Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Description of Business

Description of Business – Amtech is a leading, global manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing and wafer polishing, and related consumables used in fabricating semiconductor devices, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power devices, analog and discrete devices, electronic assemblies and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We sell these products to semiconductor device and module manufacturers worldwide, particularly in Asia, North America and Europe.

We serve niche markets in industries that are experiencing technological advances, and which historically have been very cyclical. Therefore, future profitability and growth depend on our ability to develop or acquire and market profitable new products and on our ability to adapt to cyclical trends.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we began the process to divest our solar business. As such, we classified substantially all of the Solar segment as held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and reported its results as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. These divestitures were completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2020. For additional information on the divestiture, see Note 2. For additional information on our segments, see Note 18.

Our fiscal year is from October 1 to September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 relate to the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The COVID-19 world-wide pandemic and the domestic and international impact of policy decisions being made in major countries around the world has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on various aspects of our business. While we and many of our semiconductor customers continue to operate as essential businesses, in accordance with the government regulations in place at each of our facilities, we have taken various actions to augment our operating and human resource policies and procedures to guard against the potential health hazards of COVID-19. These augmented procedures can have a negative impact on our operational efficiencies. Given the uncertainty surrounding the continuation of economic slow-downs domestically and abroad, we cannot predict with any level of certainty at this time what the future impact of COVID-19 and resulting business and economic policies in the United States and abroad will be on our future financial operating results.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Results for all periods presented in this report have been reclassified for changes to our reportable segments (Note 18). These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements for any period.

Divestitures

Divestitures – Significant accounting policies associated with a decision to dispose of a business are discussed below:

Discontinued Operations – A business is classified as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on operations or financial results and meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale or is disposed of by sale or otherwise. Significant judgments are involved in determining whether a business meets the criteria for discontinued operations reporting and the period in which these criteria are met. If a business is reported as a discontinued operation, the results of operations through the date of sale, including any gain or loss recognized on the disposition, are presented on a separate line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Interest on debt directly attributable to the discontinued operation is allocated to discontinued operations.

Assets Held for Sale – An asset or business is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell and it is actively marketed; (ii) it is available for immediate sale and the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (iii) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. In isolated instances, assets held for sale may exceed one year due to events or circumstances beyond our control. The assets and related liabilities are aggregated and reported on separate lines of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts invested in U.S. money market funds and various U.S. and foreign bank operating and time deposit accounts.

We maintain our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in multiple financial institutions. Balances in the United States, which account for approximately 89% and 79% of total cash balances at our continuing operations as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are primarily invested in U.S. Treasuries or are in financial institutions insured by the FDIC. The remainder of our cash is maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit in China, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia.  We maintain cash in bank accounts in amounts which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses on such accounts.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash includes collateral for bank guarantees required by certain customers from whom deposits have been received in advance of shipment.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – Accounts receivable are recorded at the sales price of products sold to customers on trade credit terms. Accounts receivable are considered past due when payment has not been received from the customer within the normal credit terms extended to that customer. A valuation allowance is established for accounts when collection is no longer probable. Accounts are written off against the allowance when the probability of collection is remote.

Inventory

Inventory – We value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs for over 90% of inventory at our continuing operations as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 are determined on a FIFO basis, with the remainder determined on an average cost basis. We regularly review inventory quantities and record a write-down to net realizable value for excess and obsolete inventory. The write-down is primarily based on historical inventory usage adjusted for expected changes in product demand and production requirements. Our industry is characterized by customers in highly cyclical industries, rapid technological changes, frequent new product developments and rapid product obsolescence. Changes in demand for our products and product mix could result in further write-downs.

We must order components for our products and build inventory in advance of product shipments through issuance of purchase orders based on projected demand. These commitments typically cover our requirements for periods ranging from 30 to 180 days or longer when there is a significant increase in demand or lead-times from suppliers. These purchase commitments may result in accepting delivery of components not needed to meet current demand.  We accrue for estimated cancellation fees related to component orders that have been cancelled or are expected to be cancelled, and for excess inventories that will likely result in our taking delivery of ordered inventory items in excess of our projected needs. If there is an abrupt and substantial decline in demand for one or more of our products, an unanticipated change in technological requirements for any of our products, or a change in our suppliers’ practice of not enforcing purchase commitments, we may be required to record additional charges for these items.  This would negatively impact gross margin in the period when the charges are recorded.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the applicable accounts when disposition occurs and any gain or loss is recognized. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Useful lives for equipment and machinery range from three to seven years; for leasehold improvements from three to fifteen years; for furniture and fixtures from five to ten years; and for buildings from 20 to 30 years.

Reviews are regularly performed to determine whether facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. When an indication exists that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Such impairment test is based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, if the life is determinable. If the life is not determinable, amortization is not recorded. We regularly perform reviews to determine if facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful lives of our intangible assets are shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. When an indication exists that the carrying amount of intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Such impairment test is based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets. Patent costs consist primarily of legal and filing fees incurred to file patents on proprietary methods and technology developed by the Company. Patent costs are expensed when incurred as they are insignificant.

In 2018, we recorded a charge for impairment of intangible assets in our former Solar segment.  See Note 9 for a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the intangible asset impairment charge.

Goodwill

Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired.  Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, typically at the end of the fiscal year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate. If it is concluded that there is a potential impairment, we would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (although the loss would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit).  Impairment tests include the use of estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value or goodwill impairment, or both.

In 2018, we recorded a charge for impairment of goodwill in our former Solar segment.  See Note 10 for a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the goodwill impairment charge.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition – We adopted ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which created FASB Topic 606 (“ASC 606”) with a date of initial application of October 1, 2018.  Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a product or service to the customer. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation based upon the relative standalone selling price for each performance obligation and is recognized as revenue upon satisfaction of the performance obligation.

To achieve the core principle of the standard, we apply the following five steps:

1) Identify the contract with the customer

A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred and identifies the related payment terms, (ii) the contract has commercial substance, and (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for goods and services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration.

2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other available resources, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises to the customer in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised goods and services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised goods and services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods and services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

Our equipment sales consist of multiple performance obligations, including the system itself and obligations that are not delivered simultaneously with the system, such as installation services and training. Customers who purchase new systems are provided an assurance-type warranty, generally for periods of 12 to 36 months.  In accordance with ASC 606, assurance-type warranties are not considered a performance obligation.

3) Determine the transaction price

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. The transaction price for equipment sales is adjusted for estimated product returns that we expect to occur under our return policy based upon past return rates, which have historically been immaterial.  In rare cases when the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Any estimates, including the effect of the constraint on variable consideration, are evaluated at each reporting period for any changes.

The transaction price for all transactions is based on the price reflected in the individual customer’s purchase order. Variable consideration has not been identified as a significant component of the transaction price for any of our transactions.

The Company has determined that most contracts will be completed in less than one year.  The Company will not adjust promised consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects at contract inception the period between when the Company transfers the promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less. For those transactions that are expected to be completed after one year, the Company has assessed that there are no significant financing components because any difference between the promised consideration and the cash selling price of the good or service is for reasons other than the provision of financing.

The Company excludes from the transaction price all sales taxes that are assessed by a governmental authority and that are imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected from a customer (for example, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes). Sales taxes are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

4) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple distinct performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each distinct performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to each distinct performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

Where required, the Company determines the SSP for each performance obligation based on consideration of both market and Company specific factors, including the selling price and profit margin for similar products.

For those contracts that contain multiple performance obligations (primarily system sales requiring installation services), the Company must determine the SSP. To determine the SSP for labor related performance obligations (such as the labor component of installation), the Company uses directly observable inputs based on the standalone sale prices for these services. The Company uses a cost-plus margin approach in determining the SSP for any materials-related performance obligations (e.g., system add-ons, spare parts, and systems).

5) Recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized over time if either 1) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the entity’s performance, 2) the entity’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or 3) the entity’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity and the entity has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. If the entity does not satisfy a performance obligation over time, the related performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time by transferring the control of a promised good or service to a customer. Examples of control are using the asset to produce goods or services, enhance the value of other assets, settle liabilities, and holding or selling the asset. For over time recognition, ASC 606 requires the Company to select a single revenue recognition method for the performance obligation that faithfully depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the goods and services. The guidance allows entities to choose between two methods to measure progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation:

Output methods - recognize revenue on the basis of direct measurements of the value to the customer of the goods or services transferred to date relative to the remaining goods or services promised under the contract (e.g., surveys of performance completed to date, appraisals of results achieved, milestones reached, time elapsed, and units of produced or units delivered); and

Input methods - recognize revenue on the basis of the entity’s efforts or inputs to the satisfaction of a performance obligation (e.g., resources consumed, labor hours expended, costs incurred, or time elapsed) relative to the total expected inputs to the satisfaction of that performance obligation.

Equipment and related product revenues (e.g., furnace systems, system add-ons, machinery, consumables and spare parts) are recognized at a point in time, when they are shipped or delivered, depending on contractual terms.  For products where the customer’s defined specifications have not been met with at least two similarly configured systems and processes, the revenue and directly related costs are deferred at the time of shipment and later recognized at the time of customer acceptance or when this criterion has been met.

For installation services, revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the equipment is shipped or delivered, depending on contractual terms. The nature of the installation services requires minimal effort and are perfunctory in nature. Therefore, equipment and any related installation are treated as one performance obligation.

Maintenance and service contracts are recognized over time. Progress in the satisfaction of these performance obligations will be measured using an input method of either time elapsed in the case of fixed period contracts, or labor hours expended, in the case of project-based contracts.

Cost to Obtain and Fulfill a Contract with a Customer

The Company recognizes an asset related to incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects to recover those costs. The Company will recognize an asset from costs incurred to fulfill a contract only if such costs relate directly to a contract that the entity can specifically identify, the costs generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and the costs are expected to be recovered. Any assets recognized related to costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are amortized to selling, general and administrative expense on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates.

In substantially all of our business transactions, we incur incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, in the form of sales commissions. We maintain a commission program which rewards our sales representatives for system sales and our employees for system sales and other individual goals. Under ASC 606, an asset shall be amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. However, ASC 606 provides a practical expedient to allow for the recognition of commission expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Based on the nature of the Company’s contracts with customers, we expense all commissions as incurred based upon the expectation that the amortization period would be one year or less.  

The Company accounts for shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the related good transfers as fulfillment activities instead of assessing such activities as performance obligations.

Revenue Categories used by Management

Management reviews disaggregated revenue at the operating segment level. Revenue-generating transactions vary between our operating segments due to several factors.  For example, lead times vary among our operating segments and among our products. Most of the revenue for our SiC/LED segment results from the sale of consumables, rather than equipment sales.  These consumables have a much shorter production period than equipment produced by our other operating segments. Due to these variations between operating segments, management determined that disaggregated revenue by segment sufficiently depicts how economic factors affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows.  See Note 18 for additional information on our reportable business segments.

Contract Assets

Contract Assets – Contract assets consist of amounts the Company is not legally able to invoice but has completed the related performance obligation. These amounts generally arise from variances between the contractual payment terms and the transaction price assigned to the open performance obligations (e.g., the Company has recognized revenue in an amount greater than the amount that is billable under the contract). Contract assets are reflected in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contract Liabilities

Contract Liabilities – Contract liabilities are reflected in current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as all performance obligations are expected to be satisfied within the next 12 months. Contract liabilities include customer deposits and deferred profit.  Contract liabilities relate to payments invoiced or received in advance of completion of performance obligations under a contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue upon the fulfillment of performance obligations. This amount relates primarily to prepayments for system sales and installation services.

Semiconductor system transactions have payment terms that generally require a payment due upon shipment of the system and a final payment due upon installation or acceptance.

Warranty

Warranty – A limited warranty is provided free of charge, generally for periods of 12 to 36 months to all purchasers of our new products and systems. Accruals are recorded for estimated warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized, generally upon shipment or acceptance, as determined under the revenue recognition policy above. On occasion, we have been required and may be required in the future to provide additional warranty coverage to ensure that the systems are ultimately accepted or to maintain customer goodwill. While our warranty costs have historically been within our expectations and we believe that the amounts accrued for warranty expenditures are sufficient for all systems sold through September 30, 2020, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience a similar level of predictability with regard to warranty costs. In addition, technological changes or previously unknown defects in raw materials or components may result in more extensive and frequent warranty service than anticipated, which could result in an increase in our warranty expense.

The following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty expense at our continuing operations (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2018
Beginning balance	$	556		$	644		$	710
Additions for warranties issued during the period		393			785			966
Reductions in the liability for payments made under    the warranty		(433	)		(693	)		(782	)
Changes related to pre-existing warranties		(121	)		(179	)		(250	)
Currency translation adjustment		(15	)		(1	)		—
Ending balance	$	380		$	556		$	644

Shipping Expense

Shipping Expense – Shipping expenses at our continuing operations of $0.5 million in 2020 and $0.7 million in each of the years 2019 and 2018 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  Advertising expenses at our continuing operations of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation – We measure compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions based upon the grant-date fair value of the award. Those costs are recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, with forfeitures recognized as they occur.  

We estimate the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The Black-Scholes model requires us to apply highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility, expected life of the option and the risk-free interest rate.  A change in one or more of the assumptions used in the model may result in a material change to the estimated fair value of the stock-based compensation.

Research, Development and Engineering Expenses

Research, Development and Engineering Expenses – RD&E expenses consist of the cost of employees, consultants and contractors who design, engineer and develop new products and processes as well as materials, supplies and facilities used in producing prototypes.  Payments received for research and development grants prior to the meeting of milestones are recorded as unearned research and development grant liabilities and included in other accrued liabilities on the balance sheet.  When certain contract requirements are met, governmental research and development grants are netted against research, development and engineering expenses.  The following is a summary of our research, development and engineering expense (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2018
Research, development and engineering	$	3,689		$	3,112		$	2,868
Grants earned		(377	)		(44	)		(12	)
Net research, development and engineering	$	3,312		$	3,068		$	2,856

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation – We use the U.S. dollar as our reporting currency.  Our operations in Europe, China and other countries are primarily conducted in their functional currencies, the Euro, Renminbi, or the local country currency, respectively.  Accordingly, assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for each month within the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax - foreign currency translation adjustments as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Net foreign currency transaction gains/losses, including transaction gains/losses on intercompany balances that are not of a long-term investment nature and non-functional currency cash balances, are reported as a separate component of non-operating (income) expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – We file consolidated federal income tax returns in the United States for all subsidiaries except those in China and the United Kingdom, where separate returns are filed.  We compute deferred income tax assets and liabilities based upon cumulative temporary differences between financial reporting and taxable income, carryforwards available and enacted tax laws.  We also accrue a liability for uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that such tax will be incurred.

Deferred tax assets reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management and based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Each quarter, the valuation allowance is re-evaluated. In 2020, we reversed a portion of the valuation allowance related to foreign deferred tax assets which we have determined will be utilized against net operating income in future years. In 2019 and 2018, we reversed a portion of the valuation allowance related to net operating loss carryforwards which we had determined would be utilized against net operating income in the respective years. We will continue to monitor our cumulative income and loss positions in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions to determine whether full or partial valuation allowances on net deferred tax assets are appropriate

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk – Our customers consist of semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, as well as the lapping and polishing marketplace. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Credit risk is managed by performing ongoing credit evaluations of the customers’ financial condition, by requiring significant deposits where appropriate, and by actively monitoring collections. Letters of credit are required of certain customers depending on the size of the order, type of customer or its creditworthiness, and country of domicile.

As of September 30, 2020, two Semiconductor customers individually represented 11% and 10% of accounts receivable.  As of September 30, 2019, one Semiconductor customer individually represented 15% of accounts receivable.

Refer to Note 20 for information regarding revenue and assets in other countries subject to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – In accordance with the requirements of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, we group our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted market price for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Valuation is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. Valuation techniques include use of discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. 

In accordance with the requirements of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, it is our policy to use observable inputs whenever reasonably practicable in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, the fair value measurement is based on models that use primarily market-based parameters including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. In certain cases, where market rate assumptions are not available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Included in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are money market funds invested in treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury and foreign bank operating and time deposit accounts. The fair value of these accounts are based on Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Receivables and Payables – The recorded amounts of these financial instruments, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Debt – The recorded amounts of these financial instruments, including long-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, approximate fair value and are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Effective October 1, 2019, we adopted the FASB ASU No. 2016-02—Leases (Topic 842), using the retrospective cumulative effect adjustment transition method. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification.  In addition, we made an accounting policy election not to separate non-lease components from lease components for all existing classes of underlying assets with the exception of land and buildings.  We also made an accounting policy election to not record right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities of approximately $195,000 and $163,000, respectively, as of October 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated results from operations and had no impact on our cash flows upon adoption.  However, during the third quarter of fiscal 2020, we recorded an additional $5.0 million of ROU assets and lease liabilities upon the commencement of our new SiC/LED building lease. Refer to Note 5 for further information regarding Topic 842.

Significant Accounting Policy

Significant Accounting Policy

We determine if a contract or arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception.  Balances related to operating leases are included in right-of-use assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Balances related to financing leases are immaterial and are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and long-term lease liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  

ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.  As none of our leases provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  The ROU asset includes any prepaid lease payments and additional direct costs and excludes lease incentives.  Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.