Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Consolidation

(a) Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of us and our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. Investments in companies in which ownership interests range from 10 to 50 percent and for which we exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of an entity and therefore required to consolidate, we apply a qualitative approach that determines whether we have both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to that entity. We have not been required to consolidate the activity of any entity due to these considerations.

Cash and cash equivalents

(b) Cash and cash equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at acquisition date to be cash equivalents.

Revenue recognition and accounts receivable

(c) Revenue recognition and accounts receivable

We recognize revenue related to product sales upon shipment provided that title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured and customer acceptance criteria, if any, have been successfully demonstrated. For product sales with acceptance criteria that are not successfully demonstrated upon shipment, revenue is recognized upon customer acceptance, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Our sales contracts generally provide for the customer to accept title and risk of loss when the product leaves our facilities. When shipping terms or local laws do not allow for passage of title and risk of loss at the shipping point, we defer recognizing revenue until title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. We classify shipping and handling invoiced to customers as revenue and the related costs in cost of sales. Sales and other taxes collected from customers and subsequently remitted to government authorities are recorded as accounts receivable with a corresponding offset recorded to sales taxes payable. These balances are removed from the consolidated balance sheet when the cash is remitted to the tax authority. We include service revenue, related primarily to extended warranty contracts and repairs, in the product revenue line item of our Consolidated Statement of Operations, as it is deemed immaterial for separate classification.

Our transactions sometimes involve multiple elements (i.e., products and services). We do not recognize revenue for our product sales under industry specific software accounting guidance since our products contain both software and non-software components that function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality. At the inception of an agreement, we allocate arrangement consideration to each deliverable qualifying as a separate unit of accounting in an arrangement based on its relative selling price. We determine selling price using vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE, if it exists, and otherwise third party evidence, or TPE. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use our best estimated selling price, or BESP. We generally expect that we will not be able to establish TPE due to the nature of the markets in which we compete, and, as such, we typically will determine selling price using VSOE or if not available, BESP.

VSOE is generally limited to the price charged when the same or similar product or service is sold separately or, if applicable, the stated substantive renewal rate in the agreement. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE for the product or service. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range, as defined by us, or stated renewal rates in contracts.

TPE is determined based on the prices charged by competitors of us for a similar deliverable when sold separately. As noted above, we typically are not able to use TPE, as we are usually not able to obtain sufficient information on competitor pricing to substantiate TPE.

If we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use BESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were sold by us on a standalone basis.

Our determination of BESP involves a weighting of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to produce the deliverable, the anticipated margin on that deliverable, the selling price and profit margin for similar parts and our ongoing pricing strategy and policies.

We determine BESP for deliverables in future agreements based on the specific facts and circumstances of the arrangement. We analyze the selling prices used in our allocation of arrangement consideration at least annually. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices.

Maintenance or service revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the contract.

We provide engineering services to some of our customers on a contractual basis and recognize revenue using the percentage of completion method or the completed contract method. We estimate the progress towards completion on contracts with a fixed-fee arrangement on a monthly basis utilizing costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs at completion of the project or on a milestone basis based on contractual terms, as appropriate. Short-term unbilled receivables are included in accounts receivable and long-term unbilled receivables are included in noncurrent other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Total unbilled receivables at July 31, 2015 and 2014 were $5.2 million and $5.8 million, respectively. There was no long-term unbilled receivables at either July 31, 2015 or 2014. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, we accrue for the estimated losses immediately.

Deferred revenue is primarily comprised of maintenance and other service revenues for which payment has been received and for which services have not yet been performed. In situations where collection of the receivable is not reasonably assured, the inventory is expensed upon shipment and the revenue is recognized as the cash is received. Total deferred revenue at July 31, 2015 and 2014 was $6.1 million and $11.8 million, respectively. At July 31, 2015 and 2014, the long-term portion of deferred revenue of $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, was included in non-current other liabilities.

We grant credit to domestic and foreign original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and end users, and perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon specific customer collection issues that have been identified.

Use of estimates

(d) Use of estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments and methodologies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Significant estimates for which changes in the near term are considered reasonably possible and that may have a material impact on the financial statements are disclosed in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inventories

(e) Inventories

We value inventory at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Management assesses the recoverability of inventory based on types and levels of inventory held, product life cycle, and changes in technology. A variety of methodologies are used to determine the amount of inventory write-downs necessary for excess and obsolete inventory. The write-downs are based upon the age of the inventory, lower of cost or market, along with other significant management judgments concerning future demands for the inventory. Once write-downs are recorded, they are not subsequently reversed, unless the inventory is used or disposed of. Inventory includes demo equipment utilized by the sales force in the field as the company intends to sell such demo equipment. Demo equipment is amortized on a straight-line basis over a four year period and included in cost of sales.

Income taxes

(f) Income taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances, and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of asset and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We do not provide for U.S. Federal income taxes on undistributed earnings of all consolidated foreign subsidiaries as such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested in those operations. For disclosure purposes, calculations of the potential deferred income tax liability on these undistributed earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Concentration of credit risk

(g) Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, derivative instruments and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents not required for working capital purposes are placed primarily in short-term bank deposits, money market funds, or demand notes of financial institutions or banks that meet stringent credit rating requirements or are collateralized by securities issued by the U.S. government or government agencies. We grant credit to domestic and foreign original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and end users, and perform ongoing credit evaluations on our customers’ financial condition. We do not require collateral or other security to be furnished by the counterparties to our derivative instruments.

Property, plant, and equipment

(h) Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the respective leases. Upon retirement or disposal, the cost of the asset disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred while the costs of significant improvements, which extend the life of the underlying asset, are capitalized.

Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following:

	Estimated Useful  Lives (Years)	July 31,
		2015			2014
(in millions)
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land and improvements	15 years for land improvements		6.9			7.5
Building and improvements	10 to 35		83.0			85.1
Leasehold improvements	lesser of useful life or the lease term		10.0			9.8
Equipment and software	3 to 7		133.7			129.2
Furniture and fixtures	5		7.1			7.3
			240.7			238.9
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(134.4	)		(124.7	)
Total property, plant and equipment		$	106.3		$	114.2

Land is not depreciated. Total depreciation and amortization of property, plant, and equipment was $14.1 million, $14.3 million, and $13.0 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We did not capitalize any interest in fiscal years 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Intangible assets and goodwill

(i) Intangible assets and goodwill

Intangible assets consist of intellectual property, licenses, and certain identifiable intangible assets resulting from business combinations, including trade names, customer relationships, backlog, and developed technology. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized using either the straight-line method, or if reliably determinable, based on the pattern in which the economic benefit of the asset is expected to be utilized. Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed 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 the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic life. 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. Evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets requires estimates of future operating results that are used in the preparation of the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of long-lived assets could differ from the estimates used in assessing the recoverability of these assets. These differences could result in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

An indefinite-lived intangible asset, such as an in-process research and development, or IPR&D, or trade names acquired in business combinations, is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We perform our annual review in our second quarter of each fiscal year. An indefinite-lived intangible asset may be considered impaired if we determine that the carrying value exceeds the assets’ fair value. We may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test or bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test is based on discounted estimated future cash flows. Assessing the impairment of an indefinite-lived intangible asset requires us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the fair value of the asset using the relief from royalty valuation technique, which include management’s estimates of future growth rates and discount rates.

Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. A reporting unit, for the purpose of the impairment test, is at or below the operating segment level, and constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. We perform our annual reviews in our second quarter of each fiscal year. We may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less that its carrying value and as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment test. If an initial qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an additional quantitative evaluation is performed under the two-step impairment test. If based on the quantitative evaluation the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform an analysis of the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined to be less that its carrying amount, impairment is recognized for the difference.

Assessing the impairment of goodwill requires us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the fair value of our reporting units. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and cash earnings multiples, and compare the values to our estimated overall market capitalization.

Fair value of financial instruments

(j) Fair value of financial instruments

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and derivative instruments. The carrying amounts of our financial instruments approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair values of marketable securities and investments in pension and deferred compensation plans, if any, are estimated based on quoted market price for these securities. We did not have any marketable securities at July 31, 2015 and 2014.

Asset retirement obligations

(k) Asset retirement obligations

We establish asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain of our facilities to their original condition. The recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs. The accretion of the liability and the depreciation of the capitalized cost are recognized over the estimated useful lives of the facilities.

Impairment of long-lived assets

(l) Impairment of long-lived assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. If indicators of impairment are present with respect to long-lived assets and undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets are not expected to be sufficient to recover the assets’ carrying amount, additional analysis is performed as appropriate and the carrying value of the long-lived assets is written down to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis or the market value.

Warranty costs

(m) Warranty costs

We provide for the estimated cost of standard product warranties at the time products are shipped. Although we engage in extensive product-quality programs and processes, our warranty obligations are affected by product failure rates and service delivery costs incurred to correct product failures. Should actual product failure rates or service delivery costs differ from our estimates (which are based on specific warranty claims, historical data, and engineering estimates, where applicable), revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. Such revisions could adversely affect our operating results. Generally, we warrant that our products will perform in all material respects in accordance with our standard published specifications in effect at the time of delivery of the products to our customer for a period ranging from 12 to 60 months from the date of delivery.

Research and product development and capitalized software development costs

(n) Research and product development and capitalized software development costs

Research and product development costs are expensed as incurred and include primarily engineering salaries, incentive compensation, including share-based compensation, overhead and materials used in connection with research and product development activities. Research and product development costs related to non-recurring engineering projects funded by customers are included within engineering cost of sales if the project is accounted for under the percentage of completion method or under the completed contract method.

Software development costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility are capitalized when technological feasibility is established through the general release of the products that contain the embedded software elements. Technological feasibility is demonstrated by the completion of a detailed program design. Capitalized costs are amortized at the higher of (a) straight-line basis over the economic life of the software ranging from 3 to 5 years or (b) the ratio of the product’s current gross revenues to the total of current and expected gross revenues. Unamortized capitalized software costs are $0.7 million and $1.1 million as of July 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense of capitalized software development costs was $0.2 million, $0.0 million, and $0.2 million in fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and is included in product cost of sales.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

(o) Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction. We classify the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items. We do not enter into derivative transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

We assess, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of the hedged items. We also assess hedge ineffectiveness on a quarterly basis and record the gain or loss related to the ineffective portion to current earnings. If we determine that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, we discontinue hedge accounting for the affected portion of the hedge instrument, and any related unrealized gain or loss on the contract is recognized in current earnings.

Translation of foreign currencies

(p) Translation of foreign currencies

The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries, whose cash flows are primarily in their local currency, have been translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates at each balance sheet date. The operating results of these foreign subsidiaries have been translated at average exchange rates that prevailed during each reporting period. Adjustments resulting from translation of foreign currency financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. We had foreign currency translation adjustments of $(12.6) million, $(0.1) million, and $4.6 million, respectively, included within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than that of the entity’s functional currency), excluding intercompany transactions considered to be of a long-term investment nature, are included in the results of operations in the period in which they occur and are reflected under the caption “Other, net”. We had foreign exchange gains (losses) included within the Consolidated Statement of Operations totaling $(0.4) million, $(0.2) million, and $(1.5) million in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Advertising

(q) Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred, are included in selling and marketing expenses and totaled $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Share-based compensation

(r) Share-based compensation

We recognize share-based compensation expense for equity instruments exchanged for employee and director services. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant), net of estimated forfeitures.

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the fair value of our restricted stock awards, which include shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units, based on the quoted market price of our common stock or the use of a Monte-Carlo simulation model. For time or service-based awards, we recognize the associated share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on historical pre-vesting forfeitures and are updated on the vesting dates to reflect actual forfeitures.

For performance-based awards with an earnings per share related target, we evaluate the probability of meeting the performance criteria at each balance sheet date and if probable, related compensation cost is amortized over the performance period on a straight-line basis because such awards vest only at the end of the measurement period. Changes to the probability assessment and the estimate of shares expected to vest will result in adjustments to the related share-based compensation expense that will be recorded in the period of the change. If the earnings per share related target performance is not achieved, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed. For market-based awards, the compensation cost is amortized over the performance period on a straight-line basis because the awards vest only at the end of the measurement period. The probability of actual shares expected to be earned is considered in the grant date valuation, therefore the expense is not adjusted to reflect the actual units earned.

Business combinations

(s) Business combinations

In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined and recorded as of the date of the acquisition. Costs to acquire the business are expensed as incurred. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any excess of the fair value of assets acquired over the purchase price is recorded as a bargain purchase gain in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Net income per share

(t) Net income per share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist of stock options and restricted stock.

Segment information

(u) Segment information

We identify a business as an operating segment if: i) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker who is our chief executive officer, and iii) it has available discrete financial information. We aggregate our operating segments into a reportable segment if the operating segments are determined to have similar economic characteristics and are similar in the nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type or class of customer for their products and services, product or service distribution method and, if applicable, nature of the regulatory environment. We have three reportable segments: Medical Imaging, Ultrasound, and Security and Detection.

New accounting pronouncements

(v) New accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted

None.

Not yet effective

Cloud computing arrangements

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” The amendments provide guidance as to whether a cloud computing arrangement (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and other similar hosting arrangements) includes a software license and, based on that determination, how to account for such arrangements. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The provisions will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending July 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. This update is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal year ending July 31, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” Update No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Update No. 2015-02 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Revenue from contracts with customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update which provides guidance for revenue recognition. This update affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. This update will supersede existing revenue recognition requirement and most industry-specific guidance. This update also supersedes some cost guidance, including revenue recognition guidance for construction-type and production-type contracts. The update’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This update should be applied either on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. This update will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending July 31, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB issued a proposal to defer the effective date of the new revenue standard for public entities by one year. Therefore, this update would be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending July 31, 2019. The proposal would also permit entities to early adopt, but only as of the original effective date (i.e. one year earlier). We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this update on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications and revisions to prior period financial statements

(w) Reclassifications and revisions to prior period financial statements

Certain financial statement items have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.