratings. Based on the credit ratings of the Company’s counterparties as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, nonperformance is not perceived to be a material risk. Furthermore, none of the Company’s derivatives are subject to collateral or other security arrangements and none contain provisions that are dependent on the Company’s credit ratings from any credit rating agency. While the contract or notional amounts of derivative financial instruments provide one measure of the volume of these transactions, they do not represent the amount of the Company’s exposure to credit risk. The amounts potentially subject to credit risk (arising from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts) are generally limited to the amounts, if any, by which the counterparties’ obligations under the contracts exceed the obligations of the Company to the counterparties. As a result of the above considerations, the Company does not consider the risk of counterparty default to be significant.

The Company records the fair value of its derivative financial instruments in its consolidated financial statements in other current assets, other assets or accrued liabilities, depending on their net position, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the derivative contract. Changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in earnings or in shareholders’ equity as a component of OCI. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recorded in OCI and reclassified into earnings when the underlying contract matures. Changes in the fair values of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting or the ineffective portion of designated hedges are reported in earnings as they occur.

For information on the unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivatives included in and reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into the consolidated statement of income related to forward foreign currency exchange contracts, see Note 2o, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


j.	Fair Value

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Level 1 — Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 — Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The tables below, set forth by level, presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, excluding accrued interest components, that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016. The tables exclude cash on hand and assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value. As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, the Company held $296.2 million and $252.5 million, respectively, of cash and held-to-maturity investments that were excluded from the tables below.



	October 28, 2017
	Fair Value measurement at Reporting Date using:
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Available-for-sale:
Government and institutional money market funds	$	512,882	$	—	$	—	$	512,882
Corporate obligations (1)	—		238,796		—		238,796
Other assets:
Deferred compensation investments	33,510		—		—		33,510
Interest rate derivatives	—		2,966		—		2,966
Total assets measured at fair value	$	546,392	$	241,762	$	—	$	788,154
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	—		—		7,891		7,891
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (2)	—		1,527		—		1,527
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	1,527	$	7,891	$	9,418


(1)	The amortized cost of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale as of October 28, 2017 was $238.9 million.


(2)	The Company has netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to derivative contracts. See Note 2i, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Agreements, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the Company's master netting arrangements.



	October 29, 2016
	Fair Value measurement at Reporting Date using:
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Cash equivalents:
Available-for-sale:
Institutional money market funds	$	277,595	$	—	$	—	$	277,595
Corporate obligations (1)	—		415,660		—		415,660
Short - term investments:
Available-for-sale:
Securities with one year or less to maturity:
Corporate obligations (1)	—		2,518,148		—		2,518,148
Floating rate notes, issued at par	—		29,989		—		29,989
Floating rate notes (1)	—		561,874		—		561,874
Other assets:
Deferred compensation investments	26,916		—		—		26,916
Total assets measured at fair value	$	304,511	$	3,525,671	$	—	$	3,830,182
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	—		—		7,555		7,555
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (2)	—		5,231		—		5,231
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	5,231	$	7,555	$	12,786


(1)	The amortized cost of the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale as of October 29, 2016 was $3.5 billion.


(2)	The Company has master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to derivative contracts. See Note 2i, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Agreements, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to the Company's master netting arrangements.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash equivalents and short-term investments — These investments are adjusted to fair value based on quoted market prices or are determined using a yield curve model based on current market rates.

Deferred compensation plan investments — The fair value of these mutual fund, money market fund and equity investments are based on quoted market prices.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts — The estimated fair value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which includes derivatives that are accounted for as cash flow hedges and those that are not designated as cash flow hedges, is based on the estimated amount the Company would receive if it sold these agreements at the reporting date taking into consideration current interest rates as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparty for assets and the Company’s creditworthiness for liabilities. The fair value of these instruments is based upon valuation models using current market information such as strike price, spot rate, maturity date and volatility.

Interest rate derivatives — The fair value of interest rate derivatives are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the contractual terms of the derivatives.

Contingent consideration — The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated utilizing the income approach and is based upon significant inputs not observable in the market. The income approach is based on two steps. The first step involves a projection of the cash flows that is based on the Company’s estimates of the timing and probability of achieving the defined milestones. The second step involves converting the cash flows into a present value equivalent through discounting. The discount rate reflects the Baa costs of debt plus the relevant risk associated with the asset and the time value of money.

The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration encompasses the following significant unobservable inputs:



Unobservable Inputs	Range
Potential contingent consideration payments	$8,500
Discount rate	0% - 2%
Timing of cash flows	1 to 2 years
Probability of achievement	90% - 100%

Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in operating income in the period of the estimated fair value change. Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs in isolation may result in a fluctuation in the fair value measurement.

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) from October 31, 2015 to October 28, 2017:



	Contingent Consideration
Balance as of October 31, 2015	$	2,843
Contingent consideration liability recorded	7,500
Payment made (1)	(1,489		)
Fair value adjustment (2)	(888		)
Effect of foreign currency	(411		)
Balance as of October 29, 2016	$	7,555
Contingent consideration liability recorded	2,000
Payment made (1)	(2,000		)
Fair value adjustment (2)	336
Balance as of October 28, 2017	$	7,891


(1)	The payment is reflected in the statements of cash flows as cash used in financing activities related to the liability recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date and as cash provided by operating activities related to the fair value adjustments previously recognized in earnings.


(2)	Recorded in research and development expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The carrying amounts of the term loans approximate fair value. The term loans are classified as Level 2 measurements according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the senior unsecured notes debt are obtained from broker prices and are classified as Level 1 measurements according to the fair value hierarchy. See Note 16, Debt, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion related outstanding debt.



	October 28, 2017			October 29, 2016
	Principal Amount Outstanding		Fair Value	Principal Amount Outstanding	Fair Value
3-Year term loan	$	1,950,000	1,950,000	—	—
5-Year term loan	2,100,000		2,100,000	—	—
2021 Notes, due December 2021	400,000		399,530	—	—
2023 Notes, due June 2023	500,000		498,582	500,000	501,307
2023 Notes, due December 2023	550,000		554,411	—	—
2025 Notes, due December 2025	850,000		884,861	850,000	901,523
2026 Notes, due December 2026	900,000		902,769	—	—
2036 Notes, due December 2036	250,000		259,442	—	—
2045 Notes, due December 2045	400,000		460,588	400,000	425,109


k.	Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates relate to the useful lives of fixed assets, identified intangible assets allowances for doubtful accounts and customer returns, the net realizable value of inventory, potential reserves relating to litigation matters, accrued liabilities, accrued taxes, deferred tax valuation allowances, assumptions pertaining to share-based payments, and fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including inventory, property, plant and equipment and acquired intangibles, and other reserves. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the financial statements.


l.	Concentrations of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of investments and trade accounts receivable.

The Company maintains cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments with high credit quality counterparties, continuously monitors the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and diversifies its investments in order to minimize its credit risk.

The Company sells its products to distributors and original equipment manufacturers involved in a variety of industries including industrial process automation, instrumentation, defense/aerospace, automotive, communications, computers and computer peripherals and consumer electronics. The Company has adopted credit policies and standards to accommodate growth in these markets. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and although the Company generally does not require collateral, the Company may require letters of credit from customers in certain circumstances. The Company provides reserves for estimated amounts of accounts receivable that may not be collected.

The Company's largest single end customer represented approximately14%, 12% and 13% of total revenue in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


m.	Concentration of Other Risks

The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing pressures and cyclical market patterns. The Company’s financial results are affected by a wide variety of factors, including general economic conditions worldwide, economic conditions specific to the semiconductor industry, the timely implementation of new manufacturing technologies, the ability to safeguard patents and intellectual property in a rapidly evolving market and reliance on assembly and test subcontractors, third-party wafer fabricators and independent distributors. In addition, the semiconductor market has historically been cyclical and subject to significant economic downturns at various times. The Company is exposed to the risk of obsolescence of its inventory depending on the mix of future business. Additionally, a large portion of the Company’s purchases of external wafer and foundry services are from a limited number of suppliers, primarily Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). If TSMC or any of the Company’s other key suppliers are unable or unwilling to manufacture and deliver sufficient quantities of components, on the time schedule and of the quality that the Company requires, the Company may be forced to engage additional or replacement suppliers, which could result in significant expenses and disruptions or delays in manufacturing, product development and shipment of product to the Company’s customers. Although the Company has experienced shortages of components, materials and external foundry services from time to time, these items have generally been available to the Company as needed.


n.	Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales to customers is generally recognized when title passes, which is upon shipment in the U.S. and in certain foreign countries. Revenue from product sales to customers in other foreign countries is recognized subsequent to product shipment. Title for shipments to these other foreign countries ordinarily passes within a week of shipment. Accordingly, the Company defers the revenue recognized relating to these other foreign countries until title has passed. For multiple element arrangements, the Company allocates arrangement consideration among the elements based on the relative fair values of those elements as determined using vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence. The Company uses its best estimate of selling price to allocate arrangement consideration between the deliverables in cases where neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence is available. A reserve for sales returns and allowances for customers is recorded based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve.

Revenue from contracts with the United States government, government prime contractors and some commercial customers is generally recorded on a percentage of completion basis using either units delivered or costs incurred as the measurement basis for progress towards completion. The output measure is used to measure results directly and is generally the best measure of progress toward completion in circumstances in which a reliable measure of output can be established. Estimated revenue in excess of amounts billed is reported as unbilled receivables. Contract accounting requires judgment in estimating costs and assumptions related to technical issues and delivery schedule. Contract costs include material, subcontractor costs, labor and an allocation of indirect costs. The estimation of costs at completion of a contract is subject to numerous variables involving contract costs and estimates as to the length of time to complete the contract. Changes in contract performance, estimated gross margin, including the impact of final contract settlements, and estimated losses are recognized in the period in which the changes or losses are determined.

Product sales to certain international distributors are made under agreements that permit limited stock return privileges but not sales price rebates. Revenue on these sales is recognized upon shipment at which time title passes.

The Company defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to U.S. distributors and certain international distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers. As a result, the Company’s revenue fully reflects end customer purchases and is not impacted by distributor inventory levels. Sales to certain of these distributors are made under agreements that allow such distributors to receive price-adjustment credits, as discussed below, and to return qualifying products for credit, as determined by the Company, in order to reduce the amounts of slow-moving, discontinued or obsolete product from their inventory. These agreements limit such returns to a certain percentage of the value of the Company’s shipments to that distributor during the prior quarter. In addition, such distributors are allowed to return unsold products if the Company terminates the relationship with the distributor.

Certain distributors are granted price-adjustment credits for sales to their customers when the distributor’s standard cost (i.e., the Company’s sales price to the distributor) does not provide the distributor with an appropriate margin on its sales to its customers. As distributors negotiate selling prices with their customers, the final sales price agreed upon with the customer will be influenced by many factors, including the particular product being sold, the quantity ordered, the particular customer, the geographic location of the distributor and the competitive landscape. As a result, the distributor may request and receive a price-adjustment credit from the Company to allow the distributor to earn an appropriate margin on the transaction.

Certain distributors are also granted price-adjustment credits in the event of a price decrease subsequent to the date the product was shipped and billed to the distributor. Generally, the Company will provide a credit equal to the difference between the price paid by the distributor (less any prior credits on such products) and the new price for the product multiplied by the quantity of the specific product in the distributor’s inventory at the time of the price decrease.

Given the uncertainties associated with the levels of price-adjustment credits to be granted to certain distributors, the sales price to the distributor is not fixed or determinable until the distributor resells the products to their customers. Therefore, the Company defers revenue recognition from sales to certain distributors until such distributors have sold the products to their customers.

Generally, title to the inventory transfers to the distributor at the time of shipment or delivery to the distributor, and payment from the distributor is due in accordance with the Company’s standard payment terms. These payment terms are not contingent upon the distributors’ sale of the products to their customers. Upon title transfer to distributors, inventory is reduced for the cost of goods shipped, the margin (sales less cost of sales) is recorded as “deferred income on shipments to distributors, net” and an account receivable is recorded. Shipping costs are charged to cost of sales as incurred.

The deferred costs of sales to distributors have historically had very little risk of impairment due to the margins the Company earns on sales of its products and the relatively long life-cycle of the Company’s products. Product returns from distributors that are ultimately scrapped have historically been immaterial. In addition, price protection and price-adjustment credits granted to distributors historically have not exceeded the margins the Company earns on sales of its products. The Company continuously monitors the level and nature of product returns and is in frequent contact with the distributors to ensure reserves are established for all known material issues.

As of October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, the Company had gross deferred revenue of $589.5 million and $432.3 million, respectively, and gross deferred cost of sales of $115.5 million and $80.8 million, respectively.

The Company generally offers a twelve-month warranty for its products. The Company’s warranty policy provides for replacement of defective products. Specific accruals are recorded for known product warranty issues. Product warranty expenses during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were not material.


o.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Other comprehensive (loss) income includes certain transactions that have generally been reported in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 consisted of the following, net of tax:



	Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities			Unrealized holding (losses) on available for sale securities			Unrealized holding Gains on Derivatives			Pension Plans			Total
October 29, 2016	$	(24,063	)	$	800		$	(281	)	$	(18,884	)	$	(31,386	)	$	(73,814	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	16			(844		)	292			4,726			1,941			6,131
Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income	—			—			—			5,525			1,870			7,395
Tax effects	1,556			47			(12		)	(2,246		)	(416		)	(1,071		)
Other comprehensive income	1,572			(797		)	280			8,005			3,395			12,455
October 28, 2017	$	(22,491	)	$	3		$	(1	)	$	(10,879	)	$	(27,991	)	$	(61,359	)

The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into the consolidated statement of income, with presentation location during each period were as follows:



	2017			2016
Comprehensive Income Component							Location
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on derivatives
Currency forwards	$	2,188		$	2,059		Cost of sales
	330			1,038			Research and development
	927			(579		)	Selling, marketing, general and administrative
Interest rate derivatives	2,080			1,969			Interest expense
	5,525			4,487			Total before tax
	(1,326		)	(1,050		)	Tax
	$	4,199		$	3,437		Net of tax

Amortization of pension components
Transition obligation	$	14		$	17		(a)
Prior service credit and curtailment recognition	(9		)	—			(a)
Actuarial losses and settlement recognition	1,865			830			(a)
	1,870			847			Total before tax
	(400		)	(228		)	Tax
	$	1,470		$	619		Net of tax

Total amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$	5,669		$	4,056

______________

a) The amortization of pension components is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 13, Retirement Plans, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.


p.	Advertising Expense

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $12.6 million in fiscal 2017, $6.1 million in fiscal 2016 and $4.7 million in fiscal 2015.


q.	Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted income tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The calculation of the tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. If it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained on audit, an uncertain tax position is recorded. The Company re-evaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. See Note 14, Income Taxes, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to income taxes.


r.	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share is computed based only on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the dilutive effect of potential future issuances of common stock relating to stock option programs and other potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method. In calculating diluted earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units is computed using the average market price for the respective period. In addition, the assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include the average unrecognized compensation expense of stock options that are in-the-money and restricted stock units. This results in the “assumed” buyback of additional shares, thereby reducing the dilutive impact of in-the-money stock options. Potential shares related to certain of the Company’s outstanding stock options and restricted stock units were excluded because they were anti-dilutive. Those potential shares, determined based on the weighted average exercise prices during the respective periods, could be dilutive in the future.

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company granted restricted stock awards to replace outstanding restricted stock awards of Linear employees. These restricted stock awards entitle recipients to voting and nonforfeitable dividend rights from the date of grant. These unvested stock-based compensation awards are considered participating securities and the two-class method is used for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to these participating securities and therefore is excluded from the calculation of earnings per share allocated to common stock, as shown in the table below. The difference between the income allocated to participating securities under the basic and diluted two-class methods is not material.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	2017		2016		2015
Net Income	$	727,259	$	861,664	$	696,878
Less: income allocated to participating securities	2,243		—		—
Net income allocated to common shareholders	725,016		861,664		696,878

Basic shares:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	346,371		308,736		312,660
Earnings per common share basic	$	2.09	$	2.79	$	2.23

Diluted shares:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	346,371		308,736		312,660
Assumed exercise of common stock equivalents	4,113		3,572		4,212
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares	350,484		312,308		316,872
Earnings per common share diluted	$	2.07	$	2.76	$	2.20
Anti-dilutive shares related to:
Outstanding stock options	1,527		3,077		2,089


s.	Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the grant-date fair value of the awards ultimately expected to vest, and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is generally five years for stock options, or in annual installments of 20% on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant, and three years for restricted stock units/awards. In addition to restricted stock units with a service condition, the Company grants restricted stock units with market conditions, performance conditions and service conditions. For awards with both a market and service condition the number of shares of the Company's common stock to be issued upon vesting will range from 0% to 200% of the target amount, based on the comparison of the Company's total shareholder return (TSR) to the median TSR of a specified peer group over a three-year period. TSR is a measure of stock price appreciation plus any dividends paid during the performance period. Determining the amount of stock-based compensation to be recorded for stock options and restricted stock units with a market and service condition requires the Company to develop estimates used in calculating the grant-date fair value of awards. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to calculate the grant-date fair value of stock option awards and the Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the grant-date fair value of restricted stock units with a market and service condition. The use of these valuation models requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and forfeiture rates. The grant-date fair value of restricted stock units with only a service condition and those with both a service and performance condition represents the value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the Company's common stock prior to vesting.

See Note 3, Stock-Based Compensation and Shareholders' Equity, of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information relating to stock-based compensation.


t.	New Accounting Pronouncements

Standards Implemented

Business combinations

In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (ASU 2015-16). The update requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The update also requires that the acquirer record, in the financial statements of the period in which adjustments to provisional amounts are determined, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The new standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Intangibles-Goodwill and other

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASU 2015-05), which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. Consequently, all software licenses within the scope of Subtopic 350-40 will be accounted for consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. The guidance in ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-05 did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Consolidation

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02). ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in this guidance using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Stock Compensation

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (ASU 2014-12), which 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. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company early adopted ASU 2014-12 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption did not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Presentation of Financial Statements

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) (ASU 2014-15), which provides guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The update requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the update (1) provides a definition of the term "substantial doubt", (2) requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. As of October 28, 2017, the Company has concluded that substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern does not exist.

Standards to be Implemented

Business combinations

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The Company will adopt ASU 2017-01 in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending November 2, 2019 (fiscal 2019). The impact of the adoption on the Company's financial position and results of operations will be dependent upon any future acquisitions or disposals.

Income Taxes

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) (ASU 2016-16). ASU 2016-16 will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements have not been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2016-16 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact, if any, adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on several specific cash flow issues, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of certain debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of certain insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date but does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Equity Method Investments

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (ASU 2016-07). ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement that when an investment, initially accounted for under a method other than the equity method of accounting, subsequently qualifies for use of the equity method, an investor must retrospectively apply the equity method in prior periods in which it held the investment. This requires an investor to determine the fair value of the investee’s underlying assets and liabilities retrospectively at each investment date and revise all prior periods as if the equity method had always been applied. The new guidance requires the investor to apply the equity method prospectively from the date the investment qualifies for the equity method. The investor will add the carrying value of the existing investment to the cost of the additional investment to determine the initial cost basis of the equity method investment. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. ASU 2016-07 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends and simplifies existing guidance in order to allow companies to more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2017-12 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020 (fiscal 2020). The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact, if any, adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments (ASU 2016-06). ASU 2016-06 clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under ASU 2016-06 is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. ASU 2016-06 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2016-06 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact, if any, adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize most leases on the balance sheet but recognize expenses on the income statement in a manner similar to current practice. The update states that a lessee will recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying assets for the lease term. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. ASU 2016-02 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires a financial asset (or group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact, if any, adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-01 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out (LIFO) and the retail inventory method. The guidance in ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-11 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting (ASU 2017-09). The new guidance clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2017-09 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption date and the impact, if any, adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for prospective, retrospective or modified retrospective adoption, depending on the area covered in the update, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-09 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Currently, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from the Company’s share-based payment awards are recorded in Capital in excess of par value (APIC) in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon adoption, the Company will record any excess tax benefits or deficiencies from its share-based payments in its Consolidated Statements of Income in the reporting periods in which they occur. Currently excess tax benefits or deficiencies are classified within financing activities in the statement of cash flows. Upon adoption, the Company will classify any excess tax benefits or deficiencies as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. As a result, subsequent to adoption, the Company’s income tax expense and associated effective tax rate will be impacted by fluctuations in stock price from grant date to vesting date and the exercises of awards by employees. The potential tax impacts remain unknown until the awards vest.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that 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. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB has issued several amendments and updates to the new revenue standard, including guidance related to when an entity should recognize revenue gross as a principal or net as an agent and how an entity should identify performance obligations. As amended, ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which is the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company has developed a project plan for the implementation of the guidance, including a review of all revenue streams to identify any differences in the timing, measurement or presentation of revenue recognition. The Company has reviewed its revenue streams and is nearing completion in assessing all potential impacts of the standard, including any impacts from recently issued amendments, and retrospectively adjusting financial information for prior fiscal years. The Company has also made progress on its impact assessment of the recent acquisition of Linear. While the Company is still in the process of completing its evaluation of the standard, it currently believes the most significant impact will be related to the timing of recognition of sales to certain distributors. As described in Note 2n, Revenue Recognition, of these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company currently defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to certain distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company will no longer be permitted to defer revenue until sale by the distributor to the end customer, but rather, will be required to estimate the effects of returns and allowances provided to distributors and record revenue at the time of sale to the distributor. The Company is continuing to evaluate the future impact and method of adoption of ASU 2014-09 and related amendments on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09, using the full retrospective method, upon its effective date for the Company which is the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2019.