Flex (FLEX) 10-Q 29 Jan 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 24, 2018
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	FLEX LTD.
Entity Central Index Key	866,374
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		527,665,321
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,291,183	$ 1,830,675
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $60,113 and $57,302 as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively	3,100,808	2,192,704
Inventories	3,725,643	3,396,462
Other current assets	965,470	967,935
Total current assets	9,083,104	8,387,776
Property and equipment, net	2,443,050	2,317,026
Goodwill	1,104,770	984,867
Other intangible assets, net	438,552	362,181
Other assets	770,834	541,513
Total assets	13,840,310	12,593,363
Current liabilities:
Bank borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	42,954	61,534
Accounts payable	5,406,512	4,484,908
Accrued payroll	385,985	344,245
Other current liabilities	1,580,618	1,613,940
Total current liabilities	7,416,069	6,504,627
Long-term debt, net of current portion	2,901,720	2,890,609
Other liabilities	542,541	519,851
Flex Ltd. shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares, no par value; 577,829,371 and 581,534,129 issued, and 527,590,016 and 531,294,774 outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively	6,613,812	6,733,539
Treasury stock, at cost; 50,239,355 shares as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017	(388,215)	(388,215)
Accumulated deficit	(3,124,519)	(3,572,648)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(121,098)	(128,143)
Total Flex Ltd. shareholders’ equity	2,979,980	2,644,533
Noncontrolling interests	0	33,743
Total shareholders’ equity	2,979,980	2,678,276
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 13,840,310	$ 12,593,363

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 60,113	$ 57,302
Ordinary shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Ordinary shares, issued (shares)	577,829,371	581,534,129
Ordinary shares, outstanding (shares)	527,590,016	531,294,774
Treasury stock, shares (shares)	50,239,355	50,239,355

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 6,751,552	$ 6,114,999	$ 19,030,244	$ 18,000,337
Cost of sales	6,305,224	5,698,544	17,783,659	16,864,196
Gross profit	446,328	416,455	1,246,585	1,136,141
Selling, general and administrative expenses	247,365	231,551	772,325	715,040
Intangible amortization	19,588	18,734	55,865	62,318
Interest and other, net	31,350	22,838	85,780	71,869
Other charges (income), net	6,865	3,090	(172,467)	15,007
Income before income taxes	141,160	140,242	505,082	271,907
Provision for income taxes	22,827	10,773	56,953	39,217
Net income	$ 118,333	$ 129,469	$ 448,129	$ 232,690
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.24	$ 0.85	$ 0.43
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.24	$ 0.84	$ 0.42
Weighted-average shares used in computing per share amounts:
Basic (in shares)	528,405	539,638	529,984	542,780
Diluted (in shares)	534,352	545,022	535,972	548,372

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 118,333	$ 129,469	$ 448,129	$ 232,690
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of zero tax	7,492	(36,412)	27,806	(22,338)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments and other, net of zero tax	(4,717)	(201)	(20,761)	(912)
Comprehensive income	$ 121,108	$ 92,856	$ 455,174	$ 209,440

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and other, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 448,129	$ 232,690
Depreciation, amortization and other impairment charges	400,015	466,813
Gain from deconsolidation of a subsidiary entity	(151,574)	0
Changes in working capital and other	(265,552)	313,685
Net cash provided by operating activities	431,018	1,013,188
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(432,897)	(413,596)
Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment	43,653	28,056
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(269,724)	(180,259)
Other investing activities, net	(123,883)	(13,631)
Net cash used in investing activities	(782,851)	(579,430)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from bank borrowings and long-term debt	866,000	205,518
Repayments of bank borrowings and long-term debt	(907,930)	(115,089)
Payments for repurchases of ordinary shares	(180,050)	(259,658)
Net proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares	2,063	11,978
Other financing activities, net	46,482	(47,302)
Net cash used in financing activities	(173,435)	(204,553)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(14,224)	20,321
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(539,492)	249,526
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,830,675	1,607,570
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,291,183	1,857,096
Non-cash investing activities:
Unpaid purchases of property and equipment	87,772	70,092
Customer-related third party banking institution financing net settlement	0	90,576
Non-cash investment in Elementum (Note 5)	132,679	0
Non-cash proceeds from sale of Wink (Note 2)	$ 59,000	$ 0

ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND

ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization of the Company Flex Ltd. ("Flex" or the "Company") was incorporated in the Republic of Singapore in May 1990. The Company's operations have expanded over the years through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. The Company is a globally-recognized, provider of Sketch-to-Scale tm services - innovative design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain services and solutions - from conceptual sketch to full-scale production. The Company designs, builds, ships and services complete packaged consumer and industrial products, from athletic shoes to electronics, for companies of all sizes in various industries and end-markets, through its activities in the following segments: • Communications & Enterprise Compute ("CEC"), which includes telecom business of radio access base stations, remote radio heads, and small cells for wireless infrastructure; networking business which includes optical, routing, broadcasting, and switching products for the data and video networks; server and storage platforms for both enterprise and cloud-based deployments; next generation storage and security appliance products; and rack level solutions, converged infrastructure and software-defined product solutions; • Consumer Technologies Group ("CTG"), which includes consumer-related businesses in connected living, wearables, gaming, augmented and virtual reality, fashion, and mobile devices; and including various supply chain solutions for notebook personal computers ("PC"), tablets, and printers; in addition, CTG is expanding its business relationships to include supply chain optimization for non-electronics products such as footwear and clothing; • Industrial and Emerging Industries ("IEI"), which is comprised of energy and metering, semiconductor and capital equipment, office solutions, industrial, home and lifestyle, industrial automation and kiosks, and lighting; and • High Reliability Solutions ("HRS"), which is comprised of medical business, including consumer health, digital health, disposables, precision plastics, drug delivery, diagnostics, life sciences and imaging equipment; automotive business, including vehicle electrification, connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and clean technologies. The Company's service offerings include a comprehensive range of value-added design and engineering services that are tailored to the various markets and needs of its customers. Other focused service offerings relate to manufacturing (including enclosures, metals, plastic injection molding, precision plastics, machining, and mechanicals), system integration and assembly and test services, materials procurement, inventory management, logistics and after-sales services (including product repair, warranty services, re-manufacturing and maintenance) and supply chain management software solutions and component product offerings (including rigid and flexible printed circuit boards and power adapters and chargers). Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the requirements of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018 . The first quarters for fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2017 ended on June 30, 2017, which is comprised of 91 days in the period, and July 1, 2016, which is comprised of 92 days in the period, respectively. The second quarters for fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2017 ended on September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, which are comprised of 91 days in both periods. The Company's third quarters end on December 31 of each year, which are comprised of 93 days and 92 days for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flex and its majority-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The Company consolidates its majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. For the consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company owns less than 100%, the Company recognizes a noncontrolling interest for the ownership of the noncontrolling owners. Noncontrolling interests are immaterial for all of the periods presented, and are included in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company has certain non-majority-owned equity investments in non-publicly traded companies that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity method of accounting is used when the Company has the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer, or if the Company has a voting percentage of a corporation 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 equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees are immaterial for all periods presented, and are included in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory, by requiring that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Prior to the issuance of the new guidance, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market. The Company adopted the guidance effective April 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted in the first interim period of fiscal year 2018. The Company adopted the guidance effective April 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2017, the FASB issued new guidance with the objective of improving the financial reporting of hedging relationships and simplifying the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the new guidance will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements, and it intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 2030): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The standard is intended to address specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice and provide guidance on how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The majority of the guidance in ASU 2016-15 is consistent with our current cash flow classification. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price as described in Note 10 will be classified as cash flow from investing activities instead of the Company's current presentation as cash flows from operations. The Company intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and retrospectively report cash flows from operating and investing activities for all periods presented. While the Company is still quantifying the impact of adoption of this standard, it does expect the standard to result in a material increase in cash flows from investing activities and corresponding reduction in cash flows from operating activities for all periods presented. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve financial reporting on leasing transactions. The new lease guidance will require entities that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The guidance will also enhance existing disclosure requirements relating to those leases. The Company intends to adopt the new lease guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Upon initial evaluation, the Company believes the new guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets when adopted. 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. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the process of implementation activities in accordance with the planned effective date. These activities are focused on the review of significant customer contracts, identification and development of additional systems capabilities to enable the Company to make reasonable estimates of revenue as products are manufactured, and the design and implementation of relevant internal controls. The Company has determined that the new standard will change the timing of revenue recognition for a significant portion of its business. Under the new standard, revenue for a significant majority of the manufacturing services customer contracts will be recognized earlier than under the current accounting rules (where Flex recognizes revenue based on shipping and delivery). This change will also have material impacts to the Company’s balance sheet, primarily related to a reduction in finished goods and work-in-process inventories and an increase in unbilled receivables. The new guidance allows for two transition methods in application - (i) retrospective to each prior reporting period presented, or (ii) prospective with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized on April 1, 2018, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2019 (also known as the modified retrospective approach). The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach, which will result in an adjustment to accumulated deficit for the cumulative effect of applying this guidance to contracts in process as of the adoption date. Under this approach, prior financial statements presented will not be restated. This guidance requires additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item affected in the current reporting period during fiscal year 2019 as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for the significant changes.

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS	BALANCE SHEET ITEMS Inventories The components of inventories, net of applicable lower of cost and net realizable value write-downs, were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 2,590,065 $ 2,537,623 Work-in-progress 446,469 279,493 Finished goods 689,109 579,346 $ 3,725,643 $ 3,396,462 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s goodwill account for each of its four segments during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 : HRS CTG IEI CEC Amount (In thousands) Balance, beginning of the year $ 420,935 $ 111,223 $ 337,707 $ 115,002 $ 984,867 Additions (1) 75,280 — — 9,174 84,454 Divestitures (2) — (3,475 ) — — (3,475 ) Purchase accounting adjustments — — — (14 ) (14 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (3) 38,938 — — — 38,938 Balance, end of the period $ 535,153 $ 107,748 $ 337,707 $ 124,162 $ 1,104,770 (1) The goodwill generated from the Company’s acquisition of AGM Automotive ("AGM") in the HRS segment and the Company's acquisition of a Power Modules business in the CEC segment, completed during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , are primarily related to value placed on the acquired employee workforces, service offerings and capabilities of the acquired businesses. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. See note 12 for additional information. (2) During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company disposed of Wink Labs Inc. ("Wink"), a business within the CTG segment, and recorded an aggregate reduction of goodwill of $3.5 million accordingly, which is included as an offset to the gain on sale recorded in other charges (income), net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. (3) During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded $38.9 million of foreign currency translation adjustments primarily related to the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Mirror Controls International ("MCi") and AGM, as the U.S. Dollar fluctuated against foreign currencies. The components of acquired intangible assets are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net (In thousands) Intangible assets: Customer-related intangibles $ 369,356 $ (135,411 ) $ 233,945 $ 260,704 $ (105,912 ) $ 154,792 Licenses and other intangibles 302,522 (97,915 ) 204,607 283,897 (76,508 ) 207,389 Total $ 671,878 $ (233,326 ) $ 438,552 $ 544,601 $ (182,420 ) $ 362,181 The gross carrying amounts of intangible assets are removed when fully amortized. During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the total value of intangible assets increased primarily as a result of the Company's estimated value of $82.0 million for customer related intangibles acquired with the AGM acquisition in the HRS segment, which will amortize over a weighted-average estimated useful life of 10 years, and $34.5 million for customer-related and licenses and other intangibles acquired with the power modules acquisition in the CEC segment, which will amortize over a weighted-average estimated useful life of 9 years. The increase was partially offset by $7.5 million for the divestiture of Wink in the CTG segment. The assigned value is subject to change as the Company completes the valuation. The estimated future annual amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Fiscal Year Ending March 31, Amount (In thousands) 2018 (1) $ 19,933 2019 74,510 2020 68,272 2021 63,839 2022 54,754 Thereafter 157,244 Total amortization expense $ 438,552 ____________________________________________________________ (1) Represents estimated amortization for the remaining three -month period ending March 31, 2018 . Other Current Assets Other current assets include approximately $420.6 million and $506.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , 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 Assets During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company sold Wink to an unrelated third-party venture backed company in exchange for contingent consideration fair valued at $59.0 million . This estimated consideration was based on the value of the acquirer as of the most recent third-party funding of which the Company participated. The Company recognized a non-cash gain on sale of $38.7 million , which is recorded in other charges (income), net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 . The contingent consideration is expected to be settled in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 , based on a remeasured fair value on the settlement date. As of December 31, 2017 , the total investment, including working capital advances, of $76.5 million is accounted for as a cost method investment, and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company deconsolidated one of its majority owned subsidiaries, following the amendments of certain agreements that resulted in joint control of the board of directors between the Company and other non-controlling interest holders. As of December 31, 2017 , this subsidiary is accounted for as a cost method investment of approximately $129.7 million and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. See note 5 for additional information on the deconsolidation. Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities include customer working capital advances of $171.3 million and $231.3 million , customer-related accruals of $441.0 million and $501.9 million , and deferred revenue of $344.0 million and $280.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , 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.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Historically, the Company's primary plan used for granting equity compensation awards was the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"). Effective August 15, 2017, awards are granted under the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2017 Plan"), which was approved by the Company's shareholders at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. For further discussion on this 2017 Plan, refer to the Company's Proxy Statement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 5, 2017. The following table summarizes the Company’s share-based compensation expense: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 5,358 $ 2,437 $ 13,662 $ 7,506 Selling, general and administrative expenses 15,400 18,344 49,356 59,805 Total share-based compensation expense $ 20,758 $ 20,781 $ 63,018 $ 67,311 Total unrecognized compensation expense related to share options under all plans was $8.9 million , and will be recognized over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.2 years. As of December 31, 2017 , the number of options outstanding and exercisable under all plans was 1.4 million and 0.5 million , respectively, at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.39 per share and $4.71 per share, respectively. During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company granted 6.0 million unvested share bonus awards. Of this amount, approximately 4.3 million unvested share bonus awards have an average grant date price of $16.45 per share and vest over four years. Further, approximately 0.6 million of these unvested shares represents the target amount of grants made to certain key employees whereby vesting is contingent on certain market conditions. The average grant date fair value of these awards contingent on certain market conditions was estimated to be $20.25 per award and was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The number of shares contingent on market conditions that ultimately will vest will range from zero up to a maximum of 1.2 million based on a measurement of the percentile rank of the Company’s total shareholder return over a certain specified period against the Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Composite Index and will cliff vest after a period of three years, if such market conditions have been met. Also, an immaterial amount of options and share bonus awards were granted by the Company during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 under an immaterial plan. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately 15.5 million unvested share bonus awards under all plans were outstanding, of which vesting for a targeted amount of 2.0 million is contingent primarily on meeting certain market conditions. The number of shares that will ultimately be issued can range from zero to 4.0 million based on the achievement levels of the respective conditions. During the nine -month period ended December 31, 2017 , 1.4 million shares vested in connection with the share bonus awards with market conditions granted in fiscal year 2015. As of December 31, 2017 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share bonus awards under all plans was approximately $162.8 million , and will be recognized over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.6 years.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table reflects basic weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding and diluted weighted-average ordinary share equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the shareholders of Flex Ltd. : Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net income $ 118,333 $ 129,469 $ 448,129 $ 232,690 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 528,405 539,638 529,984 542,780 Basic earnings per share $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.85 $ 0.43 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 118,333 $ 129,469 $ 448,129 $ 232,690 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 528,405 539,638 529,984 542,780 Weighted-average ordinary share equivalents from stock options and awards (1) (2) 5,947 5,384 5,988 5,592 Weighted-average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding 534,352 545,022 535,972 548,372 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.84 $ 0.42 ____________________________________________________________ (1) An immaterial amount of options and share bonus awards was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 , due to their anti-dilutive impact on the weighted-average ordinary share equivalents. Options to purchase ordinary shares of 0.5 million and an immaterial amount of anti-dilutive share bonus awards was excluded for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. (2) An immaterial amount of options and share bonus awards was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , due to their anti-dilutive impact on the weighted-average ordinary share equivalents. Options to purchase ordinary shares of 0.7 million and an immaterial amount of anti-dilutive share bonus awards was excluded for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016.

DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY E

DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY ENTITY	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY ENTITY	DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY ENTITY The Company has a majority owned subsidiary, Elementum SCM (Cayman) Ltd ("Elementum"), which qualifies as a variable interest entity for accounting purposes. The Company owns a majority of Elementum’s outstanding equity (consisting primarily of preferred stock) and as of March 31, 2017, controlled its board of directors, which gave the Company the power to direct the activities of Elementum that most significantly impact its economic performance. Accordingly, the Company recognized the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as a component of total shareholders' equity, and the consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of Elementum as of and for the period ended March 31, 2017. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company and other minority shareholders of Elementum amended certain agreements resulting in joint control of the board of directors between the Company and other non-controlling interest holders. As a result, the Company concluded it is no longer the primary beneficiary of Elementum and accordingly, deconsolidated the entity. The Company no longer recognizes the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as a component of total shareholder’s equity resulting in a reduction of $90.6 million of noncontrolling interest from its condensed consolidated balance sheet upon deconsolidation, which was treated as a non-cash financing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017. Further, the Company derecognized approximately $72.6 million of cash of Elementum as of the date of deconsolidation which is reflected as an outflow from investing activities within other investing activities, net in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017. There were no other material impacts to the condensed consolidated balance sheet or condensed consolidated cash flows resulting from deconsolidation of the entity. The noncontrolling interest in the operating losses of Elementum prior to deconsolidation is immaterial for all periods presented and is classified as a component of interest and other, net, in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The carrying amount of the Company’s variable interest in Elementum was approximately $129.7 million as of December 31, 2017, is accounted for as a cost method investment, and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The value of the Company’s variable interest on the date of deconsolidation was based on management’s estimate of the fair value of Elementum at that time. The Company concluded that the market approach was the most appropriate method to determine the fair value of the entity on the date of deconsolidation, given that Elementum raised equity funding from third-party investors around the same period. The Company recognized a gain on deconsolidation of approximately $151.6 million with no related tax impact, which is included in other charges (income), net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As the Company is not obligated to fund future losses of Elementum, the carrying amount is the Company’s maximum risk of loss. Pro-forma financials have not been presented because the effects were not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operation for all periods presented. Elementum remains a related party to the Company after deconsolidation and transactions between the Company and Elementum during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 are immaterial.

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM D

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT	BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT Bank borrowings and long-term debt are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 (In thousands) 4.625% Notes due February 2020 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through November 2021 691,875 700,000 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022 489,938 502,500 5.000% Notes due February 2023 500,000 500,000 4.75% Notes due June 2025 596,282 595,979 Other 181,175 169,671 Debt issuance costs (14,596 ) (16,007 ) Total $ 2,944,674 $ 2,952,143 The weighted-average interest rates for the Company’s long-term debt were 3.7% and 3.5% as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , respectively. On June 30, 2017, the Company entered into a five -year credit facility consisting of a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility and a $502.5 million term loan, which is due to mature on June 30, 2022 (the "2022 Credit Facility"). This 2022 Credit Facility replaced the Company's $2.1 billion credit facility, which was due to mature in March 2019 . The outstanding principal of the term loan portion of the 2022 Credit Facility is repayable in quarterly installments of approximately $6.3 million from September 30, 2017 through June 30, 2020 and approximately $12.6 million from September 30, 2020 through March 31, 2022 with the remainder due upon maturity. The Company determined that effectively extending the maturity date of the revolving credit and repaying the term loan due March 2019 qualified as a debt modification and consequently all unamortized debt issuance costs related to the $2.1 billion credit facility are capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the 2022 Credit Facility. Borrowings under the 2022 Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, either at (i) the Base Rate, which is defined as the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate, plus 0.50% and (c) the LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate) rate that would be calculated as of each day in respect of a proposed LIBOR loan with a one-month interest period, plus 1.0% ; plus, in the case of each of clauses (a) through (c), an applicable margin ranging from 0.125% to 0.875% per annum, based on the Company’s credit ratings (as determined by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch Ratings Inc.) or (ii) LIBOR plus the applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranging between 1.125% and 1.875% per annum, based on the Company’s credit ratings. The 2022 Credit Facility is unsecured, and contains customary restrictions on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to (i) incur certain debt, (ii) make certain investments, (iii) make certain acquisitions of other entities, (iv) incur liens, (v) dispose of assets, (vi) make non-cash distributions to shareholders, and (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates. These covenants are subject to a number of significant exceptions and limitations. The 2022 Credit Facility also requires that the Company maintain a maximum ratio of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and a minimum interest coverage ratio during the term of the 2022 Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the 2022 Credit Facility agreement. The Company has three tranches of Notes, the 4.625% Notes due 2020, the 5.000% Notes due 2023 and the 4.75% Notes due 2025. These Notes are senior unsecured obligations, and prior to June 30, 2017, were guaranteed, fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (the "guarantor subsidiaries"). Upon the termination of the $2.1 billion credit facility, all guarantor subsidiaries were released from their guarantees under each indenture for each Note. As a result, the Company will no longer be providing supplemental guarantor and non-guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements. Repayment of the Company’s long term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017 is as follows: Fiscal Year Ending March 31, Amount (In thousands) 2018 (1) $ 10,739 2019 42,934 2020 542,872 2021 115,247 2022 809,103 Thereafter 1,438,375 Total $ 2,959,270 _________________________________________________________ (1) Represents scheduled repayment for the remaining three -month period ending March 31, 2018 .

INTEREST AND OTHER, NET

INTEREST AND OTHER, NET	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
INTEREST AND OTHER, NET
INTEREST AND OTHER, NET	INTEREST AND OTHER, NET During the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized interest expense of $32.1 million and $90.7 million , respectively, on its debt obligations outstanding during the periods. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recognized interest expense of $26.6 million and $79.9 million , respectively.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Foreign Currency Contracts The Company enters into forward contracts and foreign currency swap contracts primarily to manage the foreign currency risk associated with monetary accounts and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions. The Company hedges committed exposures and does not engage in speculative transactions. As of December 31, 2017 , the aggregate notional amount of the Company’s outstanding foreign currency contracts was $8.2 billion as summarized below: Foreign Currency Amount Notional Contract Value in USD Currency Buy Sell Buy Sell (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges CNY 1,724,000 — $ 262,937 $ — EUR 53,756 109,351 63,973 128,767 HUF 19,654,800 — 75,314 — ILS 73,700 — 21,233 — INR 1,392,540 — 21,200 — MXN 3,072,680 — 154,955 — MYR 173,000 39,500 42,318 9,662 PLN 87,890 — 24,963 — RON 117,780 — 30,124 — SGD 29,900 — 22,335 — Other N/A N/A 12,567 5,017 731,919 143,446 Other Foreign Currency Contracts BRL — 871,000 — 263,229 CAD 267,328 289,019 211,126 228,257 CHF 16,327 28,889 16,527 29,245 CNY 2,832,338 — 427,268 — EUR 1,958,706 2,306,257 2,329,926 2,744,141 GBP 35,355 63,776 47,390 85,505 HUF 18,783,285 22,480,502 71,975 86,142 INR 6,222,378 1,252,331 96,829 19,200 MXN 2,254,587 1,374,623 113,699 69,322 MYR 456,260 247,030 111,607 60,427 RON 88,521 81,054 22,641 20,731 SGD 78,855 48,690 58,904 36,371 Other N/A N/A 114,386 81,631 3,622,278 3,724,201 Total Notional Contract Value in USD $ 4,354,197 $ 3,867,647 As of December 31, 2017 , the fair value of the Company’s short-term foreign currency contracts was included in other current assets or other current liabilities, as applicable, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Certain of these contracts are designed to economically hedge the Company’s exposure to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a non-functional currency and are not accounted for as hedges under the accounting standards. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in earnings during the period of change as a component of interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , the Company also has included net deferred gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to changes in fair value of its foreign currency contracts that are accounted for as cash flow hedges. These deferred losses were $7.2 million as of December 31, 2017 , and are expected to be recognized primarily as a component of cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations primarily over the next twelve-month period. The gains and losses recognized in earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness were not material for all fiscal periods presented and are included as a component of interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments utilized for foreign currency risk management purposes: Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet December 31, March 31, Balance Sheet December 31, March 31, (In thousands) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 6,627 $ 11,936 Other current liabilities $ 15,057 $ 1,814 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 14,376 $ 10,086 Other current liabilities $ 10,273 $ 9,928 The Company has financial instruments subject to master netting arrangements, which provides for the net settlement of all contracts with a single counterparty. The Company does not offset fair value amounts for assets and liabilities recognized for derivative instruments under these arrangements, and as such, the asset and liability balances presented in the table above reflect the gross amounts of derivatives in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The impact of netting derivative assets and liabilities is not material to the Company’s financial position for any of the periods presented.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, are as follows: Three-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrealized loss on Foreign currency Total Unrealized loss on derivative Foreign currency Total (In thousands) Beginning balance $ (48,470 ) $ (75,403 ) $ (123,873 ) $ (42,233 ) $ (80,319 ) $ (122,552 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications (4,643 ) 7,248 2,605 (1,354 ) (33,770 ) (35,124 ) Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (74 ) 244 170 1,153 (2,642 ) (1,489 ) Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss) (4,717 ) 7,492 2,775 (201 ) (36,412 ) (36,613 ) Ending balance $ (53,187 ) $ (67,911 ) $ (121,098 ) $ (42,434 ) $ (116,731 ) $ (159,165 ) Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrealized loss on Foreign currency Total Unrealized loss on derivative Foreign currency Total (In thousands) Beginning balance $ (32,426 ) $ (95,717 ) $ (128,143 ) $ (41,522 ) $ (94,393 ) $ (135,915 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications (5,488 ) 27,562 22,074 (1,031 ) (19,471 ) (20,502 ) Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,273 ) 244 (15,029 ) 119 (2,867 ) (2,748 ) Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss) (20,761 ) 27,806 7,045 (912 ) (22,338 ) (23,250 ) Ending balance $ (53,187 ) $ (67,911 ) $ (121,098 ) $ (42,434 ) $ (116,731 ) $ (159,165 ) Substantially all unrealized gains relating to derivative instruments and other, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 were recognized as a component of cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, which primarily relate to the Company’s foreign currency contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges.

TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATIO

TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION	TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION The Company sells trade receivables under two asset-backed securitization programs and under an accounts receivable factoring program. Asset-Backed Securitization Programs The Company continuously sells designated pools of trade receivables under its Global Asset-Backed Securitization Agreement (the “Global Program”) and its North American Asset-Backed Securitization Agreement (the “North American Program,” collectively, the “ABS Programs”) to affiliated special purpose entities, each of which in turn sells 100% of the receivables to unaffiliated financial institutions. These programs allow the operating subsidiaries to receive a cash payment and a deferred purchase price receivable for sold receivables. Following the transfer of the receivables to the special purpose entities, the transferred receivables are isolated from the Company and its affiliates, and upon the sale of the receivables from the special purpose entities to the unaffiliated financial institutions, effective control of the transferred receivables is passed to the unaffiliated financial institutions, which has the right to pledge or sell the receivables. Although the special purpose entities are consolidated by the Company, they are separate corporate entities and their assets are available first to satisfy the claims of their creditors. The investment limits set by the financial institutions are $950.0 million for the Global Program, of which $775.0 million is committed and $175.0 million is uncommitted, and $250.0 million for the North American Program, of which $210.0 million is committed and $40.0 million is uncommitted. Both programs require a minimum level of deferred purchase price receivable to be retained by the Company in connection with the sales. The Company services, administers and collects the receivables on behalf of the special purpose entities and receives a servicing fee of 0.1% to 0.5% of serviced receivables per annum. Servicing fees recognized during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material and are included in interest and other, net within the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As the Company estimates the fee it receives in return for its obligation to service these receivables is at fair value, no servicing assets and liabilities are recognized. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately $1.5 billion of accounts receivable had been sold to the special purpose entities under the ABS Programs for which the Company had received net cash proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion and deferred purchase price receivables of approximately $420.6 million . As of March 31, 2017 , approximately $1.5 billion of accounts receivable had been sold to the special purpose entities for which the Company had received net cash proceeds of $1.0 billion and deferred purchase price receivables of approximately $506.5 million . The portion of the purchase price for the receivables which is not paid by the unaffiliated financial institutions in cash is a deferred purchase price receivable, which is paid to the special purpose entity as payments on the receivables are collected from account debtors. The deferred purchase price receivable represents a beneficial interest in the transferred financial assets and is recognized at fair value as part of the sale transaction. The deferred purchase price receivables are included in other current assets as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , and were carried at the expected recovery amount of the related receivables. The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under these programs and the sum of the cash and fair value of the deferred purchase price receivables received at time of transfer is recognized as a loss on sale of the related receivables and recorded in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and were immaterial for all periods presented. The Company's deferred purchase price receivables relating to its asset-backed securitization program are recorded initially at fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable inputs (i.e., level 3 inputs), which are primarily risk free interest rates adjusted for the credit quality of the underlying creditor. Due to its high credit quality and short term maturity, the fair value approximates carrying value. Significant increases in either of the major unobservable inputs (credit spread, risk free interest rate) in isolation would result in lower fair value estimates, however the impact is not material. The interrelationship between these inputs is also insignificant. As of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , the accounts receivable balances that were sold under the ABS Programs were removed from the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the net cash proceeds received by the Company were included as cash provided by operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. For the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , cash flows from sales of receivables under the ABS Programs consisted of approximately $4.6 billion and $4.2 billion , for transfers of receivables, respectively (of which approximately $290.4 million and $315.1 million , respectively, represented new transfers and the remainder proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving-period transfers). Trade Accounts Receivable Sale Programs The Company also sold accounts receivables to certain third-party banking institutions. The outstanding balance of receivables sold and not yet collected on accounts where the Company has continuing involvement was approximately $233.3 million and $225.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 , respectively. For the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , total accounts receivable sold to certain third party banking institutions was approximately $1.0 billion , respectively. The receivables that were sold were removed from the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the cash received is reflected as cash provided by operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSET

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact, and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1 - Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company has deferred compensation plans for its officers and certain other employees. Amounts deferred under the plans are invested in hypothetical investments selected by the participant or the participant’s investment manager. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets are for the most part included in other noncurrent assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and primarily include investments in equity securities that are valued using active market prices. Level 2 - Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets) such as cash and cash equivalents and money market funds; or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The Company values foreign exchange forward contracts using level 2 observable inputs which primarily consist of an income approach based on the present value of the forward rate less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised of bank deposits and money market funds, which are valued using level 2 inputs, such as interest rates and maturity periods. Due to their short-term nature, their carrying amount approximates fair value. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets also include money market funds, mutual funds, corporate and government bonds and certain convertible securities that are valued using prices obtained from various pricing sources. These sources price these investments using certain market indices and the performance of these investments in relation to these indices. As a result, the Company has classified these investments as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 - Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company has accrued for contingent consideration in connection with its business acquisitions as applicable, which is measured at fair value based on certain internal models and unobservable inputs. The significant inputs in the fair value measurement not supported by market activity included the Company's probability assessments of expected future revenue during the earn-out period and associated volatility, appropriately discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligation, and calculated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. Significant decreases in expected revenue during the earn-out period, or significant increases in the discount rate or volatility in isolation would result in lower fair value estimates. The interrelationship between these inputs is not considered significant. The following table summarizes the activities related to contingent consideration payable for historic acquisitions: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 17,342 $ 75,614 $ 22,426 $ 73,423 Payments (17,109 ) (40,555 ) (17,109 ) (42,776 ) Fair value adjustments 767 (6,997 ) (4,317 ) (2,585 ) Ending balance $ 1,000 $ 28,062 $ 1,000 $ 28,062 In connection with the acquisition of NEXTracker, Inc. in fiscal year 2016, the Company had an obligation to pay additional cash consideration to the former shareholders contingent upon NEXTracker, Inc.'s achievement of revenue targets during the two years after acquisition (ending on September 30, 2017). During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company paid $17.1 million of the total contingent consideration following the second year's targets achievement in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. The payment of the contingent consideration is included in other financing activities, net, in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy during the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Money market funds and time deposits (included in cash and cash equivalents of the condensed consolidated balance sheet) $ — $ 424,744 $ — $ 424,744 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) — 21,003 — 21,003 Deferred compensation plan assets: 0 Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities 7,212 67,503 — 74,715 Liabilities: 0 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) $ — $ (25,330 ) $ — $ (25,330 ) Contingent consideration in connection with business acquisitions — — (1,000 ) (1,000 ) Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Money market funds and time deposits (included in cash and cash equivalents of the condensed consolidated balance sheet) $ — $ 1,066,841 $ — $ 1,066,841 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) — 22,022 — 22,022 Deferred compensation plan assets: 0 Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities 7,062 52,680 — 59,742 Liabilities: 0 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) $ — $ (11,742 ) $ — $ (11,742 ) Contingent consideration in connection with business acquisitions — — (22,426 ) (22,426 ) Other financial instruments The following table presents the Company’s major debts not carried at fair value: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Fair Value (In thousands) 4.625% Notes due February 2020 $ 500,000 $ 516,925 $ 500,000 $ 526,255 Level 1 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through November 2021 691,875 693,605 700,000 699,566 Level 1 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022 (1) 489,938 491,163 502,500 503,756 Level 1 5.000% Notes due February 2023 500,000 536,515 500,000 534,820 Level 1 4.750% Notes due June 2025 596,282 643,440 595,979 633,114 Level 1 Euro Term Loan due September 2020 58,021 58,021 53,075 53,075 Level 1 Euro Term Loan due January 2022 119,786 119,786 107,357 107,357 Level 1 Total $ 2,955,902 $ 3,059,455 $ 2,958,911 $ 3,057,943 (1) On June 30, 2017, the Company entered into a new agreement that effectively extended the maturity date of the loan from March 31, 2019 to June 30, 2022. Refer to note 6 for further details of the arrangement. The Company values its Euro Term Loans due September 2020 and January 2022 based on the current market rate, and as of December 31, 2017 , the carrying amounts approximate fair values. The Term Loans due November 2021 and June 2022, and the Notes due February 2020, February 2023 and June 2025 are valued based on broker trading prices in active markets.

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES	BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES Business and asset acquisitions During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed two acquisitions that were not individually, nor in the aggregate, significant to the consolidated financial position, results of operation and cash flows of the Company. In April 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of AGM, which expanded its capabilities in the automotive market, and is included within the HRS segment. The Company paid $213.7 million , net of cash acquired. Additionally, in September 2017, the Company acquired a certain power modules business from Ericsson, and expanded its capabilities within the CEC segment. The Company paid $56.0 million , net of cash acquired. A summary of the allocation of the total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands): Purchase Consideration Net Tangible Assets Acquired Purchased Intangible Assets Goodwill AGM $ 213,718 $ 56,438 $ 82,000 $ 75,280 Power Modules Business 56,006 12,332 34,500 9,174 The Company is in the process of finalizing its valuation of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date, may become known to the Company during the remainder of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the date of acquisition. Changes to amounts recorded as assets and liabilities may result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill during the respective measurement periods. The results of operations of the acquisitions were included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial results beginning on the date of acquisition, and the total amount of net income and revenue, collectively, were immaterial to the Company's condensed consolidated financial results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 . Pro-forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects were not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial results for all periods presented.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation and other legal matters In connection with the matters described below, the Company has accrued for loss contingencies where it believes that losses are probable and estimable. The Company does not believe that the amounts accrued are material. Although it is reasonably possible that actual losses could be in excess of the Company’s accrual, the Company is unable to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of its accrual, except as discussed below, due to various reasons, including, among others, that: (i) the proceedings are in early stages or no claims has been asserted, (ii) specific damages have not been sought in all of these matters, (iii) damages, if asserted, are considered unsupported and/or exaggerated, (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals, motions, or settlements, (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved, and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories presented. Any such excess could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for a particular period or on the Company’s financial condition. On April 21, 2016, SunEdison, Inc. (together with certain of its subsidiaries, "SunEdison") filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Company recognized a bad debt reserve charge of $61.0 million associated with its outstanding SunEdison receivables and accepted return of previously shipped inventory of approximately $90.0 million . SunEdison stated in schedules filed with the Bankruptcy Court that, within the 90 days preceding SunEdison's bankruptcy filing, the Company received approximately $98.6 million of inventory and cash transfers of $69.2 million , which in aggregate represents the Company's estimate of the maximum reasonably possible loss. No preference claims have been asserted against the Company and consideration has been given to the related contingencies based on the facts currently known. The Company has a number of affirmative and direct defenses to any potential claims for recovery and intends to vigorously defend any such claim, if asserted. One of the Company's Brazilian subsidiaries has received related assessments for certain sales and import taxes. There are six tax assessments totaling 291 million Brazilian reals (approximately USD $88 million based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2017). The assessments are in various stages of the review process at the administrative level. The Company has meritorious defenses and plans to continue to vigorously oppose all of these assessments, as well as any future assessments. The Company does not expect final judicial determination on any of these claims for several years. In addition to the matters discussed above, from time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company defends itself vigorously against any such claims. Although the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, management expects that any losses that are probable or reasonably possible of being incurred as a result of these matters, which are in excess of amounts already accrued in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, would not be material to the financial statements as a whole.

SHARE REPURCHASES

SHARE REPURCHASES	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares and Restriction Disclosures [Abstract]
SHARE REPURCHASES	SHARE REPURCHASES During the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 , the Company repurchased 2.0 million shares at an aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million , and 10.8 million shares at an aggregate purchase price of $180.0 million , respectively, and retired all of these shares. Under the Company’s current share repurchase program, the Board of Directors authorized repurchases of its outstanding ordinary shares for up to $500 million in accordance with the share repurchase mandate approved by the Company’s shareholders at the date of the most recent Annual General Meeting held on August 15, 2017 . As of December 31, 2017 , shares in the aggregate amount of $410.1 million were available to be repurchased under the current plan.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING The Company has four reportable segments: HRS, CTG, IEI, and CEC. These segments are determined based on several factors, including the nature of products and services, the nature of production processes, customer base, delivery channels and similar economic characteristics. Refer to note 1 for a description of the various product categories manufactured under each of these segments. An operating segment's performance is evaluated based on its pre-tax operating contribution, or segment income. Segment income is defined as net sales less cost of sales, and segment selling, general and administrative expenses, and does not include amortization of intangibles, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, other charges (income), net and interest and other, net. Selected financial information by segment is as follows: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Net sales: Communications & Enterprise Compute $ 1,979,045 $ 2,102,321 $ 5,853,435 $ 6,400,233 Consumer Technologies Group 2,056,801 1,848,970 5,323,913 4,827,488 Industrial & Emerging Industries 1,491,063 1,140,366 4,336,201 3,672,103 High Reliability Solutions 1,224,643 1,023,342 3,516,695 3,100,513 $ 6,751,552 $ 6,114,999 $ 19,030,244 $ 18,000,337 Segment income and reconciliation of income before tax: Communications & Enterprise Compute $ 50,206 $ 62,109 $ 141,541 $ 176,460 Consumer Technologies Group 38,768 59,282 87,494 139,230 Industrial & Emerging Industries 61,328 39,681 167,650 127,020 High Reliability Solutions 100,976 82,729 283,552 249,972 Corporate and Other (31,557 ) (20,695 ) (94,273 ) (82,395 ) Total segment income 219,721 223,106 585,964 610,287 Reconciling items: Intangible amortization 19,588 18,734 55,865 62,318 Stock-based compensation 20,758 20,781 63,018 67,311 Distressed customers asset impairments (1) — — 4,753 92,915 Contingencies and other (2) — 17,421 43,933 28,960 Other charges (income), net 6,865 3,090 (172,467 ) 15,007 Interest and other, net 31,350 22,838 85,780 71,869 Income before income taxes $ 141,160 $ 140,242 $ 505,082 $ 271,907 (1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Company accepted return of previously shipped inventory from a former customer, SunEdison, of approximately $90 million . On April 21, 2016, SunEdison filed a petition for reorganization under bankruptcy law, and as a result, the Company recognized a bad debt reserve of $61 million as of March 31, 2016, associated with its outstanding SunEdison receivables. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2017, prices for solar panel modules declined significantly. The Company determined that certain solar panel inventory on hand at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 was not fully recoverable and recorded a charge of $60.0 million to reduce the carrying costs to market in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. The Company also recognized a $16.0 million impairment charge for solar module equipment and $16.9 million primarily related to negative margin sales and other associated direct costs. The total charge of $92.9 million is included in cost of sales for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016 but is excluded from segment results above. (2) During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company incurred charges in connection with the matters described in note 13, for certain loss contingencies where it believes that losses are probable and estimable. Additionally, the Company incurred various other charges predominately related to damages incurred from a typhoon that impacted one of its China facilities. During fiscal year 2017, the Company initiated a plan to rationalize the current footprint at existing sites including corporate SG&A functions and to continue to shift the talent base in support of its Sketch-to-Scale tm initiatives. As part of this plan, approximately $17.4 million and $29.0 million was recognized during the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016, respectively. The plan was finalized and completed during fiscal year 2017. Corporate and other primarily includes corporate services costs that are not included in the Chief Operating Decision Maker's ("CODM") assessment of the performance of each of the identified reporting segments. Property and equipment on a segment basis is not disclosed as it is not separately identified and is not internally reported by segment to the Company's CODM.

ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY A23

ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization of the Company and Basis of Presentation	Organization of the Company Flex Ltd. ("Flex" or the "Company") was incorporated in the Republic of Singapore in May 1990. The Company's operations have expanded over the years through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. The Company is a globally-recognized, provider of Sketch-to-Scale tm services - innovative design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain services and solutions - from conceptual sketch to full-scale production. The Company designs, builds, ships and services complete packaged consumer and industrial products, from athletic shoes to electronics, for companies of all sizes in various industries and end-markets, through its activities in the following segments: • Communications & Enterprise Compute ("CEC"), which includes telecom business of radio access base stations, remote radio heads, and small cells for wireless infrastructure; networking business which includes optical, routing, broadcasting, and switching products for the data and video networks; server and storage platforms for both enterprise and cloud-based deployments; next generation storage and security appliance products; and rack level solutions, converged infrastructure and software-defined product solutions; • Consumer Technologies Group ("CTG"), which includes consumer-related businesses in connected living, wearables, gaming, augmented and virtual reality, fashion, and mobile devices; and including various supply chain solutions for notebook personal computers ("PC"), tablets, and printers; in addition, CTG is expanding its business relationships to include supply chain optimization for non-electronics products such as footwear and clothing; • Industrial and Emerging Industries ("IEI"), which is comprised of energy and metering, semiconductor and capital equipment, office solutions, industrial, home and lifestyle, industrial automation and kiosks, and lighting; and • High Reliability Solutions ("HRS"), which is comprised of medical business, including consumer health, digital health, disposables, precision plastics, drug delivery, diagnostics, life sciences and imaging equipment; automotive business, including vehicle electrification, connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and clean technologies. The Company's service offerings include a comprehensive range of value-added design and engineering services that are tailored to the various markets and needs of its customers. Other focused service offerings relate to manufacturing (including enclosures, metals, plastic injection molding, precision plastics, machining, and mechanicals), system integration and assembly and test services, materials procurement, inventory management, logistics and after-sales services (including product repair, warranty services, re-manufacturing and maintenance) and supply chain management software solutions and component product offerings (including rigid and flexible printed circuit boards and power adapters and chargers). Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the requirements of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018 . The first quarters for fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2017 ended on June 30, 2017, which is comprised of 91 days in the period, and July 1, 2016, which is comprised of 92 days in the period, respectively. The second quarters for fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2017 ended on September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, which are comprised of 91 days in both periods. The Company's third quarters end on December 31 of each year, which are comprised of 93 days and 92 days for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flex and its majority-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The Company consolidates its majority-owned subsidiaries and investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. For the consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company owns less than 100%, the Company recognizes a noncontrolling interest for the ownership of the noncontrolling owners. Noncontrolling interests are immaterial for all of the periods presented, and are included in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company has certain non-majority-owned equity investments in non-publicly traded companies that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The equity method of accounting is used when the Company has the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the issuer, or if the Company has a voting percentage of a corporation 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 equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees are immaterial for all periods presented, and are included in interest and other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory, by requiring that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Prior to the issuance of the new guidance, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market. The Company adopted the guidance effective April 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted in the first interim period of fiscal year 2018. The Company adopted the guidance effective April 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In August 2017, the FASB issued new guidance with the objective of improving the financial reporting of hedging relationships and simplifying the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the new guidance will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements, and it intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 2030): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The standard is intended to address specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice and provide guidance on how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The majority of the guidance in ASU 2016-15 is consistent with our current cash flow classification. However, cash receipts on the deferred purchase price as described in Note 10 will be classified as cash flow from investing activities instead of the Company's current presentation as cash flows from operations. The Company intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and retrospectively report cash flows from operating and investing activities for all periods presented. While the Company is still quantifying the impact of adoption of this standard, it does expect the standard to result in a material increase in cash flows from investing activities and corresponding reduction in cash flows from operating activities for all periods presented. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance intended to improve financial reporting on leasing transactions. The new lease guidance will require entities that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The guidance will also enhance existing disclosure requirements relating to those leases. The Company intends to adopt the new lease guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Upon initial evaluation, the Company believes the new guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets when adopted. 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. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the process of implementation activities in accordance with the planned effective date. These activities are focused on the review of significant customer contracts, identification and development of additional systems capabilities to enable the Company to make reasonable estimates of revenue as products are manufactured, and the design and implementation of relevant internal controls. The Company has determined that the new standard will change the timing of revenue recognition for a significant portion of its business. Under the new standard, revenue for a significant majority of the manufacturing services customer contracts will be recognized earlier than under the current accounting rules (where Flex recognizes revenue based on shipping and delivery). This change will also have material impacts to the Company’s balance sheet, primarily related to a reduction in finished goods and work-in-process inventories and an increase in unbilled receivables. The new guidance allows for two transition methods in application - (i) retrospective to each prior reporting period presented, or (ii) prospective with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized on April 1, 2018, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2019 (also known as the modified retrospective approach). The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach, which will result in an adjustment to accumulated deficit for the cumulative effect of applying this guidance to contracts in process as of the adoption date. Under this approach, prior financial statements presented will not be restated. This guidance requires additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item affected in the current reporting period during fiscal year 2019 as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for the significant changes.

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS (Tables)

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of components of inventories	The components of inventories, net of applicable lower of cost and net realizable value write-downs, were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 2,590,065 $ 2,537,623 Work-in-progress 446,469 279,493 Finished goods 689,109 579,346 $ 3,725,643 $ 3,396,462
Schedule of goodwill	The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s goodwill account for each of its four segments during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 : HRS CTG IEI CEC Amount (In thousands) Balance, beginning of the year $ 420,935 $ 111,223 $ 337,707 $ 115,002 $ 984,867 Additions (1) 75,280 — — 9,174 84,454 Divestitures (2) — (3,475 ) — — (3,475 ) Purchase accounting adjustments — — — (14 ) (14 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (3) 38,938 — — — 38,938 Balance, end of the period $ 535,153 $ 107,748 $ 337,707 $ 124,162 $ 1,104,770 (1) The goodwill generated from the Company’s acquisition of AGM Automotive ("AGM") in the HRS segment and the Company's acquisition of a Power Modules business in the CEC segment, completed during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , are primarily related to value placed on the acquired employee workforces, service offerings and capabilities of the acquired businesses. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. See note 12 for additional information. (2) During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company disposed of Wink Labs Inc. ("Wink"), a business within the CTG segment, and recorded an aggregate reduction of goodwill of $3.5 million accordingly, which is included as an offset to the gain on sale recorded in other charges (income), net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. (3) During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded $38.9 million of foreign currency translation adjustments primarily related to the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Mirror Controls International ("MCi") and AGM, as the U.S. Dollar fluctuated against foreign currencies.
Schedule of components of acquired intangible assets	The components of acquired intangible assets are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net (In thousands) Intangible assets: Customer-related intangibles $ 369,356 $ (135,411 ) $ 233,945 $ 260,704 $ (105,912 ) $ 154,792 Licenses and other intangibles 302,522 (97,915 ) 204,607 283,897 (76,508 ) 207,389 Total $ 671,878 $ (233,326 ) $ 438,552 $ 544,601 $ (182,420 ) $ 362,181
Schedule of estimated future annual amortization expense for intangible assets	The estimated future annual amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows: Fiscal Year Ending March 31, Amount (In thousands) 2018 (1) $ 19,933 2019 74,510 2020 68,272 2021 63,839 2022 54,754 Thereafter 157,244 Total amortization expense $ 438,552 ____________________________________________________________ (1) Represents estimated amortization for the remaining three -month period ending March 31, 2018 .

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of share-based compensation expense	The following table summarizes the Company’s share-based compensation expense: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Cost of sales $ 5,358 $ 2,437 $ 13,662 $ 7,506 Selling, general and administrative expenses 15,400 18,344 49,356 59,805 Total share-based compensation expense $ 20,758 $ 20,781 $ 63,018 $ 67,311

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding and diluted weighted-average ordinary share equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	The following table reflects basic weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding and diluted weighted-average ordinary share equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the shareholders of Flex Ltd. : Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net income $ 118,333 $ 129,469 $ 448,129 $ 232,690 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 528,405 539,638 529,984 542,780 Basic earnings per share $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.85 $ 0.43 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 118,333 $ 129,469 $ 448,129 $ 232,690 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 528,405 539,638 529,984 542,780 Weighted-average ordinary share equivalents from stock options and awards (1) (2) 5,947 5,384 5,988 5,592 Weighted-average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding 534,352 545,022 535,972 548,372 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.84 $ 0.42 ____________________________________________________________ (1) An immaterial amount of options and share bonus awards was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 , due to their anti-dilutive impact on the weighted-average ordinary share equivalents. Options to purchase ordinary shares of 0.5 million and an immaterial amount of anti-dilutive share bonus awards was excluded for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. (2) An immaterial amount of options and share bonus awards was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 , due to their anti-dilutive impact on the weighted-average ordinary share equivalents. Options to purchase ordinary shares of 0.7 million and an immaterial amount of anti-dilutive share bonus awards was excluded for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016.

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM27

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of bank borrowings and long-term debt	Bank borrowings and long-term debt are as follows: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 (In thousands) 4.625% Notes due February 2020 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through November 2021 691,875 700,000 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022 489,938 502,500 5.000% Notes due February 2023 500,000 500,000 4.75% Notes due June 2025 596,282 595,979 Other 181,175 169,671 Debt issuance costs (14,596 ) (16,007 ) Total $ 2,944,674 $ 2,952,143
Schedule of the Company's repayments of long-term debt	Repayment of the Company’s long term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017 is as follows: Fiscal Year Ending March 31, Amount (In thousands) 2018 (1) $ 10,739 2019 42,934 2020 542,872 2021 115,247 2022 809,103 Thereafter 1,438,375 Total $ 2,959,270 _________________________________________________________ (1) Represents scheduled repayment for the remaining three -month period ending March 31, 2018 .

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]
Summary of aggregate notional amount of the Company's outstanding foreign currency forward and swap contracts	As of December 31, 2017 , the aggregate notional amount of the Company’s outstanding foreign currency contracts was $8.2 billion as summarized below: Foreign Currency Amount Notional Contract Value in USD Currency Buy Sell Buy Sell (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges CNY 1,724,000 — $ 262,937 $ — EUR 53,756 109,351 63,973 128,767 HUF 19,654,800 — 75,314 — ILS 73,700 — 21,233 — INR 1,392,540 — 21,200 — MXN 3,072,680 — 154,955 — MYR 173,000 39,500 42,318 9,662 PLN 87,890 — 24,963 — RON 117,780 — 30,124 — SGD 29,900 — 22,335 — Other N/A N/A 12,567 5,017 731,919 143,446 Other Foreign Currency Contracts BRL — 871,000 — 263,229 CAD 267,328 289,019 211,126 228,257 CHF 16,327 28,889 16,527 29,245 CNY 2,832,338 — 427,268 — EUR 1,958,706 2,306,257 2,329,926 2,744,141 GBP 35,355 63,776 47,390 85,505 HUF 18,783,285 22,480,502 71,975 86,142 INR 6,222,378 1,252,331 96,829 19,200 MXN 2,254,587 1,374,623 113,699 69,322 MYR 456,260 247,030 111,607 60,427 RON 88,521 81,054 22,641 20,731 SGD 78,855 48,690 58,904 36,371 Other N/A N/A 114,386 81,631 3,622,278 3,724,201 Total Notional Contract Value in USD $ 4,354,197 $ 3,867,647
Schedule of fair value of the derivative instruments utilized for foreign currency risk management purposes	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments utilized for foreign currency risk management purposes: Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet December 31, March 31, Balance Sheet December 31, March 31, (In thousands) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 6,627 $ 11,936 Other current liabilities $ 15,057 $ 1,814 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 14,376 $ 10,086 Other current liabilities $ 10,273 $ 9,928

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI29

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, are as follows: Three-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrealized loss on Foreign currency Total Unrealized loss on derivative Foreign currency Total (In thousands) Beginning balance $ (48,470 ) $ (75,403 ) $ (123,873 ) $ (42,233 ) $ (80,319 ) $ (122,552 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications (4,643 ) 7,248 2,605 (1,354 ) (33,770 ) (35,124 ) Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (74 ) 244 170 1,153 (2,642 ) (1,489 ) Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss) (4,717 ) 7,492 2,775 (201 ) (36,412 ) (36,613 ) Ending balance $ (53,187 ) $ (67,911 ) $ (121,098 ) $ (42,434 ) $ (116,731 ) $ (159,165 ) Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unrealized loss on Foreign currency Total Unrealized loss on derivative Foreign currency Total (In thousands) Beginning balance $ (32,426 ) $ (95,717 ) $ (128,143 ) $ (41,522 ) $ (94,393 ) $ (135,915 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications (5,488 ) 27,562 22,074 (1,031 ) (19,471 ) (20,502 ) Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,273 ) 244 (15,029 ) 119 (2,867 ) (2,748 ) Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss) (20,761 ) 27,806 7,045 (912 ) (22,338 ) (23,250 ) Ending balance $ (53,187 ) $ (67,911 ) $ (121,098 ) $ (42,434 ) $ (116,731 ) $ (159,165 )

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASS30

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of business acquisitions by acquisition, contingent consideration	The following table summarizes the activities related to contingent consideration payable for historic acquisitions: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 17,342 $ 75,614 $ 22,426 $ 73,423 Payments (17,109 ) (40,555 ) (17,109 ) (42,776 ) Fair value adjustments 767 (6,997 ) (4,317 ) (2,585 ) Ending balance $ 1,000 $ 28,062 $ 1,000 $ 28,062
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Money market funds and time deposits (included in cash and cash equivalents of the condensed consolidated balance sheet) $ — $ 424,744 $ — $ 424,744 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) — 21,003 — 21,003 Deferred compensation plan assets: 0 Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities 7,212 67,503 — 74,715 Liabilities: 0 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) $ — $ (25,330 ) $ — $ (25,330 ) Contingent consideration in connection with business acquisitions — — (1,000 ) (1,000 ) Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Money market funds and time deposits (included in cash and cash equivalents of the condensed consolidated balance sheet) $ — $ 1,066,841 $ — $ 1,066,841 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) — 22,022 — 22,022 Deferred compensation plan assets: 0 Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities 7,062 52,680 — 59,742 Liabilities: 0 Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8) $ — $ (11,742 ) $ — $ (11,742 ) Contingent consideration in connection with business acquisitions — — (22,426 ) (22,426 )
Schedule of debt not carried at fair value	The following table presents the Company’s major debts not carried at fair value: As of December 31, 2017 As of March 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Fair Value (In thousands) 4.625% Notes due February 2020 $ 500,000 $ 516,925 $ 500,000 $ 526,255 Level 1 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through November 2021 691,875 693,605 700,000 699,566 Level 1 Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022 (1) 489,938 491,163 502,500 503,756 Level 1 5.000% Notes due February 2023 500,000 536,515 500,000 534,820 Level 1 4.750% Notes due June 2025 596,282 643,440 595,979 633,114 Level 1 Euro Term Loan due September 2020 58,021 58,021 53,075 53,075 Level 1 Euro Term Loan due January 2022 119,786 119,786 107,357 107,357 Level 1 Total $ 2,955,902 $ 3,059,455 $ 2,958,911 $ 3,057,943 (1) On June 30, 2017, the Company entered into a new agreement that effectively extended the maturity date of the loan from March 31, 2019 to June 30, 2022. Refer to note 6 for further details of the arrangement.

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIO31

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of purchase price allocation	A summary of the allocation of the total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands): Purchase Consideration Net Tangible Assets Acquired Purchased Intangible Assets Goodwill AGM $ 213,718 $ 56,438 $ 82,000 $ 75,280 Power Modules Business 56,006 12,332 34,500 9,174

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information by operating segment	Selected financial information by segment is as follows: Three-Month Periods Ended Nine-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Net sales: Communications & Enterprise Compute $ 1,979,045 $ 2,102,321 $ 5,853,435 $ 6,400,233 Consumer Technologies Group 2,056,801 1,848,970 5,323,913 4,827,488 Industrial & Emerging Industries 1,491,063 1,140,366 4,336,201 3,672,103 High Reliability Solutions 1,224,643 1,023,342 3,516,695 3,100,513 $ 6,751,552 $ 6,114,999 $ 19,030,244 $ 18,000,337 Segment income and reconciliation of income before tax: Communications & Enterprise Compute $ 50,206 $ 62,109 $ 141,541 $ 176,460 Consumer Technologies Group 38,768 59,282 87,494 139,230 Industrial & Emerging Industries 61,328 39,681 167,650 127,020 High Reliability Solutions 100,976 82,729 283,552 249,972 Corporate and Other (31,557 ) (20,695 ) (94,273 ) (82,395 ) Total segment income 219,721 223,106 585,964 610,287 Reconciling items: Intangible amortization 19,588 18,734 55,865 62,318 Stock-based compensation 20,758 20,781 63,018 67,311 Distressed customers asset impairments (1) — — 4,753 92,915 Contingencies and other (2) — 17,421 43,933 28,960 Other charges (income), net 6,865 3,090 (172,467 ) 15,007 Interest and other, net 31,350 22,838 85,780 71,869 Income before income taxes $ 141,160 $ 140,242 $ 505,082 $ 271,907 (1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Company accepted return of previously shipped inventory from a former customer, SunEdison, of approximately $90 million . On April 21, 2016, SunEdison filed a petition for reorganization under bankruptcy law, and as a result, the Company recognized a bad debt reserve of $61 million as of March 31, 2016, associated with its outstanding SunEdison receivables. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2017, prices for solar panel modules declined significantly. The Company determined that certain solar panel inventory on hand at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 was not fully recoverable and recorded a charge of $60.0 million to reduce the carrying costs to market in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. The Company also recognized a $16.0 million impairment charge for solar module equipment and $16.9 million primarily related to negative margin sales and other associated direct costs. The total charge of $92.9 million is included in cost of sales for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016 but is excluded from segment results above. (2) During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company incurred charges in connection with the matters described in note 13, for certain loss contingencies where it believes that losses are probable and estimable. Additionally, the Company incurred various other charges predominately related to damages incurred from a typhoon that impacted one of its China facilities. During fiscal year 2017, the Company initiated a plan to rationalize the current footprint at existing sites including corporate SG&A functions and to continue to shift the talent base in support of its Sketch-to-Scale tm initiatives. As part of this plan, approximately $17.4 million and $29.0 million was recognized during the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016, respectively. The plan was finalized and completed during fiscal year 2017.

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Inventor

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 2,590,065	$ 2,537,623
Work-in-progress	446,469	279,493
Finished goods	689,109	579,346
Inventories, total	$ 3,725,643	$ 3,396,462

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Goodwill

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	4
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 984,867
Additions	84,454
Divestitures	(3,475)
Purchase accounting adjustments	(14)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	38,938
Balance, end of the period	1,104,770
Gross Carrying Amount	671,878	$ 544,601
Accumulated Amortization	(233,326)	(182,420)
Net Carrying Amount	438,552	362,181
HRS
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, beginning of the year	420,935
Additions	75,280
Divestitures	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	38,938
Balance, end of the period	535,153
CTG
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, beginning of the year	111,223
Additions	0
Divestitures	(3,475)
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance, end of the period	107,748
IEI
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, beginning of the year	337,707
Additions	0
Divestitures	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance, end of the period	337,707
CEC
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, beginning of the year	115,002
Additions	9,174
Divestitures	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	(14)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance, end of the period	124,162
Customer-related intangibles
Activity in goodwill account
Gross Carrying Amount	369,356	260,704
Accumulated Amortization	(135,411)	(105,912)
Net Carrying Amount	233,945	154,792
Licenses and other intangibles
Activity in goodwill account
Gross Carrying Amount	302,522	283,897
Accumulated Amortization	(97,915)	(76,508)
Net Carrying Amount	204,607	$ 207,389
Mirror Controls International | HRS
Activity in goodwill account
Foreign currency translation adjustments	38,900
AGM Automotive
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, end of the period	75,280
Intangible assets acquired during period	82,000
AGM Automotive | HRS
Activity in goodwill account
Intangible assets acquired during period	$ 82,000
AGM Automotive | Customer-related intangibles | HRS
Activity in goodwill account
Weighted average useful life	10 years
Power Modules
Activity in goodwill account
Balance, end of the period	$ 9,174
Intangible assets acquired during period	34,500
Power Modules | CEC
Activity in goodwill account
Intangible assets acquired during period	$ 34,500
Weighted average useful life	9 years
Wink Labs Inc
Activity in goodwill account
Divestitures	$ (3,500)
Wink Labs Inc | CTG
Activity in goodwill account
Decrease in intangible assets due to divestiture	$ 7,500

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Future A

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Estimated future annual amortization expense for acquired intangible assets
2,018	$ 19,933
2,019	74,510
2,020	68,272
2,021	63,839
2,022	54,754
Thereafter	157,244
Net Carrying Amount	$ 438,552	$ 362,181

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Addition

BALANCE SHEET ITEMS - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Components of acquired intangible assets
Cost method investment		$ 129.7
Customer working capital advances		171.3	$ 231.3
Customer related accruals		441	501.9
Deferred revenue		344	280.7
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Wink Labs Inc | Third-Party Private Company
Components of acquired intangible assets
Shares of investment received as consideration	$ 59
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Wink Labs Inc | Other charges (income) | Third-Party Private Company
Components of acquired intangible assets
Gain on sale of non-core business	$ 38.7
Asset-Backed Securitization Programs
Components of acquired intangible assets
Transferor's interests in transferred financial assets, fair value		420.6	$ 506.5
Other Assets | Third-Party Private Company
Components of acquired intangible assets
Investment in subsidiaries		$ 76.5

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Loc

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Location of Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	$ 20,758	$ 20,781	$ 63,018	$ 67,311
Cost of sales
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	5,358	2,437	13,662	7,506
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	$ 15,400	$ 18,344	$ 49,356	$ 59,805

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Add

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share options
Share-based compensation
Compensation not yet recognized | $	$ 8.9
Share weighted-average remaining vesting period	2 years 2 months 12 days
Share options outstanding (shares)	1,400,000
Options exercisable (shares)	500,000
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.39
Weighted average exercise price of exercisable shares (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.71
Restricted Stock Units, Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions, and Share Bonus Awards With Free Cash Flow Targets
Share-based compensation
Share weighted-average remaining vesting period	2 years 7 months 6 days
Unvested share bonus awards granted (shares)	6,000,000
Number of shares outstanding (shares)	15,500,000
Unrecognized compensation expense | $	$ 162.8
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based compensation
Unvested share bonus awards granted (shares)	4,300,000
Average grant date price of unvested share bonus awards (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.45
Vesting period	4 years
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions
Share-based compensation
Number of shares outstanding (shares)	2,000,000
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Fiscal 2015
Share-based compensation
Shares vested (shares)	1,400,000
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Minimum
Share-based compensation
Number of shares that may be issued (shares)	0
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Maximum
Share-based compensation
Number of shares that may be issued (shares)	4,000,000
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Key employees
Share-based compensation
Unvested share bonus awards granted (shares)	600,000
Average grant date price of unvested share bonus awards (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.25
Vesting period	3 years
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Key employees | Minimum
Share-based compensation
Unvested share bonus awards granted (shares)	0
Share Bonus Awards with Market Conditions | Key employees | Maximum
Share-based compensation
Unvested share bonus awards granted (shares)	1,200,000

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Calculati

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Calculation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$ 118,333	$ 129,469	$ 448,129	$ 232,690
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding (in shares)	528,405	539,638	529,984	542,780
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.24	$ 0.85	$ 0.43
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$ 118,333	$ 129,469	$ 448,129	$ 232,690
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding (in shares)	528,405	539,638	529,984	542,780
Weighted-average ordinary share equivalents from stock options and awards (in shares)	5,947	5,384	5,988	5,592
Weighted-average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding (in shares)	534,352	545,022	535,972	548,372
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.24	$ 0.84	$ 0.42

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Additiona

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Options
Anti-diluted securities excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share
Ordinary shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0.5	0	0.7
Share Bonus Awards
Anti-diluted securities excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share
Ordinary shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0	0	0

DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY41

DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY ENTITY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Decrease of noncontrolling interest due to deconsolidation	$ 90,600
Derecognized cash of the subsidiary	72,600
Cost method investment	129,700
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary	$ 151,574	$ 0

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM42

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT - Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,959,270
Debt issuance costs	(14,596)	$ (16,007)
Total	2,944,674	2,952,143
4.625% Notes due February 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%	4.625%
Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 691,875	$ 700,000
Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	489,938	502,500
5.000% Notes due February 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
4.750% Notes due June 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 596,282	$ 595,979
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%	4.75%
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 181,175	$ 169,671

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM43

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)tranche	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate			3.70%	3.50%
2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument	5 years
Periodic principal payment, up to June 30, 2020	$ 6.3
Periodic principal payment, after June 30, 2020	$ 12.6
Number of tranches | tranche	3
Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through March 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt extinguished		$ 2,100
Federal Funds Rate | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
One-Month LIBOR | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	$ 1,750	1,750
Term Loan | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	$ 502.5	$ 502.5
External credit rating | Federal Funds Rate | 2022 Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.125%
External credit rating | Federal Funds Rate | 2022 Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.875%
External credit rating | One-Month LIBOR | 2022 Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.125%
External credit rating | One-Month LIBOR | 2022 Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.875%
Tranche One | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%	4.625%
Tranche Two | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Tranche Three | 2022 Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%	4.75%

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM44

BANK BORROWINGS AND LONG TERM DEBT - Repayment of Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 10,739
2,019	42,934
2,020	542,872
2,021	115,247
2,022	809,103
Thereafter	1,438,375
Total	$ 2,959,270

INTEREST AND OTHER, NET (Detail

INTEREST AND OTHER, NET (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INTEREST AND OTHER, NET
Interest expense	$ 32.1	$ 26.6	$ 90.7	$ 79.9

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notion

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notional Amount (Details) - 9 months ended Dec. 31, 2017 € in Thousands, ₪ in Thousands, ₨ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, £ in Thousands, SGD in Thousands, SFr in Thousands, RON in Thousands, MYR in Thousands, MXN in Thousands, HUF in Thousands, DKK in Thousands, CAD in Thousands, BRL in Thousands, $ in Thousands

USD ($)

MXN

EUR (€)

DKK

INR (₨)

ILS (₪)

GBP (£)

CHF (SFr)

CAD

SGD

RON

CNY (¥)

MYR

BRL

USD ($)

HUF

Notional amount

Deferred losses

$ 7,200

Forward and Swap Contracts

Notional amount

Notional contract value

$ 8,200,000

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts

Notional amount

Notional contract value

4,354,197

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges

Notional amount

Notional contract value

731,919

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | CNY

Notional amount

Notional contract value

¥ 1,724,000

262,937

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | EUR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

€ 53,756

63,973

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | HUF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

75,314

HUF 19,654,800

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | ILS

Notional amount

Notional contract value

₨ 73,700

21,233

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | INR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

MXN 1,392,540

21,200

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | MXN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

MYR 3,072,680

154,955

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | MYR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

RON 173,000

42,318

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | PLN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

SGD 87,890

24,963

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | RON

Notional amount

Notional contract value

117,780

30,124

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | SGD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

29,900

22,335

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | Other

Notional amount

Notional contract value

12,567

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Notional amount

Notional contract value

3,622,278

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | BRL

Notional amount

Notional contract value

BRL 0

0

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CAD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

CAD 267,328

211,126

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CHF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

SFr 16,327

16,527

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CNY

Notional amount

Notional contract value

2,832,338

427,268

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | EUR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

DKK 1,958,706

2,329,926

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GBP

Notional amount

Notional contract value

35,355

47,390

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | HUF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

£ 18,783,285

71,975

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | INR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

96,829

6,222,378

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | MXN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

₪ 2,254,587

113,699

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | MYR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

456,260

111,607

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | RON

Notional amount

Notional contract value

88,521

22,641

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | SGD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

78,855

58,904

Buy | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other

Notional amount

Notional contract value

114,386

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts

Notional amount

Notional contract value

3,867,647

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges

Notional amount

Notional contract value

143,446

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | CNY

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | EUR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

109,351

128,767

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | HUF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | ILS

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | INR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | MXN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | MYR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

RON 39,500

9,662

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | PLN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | RON

Notional amount

Notional contract value

0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | SGD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

SGD 0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedges | Other

Notional amount

Notional contract value

5,017

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Notional amount

Notional contract value

3,724,201

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | BRL

Notional amount

Notional contract value

BRL 871,000

263,229

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CAD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

CAD 289,019

228,257

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CHF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

SFr 28,889

29,245

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | CNY

Notional amount

Notional contract value

¥ 0

0

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | EUR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

DKK 2,306,257

2,744,141

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GBP

Notional amount

Notional contract value

€ 63,776

85,505

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | HUF

Notional amount

Notional contract value

£ 22,480,502

86,142

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | INR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

19,200

HUF 1,252,331

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | MXN

Notional amount

Notional contract value

₪ 1,374,623

69,322

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | MYR

Notional amount

Notional contract value

₨ 247,030

60,427

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | RON

Notional amount

Notional contract value

MXN 81,054

20,731

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | SGD

Notional amount

Notional contract value

MYR 48,690

36,371

Sell | Forward and Swap Contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other

Notional amount

Notional contract value

$ 81,631

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Foreig

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Foreign Currency Risk Management (Details) - Foreign currency contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Other current assets | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	$ 6,627	$ 11,936
Other current assets | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	14,376	10,086
Other current liabilities | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives	15,057	1,814
Other current liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives	$ 10,273	$ 9,928

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI48

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Changes in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 2,678,276
Ending balance	$ 2,979,980		2,979,980
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and other
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(48,470)	$ (42,233)	(32,426)	$ (41,522)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	(4,643)	(1,354)	(5,488)	(1,031)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(74)	1,153	(15,273)	119
Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss)	(4,717)	(201)	(20,761)	(912)
Ending balance	(53,187)	(42,434)	(53,187)	(42,434)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(75,403)	(80,319)	(95,717)	(94,393)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	7,248	(33,770)	27,562	(19,471)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	244	(2,642)	244	(2,867)
Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss)	7,492	(36,412)	27,806	(22,338)
Ending balance	(67,911)	(116,731)	(67,911)	(116,731)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(123,873)	(122,552)	(128,143)	(135,915)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	2,605	(35,124)	22,074	(20,502)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	170	(1,489)	(15,029)	(2,748)
Net current-period other comprehensive gain (loss)	2,775	(36,613)	7,045	(23,250)
Ending balance	$ (121,098)	$ (159,165)	$ (121,098)	$ (159,165)

TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZAT49

TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)program	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Servicing assets	$ 0	$ 0
Servicing liabilities	$ 0	0
Asset-Backed Securitization Programs
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Number of asset-backed securitization programs | program	2
Percentage of receivables sold to unaffiliated institutions	100.00%
Company's accounts receivables sold to third-party	$ 1,500,000,000		$ 1,500,000,000
Amount received from accounts receivable sold to third-party	1,100,000,000		1,000,000,000
Cash proceeds from sale of accounts receivable	4,600,000,000	4,200,000,000
Cash flows from new transfers of receivables	$ 290,400,000	315,100,000
Asset-Backed Securitization Programs | Minimum
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Service fee received, percent	0.10%
Asset-Backed Securitization Programs | Maximum
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Service fee received, percent	0.50%
Global Program
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	$ 950,000,000
Global Program | Committed
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	775,000,000
Global Program | Uncommitted
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	175,000,000
North American Program
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	250,000,000
North American Program | Committed
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	210,000,000
North American Program | Uncommitted
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Investment limits with financial institution	40,000,000
Sales of Receivables to Third Party Banks
Trade Receivables Securitization disclosures
Company's accounts receivables sold to third-party	1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Receivables sold but not yet collected from banking institutions	$ 233,300,000		$ 225,200,000

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASS50

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Change in amount of contingent consideration liability	$ (17,109,000)	$ (40,555,000)	$ (17,109,000)	$ (42,776,000)
Transfers out of Level 1 and into Level 2 related to assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 2 and into Level 1 related to assets and liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 1 and into Level 2 related to liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 2 and into Level 1 related to liabilities measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Nextracker
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Term of revenue targets after acquisition			2 years
Change in amount of contingent consideration liability			$ (17,100,000)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASS51

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Contingent Consideration Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Contingent Consideration Liability [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 17,342	$ 75,614	$ 22,426	$ 73,423
Payments	(17,109)	(40,555)	(17,109)	(42,776)
Fair value adjustments	767	(6,997)	(4,317)	(2,585)
Ending balance	$ 1,000	$ 28,062	$ 1,000	$ 28,062

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASS52

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Money market funds and time deposits
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	$ 424,744	$ 1,066,841
Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8)
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	21,003	22,022
Total Liabilities	(25,330)	(11,742)
Contingent consideration
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Liabilities	(1,000)	(22,426)
Deferred compensation plan assets: Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	74,715	59,742
Level 1 | Money market funds and time deposits
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8)
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Contingent consideration
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Deferred compensation plan assets: Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	7,212	7,062
Level 2 | Money market funds and time deposits
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	424,744	1,066,841
Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8)
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	21,003	22,022
Total Liabilities	(25,330)	(11,742)
Level 2 | Contingent consideration
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan assets: Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	67,503	52,680
Level 3 | Money market funds and time deposits
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	0	0
Level 3 | Foreign exchange contracts (Note 8)
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 3 | Contingent consideration
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Liabilities	(1,000)	(22,426)
Level 3 | Deferred compensation plan assets: Mutual funds, money market accounts and equity securities
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Nonrecurring Basis
Total Assets	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASS53

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Debt Not Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
4.625% Notes due February 2020
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%	4.625%
5.000% Notes due February 2023
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
4.750% Notes due June 2025
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%	4.75%
Level 1 | 4.625% Notes due February 2020
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%	4.625%
Level 1 | 5.000% Notes due February 2023
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Level 1 | 4.750% Notes due June 2025
Other financial instruments
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)	4.75%	4.75%
Carrying Amount
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	$ 2,955,902	$ 2,958,911
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | 4.625% Notes due February 2020
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	500,000	500,000
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	691,875	700,000
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	489,938	502,500
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | 5.000% Notes due February 2023
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	500,000	500,000
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | 4.750% Notes due June 2025
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	596,282	595,979
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | Euro Term Loan due September 2020
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	58,021	53,075
Carrying Amount | Level 1 | Euro Term Loan due January 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	119,786	107,357
Fair Value
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	3,059,455	3,057,943
Fair Value | Level 1 | 4.625% Notes due February 2020
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	516,925	526,255
Fair Value | Level 1 | Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	693,605	699,566
Fair Value | Level 1 | Term Loan, including current portion, due in installments through June 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	491,163	503,756
Fair Value | Level 1 | 5.000% Notes due February 2023
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	536,515	534,820
Fair Value | Level 1 | 4.750% Notes due June 2025
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	643,440	633,114
Fair Value | Level 1 | Euro Term Loan due September 2020
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	58,021	53,075
Fair Value | Level 1 | Euro Term Loan due January 2022
Other financial instruments
Fair Value	$ 119,786	$ 107,357

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIO54

BUSINESS AND ASSET ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)business	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,104,770	$ 984,867
Series of individually immaterial business acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business			2
AGM Automotive
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Consideration		$ 213,700	$ 213,718
Purchased Intangible Assets			82,000
Goodwill			75,280
Net Tangible Assets Acquired			56,438
Power Modules
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Consideration	$ 56,000		56,006
Purchased Intangible Assets			34,500
Goodwill			9,174
Net Tangible Assets Acquired			$ 12,332

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands, BRL in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017BRLtax_assessment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)tax_assessment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss in period from bad debt write off	$ 0	$ 0		$ 4,753	$ 92,915
BRAZIL | Assessment of Sales and Import Taxes
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Income tax examination, number of tax assessments | tax_assessment			6	6
Income tax examination, estimate of possible loss			BRL 291	$ 88,000
Pending Litigation | SunEdison filed Chapter 11 | Collectibility of Receivables
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory value allegedly received by the Company						$ 98,600
Cash allegedly received by the Company						69,200
SunEdison, Inc
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss in period from bad debt write off						61,000
Decrease in receivable due from return of previously shipped inventory						$ 90,000

SHARE REPURCHASES (Details)

SHARE REPURCHASES (Details) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares and Restriction Disclosures [Abstract]
Aggregate shares repurchased (in shares) | shares	2	10.8
Aggregate purchase value of shares repurchased	$ 35,000,000	$ 180,000,000
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program	500,000,000	500,000,000
Amount remaining to be repurchased under the plans	$ 410,100,000	$ 410,100,000

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment				4
Net sales	$ 6,751,552	$ 6,114,999		$ 19,030,244	$ 18,000,337
Intangible amortization	19,588	18,734		55,865	62,318
Stock-based compensation	20,758	20,781		63,018	67,311
Distressed customers asset impairments	0	0		4,753	92,915
Contingencies and other	0	17,421		43,933	28,960
Other charges (income), net	6,865	3,090		(172,467)	15,007
Interest and other, net	31,350	22,838		85,780	71,869
Income before income taxes	141,160	140,242		505,082	271,907
Inventory write-down					60,000
Equipment impairment charges					16,000
Negative margin and direct costs related to inventory write-down					16,900
Restructuring costs		17,400			29,000
Cost of sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	5,358	2,437		13,662	7,506
SunEdison, Inc
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Distressed customers asset impairments						$ 61,000
Sales returns			$ 90,000
Bad debt reserve			$ 61,000			$ 61,000
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	6,751,552	6,114,999		19,030,244	18,000,337
Total segment income	219,721	223,106		585,964	610,287
Operating Segments | CEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,979,045	2,102,321		5,853,435	6,400,233
Total segment income	50,206	62,109		141,541	176,460
Operating Segments | Consumer Technologies Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,056,801	1,848,970		5,323,913	4,827,488
Total segment income	38,768	59,282		87,494	139,230
Operating Segments | Industrial & Emerging Industries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,491,063	1,140,366		4,336,201	3,672,103
Total segment income	61,328	39,681		167,650	127,020
Operating Segments | High Reliability Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,224,643	1,023,342		3,516,695	3,100,513
Total segment income	100,976	82,729		283,552	249,972
Operating Segments | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment income	$ (31,557)	$ (20,695)		$ (94,273)	$ (82,395)