1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

– Cohu, Inc. (“Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”), through our wholly owned subsidiaries, is a provider of semiconductor test equipment. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cohu and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Our fiscal years ended on December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 each consisted of 52 weeks.

Certain prior-period amounts in our consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Discontinued Operations

– On June 10, 2015, we sold our mobile microwave communications equipment business, Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc. (“BMS”) and on June 6, 2014, we completed the sale of our video camera business, Cohu Electronics. The operating results of BMS and Cohu Electronics are being presented as discontinued operations and all prior period amounts have been reclassified accordingly. See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations

” for additional information. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts herein relate to continuing operations.

Income (Loss

) Per Share

– Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded.

For the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 approximately 875,000 and 1,771,000 shares of our common stock were excluded from the computation, respectively.

The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share

(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Weighted average common shares outstanding		26,057		25,393		24,859
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units		731		613		-
		26,788		26,006		24,859

Cohu has utilized the “control number” concept in the computation of diluted earnings per share to determine whether potential common stock instruments are dilutive. The control number used is income from continuing operations. The control number concept requires that the same number of potentially dilutive securities applied in computing diluted earnings per share from continuing operations be applied to all other categories of income or loss, regardless of their anti-dilutive effect on such categories.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

– Highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. All of our short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). We manage our cash equivalents and short-term investments as a single portfolio of highly marketable securities. We have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate any of our investments in order to meet the liquidity needs of our current operations during the next 12 months. Accordingly, investments with contractual maturities greater than one year from December 26, 2015 have been classified as current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

COHU, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

– The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Concentration of Credit Risk

– Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.

Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.1 million at December 26, 2015 and $0.2 million at December 27, 2014. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate of potential loss exposure at December 26, 2015, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.

Inventories

– Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a current average or first-in, first-out basis, or market. Cost includes labor, material and overhead costs. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous estimates and judgments including projecting average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods and costs to complete and dispose of inventory. As a result of these analyses, we record a charge to cost of sales in advance of the period when the inventory is sold when estimated market values are below our costs. Charges to cost of sales for excess and obsolete inventories aggregated $2.4 million, $2.6 million, and $7.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

– Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment is calculated principally on the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of thirty to forty years for buildings, five to fifteen years for building improvements and three to ten years for machinery, equipment and software. Land is not depreciated.

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following

(in thousands)

	December 26,			December 27,
	2015			2014
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and land improvements	$	4,607		$	11,762
Buildings and building improvements		8,971			31,065
Machinery and equipment		31,888			32,356
		45,466			75,183
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(26,466	)		(43,329	)
Property plant and equipment, net	$	19,000		$	31,854

Depreciation expense was approximately $4.2 million in 2015, $4.8 million in 2014 and $4.7 million 2013.

Segment Information

– We applied the provisions of ASC Topic 280,

Segment Reporting

, (“ASC 280”), which sets forth a management approach to segment reporting and establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report annually entity-wide disclosures about products, major customers and the geographies in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue. An operating segment is defined as a component that engages in business activities whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker and for which discrete financial information is available. Based on the provisions of ASC 280, we have determined that our identified operating segments qualify for aggregation under ASC 280 due to similarities in their customers, their economic characteristics, and the nature of products and services provided. As a result, we report in one segment, semiconductor equipment.

COHU, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets

– We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on October 1

of each year and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. As a part of our annual assessment process for 2015 we performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether current events or changes in circumstances lead us to a determination that it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Under this approach, absent a qualitative determination that the fair value of our reporting unit is more likely than not to be less than its carrying value, we do not need to proceed to the traditional estimated fair value test for that asset which would involve comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of our identified reporting unit.

As of October 1, 2015, the results of our qualitative assessment indicated there was no impairment.

Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.

Product Warranty

– Product warranty costs are accrued in the period sales are recognized. Our products are generally sold with standard warranty periods, which differ by product, ranging from 12- to 36-months. Parts and labor are typically covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. Our warranty expense accruals are based on historical and estimated costs by product and configuration. From time-to-time we offer customers extended warranties beyond the standard warranty period. In those situations the revenue relating to the extended warranty is deferred at its estimated fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Costs associated with our extended warranty contracts are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

– We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized and recorded, net of federal and state tax benefits, in income tax expense.

Contingencies and Litigation

– We assess the probability of adverse judgments in connection with current and threatened litigation. We would accrue the cost of an adverse judgment if, in our estimation, the adverse outcome is probable and we can reasonably estimate the ultimate cost.

Revenue Recognition

– Our net sales are derived from the sale of products and services and are adjusted for estimated returns and allowances, which historically have been insignificant. We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment. In circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur.

Revenue for established products that have previously satisfied a customer’s acceptance requirements and provide for full payment tied to shipment is generally recognized upon shipment and passage of title. In certain instances, customer payment terms may provide that a minority portion (e.g. up to 20%) of the equipment purchase price be paid only upon customer acceptance. In those situations, the majority portion (e.g. 80%) of revenue where the contingent payment is tied to shipment and the entire product cost of sale are recognized upon shipment and passage of title and the minority portion of the purchase price related to customer acceptance is deferred and recognized upon receipt of customer acceptance. In cases where a prior history of customer acceptance cannot be demonstrated or from sales where customer payment dates are not determinable and in the case of new products, revenue is deferred until customer acceptance has been received. Our post-shipment obligations typically include installation and standard warranties. The estimated fair value of installation related revenue is recognized in the period the installation is performed. Service revenue is recognized ratably over the period of the related contract or upon completion of the services if they are short-term in nature. Spares and kit revenue is generally recognized upon shipment.

COHU, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Certain of our equipment sales are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements. A multiple-element arrangement is a transaction which may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services, or rights to use assets, and performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. For arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred using the relative selling price method utilizing estimated sales prices until delivery of the deferred elements. We limit the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services, future performance obligations or subject to customer-specified return or adjustment.

On shipments where sales are not recognized, gross profit is generally recorded as deferred profit in our consolidated balance sheet representing the difference between the receivable recorded and the inventory shipped. In certain instances where customer payments are received prior to product shipment, the customer’s payments are recorded as customer advances. At December 26, 2015, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $5.0 million and deferred profit of $3.7 million. At December 27, 2014, we had total deferred revenue of approximately $10.7 million and deferred profit of $6.9 million.

Advertising Costs

– Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were not material for all periods presented.

Share-based Compensation

– We measure and recognize all share-based compensation under the fair value method. Our estimate of share-based compensation expense requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), future forfeitures and related tax effects. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made are reasonable and appropriate, changes in assumptions could materially impact our reported financial results.

Foreign Currency Translation

– Assets and liabilities of our wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that use the U.S. Dollar as their functional currency are re-measured using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, except for nonmonetary assets, such as inventories and property, plant and equipment, which are re-measured using historical exchange rates. Revenues and costs are re-measured using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are re-measured using historical exchange rates. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred. Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have designated the local currency as their functional currency and, as a result, their assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. During the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 we recognized approximately $1.4 million and $2.0 million of foreign exchange gains in our consolidated statement of operations, respectively. Cumulative translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements are included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Comprehensive Loss

– Our accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled approximately $21.8 million at December 26, 2015 and $10.7 million at December 27, 2014 and was attributed to, net of income taxes where applicable; foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. Dollars, unrealized losses and gains on investments and adjustments to accumulated postretirement benefit obligations. The U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to many foreign currencies as of December 26, 2015 compared to December 27, 2014. Consequently, our accumulated comprehensive loss increased by $11.0 million as a result of the foreign currency translation. Similarly, in the previous year, strengthening of the U.S. Dollar as of December 27, 2014 compared to December 28, 2013 led to an increase in our accumulated comprehensive loss of $14.1 million. Additional information related to accumulated other comprehensive income, on an after-tax basis is included in Note 11.

COHU, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements –

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-04, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Subtopic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets.” This update provides a practical expedient that permits a company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end date that is closest to the company's fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year. The practical expedient should be applied consistently to all plans if the company has more than one plan. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we elected to early adopt this guidance and the adoption had no impact on our results of operations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which provides guidance on the presentation of deferred income taxes that requires deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with related valuation allowances, to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each tax jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The new guidance does not change the existing requirement that prohibits offsetting deferred tax liabilities from one jurisdiction against deferred tax assets of another jurisdiction. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we elected to early-adopt this guidance retrospectively. Adoption had no impact on our results of operations. The following table summarizes the adjustments made to conform prior year classifications with the new guidance (

in thousands

	December 27, 2014
	As Filed			Reclass			As Adjusted
Current deferred income tax assets	$	4,406		$	(4,406	)	$	-
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets		-			353			353
Current deferred income tax liabilities (included in other accrued liabilities)		(261	)		261			-
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities		(11,061	)		3,792			(7,269	)
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$	(6,916	)	$	-		$	(6,916	)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

– In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The amended guidance outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB agreed to propose a one-year deferral of the revenue recognition standard's effective date for all entities, which would change the effectiveness to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet determined which transition method we will utilize upon adoption or the potential impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. This standard sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate, each reporting period, whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and if so, to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have any material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (ASU 2015-11). ASU 2015-11 simplifies the guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, excluding inventory measured using last-in, first out or the retail inventory method. Under the new standard, in scope inventory should be

measured at the lower of cost

and

net realizable value. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements and our timing for adoption.

COHU, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (ASU 2015-16). ASU 2015-16 requires an entity to: recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined; record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date; and present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. We do not expect the new standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.