ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

We are a leading supplier of scientific instruments and related services for nanoscale applications and solutions for industry and science. We report our revenue based on a group structure organization, which we categorize as the Industry Group and the Science Group.

Our products include transmission electron microscopes (“TEMs”); scanning electron microscopes (“SEMs”); DualBeam^TM systems which combine a SEM and a focused ion beam system (“FIB”) on a single platform; stand-alone FIBs; high-performance optical microscopes, pore-scale micro computed tomography (“microCT”) equipment, three-dimensional modeling software, and service and components to support these products. TEMs provide the highest resolution images of samples and their internal structure, down to the atomic level. SEMs provide detailed images of the surface and shape of samples. Optical microscopes provide a wider field of view than SEMs and TEMs. DualBeams and FIBs image, manipulate, mill and deposit material for a variety of purposes, including preparation of samples for TEMs. Substantially all of these product categories are sold into all of our markets. Individual models of our products are increasingly designed to provide specific solutions and applications in each of our markets.

Our DualBeam systems include models that have wafer handling capability and are purchased by semiconductor equipment manufacturers (“wafer-level DualBeam systems”) and models that have small stages and are sold to customers in several markets (“small-stage DualBeam systems”).

Our significant research and development and manufacturing operations are located in Hillsboro, Oregon; Eindhoven, The Netherlands; and Brno, Czech Republic; and our software development is managed principally from Bordeaux, France. Our sales and service operations are conducted in the United States (U.S.) and approximately 50 other countries around the world. We also sell our products through independent agents, distributors and representatives in additional countries.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FEI Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “FEI”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and condensed footnotes have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the thirteen week period ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2015.

Use of Estimates in Financial Reporting

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Significant accounting policies and estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include:


•	the timing of revenue recognition;


•	valuations of excess and obsolete inventory;


•	the lives and recoverability of equipment and other long-lived assets;


•	the valuation of goodwill;


•	restructuring, reorganization, relocation and severance costs;


•	tax valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits;


•	stock-based compensation; and


•	accounting for derivatives.

It is reasonably possible that management's estimates may change in the future.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications to prior year consolidated financial statements have been made to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations.