Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 26, 2020

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation

Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year.  In the first quarter of 2020, the Company changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The Company made the fiscal year change on a prospective basis and has not adjusted operating results for prior periods. The fiscal year of 2020 began on January 1, 2020 and ended December 26, 2020. Financial statements for 2019 and 2018 continue to be presented on the basis of our previous calendar year end.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.

The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities as the fulfillment of a promise to transfer goods to the customer and therefore records these activities under the caption “Cost of revenue.” Sales tax and any other taxes collected concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. These accounting policy elections are consistent with the manner in which the Company has historically recorded these items.

Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or the expected cost-plus margin.

Systems and Software Revenue

Revenue from systems is recognized when the Company transfers control of the product to the customer. To indicate transfer of control, the Company must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer and the customer must have the significant risks and rewards of ownership. The Company generally transfers control for system sales when the customer or the customer’s agent picks up the system at the Company’s facility. The Company provides an assurance warranty on its systems for a period of twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized.

Depending on the terms of the systems arrangement, the Company may also defer the recognition of a portion of the consideration expected to be received because the Company has to satisfy a future obligation (e.g., installation, training and extended warranties). The Company uses an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when one is not available.

Revenue from software licenses provides the customer with a right to use the software as it exists when made available to the customer. Revenue from software licenses are recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. Revenue from licensing support and maintenance is recognized as the support and maintenance are provided, which is over the contract period.

Parts Revenue

Revenue from parts is recognized when the Company transfers control of the product, which typically occurs when the Company ships the product from its facilities to the customer.

Services Revenue

Revenue from services primarily consists of service contracts, which provide additional maintenance coverage beyond the Company’s assurance warranty on its products, service labor, consulting and training. Revenue from service contracts is recognized ratably over the term of the service contract. Revenue from service labor, consulting and training is recognized as services are performed. Revenue from installation services is recognized at a point in time when installation is complete.

Practical Expedients

The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company does not adjust the amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the payment terms are generally one year or less.

The Company does not disclose the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which it has the right to invoice.

For additional information on the Company’s revenue recognition, see Note 10 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations.  The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, the Company’s estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in its consolidated statements of operations. Accounting for business combinations requires the Company’s management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including its estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, restructuring liabilities, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent consideration, where applicable. Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates it has made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Estimates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, acquired technologies, technology obsolescence rates, estimated cash flows from the projects when completed and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.

For additional information on the Company’s business combinations, see Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

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 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include the allowance for credit losses, excess and obsolete inventory, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, recoverability and useful lives of property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets, recoverability of goodwill,

recoverability of deferred tax assets, liabilities for product warranty, contingencies, including litigation reserves and share-based payments and liabilities for tax uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors which the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company may engage third-party valuation specialists to assist with estimates related to the valuation of financial instruments, assets and stock awards associated with various contractual arrangements. Such estimates often require the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and significant judgment. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or circumstances and such differences could be material.

The Company also assessed the impacts of COVID-19 on the above accounting matters as of December 26, 2020 and through the date of this report. While there was not a material impact as of and for the year ended December 26, 2020 and through the date of this report, future actual magnitude and duration of COVID-19, as well as other associated factors, could result in material negative impacts to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities. The Company determined that all of its investment securities are to be classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity under the caption “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” Realized gains and losses and, interest and dividends on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income and other, net. Available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets regardless of their maturity date if they are available for use in current operations. The Company reviews its investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, credit quality and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. When a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities are charged against earnings. The specific identification method is used to determine the gains and losses on marketable securities.

For additional information on the Company’s marketable securities, see Note 5 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses.  The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses that is estimated based on a combination of factors including write-off history, aging analysis, forecast of future economic conditions and any specific known troubled accounts. The Company believes the allowance is adequate to cover expected losses on trade receivables.  Provisions for expected credit losses are classified as selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, including as a result of COVID-19, additional allowances may be required.

Inventories

Inventories.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.  Cost is generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. The Company reviews and sets standard costs as needed, but at a minimum, on an annual basis, at current manufacturing costs in order to approximate actual costs.

The Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest that inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based upon assumptions about historical and future demand for the Company’s products and market conditions. In addition, inventories are evaluated for potential obsolescence due to the effect of known and anticipated engineering design changes. Once a reserve has been established, it is maintained until the item to which it relates is scrapped or sold. The Company regularly evaluates its ability to realize the value of inventory based on a combination of factors including the following: historical usage rates, forecasted sales of usage, product end-of-life dates, estimated current and future market values and new product introductions. When recorded, reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of the Company’s inventory to its net realizable value. If actual demand for the Company’s products deteriorates, or market conditions are less favorable than those that the Company projects, additional reserves may be required.  

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are five to twenty-two years for buildings, three to ten years for machinery and equipment, three to ten years for furniture and fixtures, three years for computer equipment, and three to seven years for software. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and major renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Acquired Intangible Assets

Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Acquired Intangible Assets.  Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and identifiable acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows. For the year ended December 31, 2019, there was an impairment to an item in property, plant and equipment of $507, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2018.  

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets.  Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or when an event or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment.  The Company has one operating segment. No goodwill impairment occurred in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment using either a qualitative assessment or a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company chooses to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. When the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test, it compares fair value to carrying value, which includes goodwill. If fair value exceeds carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, the difference would be recognized as an impairment loss.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. However, the Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We consider many factors in evaluating whether the value of intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable, including, but not limited to estimates of future cash flows, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, general economic conditions, our outlook and market performance of our industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.

There was no impairment of goodwill or IPR&D for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

For additional information on the Company’s goodwill and purchased intangible assets, see Note 6 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with higher credit quality issuers and monitors the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. The Company's investment policy provides guidelines and limits regarding credit quality, investment concentration, investment type, and maturity that the Company believes will provide liquidity while reducing risk of loss of capital. Investments are of a short-term nature and include investments in commercial paper, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government, and U.S. Agency debt.

The Company’s accounts receivable result primarily from the sale of semiconductor equipment, related accessories and replacement parts. The Company’s customer base is highly concentrated and historically, a relatively small number of customers have accounted for a significant portion of its revenues. Write-offs of uncollectible accounts have historically not been material. The Company actively monitors its customers' financial strength to reduce the risk of loss, including as a result of COVID-19.

Warranties

Warranties. The Company generally provides a warranty on its products for a period of twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The estimated future warranty obligations are affected by the warranty periods, sales volumes, product failure

rates, material usage and labor and replacement costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual product failure rates, material usage, labor or replacement costs differ from the Company’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty obligations would be required. The warranty accrual represents the best estimate of the amount necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty reserve and adjusts the amounts in accordance with changes in these factors.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach for deferred taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to that portion which more likely than not will be realized.

For additional information on the Company’s income taxes, see Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Translation of Foreign Currencies.  The Company’s international branches and subsidiaries primarily generate and expend cash in their local functional currency. Accordingly, all balance sheet accounts of these local functional currency branches and subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the fiscal period-end exchange rate, and income and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using average rates in effect for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as cumulative translation adjustments and are recorded directly as a separate component of stockholders’ equity under the caption, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” The Company had accumulated exchange losses resulting from the translation of foreign operation financial statements of $4,479 and $564 as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Share-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for the award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized using the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation over the service period of the award, with adjustments recorded for forfeitures as they occur.

For additional information on the Company’s share-based compensation plans, see Note 11 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs.  Expenditures for research and development are expensed as incurred.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company’s policy is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated business exposures. The Company has a policy that allows the use of derivative financial instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted revenue and net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in various foreign currencies. The Company carries derivative financial instruments (derivatives) on the balance sheet at their fair values, in either prepaid expenses and other current assets or other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company does not believe that it is exposed to more than a nominal amount of credit risk in its foreign currency hedges, as counterparties are large, global and well-capitalized financial institutions. The Company’s exposures are in liquid currencies (Japanese yen, euros, Korean won, Taiwanese dollars, Chinese renminbi, British pound sterling, Singapore dollars and Israeli shekel), so there is minimal risk that appropriate derivatives to maintain the Company’s hedging program would not be available in the future.

To hedge foreign currency risks, the Company uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts, where possible and prudent. These hedge contracts are valued using standard valuation formulas with assumptions about future foreign currency exchange rates derived from existing exchange rates, interest rates, and other market factors.

The dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar forward contracts and related fair values as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

	December 26,			December 31,
	2020			2019
Notional amount	$	37,580		$	38,887
Fair value of asset (liability)		(36	)		120

 During the year ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a gain of $510 and $343 on maturities of forward contracts, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a loss of $81 on maturities of forward contracts.  The aggregate notional amounts of matured contracts were $373,749, $58,522 and $8,465 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Contingencies and Litigation

Contingencies and Litigation.  The Company is subject to the possibility of losses from various contingencies, including certain legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. The Company accrues for a loss contingency when it concludes that the likelihood of a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the Company concludes that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of its financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. The Company expenses as incurred the costs of defending legal claims against the Company. The Company does not recognize gain contingencies until realized. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Commitments and Contingencies” for a detailed description.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

Recently Adopted

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.”  This ASU is part of the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) larger disclosure framework project intended to improve the effectiveness of financial statement footnote disclosure.  ASU No. 2018-13 modifies required fair value disclosures related primarily to Level 3 investments.  This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods.  The adoption of ASU No. 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.”  This ASU amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718.  The ASU is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  The adoption of ASU No. 2017-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which represents a credit loss standard that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other financial instruments. Specifically, this guidance requires entities to utilize a new “expected loss” model as it relates to trade receivables, notes receivable and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity. In addition, entities are required to recognize an allowance for estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities, regardless of the length of time that a security has been in an unrealized loss position. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Recently Issued

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in Topic 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill and allocating consolidated income taxes to separate financial statements of entities not subject to income tax. ASU No. 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company must apply certain aspects of this standard retrospectively for all periods presented while other aspects are applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Recently issued accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable or did not have, or is not expected to have, a material impact to the Company.