Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 01, 2012

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

General Business Information

General Business Information

QLogic Corporation (QLogic or the Company) designs and supplies high performance network infrastructure products that provide, enhance and manage computer data communication. The Company’s products are used in enterprise data centers, cloud computing, Web 2.0 and other environments dependent on high performance, reliable data networking. The Company’s products are based primarily on Fibre Channel and Ethernet technologies and are used in connection with storage networks, local area networks (LAN) and converged networks. The Company’s products primarily consist of adapters, switches, storage routers and application-specific integrated circuits and are sold worldwide, primarily to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors.

The Company classifies its products into three broad categories: Host Products, Network Products and Silicon Products. Host Products consist of Fibre Channel adapters, Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) adapters, Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCOE) converged network adapters, and 10Gb Ethernet adapters. Network Products consist of blade, edge and high-port count modular-chassis Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel virtualized pass-through modules, universal access point switches, Enhanced Ethernet pass-through modules and storage routers. Silicon Products consist of Fibre Channel controllers, iSCSI controllers, converged network controllers, Ethernet controllers, converged switch controllers, and converged LAN on Motherboard (cLOM) controllers.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of QLogic Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Financial Reporting Period

Financial Reporting Period

The Company uses a fifty-two/fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest March 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010 each comprised fifty-two weeks and ended on April 1, 2012 and March 28, 2010, respectively. Fiscal year 2011 comprised fifty-three weeks and ended on April 3, 2011.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

In February 2012, the Company completed the sale of the product lines and certain assets associated with its InfiniBand business (the IB Business). The IB Business meets the criteria to be presented as discontinued operations. As a result of this divestiture, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all periods present the operations of the IB Business as discontinued operations.

Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Among the significant estimates affecting the consolidated financial statements are those related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, income taxes, investment securities, inventories, goodwill and long-lived assets.

The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Significant judgment is required in determining whether a group of assets disposed or to be disposed of meets the criteria for presentation as discontinued operations and in identifying the appropriate amounts to present as discontinued operations. In addition, significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s tax filing positions and the related assessment of recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. Additionally, significant judgment is required in determining whether a potential indicator of impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets exists and in estimating future cash flows for the purpose of any necessary impairment tests. Significant judgment is also required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, including the fair value of identifiable intangible assets. As future events unfold and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from management’s estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when all of the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and (iv) collection of the resulting accounts receivable is reasonably assured.

For all sales, the Company uses a binding purchase order or a signed agreement as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped and title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, in accordance with the terms specified in the arrangement with the customer. The customer’s obligation to pay and the payment terms are set at the time of delivery and are not dependent on the subsequent resale of the product. However, certain of the Company’s sales are made to distributors under agreements that contain a limited right to return unsold product and price protection provisions. These return rights and price protection provisions limit the Company’s ability to reasonably estimate product returns and the final price of the inventory sold to distributors. As a result, the price to the customer is not fixed or determinable at the time products are delivered to distributors. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue from these distributors based on the sell-through method using inventory information provided by the distributor. At times, the Company provides standard incentive programs to its customers. The Company accounts for its competitive pricing incentives and rebates as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recorded based on the specific program criteria and historical experience. In addition, the Company records provisions against revenue and cost of revenue for estimated product returns in the same period that revenue is recognized. These provisions are based on historical experience as well as specifically identified product returns. Service and other revenue is recognized when earned and receipt is reasonably assured.

For those sales that include multiple deliverables, the Company allocates revenue based on the relative selling price of the individual components. When more than one element, such as hardware and services, are contained in a single arrangement, the Company allocates revenue between the elements based on each element’s relative selling price, provided that each element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting. When applying the relative selling price method, the Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of the selling price, if it exists. In order to establish VSOE of the selling price, the Company must regularly sell the product and/or service on a standalone basis with a substantial majority of the sales priced within a relatively narrow range. If VSOE of the selling price cannot be determined, the Company then considers third party evidence (TPE) of the selling price. Generally, the Company is not able to determine TPE due to the lack of similar products and services sold by other companies within the industry. If neither VSOE nor TPE exists, the Company determines the estimated selling price based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, cost, gross margin, market conditions and pricing practices. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria is met for each deliverable.

The Company sells certain software products and related post-contract customer support. The Company recognizes revenue from software products when all of the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and (iv) collection of the resulting accounts receivable is probable. Revenue is allocated to undelivered elements based upon VSOE of the fair value of the element. VSOE of the fair value is based upon the price charged when the element is sold separately. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria are met for each element. If the Company is unable to determine VSOE of fair value for an undelivered element, the entire amount of revenue from the arrangement is deferred and recognized over the service period or when all elements have been delivered.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and non-employee directors, including stock options, restricted stock units and stock purchases under its Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP), based on estimated fair values on the measurement date, which is generally the date of grant. Stock-based compensation is recognized for the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on historical trends and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for awards that are subject to only a service condition on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award, which is the vesting period for stock options and restricted stock units, and the offering period for the ESPP. For all other stock-based awards, stock-based compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. The determination of fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. In estimating expected stock price volatility, the Company uses a combination of both historical volatility, calculated based on the daily closing prices of its common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the option, and implied volatility, utilizing market data of actively traded options on its common stock.

Research and Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs, including costs related to the development of new products and process technology, are expensed as incurred.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred and such costs were not material to the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return should be recognized in the first reporting period that it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Previously recognized income tax positions that fail to meet the recognition threshold in a subsequent period are derecognized in that period. Differences between actual results and the Company’s assumptions, or changes in its assumptions in future periods, are recorded in the period they become known. The Company records potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences using enacted statutory tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Temporary differences include the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Income from Continuing Operations per Share

Income from Continuing Operations per Share

The Company computes basic income from continuing operations per share based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted income from continuing operations per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding using the treasury stock method. The Company has granted stock options, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards, which have been treated as dilutive potential common shares in computing diluted income from continuing operations per share.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, marketable securities and trade accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits.

The Company invests primarily in debt securities, the majority of which are high investment grade. In accordance with the Company’s investment policy, exposure to credit risk is limited by the diversification and investment in highly-rated securities.

The Company sells its products to OEMs and distributors throughout the world. As of April 1, 2012 and April 3, 2011, the Company had three customers that individually accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s accounts receivable. These customers, all of which were OEMs of servers and workstations, accounted for an aggregate of 68% and 74% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of April 1, 2012 and April 3, 2011, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers. Sales to customers are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, the Company believes its foreign currency risk is minimal.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less on their acquisition date to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Investment securities include available-for-sale marketable securities, trading securities and other investment securities and are classified in the consolidated balance sheets based on the nature of the security and the availability for use in current operations.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, based on quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income until realized.

Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings and reported in interest and other income, net. In the absence of quoted market prices, these securities are valued based on an income approach using an estimate of future cash flows.

Other investment securities are accounted for under the cost method and recorded at the lower of fair value or cost.

The Company recognizes an impairment charge on available-for-sale securities when the decline in the fair value of an investment below its cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the Company would recognize the entire impairment in earnings. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the current financial and credit market environment, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, the magnitude of the unrealized loss compared to the cost of the investment, the length of time the investment has been in a loss position and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of market value.

Realized gains or losses are determined on a specific identification basis and reported in interest and other income, net, as incurred.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments. This reserve is determined by analyzing specific customer accounts, applying estimated loss rates to the aging of remaining accounts receivable balances, and considering the impact of the current economic environment where appropriate.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. The Company writes down the carrying value of inventory to estimated net realizable value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. These assumptions are based on economic conditions and trends (both current and projected), anticipated customer demand and acceptance of the Company’s current products, expected future products and other assumptions. Once the Company writes down the carrying value of inventory, a new cost basis is established. Subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in an increase in the newly established cost basis.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 39.5 years for buildings, five to fifteen years for building and land improvements, and two to five years for other property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization. The amount assigned to in-process research and development is capitalized and accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the underlying projects are completed or abandoned.

Goodwill is not amortized but instead is tested at least annually for impairment, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment, by comparing the carrying value to the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned. A two-step test is used to identify the potential impairment and to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is considered impaired and the loss is measured by performing step two. Under step two, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Management determined that the Company has a single reporting unit for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment. The Company performs the annual test for impairment as of the first day of its fiscal fourth quarter.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and purchased intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such an asset or asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Purchased intangible assets consist primarily of technology acquired in business acquisitions. Purchased intangible assets that have definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally ranging from three to seven years.

Warranty

Warranty

The Company’s products typically carry a warranty for periods of up to five years. The Company records a liability for product warranty obligations in the period the related revenue is recorded based on historical warranty experience. Warranty expense and the corresponding liability were not material to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity other than transactions with stockholders. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income consists primarily of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries that operate where the functional currency is the local currency are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Accumulated other comprehensive income related to translation adjustments was not material to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are included in interest and other income, net, and were not material to the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board reached a consensus on Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) — Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” and ASU 2009-14, “Software (Topic 985) — Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements.” ASU 2009-13 modifies the requirements that must be met for an entity to recognize revenue from the sale of a delivered item that is part of a multiple-element arrangement when other items have not yet been delivered. ASU 2009-13 establishes a selling price hierarchy that allows for the use of an estimated selling price to determine the allocation of arrangement consideration to a deliverable in a multiple-element arrangement where neither VSOE nor third-party evidence is available for that deliverable. Overall arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. The residual method of allocating arrangement consideration has been eliminated. ASU 2009-14 modifies the software revenue recognition guidance to exclude from its scope tangible products that contain both software and non-software components that function together to deliver a product’s essential functionality. The Company adopted the provisions of these standards beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 on a prospective basis. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.