v3.26.3
Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Aug. 28, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
U.S. Domestication: On June 30, 2025, we consummated the redomiciliation of the parent company of our corporate group, Penguin Solutions (Cayman), Inc., formerly known as Penguin Solutions, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Penguin Solutions Cayman”), from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware in the United States, resulting in Penguin Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Penguin Solutions Delaware”), becoming our publicly traded parent company (the “U.S. Domestication”). The U.S. Domestication was approved by the shareholders of Penguin Solutions Cayman and effected via a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Cayman Islands law, pursuant to which each ordinary share of Penguin Solutions Cayman was exchanged for one share of common stock of Penguin Solutions Delaware, and each convertible preferred share of Penguin Solutions Cayman was exchanged for one share of convertible preferred stock of Penguin Solutions Delaware.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Penguin Solutions Cayman and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the consummation of the U.S. Domestication and the accounts of Penguin Solutions Delaware and its consolidated subsidiaries after the consummation of the U.S. Domestication, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Penguin Solutions,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (i) for periods prior to the consummation of the U.S. Domestication refer to Penguin Solutions Cayman and its consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) for periods at or after the consummation of the U.S. Domestication refer to Penguin Solutions Delaware and its consolidated subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Company Name Change: On October 15, 2024, we changed our name from SMART Global Holdings, Inc. to Penguin Solutions, Inc. The change reflects our focus on key areas such as artificial intelligence (“AI”) infrastructure deployment, advanced memory enterprise solutions and high-performance computing (“HPC”).
Presentation of SMART Brazil as Discontinued Operations: On June 13, 2023, we entered into an agreement to divest of an 81% interest in SMART Modular Technologies do Brasil – Indústria e Comércio de Componentes Ltda. (“SMART Brazil”). We concluded that, as of August 25, 2023, (i) the net assets of SMART Brazil met the criteria for classification as held for sale and (ii) the proposed sale represented a strategic shift that was expected to have a major effect on our operations and financial results. On November 29, 2023, we completed the divestiture. The balance sheets, results of operations and cash flows of SMART Brazil have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. SMART Brazil was previously included within our Integrated Memory segment. See “Divestiture of SMART Brazil.”
Unless otherwise noted, amounts and discussion within these notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations.
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to current period presentation.
Fiscal Year: Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Friday in August. Fiscal years 2026, 2025 and 2024 contained 52, 52 and 53 weeks, respectively. All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated.
Financial information for our former subsidiaries in Brazil was included in our consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag because their fiscal years ended on July 31 of each year. In connection with the completion of the divestiture of an 81% interest in SMART Brazil, we ceased consolidating the operations of SMART Brazil in our financial statements as of the November 29, 2023 disposal date. As a result, financial information for the first
quarter of 2024 included the four-month period for our SMART Brazil operations from August 1, 2023 to November 29, 2023.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, forecasted events and various other assumptions. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include business acquisitions, income taxes, inventories, goodwill and intangible assets, property and equipment, revenue recognition and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from the estimates made by management.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments, readily convertible to known amounts of cash, with original maturities of three months or less. Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments.
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized, was $11.7 million, $26.2 million and $47.7 million for 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are measured at their fair values and recognized as either assets or liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments is based on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For derivative instruments that are not designated for hedge accounting, gains or losses from changes in fair values are recognized in other non-operating (income) expense. We do not use foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
Fair Value Measurements
We measure and report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. U.S. GAAP has established a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that can be obtained from independent sources and can be validated by a third party, whereas unobservable inputs reflect assumptions regarding what a third party might use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels, based on the reliability of inputs, as follows:
•Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•Level 2 – Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
•Level 3 – Valuations based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Functional Currency
The functional currency for all of our operations is the U.S. dollar. Monetary balances recorded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are remeasured into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates in effect as of the end of each reporting period. Gains or losses resulting from the remeasurement of monetary balances are recognized in other non-operating (income) expense.
Goodwill
We test goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of an impairment exist, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors considered in this assessment include industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other relevant events and factors affecting the fair value of a reporting unit. In
2025, we recorded aggregate goodwill impairment charges of $16.1 million associated with the Penguin Edge reporting unit. No impairment was recognized in 2024 and 2026. Other than these impairment charges, there has been no impairment of goodwill for any of our other reporting units. See “Intangible Assets and Goodwill.”
Income Taxes
We recognize current and deferred income taxes based on reported income before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the effect of temporary differences and carryforwards recognized for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, utilizing tax rates that are expected to apply in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that we estimate, based on available evidence and management judgment, will more likely than not be realized. We record a valuation allowance in the period the determination is made that all or part of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of generally 5 to 19 years for technology, 6 to 8 years for customer relationships and 5 to 10 years for trademarks and trade names. Intangible assets are retired in the period they become fully amortized.
We review the carrying value of identified intangible assets for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from their use and/or disposition. In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. In our Optimized LED segment, cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. For our other segments, inventory value is determined on a specific identification basis for material and an allocation of labor and manufacturing overhead. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence, including analyses of sales levels by product family, historical demand and forecasted demand in relation to inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles.
Leases
We have operating leases through which we acquire or utilize facilities, offices and equipment in our manufacturing operations, research and development activities and selling, general and administrative functions. In determining the lease term, we assess whether it is reasonably certain we will exercise options to renew or terminate a lease and when or whether we would exercise an option to purchase the right-of-use asset. Measuring the present value of the initial lease liability requires exercising judgment to determine the discount rate, which we base on interest rates for similar borrowings issued by entities with credit ratings similar to ours.
We recognize right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of more than 12 months and do not separate lease and non-lease components. Recognized leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities or noncurrent operating lease liabilities. For operating leases of buildings, we account for non-lease components, such as common area maintenance, as a component of the lease and include the components in the initial measurement of our right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities. Operating lease assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 2 to 8 years for equipment, 5 to 40 years for buildings and building improvements and 2 to 5
years for furniture, fixtures and software. Land leases are amortized using the straight-line method over their lease terms, which expire from 2057 to 2082.
We review the carrying value of property and equipment for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and/or disposition. In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.
Research and Development
Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the transfer of control of goods and services and apply the following five-step approach: (1) identification of a contract with a customer, (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determination of the transaction price, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognition of revenue as performance obligations are satisfied.
Product Revenue: Product revenue is generally recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to customers. Contracts with customers are generally short-term in duration at fixed, negotiated prices with payment generally due shortly after delivery. We estimate a liability for returns using the expected value method based on historical rates of return. In addition, we generally offer price protection to our distributors, which is a form of variable consideration that decreases the transaction price. We use the expected value method, based on historical price adjustments and current pricing trends, to estimate the amount of revenue recognized from sales to distributors. Differences between the estimated and actual amounts are recognized as adjustments to revenue.
Noncancellable, nonrefundable customized product sales are recognized over time on a cost-incurred basis. In connection with these arrangements, customers obtain control and benefit from products as they are completed. The terms for these arrangements provide us with a legally enforceable right to receive payment, including a reasonable profit margin, upon customer cancellation for performance completed to date. Accordingly, we recognize revenue over time as we complete the manufacture of these products.
A portion of our revenue is derived from the sale of customized products. In certain cases, we recognize revenue when control of the underlying assets passes to the customer when the customer is able to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefit from, the assets; the customer has the significant risks and rewards associated with ownership of the assets; and we have a present right to payment. Under the terms of these arrangements, we cannot repurpose products without the customer’s consent and accordingly, we recognize revenue at the point in time when products are completed and made available to the customer.
Service Revenue: Our service revenue is derived from professional and managed services and supply chain services. Professional services include solution design, system installation, software automation and managed support services related to HPC and storage systems. Revenue from professional and managed services is recognized based on the nature of the service and terms of the agreements based on when transfer of control occurs. Design and system installations revenue is recognized upon completion of the services, whereas, managed support services and extended warranties revenue is recognized over-time as the services are provided. Supply chain services includes procurement, logistics, inventory management, temporary warehousing, kitting and packaging. While we take title to inventory under such arrangements, control of such inventory does not transfer to us as we do not, at any point, have the ability to direct the use, and thereby obtain the benefits, of the inventory. Revenue from supply chain services is recognized on a net basis as the service is provided to the customer. Revenue for these services is typically recognized at the point in time when the underlying goods are shipped to the customer.
Agent Services: We provide certain services on an agent basis, where we procure product, materials and services on behalf of our customers and then resell such product, materials or services to our customers. Gross amounts invoiced to customers in connection with these agent services include amounts related to the services performed by us in addition to the cost of the product, materials and services procured. However, only the amount related to the agent component is recognized as revenue in our results of operations. We generally recognize revenue for
these procurement, logistics and inventory management services upon the completion and/or acceptance of such services, which typically occurs at the time of shipment of product to the customer. Amounts we invoice to customers for the cost of product, materials and services performed, which remain unpaid as of the end of a reporting period, are included in accounts receivable. Additionally, the cost of product and materials procured for customers under these agent services, which remain on hand as of the end of a reporting period, are included in inventories. Amounts in accounts receivable and inventories impact the determination of cash flows from operating activities.
Transaction Price: The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer. We allocate the transaction price to each distinct product and service based on its relative standalone selling price. The standalone selling price for products primarily involves the cost to produce the deliverable plus the anticipated margin and for services is estimated based on our approved list price.
Each contract may contain multiple performance obligations, which requires the transaction price to be allocated to each performance obligation. We allocate the consideration to each performance obligation based on the relative selling price, determined as the best estimate of the price at which we would transact if we sold the deliverable regularly on a stand-alone basis.
Contract Costs
As a practical expedient, we recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract, specifically commission expenses, that have an amortization period of less than 12 months as an expense when incurred. Additionally, we account for shipping and handling costs, if any, that occur after control transfers to the customer as a fulfillment activity. We record shipping and handling costs related to revenue transactions within cost of sales as a period cost.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognized as expense under the straight-line attribution method over the requisite service period. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
Treasury Shares
Treasury shares are carried at cost. When treasury shares are retired, any excess of the repurchase price paid over par value is allocated between additional capital and retained earnings.
Related Party Transactions

A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of the Company’s securities and their immediate family members, (ii) the Company’s management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence the financial and operating decisions of the Company. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.