Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 26, 2017

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday falling on or between March 26 and April 1 to allow the financial year to better reflect the Company's natural weekly accounting and business cycle. The fiscal years ended March 26, 2017, March 27, 2016, and March 29, 2015 each contain 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company uses estimates to determine the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts necessary to reduce accounts receivable to their expected net realizable value. The Company estimates the amount of the required allowance by reviewing the status of past-due receivables and analyzing historical bad debt trends and current economic conditions. Actual collection experience has not varied significantly from estimates, due primarily to consistent credit policies, collection experience, as well as the Company’s stability as it relates to its current customer base. Typical payments from a large majority of commercial customers are due 30 days from the date of the invoice. The Company charges-off receivables deemed to be uncollectible to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances are not collateralized.

Product Inventory

Product inventory, consisting primarily of finished goods, is stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method and includes certain charges directly and indirectly incurred in bringing product inventories to the point of sale. Inventory is written down for estimated obsolescence equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value, based upon specifically known inventory-related risks (such as technological obsolescence and the nature of vendor terms surrounding price protection and product returns), and assumptions about future demand. At March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, the Company had a reserve for excess and/or obsolete inventory of $6,360,600 and $6,071,100, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:


	Useful lives

Information technology equipment and software	1	-	5	years
Configuration, Fulfillment and Delivery technology system			7	years
Furniture, telephone system, equipment and tooling	3	-	10	years
Building, building improvements and leasehold improvements	2	-	40	years

The Company capitalizes computer software costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and when management authorizes and commits to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed. Development and acquisition costs are capitalized when the software project is either for the development of new software, to increase the life of existing software or to add significantly to the functionality of existing software. Capitalization ceases when the software project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the remaining lease term.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration of operating results, changes in business plans, or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, the Company evaluates recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows generated by other asset groups. If future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset group, the Company calculates the fair value of the asset group. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate required for a similar investment of like risk. There were no impairment charges in fiscal years 2017, 2016, or 2015.

Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair values, less estimated costs of disposal.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill amounts and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment at least annually or whenever an impairment indicator is identified. The Company performs its annual impairment test on the first day of its fourth quarter. Intangible assets that are not considered to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their useful life of 4 to 6 years using the straight-line method. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded within other long-term assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The goodwill impairment test involves an initial qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that an intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If qualitative factors suggest a possible impairment, the Company then performs an additional two-step approach. Under the first step, the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit to which goodwill has been assigned. The Company then compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of each reporting unit using various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow or income approach, under which the Company estimates the present value of the reporting unit’s future cash flows. Key assumptions used to determine the present value of a reporting unit’s future cash flows include (a) a cash flow period; (b) a terminal value based on a growth rate; and (c) a discount rate, which is based on the Company’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with our operations. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered potentially impaired and the second step is completed in order to measure the impairment loss. Under the second step, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in the first step. The Company then compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, the Company recognizes an impairment loss equal to the difference.

The indefinite lived intangible asset impairment test involves an initial qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that an intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If qualitative factors suggest a possible impairment, the Company then determines the fair value of the intangible asset. If the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for an amount equal to the difference. The intangible asset is then carried at its new fair value. Fair value is determined using estimates of discounted cash flows. These estimates of discounted cash flows will likely change over time as impairment tests are performed. Estimates of fair value are also adversely affected by increases in interest rates and the applicable discount rate.

Based on the Company’s qualitative and/or quantitative impairment testing performed, the Company did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets in fiscal years 2017, 2016, or 2015.

The methods of assessing fair value for our reporting unit with goodwill as well as for indefinite lived assets require significant judgments to be made by management, including future revenues, expenses, cash flows and discount rates. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenues when 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. The Company’s revenue recognition policy includes evidence of arrangements for significant revenue transactions through either receipt of a customer purchase order or a web-based order. The Company records revenues when risk of loss has passed to the customer. In most cases, shipments are made using FOB shipping terms. FOB destination terms are used for a portion of sales, and revenue for these sales is recorded when the product is received by the customer. Prices are always fixed at the time of sale. Historically, there have not been any material concessions provided to or by customers, future discounts provided by the company, or other incentives subsequent to a sale. The Company sells under normal commercial terms and, therefore, only records sales on transactions where collectability is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenues net of sales tax.

Because the Company’s sales transactions meet the conditions set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 605 and/or 606, it recognizes revenues from sales transactions containing sales returns provisions at the time of the sale. These conditions require that 1) the price be substantially fixed or determinable at the date of sale, 2) the buyer is obligated to pay, and the payment is not contingent on their resale of the product, 3) the buyer’s obligation to the Company does not change in the event of theft or physical destruction or damage of the product, 4) the buyer has economic substance apart from the Company, 5) the Company does not have significant obligations for future performance to directly bring about resale of the product by the buyer, and 6) the amount of future returns can be reasonably estimated. Because the Company’s normal terms and conditions of sale are consistent with conditions 1-5 above, and the Company is able to perform condition 6, it makes a reasonable estimate of product returns in sales transactions and accrues a sales return reserve based on this estimate.

Certain companies have turned to TESSCO to implement supply chain solutions, including purchasing inventory, assisting in demand forecasting, configuring, packaging, kitting and delivering products and managing customer and vendor relations, from order taking through cash collections. In performing these solutions, the Company assumes varying levels of involvement in the transactions and varying levels of credit and inventory risk. As the Company’s solutions offerings continually evolve to meet the needs of its customers, the Company constantly evaluates its revenue accounting based on the guidance set forth in accounting standards generally accepted in the United States. When applying this guidance in accordance with the ASC No. 605-45, the Company looks at the following indicators: whether it is the primary obligor in the transaction; whether it has general inventory risk; whether it has latitude in establishing price; the extent to which it changes the product or performs part of the service; whether it has discretion in supplier selection; whether it is involved in the determination of product and service specifications; whether it has physical inventory risk; whether it has credit risk; and whether the amount it earns is fixed. Each of the Company’s customer relationships is independently evaluated based on the above guidance and revenues are recorded on the appropriate basis. Based on a review of the factors above, in the majority of the Company’s sales relationships, the Company has concluded that it is the principal in the transaction and records revenues based upon the gross amounts earned and booked. However, the Company does have relationships where it is not the principal and records revenues on a net fee basis, regardless of amounts billed (less than 1% of total revenues for fiscal year 2017). If applying this revenue recognition guidance resulted in recording revenues on a different basis from which the Company has previously concluded, or if the factors above change significantly, revenues could increase or decrease; however, gross profit and net income would remain constant.

Service revenue associated with training and other services is recognized when the training or work is complete and the four criteria discussed above have been met. Service revenues have represented less than 1% of total revenues for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Other than sales relating to the Company’s private brands, we offer no product warranties in excess of original equipment manufacturers’ warranties. The Company’s warranty expense is estimated and accrued at the time of sale. Warranty expense was immaterial for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Vendor Programs

Funds received from vendors for price protection, product rebates and marketing/promotion are recorded as a reduction in cost of goods sold in accordance with ASC 605-50-45: Customer’s Characterization of Certain Considerations Received from a Vendor.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping costs incurred to ship products from our distribution centers to our customers’ sites are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $14,179,700, $13,642,700, and $13,700,000 for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Stock Compensation Awards Granted to Team Members

The Company records stock compensation expense for awards in accordance with ASC No. 718, which requires the Company to include in its calculation of periodic stock compensation expense an estimate of future forfeitures. The standard also requires stock awards granted or modified after the adoption of the standard that include both performance conditions and graded vesting based on service to the Company to be amortized by an accelerated method rather than the straight-line method.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC No. 740. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities arise from differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax balances are determined by using the enacted tax rate to be in effect when the taxes are paid or refunds received. A valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In accordance with ASC No. 740, the Company recognizes a provision for tax uncertainties in its financial statements. See Note 13 for further discussion of the standard and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews and evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, those that relate to tax reserves, stock-based compensation, accounts receivable reserves, inventory reserves and future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill and other long-lived assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimates.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new standard will change the classification of certain cash payments and receipts within the cash flow statement. Specifically, payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, including third-party costs, premiums paid, and other fees paid to lenders that are directly related to the debt prepayment or debt extinguishment, excluding accrued interest, will now be classified as financing activities. Previously, these payments were classified as operating expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this new standard will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets related to the rights and obligations created by those leases. The ASU also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures related to the nature, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The new standard will modify several aspects of the accounting and reporting for employee share-based payments and related tax accounting impacts, including the presentation in the statements of operations and cash flows of certain tax benefits or deficiencies and employee tax withholdings, as well as the accounting for award forfeitures over the vesting period. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Under this new standard, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee share based payments should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The standard also requires that these excess tax benefits be classified as an operating cash flow. The Company had no excess tax benefit from stock based compensation in fiscal year 2017. In fiscal year 2016, the company had an excess tax benefit from stock based compensation of $0.4 million. The company has elected to take the prospective method of adoption and is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on its disclosures; however, the company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on retained earnings.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of

Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory for entities using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This standard defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. This standard should be applied prospectively and had no effect on the Company’s Financial Statements or related disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205 40), which provides guidance in GAAP 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. This amendment should reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods of beginning after December 15, 2016 and was adopted by the Company during fiscal 2017. The Company has evaluated our financial position including and found that there were no conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Therefore, the adoption of this new standard had no effect on the Company’s Financial Statements or related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance will supersede Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, in addition to other industry specific guidance, once effective. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of 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 and services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, as a revision to ASU 2014-09, which revised the effective date to fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted but not prior to periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (i.e. the original adoption date per ASU 2014-09). In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations, which clarifies certain aspects of the principal-versus-agent guidance, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation and how it should apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements, such as service transactions. The amendments also reframe the indicators to focus on evidence that an entity is acting as a principal rather than as an agent. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies how an entity should evaluate the nature of its promise in granting a license of intellectual property, which will determine whether it recognizes revenue over time or at a point in time. The amendments also clarify when a promised good or service is separately identifiable (i.e., distinct within the context of the contract) and allow entities to disregard items that are immaterial in the context of a contract. We continue to assess the impact this new standard may have on our ongoing financial reporting. We have identified our revenue streams both by contract and product type and are assessing each for potential impacts. For the revenue streams we have assessed, we do not anticipate a material impact in the timing or amount of revenue recognized. We may be required to adjust our accounting for our returns reserve. However, our returns have historically been less than 3% of revenue, and as such, we do not expect this to have a material impact on the Company’s Financial Statements. Based on this ongoing assessment, the company intends to adopt the standard on a modified retrospective basis on April 1, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019.