CREDIT LOSSES

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Effective October 1, 2020, the Company adopted accounting guidance related to accounting for credit losses on financial instruments, including trade receivables (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments). The guidance requires companies to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due, which were not considered under the previous accounting guidance.

The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products and services. Trade receivables are recorded at their stated amount, less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns. The Company’s expected loss allowance methodology for trade receivables is primarily based on the aging method of the accounts receivables balances and the financial condition of its customers. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency), discounts related to early payment of accounts receivables by customers and estimates for returns. The allowance for doubtful accounts includes amounts for certain customers in which a risk of default has been specifically identified, as well as an amount for customer defaults, based on a formula, when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. Allowance for discounts and returns are recorded as a reduction of revenue and the provision related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded in SG&A expenses.

The Company also considers current and expected future economic and market conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when determining any estimate of credit losses. Generally, estimates used to determine the allowance are based on assessment of anticipated payment and all other historical, current and future information that is reasonably available. All accounts receivable amounts are expected to be collected in less than one year.

Based on a review of the Company's policies and procedures across all segments, including the aging of its trade receivables, recent write-off history and other factors related to future macroeconomic conditions, Griffon determined that its method to determine credit losses and the amount of its allowances for bad debts is in accordance with this guidance in all material respects.

The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of accounts receivable to present the net amount expected to be collected:


Beginning Balance, October 1, 2020	$	8,505
Provision for expected credit losses	1,228
Amounts written off charged against the allowance	(161)
Other, primarily foreign currency translation	22
Ending Balance, March 31, 2021	$	9,594