E-Z-GO 2011 Annual Report Download - page 65

advisors. We also make assumptions regarding employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and
rate of compensation increases. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our pension and postretirement plans in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognize changes in the funded status of our defined benefit plans in comprehensive income in
the year in which they occur. Actuarial gains and losses that are not immediately recognized as net periodic pension cost are
recognized as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income (OCI) and are amortized into net periodic pension cost in future
periods.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue
derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. To manage the volatility relating to our exposures, we net
these exposures on a consolidated basis to take advantage of natural offsets. For the residual portion, we enter into various
derivative transactions pursuant to our policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and hedging practices. All derivative
instruments are reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Designation to support hedge accounting is performed
on a specific exposure basis. For financial instruments qualifying as fair value hedges, we record changes in fair value in earnings,
offset, in part or in whole, by corresponding changes in the fair value of the underlying exposures being hedged. For cash flow
hedges, we record changes in the fair value of derivatives (to the extent they are effective as hedges) in OCI, net of deferred taxes.
Changes in fair value of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are recorded in earnings.
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars. Adjustments from currency rate changes are
recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account in shareholders’ equity until the related foreign entity is sold or
substantially liquidated. We use foreign currency financing transactions to effectively hedge long-term investments in foreign
operations with the same corresponding currency. Foreign currency gains and losses on the hedge of the long-term investments
are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account with the offset recorded as an adjustment to debt.
Product Liabilities
We accrue for product liability claims and related defense costs when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Our estimates
are generally based on the specifics of each claim or incident and our best estimate of the probable loss using historical experience
and considering the insurance coverage and deductibles in effect at the date of the incident.
Environmental Liabilities and Asset Retirement Obligations
Liabilities for environmental matters are recorded on a site-by-site basis when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred
and the cost can be reasonably estimated. We estimate our accrued environmental liabilities using currently available facts,
existing technology, and presently enacted laws and regulations, all of which are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties.
Our environmental liabilities are not discounted and do not take into consideration possible future insurance proceeds or
significant amounts from claims against other third parties.
We have incurred asset retirement obligations primarily related to costs to remove and dispose of underground storage tanks and
asbestos materials used in insulation, adhesive fillers and floor tiles. There is no legal requirement to remove these items, and
there currently is no plan to remodel the related facilities or otherwise cause the impacted items to require disposal. Since these
asset retirement obligations are not estimable, there is no related liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts
We provide limited warranty and product maintenance programs, including parts and labor, for certain products for periods
ranging from one to five years. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under warranty programs and record a liability in the
amount of such costs at the time product revenues are recognized. Factors that affect this liability include the number of products
sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. We assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty and
product maintenance liabilities periodically and adjust the amounts as necessary. Additionally, we may establish warranty
liabilities related to the issuance of aircraft service bulletins for aircraft no longer covered under the limited warranty programs.
Research and Development Costs
Our customer-funded research and development costs are charged directly to the related contracts, which primarily consist of U.S.
Government contracts. In accordance with government regulations, we recover a portion of company-funded research and
development costs through overhead rate charges on our U.S. Government contracts. Research and development costs that are not
reimbursable under a contract with the U.S. Government or another customer are charged to expense as incurred. Company-
funded research and development costs were $525 million, $403 million, and $401 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively,
and are included in cost of sales.
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54 Textron Inc. Annual Report • 2011