Nokia 2009 Annual Report Download - page 85

component is recognized as revenue when the revenue recognition criteria for that element have been
met. The Group determines the fair value of each component by taking into consideration factors such
as the price when the component is sold separately by the Group, the price when a similar component
is sold separately by the Group or a third party and cost plus a reasonable margin.
Nokia Siemens Networks revenue and cost of sales from contracts involving solutions achieved
through modification of complex telecommunications equipment is recognized on the percentage of
completion basis when the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably. This occurs when total
contract revenue and the cost to complete the contract can be estimated reliably, it is probable that
economic benefits associated with the contract will flow to the Group, and the stage of contract
completion can be measured. When we are not able to meet those conditions, the policy is to
recognize revenues only equal to costs incurred to date, to the extent that such costs are expected to
be recovered. Completion is measured by reference to costs incurred to date as a percentage of
estimated total project costs using the costtocost method.
The percentage of completion method relies on estimates of total expected contract revenue and
costs, as well as the dependable measurement of the progress made towards completing the
particular project. Recognized revenues and profit are subject to revisions during the project in the
event that the assumptions regarding the overall project outcome are revised. The cumulative impact
of a revision in estimates is recorded in the period such revisions become likely and estimable. Losses
on projects in progress are recognized in the period they become likely and estimable.
Nokia Siemens Networks’ current sales and profit estimates for projects may change due to the early
stage of a longterm project, new technology, changes in the project scope, changes in costs, changes
in timing, changes in customers’ plans, realization of penalties, and other corresponding factors.
Customer Financing
We have provided a limited number of customer financing arrangements and agreed extended
payment terms with selected customers. In establishing credit arrangements, management must
assess the creditworthiness of the customer and the timing of cash flows expected to be received
under the arrangement. However, should the actual financial position of our customers or general
economic conditions differ from our assumptions, we may be required to reassess the ultimate
collectability of such financings and trade credits, which could result in a writeoff of these balances
in future periods and thus negatively impact our profits in future periods. Our assessment of the net
recoverable value considers the collateral and security arrangements of the receivable as well as the
likelihood and timing of estimated collections. The Group endeavors to mitigate this risk through the
transfer of its rights to the cash collected from these arrangements to thirdparty financial institutions
on a nonrecourse basis in exchange for an upfront cash payment. During the past three fiscal years
the Group has not had any writeoffs or impairments regarding customer financing. The financial
impact of the customer financing related assumptions mainly affects the Nokia Siemens Networks
segment. See also Note 33(b) to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this
annual report for a further discussion of longterm loans to customers and other parties.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the subsequent
inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial conditions of our customers
were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional
allowances may be required in future periods. Management specifically analyzes accounts receivables
and historical bad debt, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends
and changes in our customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for
doubtful accounts. Based on these estimates and assumptions the allowance for doubtful accounts
was EUR 391 million in 2009 (EUR 415 million in 2008).
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