2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The Company's third fiscal quarter ends on December 31, and the fourth fiscal quarter and year ends on March 31 of each year. The first fiscal quarter ended on June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013, respectively, and the second fiscal quarter ended on September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively. Amounts included in the consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise designated.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flextronics and its majority-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. For consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company owns less than 100%, the Company recognizes a non-controlling interest for the ownership of the non-controlling owners. As of March 31, 2015, the non-controlling interest has been included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of total shareholders' equity. The associated non-controlling owners' interest in the income or losses of these companies has not been material to the Company's results of operations for any of the periods presented, and has been classified as a component of interest and other, net, in the consolidated statements of operations.

During fiscal year 2013, the Company finalized the sale of two of its non-core businesses. In accordance with the accounting guidance, these non-core businesses represent separate asset groups and the divestitures qualify as discontinued operations, and accordingly, the Company has reported the results of operations and financial position of these businesses in discontinued operations within the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented as applicable.

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; fair values of assets and liabilities obtained 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 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.

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.

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.

The following table summarizes the activity in the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013:

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions/ Write-Offs			Balance at End of Year
	(In thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended March 31, 2013(1)	$	38,905	$	6,643	$	(34,671	)	$	10,877
Year ended March 31, 2014	$	10,877	$	2,029	$	(7,377	)	$	5,529
Year ended March 31, 2015	$	5,529	$	650	$	(1,645	)	$	4,534

(1)

Fiscal year 2013 includes a $28.0 million write off related to a fiscal year 2012 charge for a distressed customer and $5.8 million which was previously reserved and the underlying accounts receivable balance was reclassified to non-current assets in fiscal year 2013 and was carried net of its specific reserve.

One customer (including net sales from its current and former parent companies, through the dates of their respective ownership during the current fiscal year), which is within the Company's CTG business group, accounted for approximately 17% and 13% of the Company's net sales and approximately 15% and 14% of the Company's total accounts receivable balances in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. No customer accounted for greater than 10% of the Company's net sales in fiscal year 2013. The Company's ten largest customers accounted for approximately 50%, 52% and 47%, of its net sales in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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.

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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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.

Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:

	As of March 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Cash and bank balances	$	953,549	$	1,040,800
Money market funds and time deposits		674,859		552,928

	$	1,628,408	$	1,593,728

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. The components of inventories, net of lower of cost or market write-downs, were as follows:

	As of March 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	2,330,428	$	2,349,278
Work-in-progress		557,786		608,284
Finished goods		600,538		641,446

	$	3,488,752	$	3,599,008

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:

		As of March 31,
	Depreciable Life (In Years)	As of March 31,
	Depreciable Life (In Years)	2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Machinery and equipment	3 - 10	$	2,928,903		$	2,929,449
Buildings	30		1,067,837			1,069,376
Leasehold improvements	up to 30		459,926			470,960
Furniture, fixtures, computer equipment and software	3 - 7		440,878			427,038
Land	—		123,633			127,567
Construction-in-progress	—		140,786			88,687

			5,161,963			5,113,077
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(3,069,796	)		(2,824,421	)

Property and equipment, net		$	2,092,167		$	2,288,656

Total depreciation expense associated with property and equipment amounted to approximately $496.8 million, $424.8 million and $412.3 million in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 measured by comparing its carrying amount to the 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 and Other Intangible Assets

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.

As discussed in note 19, the Company concluded that as of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015 it has four reportable operating segments: HRS, CTG, IEI and INS and concluded these same four segments also represented its reporting units. The Company performed its goodwill impairment assessment on January 1, 2015 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. The Company changed the date of its annual goodwill impairment test from January 31 in order to better align with its reporting calendar. This change is within twelve months from the previous assessment date as well as within the same fiscal quarter and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes the activity in the Company's goodwill at the one reporting unit level through December 31, 2014, and at the four reporting unit level from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

	HRS			CTG		IEI		INS		Total
Balance, as of March 31, 2013	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	262,005
Additions(1)		—			—		—		—		26,270
Purchase accounting adjustments(2)		—			—		—		—		4,034
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—			—		—		—		449

Balance, as of March 31, 2014		—			—		—		—		292,758
Additions(1)		—			—		—		—		36,467
Purchase accounting adjustments(2)		—			—		—		—		8,651
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—			—		—		—		(3,393	)

Balance, as of December 31, 2014(3)		93,990			68,234		64,221		108,038		334,483
Purchase accounting adjustments(2)		(656	)		—		—		—		(656	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(196	)		—		—		—		(196	)

Balance, as of March 31, 2015	$	93,138		$	68,234	$	64,221	$	108,038	$	333,631

(1)	The goodwill generated from the Company's business combinations completed during the fiscal years 2015 and 2014 are primarily related to value placed on the employee workforce, service offerings and capabilities and expected synergies. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. Refer to the discussion of the Company's business acquisitions in note 17.
(2)	Includes adjustments based on management's estimates resulting from their review and finalization of the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired through certain business combinations completed in a period subsequent to the respective acquisition. These adjustments were not individually, nor in the aggregate, significant to the Company.
(3)	Goodwill is allocated to each of the reporting units based on the relative fair values assessed in conjunction with the goodwill impairment testing conducted as of January 1, 2015.

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, 2015 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 customer-related intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated method based on expected cash flows, primarily over a period of up to eight years. Licenses and other intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight line basis over a period of up to seven 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. The components of acquired intangible assets are as follows:

	As of March 31, 2015							As of March 31, 2014
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	(In thousands)
Intangible assets:
Customer-related intangibles	$	133,853	$	(80,506	)	$	53,347	$	204,369	$	(140,713	)	$	63,656
Licenses and other intangibles		39,985		(11,788	)		28,197		32,564		(11,760	)		20,804

Total	$	173,838	$	(92,294	)	$	81,544	$	236,933	$	(152,473	)	$	84,460

The gross carrying amounts of intangible assets are removed when fully amortized. During fiscal year 2015, the gross carrying amounts of such intangible assets fully amortized totaled $94.9 million. During the year ended March 31, 2015, the Company's customer-related intangible assets increased by $16.1 million in connection with the Company's acquisitions, and licenses and other intangible assets increased by $15.7 million primarily as a result of the purchase of certain technology rights. Total intangible asset amortization expense recognized in continuing operations during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $32.0 million, $28.9 million and $29.5 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, the weighted-average remaining useful lives of the Company's intangible assets were approximately 4.6 years and 4.2 years for customer-related intangibles, and licenses and other intangible assets, respectively. The estimated future annual amortization expense for acquired intangible assets is as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending March 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2016	$	27,449
2017		19,701
2018		14,000
2019		9,760
2020		5,224
Thereafter		5,410

Total amortization expense	$	81,544

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 the spot currency rates and the change in the present value of the spot currency rates. The spot currency rates are discounted to present value using functional currency LIBOR 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.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets includes approximately $600.7 million and $470.9 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively for the deferred purchase price receivable from the Company's Global and North American Asset-Backed Securitization programs. See note 10 for additional information.

Other current assets as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 included certain assets purchased on behalf of a customer and financed by a third party banking institution of $169.2 million and $267.5 million, respectively, as further described in note 17.

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 discounted cash flow projections.

As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company's equity investments in non-majority owned companies totaled $87.0 million and $77.4 million, respectively. The equity in the earnings or losses of the Company's equity method investments was not material to the consolidated results of operations for any period presented and is included in interest and other, net.

Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities include customer working capital advances of $189.6 million and $754.7 million, customer-related accruals of $454.8 million and $327.5 million, and deferred revenue of $272.6 million and $296.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The customer working capital advances are not interest bearing, do not have fixed repayment dates and are generally reduced as the underlying working capital is consumed in production. Other current liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 also included the outstanding balances due to the third party banking institution related to the financed equipment discussed above, that amounted to $197.7 million and $286.5 million, respectively, as further described in note 17.

Restructuring Charges

The Company recognizes restructuring charges related to its plans to close or consolidate excess manufacturing and administrative facilities. 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under the new guidance, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is permitted in an interim period with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The guidance is not expected to have a significant impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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. In April 2015, the FASB proposed to defer the effective date of the standard by a year and if such proposal is adopted, this guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance which requires an entity to report a disposal of a component of an entity in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when the component of an entity meets certain criteria to be classified as held for sale, or when the component of an entity is otherwise disposed. The Company early adopted this accounting standard update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recognized a loss of $11.0 million recorded in other income and expense, for the disposal of a manufacturing facility in Western Europe which did not meet the criteria of discontinued operations under this accounting standard.