Goodwill and Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Feb. 04, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Note 10 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company annually evaluates goodwill for impairment 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 (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) 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. For the Company’s latest annual impairment assessment that occurred on July 31, 2011, the Company identified its reporting units to be its five operating segments, which meet the aggregation criteria for one reportable segment. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. No impairment of goodwill resulted 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 fiscal 2012 unless indicators arise that would require the Company to reevaluate at an earlier date. The following table presents the changes in goodwill during the first three months of fiscal 2012:

	Three Months Ended February 4, 2012
Balance at beginning of period	$	275,087
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(948	)
Balance at end of period	$	274,139

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 measured by comparison of their carrying value to 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. As of February 4, 2012 and October 29, 2011 the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets were fully amortized. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $0.4 million for the three-month period ended January 29, 2011.

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 the comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. No impairment of intangible assets resulted in any of the fiscal years presented.

Intangible assets, excluding in-process research and development (IPR&D), 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.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following:

	February 4, 2012		October 29, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Carrying Amount
In-process research and development	$	12,200	$	12,200

IPR&D assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. Upon completion of the projects, the IPR&D assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives.