Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2013

Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations

a. Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations

The consolidated financial statements of GenCorp Inc. (“GenCorp” or the “Company”) include the accounts of the parent company and its 100% owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to financial information for prior years to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The Company is a manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the re-zoning, entitlement, sale, and leasing of the Company’s excess real estate assets. The Company’s continuing operations are organized into two segments:

Aerospace and Defense — includes the operations of our wholly-owned subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. (“Aerojet Rocketdyne”), a leading technology-based designer, developer and manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems for the United States (“U.S.”) government, including the Department of Defense (“DoD”), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), major aerospace and defense prime contractors as well as portions of the commercial sector. Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized engineering and manufacturing company that specializes in the development and production of propulsion systems for defense and space applications, armament systems for precision tactical systems and munitions, and is considered a domestic market leader in launch propulsion, in-space propulsion, missile defense propulsion, tactical missile propulsion and hypersonic propulsion systems.

Real Estate — includes the activities of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Easton Development Company, LLC (“Easton”) related to the re-zoning, entitlement, sale, and leasing of the Company’s excess real estate assets. The Company owns approximately 11,900 acres of land adjacent to U.S. Highway 50 between Rancho Cordova and Folsom, California east of Sacramento (“Sacramento Land”). The Company is currently in the process of seeking zoning changes and other governmental approvals on a portion of the Sacramento Land to optimize its value.

In July 2012, the Company signed a stock and asset purchase agreement (the “Original Purchase Agreement”) with United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”) to acquire the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne division (the “Rocketdyne Business”) from UTC for $550 million (the “Acquisition”). The Rocketdyne Business was the largest liquid rocket propulsion designer, developer, and manufacturer in the U.S. On June 10, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced that it closed its investigation into the Acquisition under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. On June 12, 2013, the Company and UTC entered into an amended and restated stock and asset purchase agreement (the “Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement”), which amended and restated the Original Purchase Agreement, as amended. On June 14, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the Rocketdyne Business pursuant to the Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement. The aggregate consideration to UTC was $411 million, paid in cash, which represents the initial purchase price of $550 million reduced by $55 million relating to the pending future acquisition of UTC’s 50% ownership interest of RD Amross, LLC (a joint venture with NPO Energomash of Khimki, Russia which sells RD-180 engines to RD Amross) and the portion of the UTC business that markets and supports the sale of RD-180 engines. The acquisition of UTC’s 50% ownership interest of RD Amross and UTC’s related business is contingent upon certain conditions including receipt of certain Russian governmental regulatory approvals, which may not be obtained. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, either party to such agreement may terminate the obligations to consummate the RDA Acquisition on or after June 12, 2015; provided, however, that such termination date may be extended for up to four additional periods of three months each (with the final termination date extended until June 12, 2016). Subject to the terms of Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, in order to extend the termination date, either party may request the extension by providing written notice to the other party at least five business days prior to the termination date, provided that the requesting party must have a reasonable belief at the time such notice is given that a certain authorization for completion of the RDA Acquisition from the Russian government will be forthcoming. The purchase price was further adjusted for changes in advance payments on contracts, capital expenditures and other net assets, and is subject further to post-closing adjustments (see Note 4).

As of November 30, 2012, the Company classified its Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems (the “LDACS”) business as assets held for sale because the Company expected that it would be required to divest the LDACS product line in order to consummate the Acquisition. However, as of May 31, 2013, the Company believed that it would not be required to divest the LDACS product line in order to consummate the Acquisition based on conversations with the FTC. On June 10, 2013, the FTC announced that it closed its investigation into the Acquisition under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the Company was not required to divest its LDACS business (see Note 14).

On August 31, 2004, the Company completed the sale of its GDX Automotive (“GDX”) business. On November 30, 2005, the Company completed the sale of the Fine Chemicals business. The remaining subsidiaries after the sale of GDX Automotive, including Snappon SA, and the Fine Chemicals business are classified as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 13).

The Company’s fiscal year ends on November 30 of each year. The fiscal year of the Company’s subsidiary, Aerojet Rocketdyne, ends on the last Saturday of November. As a result of the 2013 calendar, Aerojet Rocketdyne had 53 weeks of operations in fiscal 2013 compared to 52 weeks of operations in fiscal 2012 and 2011. The additional week of operations, which occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, accounted for $27.8 million in additional net sales. The operating results of the Rocketdyne Business are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the acquisition date within the Company’s Aerospace and Defense segment. Net sales of the Rocketdyne Business included in the Company’s operating results for fiscal 2013 from the acquisition date of June 14, 2013 were $319.4 million.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Out of Period Adjustments

During fiscal 2012, the Company recorded out of period adjustments to cost of sales, interest expense, and the income tax provision and related balance sheet accounts. The out of period adjustments relate to the treatment of prior years’ intercompany interest within the state tax provisions and the accounting for a lease modification. The out of period adjustments resulted in the Company increasing its net loss in fiscal 2012 by an additional $0.2 million.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company recorded out of period adjustments to the income tax provision and related balance sheet accounts. The out of period adjustments relate to the Company incorrectly calculating the tax benefit on a tax refund associated with an election made on the Company’s fiscal 2003 income tax return and the Company not recording a reserve for uncertain tax positions during the appropriate period. The out of period adjustments in fiscal 2011, combined with the effects of the fiscal 2012 adjustments described above, resulted in the Company under reporting net income by $0.8 million in fiscal 2011.

As a result of de minimis out of period adjustments recorded in fiscal 2013, the combined effect of the errors resulted in a negligible impact to net income in fiscal 2012 and an under reporting of net income of ($0.4) million in fiscal 2011. Management believes that such amounts are not material to previously reported financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

b. Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a remaining maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company aggregates its cash balances by bank, and reclassifies any negative balances, if applicable, to accounts payable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

c. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The accounting standards use a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The following are measured at fair value:


	Total		Fair value measurement at November 30, 2013
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In millions)
Money market funds	$	174.4	$	174.4	$	—	$	—


	Total		Fair value measurement at November 30, 2012
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In millions)
Money market funds	$	166.0	$	166.0	$	—	$	—

As of November 30, 2013, a summary of cash and cash equivalents and grantor trust by investment type is as follows:


	Total		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Money Market Funds
	(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	197.6	$	35.6	$	162.0
Grantor trust		12.4		—		12.4

	$	210.0	$	35.6	$	174.4

The carrying amounts of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation, and other accrued liabilities, approximate fair value because of their short maturities.

The estimated fair value and principal amount for the Company’s long-term debt is presented below:


	Fair Value				Principal Amount
	November 30, 2013		November 30, 2012		November 30, 2013		November 30, 2012
	(In millions)
Term loan	$	45.0	$	47.5	$	45.0	$	47.5
7.125% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes (“7¹/₈% Notes”)		494.5		—		460.0		—
4¹/₁₆% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (“4¹/₁₆% Debentures”)		398.1		246.0		193.2		200.0
Other debt		1.0		1.2		1.0		1.2

	$	938.6	$	294.7	$	699.2	$	248.7

The fair values of the 7¹/₈% Notes and 4¹/₁₆% Debentures were determined using broker quotes that are based on open markets of the Company’s debt securities as of November 30, 2013 and 2012 (both Level 2 securities). The fair value of the term loan and other debt was determined to approximate carrying value.

Accounts Receivable

d. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable associated with long-term contracts consist of billed and unbilled amounts. Billed amounts include invoices presented to customers that have not been paid. Unbilled amounts relate to revenues that have been recorded and billings that have not been presented to customers. Amounts for overhead disallowances or billing decrements are reflected in unbilled receivables and primarily represent estimates of potential overhead costs which may not be successfully negotiated and collected.

Other receivables represent amounts billed where revenues were not derived from long-term contracts.

Inventories

e. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, generally using the average cost method. Costs on long-term contracts and programs in progress represent recoverable costs incurred for production, contract-specific facilities and equipment, allocable operating overhead, advances to suppliers, environmental expenses and, in the case of contracts with the U.S. government, bid and proposal, research and development, and general and administrative expenses. Pursuant to contract provisions, agencies of the U.S. government and certain other customers have title to, or a security interest in, inventories related to such contracts as a result of performance-based and progress payments. Such progress payments are reflected as an offset against the related inventory balances.

The acquired Rocketdyne Business inventory was recorded at fair value on the date of Acquisition. The fair value adjustment of $6.3 million is not allocable to the Company’s U.S. government contracts and will be expensed to cost of sales as the inventory is delivered to the customer (see Note 4).

Income Taxes

f. Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with its 100% owned consolidated subsidiaries. The deferred tax assets and/or liabilities are determined by multiplying the differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting bases for assets and liabilities by the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date of the change.

The carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the future. A valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A review of all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including the Company’s past and future performance, the market environment in which it operates, the utilization of tax attributes in the past, the length of carryback and carryforward periods, and evaluation of potential tax planning strategies.

Despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax laws, the Company believes that certain positions are likely to be challenged by taxing authorities. Settlement of any challenge can result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations or litigation. The Company’s tax reserves reflect the difference between the tax benefit claimed on tax returns and the amount recognized in the financial statements. The accounting standards provide guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position are derived from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. As the examination process progresses with tax authorities, adjustments to tax reserves may be necessary to reflect taxes payable upon settlement. Tax reserve adjustments related to positions impacting the effective tax rate affect the provision for income taxes. Tax reserve adjustments related to positions impacting the timing of deductions impact deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

g. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Refurbishment costs are capitalized in the property accounts, whereas ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed principally by accelerated methods based on the following useful lives:


Buildings and improvements			9 — 40 years
Machinery and equipment			5 — 19 years

The acquired Rocketdyne Business property, plant and equipment were recorded at fair value on the date of Acquisition. The fair value adjustment of $81.9 million is not allocable to the Company’s U.S. government contracts and will be depreciated using a weighted average life of approximately 15 years (see Note 4).

Real Estate Held for Entitlement and Leasing

h. Real Estate Held for Entitlement and Leasing

The Company capitalizes all costs associated with the real estate entitlement and leasing process. The Company classifies activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of its excess real estate assets as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Goodwill

i. Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired enterprise or assets over the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Tests for impairment of goodwill are performed on an annual basis, or at any other time if events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. The Company evaluated goodwill for impairment as of September 1, 2013 and 2012, and determined that goodwill was not impaired.

The Company evaluates qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and overall financial performance) to determine whether it is necessary to perform the first step of the two-step goodwill test. This step is referred to as the “Step Zero analysis”. If it is determined that it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will need to proceed to the first step (“Step One”) of the two-step goodwill impairment test. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, relevant events and circumstances as discussed above shall be assessed. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the impairment test are unnecessary.

Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; adverse cash flow trends; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; decline in stock price; and results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded.

All of the Company’s recorded goodwill resides in the Aerospace and Defense reporting unit. As of September 1, 2013 and 2012, the Company evaluated goodwill using a “Step Zero analysis” and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Aerospace and Defense reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.

There can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions made for purposes of its goodwill impairment testing will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the Company’s assumptions and estimates are incorrect, the Company may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

Intangible Assets

j. Intangible Assets

Identifiable intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks, and licenses are recorded at cost or when acquired as part of a business combination at estimated fair value. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized based on when they provide the Company economic benefit, or using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful life. Amortization periods for identifiable intangible assets range from 3 years to 30 years.

Intangible assets weighted average amortization periods are as follows (in years):


	As of November 30,
	2013		2012
Customer related		10.2		20.0
Intellectual property\trade secrets		13.0		—
Non-Compete Agreements		3.0		—
Trade name		30.0		—
Technology		25.1		25.1

Environmental Remediation

k. Environmental Remediation

The Company expenses, on a current basis, recurring costs associated with managing hazardous substances and contamination in ongoing operations. The Company accrues for costs associated with the remediation of environmental contamination when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In most cases only a range of reasonably probable costs can be estimated. In establishing the Company’s reserves, the most probable estimated amount is used when determinable, and the minimum amount is used when no single amount in the range is more probable. The Company’s environmental reserves include the costs of completing remedial investigation and feasibility studies, remedial and corrective actions, regulatory oversight costs, the cost of operation and maintenance of the remedial action plan, and employee compensation costs for employees who are expected to devote a significant amount of time to remediation efforts. Calculation of environmental reserves is based on the evaluation of currently available information with respect to each individual environmental site and considers factors such as existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. Such estimates are based on the expected costs of investigation and remediation and the likelihood that other potentially responsible parties will be able to fulfill their commitments at sites where the Company may be jointly or severally liable. At the time a liability is recorded for future environmental costs, the Company records an asset for estimated future recoveries that are estimable and probable. Some of the Company’s environmental costs are eligible for future recovery in the pricing of its products and services to the U.S. government and under existing third party agreements. The Company considers the recovery probable based on the Global Settlement Agreement, Northrop Agreement, government contracting regulations, and its long history of receiving reimbursement for such costs (see Notes 8(c) and (d)).

Retirement Benefits

l. Retirement Benefits

The Company has a frozen defined benefit pension plan that previously covered substantially all salaried and hourly employees. In addition, the Company provides medical and life insurance benefits (“postretirement benefits”) to certain eligible retired employees, with varied coverage by employee group. Annual charges are made for the cost of the plans, including administrative costs, interest costs on benefit obligations, and net amortization and deferrals, increased or reduced by the return on assets. In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company recorded a $5.3 million pension liability associated with the Rocketdyne Business’ bargaining unit employees. The annual expenses associated with the pension liability are allowable to be included in the Company’s contracts with the U.S. government (see Note 4). The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan and participation in the plan is available to all employees (see Note 7).

Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations

m. Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations

Conditional asset retirement obligations (“CAROs”) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. These liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and the related asset retirement costs are capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related assets by the same amount as the liability. Asset retirement costs are subsequently depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company records period-to-period changes in the CARO liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the estimate of the undiscounted cash flows.

The Company’s estimate of CAROs associated with owned properties relates to estimated costs necessary for the legally required removal or remediation of various regulated materials, primarily asbestos disposal and radiological decontamination of an ordnance manufacturing facility. For CAROs that are not expected to be retired in the next fifteen (15) years, the Company estimated the retirement date of such asset retirement obligations to be thirty (30) years from the date of adoption of the applicable accounting standard. For leased properties, such obligations relate to the estimated cost of contractually required property restoration.

The changes in the carrying amount of CAROs since November 30, 2010 were as follows (in millions):


Balance as of November 30, 2010	$	15.3
Additions and other, net		1.2
Accretion		1.3

Balance as of November 30, 2011		17.8
Additions and other, net		1.5
Accretion		1.5

Balance as of November 30, 2012		20.8
Rocketdyne Business Acquisition		1.2
Additions and other, net		(0.6	)
Accretion		1.5

Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	22.9

Advance Payments on Contracts

n. Advance Payments on Contracts

The Company receives advances from customers which may exceed costs incurred on certain contracts. Such advances or billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings, other than those reflected as a reduction of inventories as progress payments, are classified as current liabilities.

Loss Contingencies

o. Loss Contingencies

The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, has accrued its estimate of the probable costs and recoveries for resolution of these claims. These estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in estimates or the effectiveness of strategies related to these proceedings.

Warranties

p. Warranties

The Company provides product warranties in conjunction with certain product sales. The majority of the Company’s warranties are a one-year standard warranty for parts, workmanship, and compliance with specifications. On occasion, the Company has made commitments beyond the standard warranty obligation. While the Company has contracts with warranty provisions, there is not a history of any significant warranty claims experience. A reserve for warranty exposure is made on a product by product basis when it is both estimable and probable. These costs are included in the program’s estimate at completion and are expensed in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition methodology as allowed under GAAP for that particular contract.

Revenue Recognition

q. Revenue Recognition

In the Company’s Aerospace and Defense segment, recognition of profit on long-term contracts requires the use of assumptions and estimates related to the contract value or total contract revenue, the total cost at completion and the measurement of progress towards completion. Due to the nature of the programs, developing the estimated total cost at completion requires the use of significant judgment. Estimates are continually evaluated as work progresses and are revised as necessary. Factors that must be considered in estimating the work to be completed include labor productivity, the nature and technical complexity of the work to be performed, availability and cost volatility of materials, subcontractor and vendor performance, warranty costs, volume assumptions, anticipated labor agreements and inflationary trends, schedule and performance delays, availability of funding from the customer, and the recoverability of costs incurred outside the original contract included in any estimates to complete. The Company reviews contract performance and cost estimates for some contracts at least monthly and for others at least quarterly and more frequently when circumstances significantly change. When a change in estimate is determined to have an impact on contract profit, the Company will record a positive or negative adjustment to the statement of operations. Changes in estimates and assumptions related to the status of certain long-term contracts may have a material effect on the Company’s operating results. The following table summarizes the impact from changes in estimates and assumptions on the statement of operations on key contracts, representing 68% of the Company’s net sales over the last three fiscal years, accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting:


	Year Ended
	2013		2012		2011
	(In millions, except per share amounts)
Favorable effect of the changes in contract estimates on (loss) income from continuing operations	$	18.4	$	8.9	$	3.9
Favorable effect of the changes in contract estimates on net income (loss)		10.8		5.3		2.4
Favorable effect of the changes in contract estimates on basic income (loss) per share		0.18		0.09		0.04
Favorable effect of the changes in contract estimates on diluted income (loss) per share		0.13		0.09		0.04

The fiscal 2013 favorable changes in contract estimates was primarily driven by greater than expected performance on tactical systems programs due to manufacturing efficiencies and lower overhead costs. The improvements in fiscal 2013 were offset by unexpected cost growth on a space launch contract. The fiscal 2012 favorable changes in contract estimates was primarily driven by greater than expected performance on the Atlas V program and several tactical systems programs due to manufacturing efficiencies and lower overhead costs. These improvements in fiscal 2012 were offset by unanticipated inefficiencies and cost growth on a space launch contract. The fiscal 2011 favorable changes in contract estimates was primarily driven by greater than expected performance on the Atlas V program and various space system programs due to manufacturing efficiencies and lower overhead costs. These improvements in fiscal 2011 were offset by a decrease on a space launch contract for a test failure/rework on rocket motors.

The Company considers the nature of the individual underlying contract and the type of products and services provided in determining the proper accounting for a particular contract. Each method is applied consistently to all contracts having similar characteristics, as described below. The Company typically accounts for these contracts using the percentage-of-completion method, and progress is measured on a cost-to-cost or units-of-delivery basis. Sales are recognized using various measures of progress depending on the contractual terms and scope of work of the contract. The Company recognizes revenue on a units-of-delivery basis when contracts require unit deliveries on a frequent and routine basis. Sales using this measure of progress are recognized at the contractually agreed upon unit price. Where the scope of work on contracts principally relates to research and/or development efforts, or the contract is predominantly a development effort with few deliverable units, the Company recognizes revenue on a cost-to-cost basis. In this case, sales are recognized as costs are incurred and include estimated earned fees or profits calculated on the basis of the relationship between costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Revenue on service or time and material contracts is recognized when performed. If at any time expected costs exceed the value of the contract, the loss is recognized immediately.

Certain government contracts contain cost or performance incentive provisions that provide for increased or decreased fees or profits based upon actual performance against established targets or other criteria. Incentive and award fees, which are generally awarded at the discretion of the customer, are included in estimated contract revenue at the time the amounts can be reasonably determined and are reasonably assured based on historical experience and anticipated performance. The Company continually evaluates its performance and incorporates any anticipated changes in penalties and cost incentives into its revenue and earnings calculations. Performance incentives, which increase or decrease earnings based solely on a single significant event, generally are not recognized until an event occurs.

Revenue from real estate asset sales is recognized when a sufficient down-payment has been received, financing has been arranged and title, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer. The allocation to cost of sales on real estate asset sales is based on a relative fair market value computation of the land sold which includes the basis on the Company’s book value, capitalized entitlement costs, and an estimate of the Company’s continuing financial commitment.

Revenue that is not derived from long-term development and production contracts, or real estate asset transactions, is recognized when persuasive evidence of a final agreement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed or determinable and payment from the customer is reasonably assured. Sales are recorded net of provisions for customer pricing allowances.

Research and Development ("R&D")

r. Research and Development (“R&D”)

Company-sponsored R&D expenses were $42.9 million in fiscal 2013, $30.3 million in fiscal 2012, and $27.4 million in fiscal 2011. Company-sponsored R&D expenses include the costs of technical activities that are useful in developing new products, services, processes, or techniques, as well as expenses for technical activities that may significantly improve existing products or processes. These expenses are generally allocated among all contracts and programs in progress under U.S. government contractual arrangements.

Customer-sponsored R&D expenditures, which are funded under government contracts, totaled $339.1 million in fiscal 2013, $271.8 million in fiscal 2012, and $276.0 million in fiscal 2011. Expenditures under customer-sponsored R&D funded government contracts are accounted for as sales and cost of products sold.

Stock-based Compensation

s. Stock-based Compensation

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation in the statements of operations at the grant-date fair value of stock awards issued to employees and directors over the vesting period (see Note 10(c) for additional information). The Company utilizes the short-cut method for determining the historical pool of windfall tax benefits and the tax law ordering approach for purposes of determining whether an excess tax benefit has been realized.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

t. Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of long-lived assets is recognized when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset, or related groups of assets, may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; or a current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the Company determines that an asset is not recoverable, then the Company would record an impairment charge if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

A long-lived asset classified as “held for sale” is initially measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In the period that the “held for sale” criteria are met, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for any initial adjustment of the long-lived asset amount. Gains or losses not previously recognized resulting from the sale of a long-lived asset is recognized on the date of sale.

Foreign Currency Transactions

u. Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign currency transaction (losses) and gains were ($0.2) million in fiscal 2013, $0.4 million in fiscal 2012, and ($0.3) million in fiscal 2011 and are reported as a component of discontinued operations. The Company’s foreign currency transactions were associated with the Company’s former GDX business, including Snappon SA, which is classified as discontinued operations in these consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements.

Related Parties

v. Related Parties

A member of the Company’s board of directors is manager of Steel Partners LLC, the manager of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Holdings”). Steel Holdings owns 99% of SPH Group Holdings LLC (“SPH Holdings”) that was a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2013 and 2012. The Company repurchased $15.5 million of its 2¹/₄% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (“2¹/₄% Debentures”) from SPH Holdings during fiscal 2011 at market prices as of the transaction date.

Concentrations

w. Concentrations

Dependence upon government programs and contracts

Sales to the U.S. government and its agencies, including sales to the Company’s significant customers discussed below, were as follows (dollars in millions):


	U.S. Government Sales		Percentage of Net Sales
Fiscal 2013	$	1,311.0		95	%
Fiscal 2012		936.9		94
Fiscal 2011		855.8		93

The Standard Missile program, which is included in the U.S. government sales, represented 22%, 25%, and 24% of net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The demand for certain of the Company’s services and products is directly related to the level of funding of government programs.

Major customers

Customers that represented more than 10% of net sales for the fiscal years presented are as follows:


	Year Ended
	2013			2012			2011
Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”)		32	%		37	%		36	%
Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed Martin”)		23			32			28
United Launch Alliance (“ULA”)		18			*			*

*	Less than 10%.

Credit Risk

Aside from investments held in the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and trade receivables. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held and managed by recognized financial institutions and are subject to the Company’s investment policy. The investment policy outlines minimum acceptable credit ratings for each type of investment and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one security issue. The Company does not believe significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to these investments.

Customers that represented more than 10% of accounts receivable for the periods presented are as follows:


	As of November 30,
	2013			2012
NASA		22	%		*
Raytheon		20			48	%
Lockheed Martin		19			31
ULA		18			*

*	Less than 10%.

Dependence on Single Source and Other Third Party Suppliers

The Company uses a significant quantity of raw materials that are highly dependent on market fluctuations and government regulations. Further, as a U.S. government contractor, the Company is often required to procure materials from suppliers capable of meeting rigorous customer and government specifications. As market conditions change for these companies, they often discontinue materials with low sales volumes or profit margins. The Company is often forced to either qualify new materials or pay higher prices to maintain the supply. To date the Company has been successful in establishing replacement materials and securing customer funding to address specific qualification needs of the programs. Prolonged disruptions in the supply of any of the Company’s key raw materials, difficulty qualifying new sources of supply, implementing use of replacement materials or new sources of supply, and/or a continuing volatility in the prices of raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results, financial condition, and/or cash flows.

Workforce

As of November 30, 2013, 14% of the Company’s 5,386 employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Accounting Pronouncements

x. Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

As of September 1, 2011, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) amended guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. Previous guidance required that an entity test for goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill. If the fair value is less than its carrying amount, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. Under this new amendment an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations. The new guidance requires that pro forma financial information be prepared as if the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the prior annual period. The guidance was effective for the Company for business combinations subsequent to December 1, 2011.

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on fair value measurement and related disclosures. The new guidance clarified the concepts applicable for fair value measurement and required new disclosures, with a particular focus on Level 3 measurements. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, and was applied prospectively.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance eliminates one of the presentation options provided by then-current GAAP, which was to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. In addition, it gave an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, and was applied retrospectively. As the accounting standard only impacted disclosures, the new standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance on reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. As the accounting standard only impacted disclosures, the new standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

New Accounting Pronouncement

In July 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance related to the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a decrease in a deferred tax asset where a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists and certain criteria are met. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

z. Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. The issuance of financial statements is the earlier of when the financial statements are widely distributed to all shareholders and other financial statements users or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (see Note 17).