Garmin 2008 Annual Report Download - page 60

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
General
Garmin’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon
Garmin’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. The presentation of these financial statements requires Garmin to make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, Garmin evaluates its estimates, including those
related to customer sales programs and incentives, product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible
assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, and contingencies and litigation. Garmin bases its estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results
of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
Revenue Recognition
Garmin records estimated reductions to revenue for customer sales programs returns and incentive
offerings including rebates, price protection (product discounts offered to retailers to assist in clearing older products
from their inventories in advance of new product releases), promotions and other volume-based incentives. The
reductions to revenue are based on estimates and judgments using historical experience and expectation of future
conditions. Changes in these estimates could negatively affect Garmin’s operating results. These incentives are
reviewed periodically and, with the exceptions of price protection and certain other promotions, are accrued for on a
percentage of sales basis. If market conditions were to decline, Garmin may take actions to increase customer
incentive offerings possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time the incentive is offered.
Trade Accounts Receivable
We sell our products to retailers, wholesalers, and other customers and extend credit based on our
evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Potential losses on receivables are dependent on each individual
customer’s financial condition. We carry our trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. Typically, our
accounts receivable are collected within 60 days and do not bear interest. We monitor our exposure to losses on
receivables and maintain allowances for potential losses or adjustments. We determine these allowances by (1)
evaluating the aging of our receivables; and (2) reviewing our high-risk customers. Past due receivable balances are
written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due.
Warranties
Garmin’s products sold are generally covered by a warranty for periods ranging from one to two years.
Garmin accrues a warranty reserve for estimated costs to provide warranty services. Garmin’s estimate of costs to
service its warranty obligations is based on historical experience and expectation of future conditions. To the extent
Garmin experiences increased warranty claim activity or increased costs associated with servicing those claims, its
warranty accrual will increase, resulting in decreased gross profit.
Inventory
Garmin writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the
difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future