Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies [Abstract]

(a)Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and its subsidiaries ("Comtech," "we," "us," or "our"), all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Business

(b)Nature of Business

We design, develop, produce and market innovative products, systems and services for advanced communications solutions.

Our business is highly competitive and characterized by rapid technological change. Our growth and financial position depends, among other things, on our ability to keep pace with such changes and developments and to respond to the sophisticated requirements of an increasing variety of electronic equipment users. Many of our competitors are substantially larger, and have significantly greater financial, marketing and operating resources and broader product lines than us. A significant technological breakthrough by others, including smaller competitors or new companies, could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, certain of our customers have technological capabilities in our product areas and could choose to replace our products with their own.

International sales expose us to certain risks, including barriers to trade, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (which may make our products less price competitive), political and economic instability, availability of suitable export financing, export license requirements, tariff regulations, and other United States ("U.S.") and foreign regulations that may apply to the export of our products, as well as the generally greater difficulties of doing business abroad. We attempt to reduce the risk of doing business in foreign countries by seeking contracts denominated in U.S. dollars, advance or milestone payments, credit insurance and irrevocable letters of credit in our favor.

We currently provide mobile data communications products and services to the U.S. Army under an indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity ("IDIQ") contract known as Blue Force Tracking ("BFT-1"). The BFT-1 contract also supports the Movement Tracking System ("MTS") which we previously supported pursuant to a separate contract which expired July 2011. Our combined MTS and BFT-1 sales for fiscal 2009 through 2011 were as follows:

	Net Sales	Percentage of Mobile Data Communications Segment Net Sales	Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales
2011	$ 248,578,000	86.2%	40.6%
2010	423,213,000	94.8%	54.4%
2009	156,385,000	88.4%	26.7%

Our BFT-1 contract currently expires December 31, 2011; however, we have agreed to perform certain satellite and related network engineering services through March 31, 2012. This contract can be terminated at any time and is not subject to automatic renewal. It is possible that after March 31, 2012, we will not generate any revenues in support of MTS and BFT programs.

Revenue Recognition

(c)Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generally recognized when the earnings process is complete, upon shipment or customer acceptance. Revenue from contracts relating to the design, development or manufacture of complex electronic equipment to a buyer's specification or to provide services relating to the performance of such contracts is generally recognized in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605-35 "Revenue Recognition — Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts" ("ASC 605-35"). We primarily apply the percentage-of-completion method and generally recognize revenue based on the relationship of total costs incurred to total projected costs, or, alternatively, based on output measures, such as units delivered or produced. In the case of our mobile data communications segment's MTS and BFT-1 contracts with the U.S. Army, we utilize the percentage-of-completion method. Profits expected to be realized on such contracts are based on total estimated sales for the contract compared to total estimated costs, including warranty costs, at completion of the contract. These estimates are reviewed and revised periodically throughout the lives of the contracts, and adjustments to profits resulting from such revisions are made cumulative to the date of the change. Provision for anticipated losses on uncompleted contracts is made in the period in which such losses become evident. Long-term, U.S. government, cost-reimbursable type contracts are also specifically covered by FASB ASC 605-35.

We have historically demonstrated an ability to estimate contract revenues and expenses in applying the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. However, there exist inherent risks and uncertainties in estimating future revenues and expenses, particularly on larger or longer-term contracts. Changes to such estimates could have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue recognized in excess of amounts billable under long-term contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method are recorded as unbilled receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Unbilled receivables are billable upon various events, including the attainment of performance milestones, delivery of hardware, submission of progress bills based on time and materials, or completion of the contract. We do not recognize revenue, or record unbilled receivables, until we receive fully funded orders.

Substantially all of our U.S. government revenues in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were derived from firm fixed-price contracts. Under these types of contracts, we perform for an agreed-upon price and derive benefits from cost savings, but bear the risk of cost overruns. Our cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, which to date have not been significant, typically provide for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred plus a negotiated fee.

Most government contracts have termination for convenience clauses that provide the customer with the right to terminate the contract at any time. Historically, we have not experienced material contract terminations or write-offs of unbilled receivables. We address customer acceptance provisions in assessing our ability to perform our contractual obligations under long-term contracts. Historically, we have been able to perform on our long-term contracts.

Revenues from contracts that contain multiple elements that are not accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 605-25 "Revenue Recognition Multiple Element Arrangements." Effective August 1, 2010, we adopted the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2009-13, which among other things requires revenue to be allocated to each element based on the relative selling price method. The impact of this adoption was not material.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(d)Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have insignificant risk of change in value as a result of changes in interest rates. Our cash and cash equivalents, as of July 31, 2011 and 2010, amounted to $558,804,000 and $607,594,000, respectively, and primarily consist of money market mutual funds (both government and commercial), certificates of deposit, bank deposits and U.S. Treasury securities (with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less). Many of our money market mutual funds invest in direct obligations of the U.S. government, bank securities guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, certificates of deposits and commercial paper and other securities issued by other companies. None of our cash equivalents include municipal auction-rate securities. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair market value.

Inventories

(e)Inventories

Work-in-process inventory reflects all accumulated production costs, which are comprised of direct production costs and overhead, and is reduced by amounts recorded in cost of sales as the related revenue is recognized. These inventories are reduced to their estimated net realizable value by a charge to cost of sales in the period such excess costs are determined. Indirect costs relating to long-term contracts, which include expenses such as general and administrative, are charged to expense as incurred and are not included in our work-in-process (including our contracts-in-progress) inventory or cost of sales.

Raw materials and components and finished goods inventory are stated at the lower of cost or market, computed on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.

Long-Lived Assets

(f)Long-Lived Assets

Our machinery and equipment, which are recorded at cost, are depreciated or amortized over their estimated useful lives (three to eight years) under the straight-line method. Capitalized values of properties and leasehold improvements under leases are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated life of the asset, whichever is less.

Goodwill represents the excess cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. In accordance with the FASB ASC 350, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other," goodwill is not amortized. We periodically, at least on an annual basis in the first quarter of each fiscal year, review goodwill, considering factors such as projected cash flows and revenue and earnings multiples, to determine whether the carrying value of the goodwill is impaired. If the goodwill is deemed to be impaired, the difference between the carrying amount reflected in the financial statements and the estimated fair value is recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment occurs. We define our reporting units to be the same as our operating segments.

We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of our other long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of such assets based upon the expectations of undiscounted cash flows from such assets. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss would be recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount.

We performed our annual impairment testing for fiscal 2012 on August 1, 2011 (the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2012) and we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. Unless there are future indicators of impairment, such as a significant adverse change in our future financial performance, our next impairment review for goodwill will be performed and completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Any impairment charges that we may take in the future could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2011 on August 1, 2010 (the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2011) and we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we were advised by the U.S. Army that we were not selected as the vendor and program manager for the BFT-2 program. As a result, we experienced a significant and sustained decline in our stock price and we determined that it was appropriate to conduct an interim impairment test for all three of our reporting units. Based on our interim goodwill impairment review, we determined that, as of July 31, 2010, the carrying value of our goodwill in our mobile data communications reporting unit was fully impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $13,249,000 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010.

Research and Development Costs

(g)Research and Development Costs

We charge research and development costs to operations as incurred, except in those cases in which such costs are reimbursable under customer funded contracts. In fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, we were reimbursed by customers for such activities in the amount of $10,703,000, $12,611,000 and $14,946,000, respectively.

Income Taxes

(h)Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We determine the uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 740-10-25, which prescribes a two-step evaluation process for tax positions. The first step is recognition based on a determination of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share

(i)Earnings Per Share

Our basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Our diluted EPS reflects the dilution from potential common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of equity-classified stock-based awards and convertible senior notes, if dilutive, outstanding during each period. When calculating our diluted earnings per share, we consider (i) the amount an employee must pay upon assumed exercise of stock-based awards; (ii) the amount of stock-based compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized; and (iii) the amount of excess tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of in-the-money stock-based awards. This excess tax benefit is the amount resulting from a tax deduction for compensation in excess of compensation expense, based on the Black Scholes option pricing model, recognized for financial reporting purposes.

Equity-classified stock-based awards to purchase 2,486,000, 2,148,000 and 1,435,000 shares for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the EPS calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Liability-classified stock-based awards do not impact and are not included in the denominator for EPS calculations.

In addition, the weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 reflect a reduction of approximately 1,781,000 shares as a result of the repurchase of our common shares during fiscal 2011. See Note (17) – "Stockholders' Equity" for more information on the stock repurchase program.

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations:

	Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Numerator:
Net income for basic calculation	$ 67,895,000	60,630,000	47,525,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Interest expense (net of tax) on 3.0% convertible senior notes	4,468,000	4,468,000	1,030,000
Interest expense (net of tax) on 2.0% convertible senior notes	-	-	2,866,000
Numerator for diluted calculation	$ 72,363,000	65,098,000	51,421,000

Denominator:
Denominator for basic calculation	26,842,000	28,270,000	26,321,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	215,000	316,000	448,000
Conversion of 3.0% convertible senior notes	5,566,000	5,488,000	1,268,000
Conversion of 2.0% convertible senior notes	-	-	1,756,000
Denominator for diluted calculation	32,623,000	34,074,000	29,793,000

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

(j)Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

We issue stock-based awards to certain of our employees and our Board of Directors and we recognize related stock-based compensation for both equity and liability-classified stock-based awards in our consolidated financial statements. These awards are issued pursuant to our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP").

Stock-based compensation for equity-classified awards is measured at the date of grant, based on an estimate of the fair value of the award and is generally expensed over the vesting period of the grant. Stock-based compensation for liability-classified awards is determined the same way, except that the fair value of liability-classified awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period until the award is settled, with changes in fair value recognized pro-rata for the portion of the requisite service period rendered.

Stock-based compensation for awards issued is reflected in the following line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations:


	Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Cost of sales	$ 410,000	828,000	812,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,976,000	6,317,000	7,080,000
Research and development expenses	971,000	1,571,000	1,684,000
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	5,357,000	8,716,000	9,576,000
Income tax benefit	(1,913,000)	(3,201,000)	(3,201,000)
Net stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,444,000	5,515,000	6,375,000

Of the total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit recognized in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, $270,000, $307,000 and $374,000, respectively, relates to stock-based awards issued pursuant to our ESPP.

Included in total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit is a benefit of $52,000, $41,000 and $73,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a result of the required fair value re-measurement of our liability-classified stock appreciation rights ("SARs") at the end of each of the respective reporting periods.

Stock-based compensation that was capitalized and included in ending inventory at July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $117,000, $159,000 and $277,000, respectively.

We estimate the fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model includes assumptions regarding dividend yield, expected volatility, expected option term and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in computing the fair value of stock-based awards reflect our best estimates, but involve uncertainties relating to market and other conditions, many of which are outside of our control. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by the employees who receive stock-based awards.

The per share weighted average grant-date fair value of stock-based awards granted during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $6.51, $10.47 and $12.60, respectively. In addition to the exercise and grant-date prices of these awards, we utilized certain weighted average assumptions to estimate the initial fair value of stock-based awards. These weighted average assumptions are listed in the table below:


	Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Expected dividend yield	3.62%	0%	0%
Expected volatility	36.31%	38.00%	40.36%
Risk-free interest rate	1.58%	1.99%	2.19%
Expected life (years)	5.10	5.01	3.61

Included in total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit for fiscal 2010, is an expense of approximately $1,396,000 which represents the estimated fair value of an increase in the respective contractual terms of 601,875 previously granted stock-based awards for seventy-eight employees. These stock-based awards were fully vested and their respective contractual lives were nearing expiration. In determining the fair value of the increase in contractual terms, we utilized the following weighted average assumptions: (i) expected life in years of 1.59; (ii) expected volatility of 40.98%; (iii) risk free interest rate of 0.47%; and (iv) expected dividend yield of 0%. There was no such modification or similar expense recorded in fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2011.

Stock-based awards granted have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, a contractual term of five or ten years and a vesting period of three or five years. We settle employee stock option exercises with new shares. All SARs granted through July 31, 2011 may only be settled with cash. Included in accrued expenses at July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is $22,000, $74,000 and $115,000, respectively, relating to the potential cash settlement of SARs.

The expected dividend yield is the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. For the stock-based awards granted during fiscal 2011, the expected dividend yield was equal to our then targeted annual dividend of $1.00 per share divided by the quoted market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. We estimate expected volatility by considering the historical volatility of our stock, the implied volatility of publicly traded call options on our stock, the implied volatility of call options embedded in our 3.0% convertible senior notes and our expectations of volatility for the expected life of stock-based awards. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for an instrument which closely approximates the expected option term. The expected option term is the number of years we estimate that stock-based awards will be outstanding prior to exercise. The expected life of awards issued is determined by employee groups with sufficiently distinct behavior patterns.

The following table provides the components of the actual income tax benefit recognized for tax deductions relating to the exercise of stock-based awards:


	Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Actual income tax benefit recorded for the tax deductions relating to the exercise of stock-based awards	$ 306,000	484,000	3,805,000
Less: Tax benefit initially recognized on exercised stock-based awards vesting subsequent to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards, excluding income tax shortfalls	(81,000)	(227,000)	(1,275,000)
Excess income tax benefit recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital	225,000	257,000	2,530,000
Less: Tax benefit initially disclosed but not previously recognized on exercised equity-classified stock-based awards vesting prior to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards	-	(7,000)	-
Excess income tax benefit from exercised equity-classified stock-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	$ 225,000	250,000	2,530,000

At July 31, 2011, total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based awards was $9,586,000, net of estimated forfeitures of $480,000. The net cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.7 years.

As of July 31, 2011, the amount of hypothetical tax benefits related to stock-based awards was $24,118,000. During fiscal 2011, we recorded $1,785,000 as a reduction to additional paid-in capital, which represented the reversal of unrealized deferred tax assets associated with certain vested equity-classified stock-based awards that expired during the period. There was no such reduction to additional paid-in capital or similar reversal of unrealized deferred tax assets during fiscal 2010 or 2009.

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

(k)Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

In accordance with FASB ASC 825, "Financial Instruments," we determined that, as of July 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of our 3.0% convertible senior notes was approximately $207,680,000 and $187,000,000, respectively, based on quoted market prices in an active market. Our 3.0% convertible senior notes are not marked-to-market and are shown on the accompanying balance sheet at their original issuance value. As such, changes in the estimated fair value of our 3.0% convertible senior notes are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

As of July 31, 2011 and 2010, we had approximately $152,878,000 and $339,984,000, respectively, of money market mutual funds which are classified as cash and cash equivalents in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These money market mutual funds are recorded at their current fair value. FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," requires us to define fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, using the fair value hierarchy described in FASB ASC 820, we valued our money market mutual funds using Level 1 inputs that were based on quoted market prices. As of July 31, 2011 and 2010 we had no other assets included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets that are recorded at current fair value. If we acquire different types of assets or incur different types of liabilities in the future, we might be required to use different FASB ASC fair value methodologies.

Use of Estimates

(l)Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 amount of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. We make significant estimates in many areas of our accounting, including but not limited to the following: long-term contracts, stock-based compensation, intangible assets including goodwill, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, allowance for doubtful accounts, warranty obligations and income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Income

(m)Comprehensive Income

In accordance with FASB ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income," we report all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investment by owners and distribution to owners, for the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other non-owner changes in equity (or other comprehensive income) such as unrealized gains/losses on securities classified as available-for-sale, foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability adjustments. Comprehensive income was the same as net income in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Reclassifications

(n)Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal 2011 presentation.