SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flex and its majority-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Amounts included in these consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise designated. The Company consolidates its majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. For the consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company owns less than 100%, the Company recognizes a noncontrolling interest for the ownership of the noncontrolling owners. As of March 31, 2017, the noncontrolling interest has been included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of total shareholders' equity. The associated noncontrolling owners' interest in the income or losses of these companies is classified as a component of interest and other, net, in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company has certain non-majority-owned equity investments in non-publicly traded companies that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity method of accounting is used when the Company has the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer, or if the Company has an ownership percentage of a corporation equal to or generally greater than 20% but less than 50%, and for non-majority-owned investments in partnerships when generally greater than 5%. The equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees are immaterial for all of the periods presented, and are included in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things: allowances for doubtful accounts; inventory write-downs; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; uncertain tax positions; valuation and useful lives of long-lived assets including property, equipment, intangible assets and goodwill; asset impairments; fair values of financial instruments including investments, notes receivable and derivative instruments; restructuring charges; contingencies; warranty provisions; fair values of assets obtained and liabilities assumed in business combinations and the fair values of stock options and share bonus awards granted under the Company's stock-based compensation plans. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The financial position and results of operations for certain of the Company's subsidiaries are measured using a currency other than the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, all assets and liabilities for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates as of the respective balance sheet dates. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Cumulative gains and losses from the translation of these subsidiaries' financial statements are reported as other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders' equity. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved, and re-measurement adjustments for foreign operations where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, are included in operating results. Non-functional currency transaction gains and losses, and re-measurement adjustments were not material to the Company's consolidated results of operations for any of the periods presented, and have been classified as a component of interest and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes manufacturing revenue when it ships goods or the goods are received by its customer, title and risk of ownership have passed, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and recoverability is reasonably assured. Generally, there are no formal substantive customer acceptance requirements or further obligations related to manufacturing services. If such requirements or obligations exist, then the Company recognizes the related revenues at the time when such requirements are completed and the obligations are fulfilled. Some of the Company's customer contracts allow the recovery of certain costs related to manufacturing services that are over and above the prices charged for the related products. The Company determines the amount of costs that are recoverable based on historical experiences and agreements with those customers. Also, certain customer contracts may contain certain commitments and obligations that may result in additional expenses or decrease in revenue. The Company accrues for these commitments and obligations based on facts and circumstances and contractual terms. The Company also makes provisions for estimated sales returns and other adjustments at the time revenue is recognized based upon contractual terms and an analysis of historical returns. Provisions for sales returns and other adjustments were not material to the consolidated financial statements for any of the periods presented.

The Company also recognizes revenue in accordance with multiple-element arrangements accounting codified under U.S. GAAP for arrangements that contain multiple deliverables. The Company determined that its multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of arrangements where multiple product components are sold together as part of a complete system. Depending on the contractual provisions of the respective contracts, the Company has concluded that the units of accounting for such arrangements are, in most cases, comprised of an aggregation of product components, however, may also be established at the product component level. For multiple-element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting based on their relative selling prices. Relative selling prices are based first on vendor specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), then on third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) when VSOE does not exist, and then on management's best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”) when VSOE and TPE do not exist. The Company bases the allocation of revenue on BESP, because the Company does not have either VSOE or TPE for the respective deliverables.

The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services for its customers that range from advanced product design to manufacturing and logistics to after-sales services. The Company recognizes service revenue when the services have been performed, and the related costs are expensed as incurred. Sales for services were less than 10% of the Company's total sales for all periods presented, and accordingly, are included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Customer Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and derivative instruments.

Customer Credit Risk

The Company has an established customer credit policy, through which it manages customer credit exposures through credit evaluations, credit limit setting, monitoring, and enforcement of credit limits for new and existing customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and makes provisions for doubtful accounts based on the outcome of those credit evaluations. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on specific customer circumstances, current economic trends, historical experience with collections and the age of past due receivables. To the extent the Company identifies exposures as a result of credit or customer evaluations, the Company also reviews other customer related exposures, including but not limited to inventory and related contractual obligations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. These financial institutions are located in many different locations throughout the world. The Company's investment portfolio, which consists of short-term bank deposits and money market accounts, is classified as cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.

All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from original dates of purchase are carried at cost, which approximates fair market value, and are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash deposited in checking accounts, money market funds and time deposits.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market value. The stated cost is comprised of direct materials, labor and overhead.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, with the exception of building leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the term of the lease, if shorter. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment was comprised of the following:



	Depreciable Life (In Years)	As of March 31,
	Depreciable Life (In Years)	2017			2016
		(In thousands)
Machinery and equipment	3 - 10	$	3,233,392		$	3,187,590
Buildings	30	1,237,739			1,144,798
Leasehold improvements	up to 30	395,663			397,340
Furniture, fixtures, computer equipment and software	3 - 7	502,223			477,203
Land	—	145,663			127,927
Construction-in-progress	—	212,326			178,851
		5,727,006			5,513,709
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(3,409,980		)	(3,256,076		)
Property and equipment, net		$	2,317,026		$	2,257,633

Total depreciation expense associated with property and equipment amounted to approximately $432.2 million, $425.7 million and $496.8 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of property and equipment is determined by comparing its carrying amount to the lowest level of identifiable projected undiscounted cash flows the property and equipment are expected to generate. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of property and equipment exceeds its fair value.

Deferred Income Taxes

The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities by applying the applicable statutory tax rate to such differences. Additionally, the Company assesses whether each income tax position is "more likely than not" of being sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation, if any. For each income tax position that meets the "more likely than not" recognition threshold, the Company would then assess the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with the tax authority.

Accounting for Business and Asset Acquisitions

The Company has actively pursued business and asset acquisitions, which are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The fair value of the net assets acquired and the results of the acquired businesses are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the acquisition dates forward. The Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and results of operations during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, the fair value of acquired net operating assets, property and equipment, intangible assets and related deferred tax liabilities, useful lives of plant and equipment and amortizable lives for acquired intangible assets. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identified assets and liabilities acquired is recognized as goodwill.

The Company estimates the preliminary fair value of acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition based on information available at that time. Contingent consideration is recorded at fair value as of the date of the acquisition with subsequent adjustments recorded in earnings. Changes to valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets are recognized in the provision for, or benefit from, income taxes. The valuation of these tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities is subject to further management review and may change materially between the preliminary allocation and end of the purchase price allocation period. Any changes in these estimates may have a material effect on the Company's consolidated operating results or financial position.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. Recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit, which is measured based upon, among other factors, market multiples for comparable companies as well as a discounted cash flow analysis. If the recorded value of the assets, including goodwill, and liabilities ("net book value") of each reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss may be required to be recognized. Further, to the extent the net book value of the Company as a whole is greater than its fair value in the aggregate, all, or a significant portion of its goodwill may be considered impaired.

The Company has four reporting units, which correspond to its four reportable operating segments: HRS, CTG, IEI and CEC. The Company concluded that there was no change to its reporting units in fiscal year 2017 and performed its goodwill impairment assessment on January 1, 2017. In lieu of the qualitative "Step Zero" assessment, the Company performed a quantitative assessment of its goodwill and determined that no impairment existed as of the date of the impairment test because the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.

Other Intangible Assets

The Company's acquired intangible assets are subject to amortization over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value. The Company reviewed the carrying value of its intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 and concluded that such amounts continued to be recoverable.

Intangible assets are comprised of customer-related intangible assets, that include contractual agreements and customer relationships; and licenses and other intangible assets, that are primarily comprised of licenses and also includes patents and trademarks, and developed technologies. Generally, both customer-related intangible assets and licenses and other intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis, over a period of up to ten years. No residual value is estimated for any intangible assets. The fair value of the Company's intangible assets purchased through business combinations is determined based on management's estimates of cash flow and recoverability.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments

The amount subject to credit risk related to derivative instruments is generally limited to the amount, if any, by which a counterparty's obligations exceed the obligations of the Company with that counterparty. To manage counterparty risk, the Company limits its derivative transactions to those with recognized financial institutions. See additional discussion of derivatives in note 8.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

All derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. If the derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge, effectiveness is tested monthly using a regression analysis of the change in spot currency rates and the change in present value of the spot currency rates. The spot currency rates are discounted to present value using functional currency Inter-bank Offering Rates over the maximum length of the hedge period. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument (excluding time value) is recognized in shareholders' equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective and excluded portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings immediately. If the derivative instrument is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the current period. Additional information is included in note 8.

Investments

The Company has certain equity investments in, and notes receivable from, non-publicly traded companies which are included within other assets. The equity method of accounting is used when the Company has the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer; otherwise the cost method is used. Non-majority-owned investments in corporations are accounted for using the equity method when the Company has an ownership percentage equal to or generally greater than 20% but less than 50%, and for non-majority-owned investments in partnerships when generally greater than 5%. The Company monitors these investments for impairment indicators and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values as required. Fair values of these investments, when required, are estimated using unobservable inputs, primarily comparable company multiples and discounted cash flow projections.

Restructuring Charges

The Company recognizes restructuring charges related to its plans to close or consolidate excess manufacturing facilities and rationalize administrative functions. In connection with these activities, the Company records restructuring charges for employee termination costs, long-lived asset impairment and other exit-related costs.

The recognition of restructuring charges requires the Company to make certain judgments and estimates regarding the nature, timing and amount of costs associated with the planned exit activity. To the extent the Company's actual results differ from its estimates and assumptions, the Company may be required to revise the estimates of future liabilities, requiring the recognition of additional restructuring charges or the reduction of liabilities already recognized. Such changes to previously estimated amounts may be material to the consolidated financial statements. At the end of each reporting period, the Company evaluates the remaining accrued balances to ensure that no excess accruals are retained and the utilization of the provisions are for their intended purpose in accordance with developed exit plans. See note 14 for additional information regarding restructuring charges.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the accounting for share-based payments. The new guidance simplifies various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments including income tax effects, withholding requirements and forfeitures. The Company elected to early adopt this new guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The guidance eliminates additional paid in capital ("APIC") pools and requires companies to recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also addresses the presentation of excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. Prior to adoption, the Company elected to not deduct tax benefits for stock-based compensation awards on its tax returns, and accordingly, did not have any excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies upon adoption. The Company therefore determined that adoption of the new guidance had no impact on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Further, the new guidance eliminates the requirement to estimate forfeitures and reduce stock compensation expense during the vesting period. Instead, companies can elect to account for actual forfeitures as they occur and record any previously unrecognized compensation expense for estimated forfeitures up to the period of adoption as a retrospective adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company has made the election to account for actual forfeitures as they occur starting in fiscal year 2017. After assessment, it was determined that the cumulative effect adjustment required under the new guidance was immaterial and therefore the Company did not record a retrospective adjustment. The Company finally determined that the adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. This guidance requires that the change be applied on a prospective basis, and it is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early application permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance and the timing of adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This guidance requires that the amendments be applied on a prospective basis, and it is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early application permitted. The guidance may result in more asset acquisitions being accounted for as purchases of assets in lieu of business combinations. The Company intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to amend the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity ("VIE") should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. This guidance requires that the amendments be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis, and it is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the new guidance will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements, and it intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to address specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early application permitted. The new guidance allows for two transition methods in application - (i) retrospective to each period presented, or (ii) if it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, then the amendments for those issues would be applied prospective as of the earliest date practicable. The Company expects an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the timing of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve financial reporting on leasing transactions. The new lease guidance will require entities that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The guidance will also enhance existing disclosure requirements relating to those leases. The Company will be required to adopt the new lease guidance beginning with the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted. Upon initial evaluation, the Company believes the new guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets when adopted. The Company is currently assessing the timing of adoption.

In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory, by requiring that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Prior to the issuance of the new guidance, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, and should be applied prospectively with early application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update and the timing of adoption.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance which requires an entity to recognize revenue relating to contracts with customers that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such goods or services. In order to meet this requirement, the entity must apply the following steps: (i) identify the contracts with the customers; (ii) identify performance obligations in the contracts; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations per the contracts; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, disclosures required for revenue recognition will include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company has assessed that the impact of the new guidance will result in a change of the Company's revenue recognition model for electronics manufacturing services from "point in time" upon physical delivery to an "over time" model and believes this transition will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption primarily as it recognizes an increase in contract assets for unbilled receivables with a corresponding reduction in finished goods and work-in-progress inventory. The Company has commenced implementation in accordance with the planned effective date. The new guidance allows for two transition methods in application - (i) retrospective to each prior reporting period presented, or (ii) prospective with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized on April 1, 2018, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2019. The Company has not yet concluded upon its selection of the transition method.