Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies

v3.7.0.1
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
2.
Significant accounting policies
 
 
(i)
Basis of presentation
 
The Company’s accounting principles are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States (“U.S.”) dollars.  
 
 
(ii)
Principles of consolidation      
 
The financial statements of entities which are controlled by the Company through voting equity interests, referred to as subsidiaries, are consolidated. The Company has no interests in Variable Interest Entities in any of the years presented as all subsidiaries are wholly-owned. Inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
 
 
(iii)
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the year. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, impairment of long-lived assets and inventory valuation. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Actual results
may
differ from those estimates.
 
 
(iv)
Revenue recognition
 
Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of electronics components that are built to customer specifications. Revenue from the sale of products, including inventory held on consignment from customers, is recognized when goods are shipped to customers (FoB Shipping Point) once title has passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, price is fixed or determinable, performance has occurred, all customer-specified test criteria have been met and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognized from consignment inventory sales consists of labor and overhead charges once performance has occurred, which is determined once the consignment inventory is shipped to the customer.
 
In addition, the Company has contractual arrangements with the majority of its customers that provide for customers to purchase any unused inventory that the Company has purchased to fulfill that customer’s forecasted manufacturing demand. Revenue from the sale of excess inventory to the customer is recognized when title passes to the customer when the inventory is shipped to the customer. The Company also derives revenue from engineering and design services. Service revenue is recognized as services are performed.
 
Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. 
 
 
(v)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance based on factors such as the length of time the receivables have been outstanding, customer and industry concentrations, credit insurance coverage, the current business environment and historical experience.
 
 
 
(vi)
Inventories
 
Inventories are valued, on a
first
-in,
first
-out basis, at the lower of cost and replacement cost for raw materials and at the lower of cost and net realizable value for work in progress and finished goods. Work in progress and finished goods inventories include an application of relevant overhead. Fixed production overheads are allocated to inventory based on normal capacity of production facilities. The Company writes down estimated obsolete or excess inventory for the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated net realizable value based upon customer forecasts, shrinkage, the aging and future demand for the inventory, past experience with specific customers, and the ability to sell inventory back to customers or return to suppliers. If these assumptions change, additional write-downs
may
be required. Parts and other inventory items relate to equipment servicing parts that are capitalized to inventory and expensed as utilized to service the equipment. Parts inventory is valued at lower of cost and net realizable value. 
 
Consignment inventory received from customers has no value with the exception of labor and overhead charges on work in progress and finished goods consignment inventory. 
 
 
(vii)
Property, plant and equipment
 
Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally calculated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives as follows:
 
  
Buildings (years)
5
20
Machinery and equipment (years)
7
15
Office furniture and equipment (years)
 
7
 
Computer hardware and software (years)
 
3
 
Leasehold improvements
Over shorter of the lease term and estimated useful life
 
     Land is recorded at cost and is not depreciated.
 
 
(viii)
Income taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. This approach recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events recognized in the financial statements and tax returns. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the year in which the rate change occurs.
 
In establishing the appropriate valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, the Company assesses its ability to realize its deferred tax assets based on available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets or a portion thereof will be realized.
 
The Company follows the guidance under Income Taxes ASC
740
with respect to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements. This guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
This guidance requires the Company to determine if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, the Company would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than
fifty
percent likely of being realized when ultimately settled with the tax authorities.
 
 
(ix)
Earnings per common share
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares plus the dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the year. Anti-dilutive potential common shares are excluded. The treasury stock method is used to compute the potential dilutive effect of stock options.
 
 
(x)
Translation of foreign currencies
 
The functional currency of the parent company and all foreign operations is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rates of exchange. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at historical rates and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the month of the transaction. Exchange gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
 
 
(xi)
Financial instruments
 
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments (forward foreign exchange contracts) in accordance with applicable guidance. In accordance with these standards, all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair values. Changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss as a component of cost of sales.
 
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair values of the revolving credit facility and capital lease obligations approximate the carrying values as the obligations bear rates currently available for debt with similar terms, maturities and credit rating.
   
 
(xii)
Shipping and handling costs
 
Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of cost of sales.
 
 
(xiii)
Stock-based compensation
 
The Company applies ASC
718,
“Compensation – Stock Compensation”, (“ASC
718”)
using a fair value based method for all outstanding awards. The fair value at grant date of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, while the fair value of restricted stock units (“RSU’s) is based on the closing stock price at the date of grant. The fair value of RSU’s with a performance condition is estimated using the Binomial model. Compensation expense is recognized over the stock option and RSU vesting period on a straight line basis. ASC
718
also requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
 
 
(xiv)
Fair Value Measurements
 
In accordance with ASC
820,
“Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, (“ASC
820”),
the Company determines fair value as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. ASC
820
establishes a hierarchical structure to prioritize the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into
three
tiers:
 
Level
1
- Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level
2
- Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level
3
- No observable pricing inputs in the market (e.g., discounted cash flows)
 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and
may
affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
(xv)
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
The Company tests long-lived assets or asset groups held and used for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount
may
not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; the accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and a current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. Recoverability is assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset and the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset. If the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. For assets classified as held for sale, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount exceeds the fair value less costs to sell.
  
 
(xvi)
Restructuring Charges
  
Costs associated with restructuring activities are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic
420,
“Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (ASC
420),
or ASC Topic
712,
“Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits” (ASC
712),
as applicable. Under ASC
712,
liabilities for contractual employee severance are recorded when payment of severance is considered probable and the amount can be estimated. Liabilities for restructuring costs other than employee severance are accounted for in accordance with ASC
420,
only when they are incurred.
 
 
(xvii)
Post-employment benefits
 
The Company sponsors defined contribution pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans for certain employees. Contributions to the defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an expense as services are rendered by employees. The costs of the other post-employment benefit plans are actuarially determined. The liability recognized in the balance sheet in respect of the post-employment benefit plans for certain employees is the present value of the defined other post-employment benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period as determined by the Company’s actuary.
 
 
(xviii) 
Recently adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In
August
2014,
the FASB published ASU
2014
-
15
Topics
205
-
40:
Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern. The standard provides guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. Effective for years ending after
December
15,
2016
and for years and interim periods thereafter. Management has the processes and controls in place to assess the probability of whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within
12
months. The impact of adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
In
April
2015,
the FASB published ASU
2015
-
03
Topics
835
-
30:
Interest – Imputation of Interest. This standard provides guidance aimed to simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this Update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. Effective for years beginning after
December
15,
2015
and for years and interim periods thereafter. The impact of adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements 
 
 
In
March
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
08:
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606).
The amendment clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In
April
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
10:
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606),
which clarified application of the standard in identifying performance obligations and licensing arrangements. In
May
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
12:
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606),
which included narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. Specifically the update addresses application of collectability, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. In
May
2014,
the FASB published ASU
2014
-
09:
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic
606),
which supersedes (i) revenue recognition requirements in Topic
605
and most related industry-specific guidance, and (ii) cost guidance included in Subtopic
605
-
35,
Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and amends existing requirements for recognition of a gain/loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (for example, assets within the scope of Topic
360,
Property, Plant, and Equipment, and intangible assets within the scope of Topic
350,
Intangibles—Goodwill and Other) to be consistent with the new requirements. In
August
2015,
the FASB published ASU
2015
-
14
Topic
606
which effectively postponed the effective adoption requirement by
one
year such that the standard is effective for years beginning after
December
15,
2017
including interim periods with those years. Early adoption is permitted only for those annual reporting periods beginning on or after
December
15,
2016.
The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this accounting standard. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard, analyzing and performing a diagnostic on the various revenue streams within our manufacturing services. We anticipate a modified retrospective adoption effective
December
15,
2017.
   
In
July
2015,
the FASB published ASU
2015
-
11:
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic
330).
The amendments in this Update more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). FASB has amended some of the other guidance in Topic
330
to more clearly articulate the requirements for the measurement and disclosure of inventory. However, the FASB does not intend for those clarifications to result in any changes in practice. Other than the change in the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value for inventory within the scope of this Update, there are no other substantive changes to the guidance on measurement of inventory. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December
15,
2016,
including interim periods within those fiscal years. All other amendments will be effective upon the issuance of this Update. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
In
November
2015,
the FASB published ASU
2015
-
17:
Income Taxes (Topic
740).
The amendment requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December
15,
2016,
and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of adoption of the standard will result in the presentation of the Company’s deferred tax assets as non-current.
 
In
January
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
01:
Financial Instruments - Overall (Topic
825
-
10).
The amendment addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after
December
15,
2017,
and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
 
In
February
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
02:
Leases (Topic
842).
The amendment proposes that all lessees should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. Elections
may
be available for those leases with terms of
12
months or less. The amendment still retains the distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December
15,
2018,
and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of the adoption of the standard is expected to result in the recognition of all leases with the corresponding assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Management is currently evaluating the qualitative and quantitative impact of this standard.
 
In
March
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
09:
Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic
718).
The amendment simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and accounting for forfeitures. Some of the areas for simplification apply only to nonpublic entities. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after
December
15,
2016,
and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
 
In
May
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
13
Financial Instruments – Credit losses (Topic
326):
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The main objective of this Update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this Update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendment is effective for years beginning after
December
15,
2019
including interim periods with those years. Early adoption is permitted only for those annual reporting periods beginning on or after
December
15,
2018.
The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this accounting standard. The impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
 
In
August
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
15
Statement of Cash Flows (Topic
230):
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This Accounting Standards Update addresses the following
eight
specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of
zero
-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendment is effective for years beginning after
December
15,
2017
including interim periods with those years. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
 
In
November
2016,
the FASB published ASU
2016
-
18
Statement of Cash Flows (Topic
230):
Restricted Cash. This Accounting Standards Update addresses the requirement that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendment is effective for years beginning after
December
15,
2017
including interim periods with those years. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of adoption of the standard is expected to result in a modification to the current presentation of the statement of cash flows such that restricted cash is not presented as an investing activity, but is presented as part of the net change in cash from beginning to the ending balance.