the 2009 Annual Report (pdf) - PLX Technology

every six months in exchange for other PLX products of equal value. We analyze current stock rotation requests and
past experience, which has historically been insignificant, to determine the ending sales reserve required for this
program. In addition, we have arrangements with a small number of customers offering a rebate program on various
products. We record rebates as a reduction of revenue when the rebate is in the form of cash consideration or a
reduction to accounts receivable. Reserves are reduced directly from revenue and recorded as a reduction to accounts
receivable.
Inventory Valuation. We evaluate the need for potential inventory provisions by considering a combination of
factors, including the life of the product, sales history, obsolescence, and sales forecast. Any adverse changes to our
future product demand may result in increased provisions, resulting in decreased gross margin. In addition, future
sales on any of our previously written down inventory may result in increased gross margin in the period of sale.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on length of
time the receivables are past due. Generally, our customers have between thirty days to forty five days to remit
payment of invoices. We record reserves for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to
the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. Once we have exhausted collection efforts, we will reduce the
related accounts receivable against the allowance established for that receivable. We have certain customers with
individually large amounts due at any given balance sheet date. Any unanticipated change in one of those customers’
creditworthiness or other matters affecting the collectability of amounts due from such customers could have a
material affect on our results of operations in the period in which such changes or events occur. Historically, our
write-offs have been insignificant. However, due to the current economic conditions, our customers may encounter
liquidity issues leading to additional bad debt expense.
Goodwill. Our methodology for allocating the purchase price related to business acquisitions is determined
through established valuation techniques. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the
amounts assigned to identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired less assumed liabilities. We have one
operating segment and business reporting unit, the sales of semiconductor devices, and we perform goodwill
impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter and between annual tests in certain circumstances. In 2008, we
determined that our carrying value exceeded fair value, indicating that goodwill was potentially impaired. As a result,
we initiated the second step of the goodwill impairment test which involves calculating the implied fair value of
goodwill by allocating the fair value of the Company to all of our assets and liabilities other than goodwill and
comparing it to the carrying amount of goodwill. We determined that there was no implied fair value of goodwill and
recorded an impairment charge of $34.7 million in 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2009, we tested the goodwill
acquired in the acquisition of Oxford in 2009 and determined there was no impairment.
Long-lived Assets. We review long-lived assets, principally property and equipment and identifiable intangibles,
for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.
We evaluate recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to estimated
future net undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the
impairment recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value
of the assets. Also see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. During 2008, as a result of the goodwill
impairment testing, we had to evaluate our other long-lived assets for impairment. We purchased our headquarters
building in 2000. It is ideal for our operations and have no plans to relocate or sell the building. However, due to the
decline in the value of commercial property, the building was appraised for $18.8 million less than its carrying value,
which was recorded as an impairment charge in 2008.
Taxes. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred taxes are determined based on
the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect
for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to
reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2009, we carried a valuation
allowance for the entire deferred tax asset as a result of uncertainties regarding the realization of the asset balance
(see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements). The net deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation
allowance if, based upon weighted available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. We must make significant judgments to determine our provision for income taxes, our
deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance to be recorded against our net deferred tax asset. As of
December 31, 2009, a valuation allowance continues to be recorded for the deferred tax assets based on
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