SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED DATA (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED DATA

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

   The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. The company uses the equity method to account for investments over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Consolidated net earnings include the company's share of the net earnings (losses) of these companies. The cost method is used to account for investments in companies that the company does not control and for which it does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at cost. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Estimates

Accounting Estimates

   In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), management must make decisions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures, including disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, sales promotions and incentive accruals, incentive compensation accruals, inventory valuation, warranty reserves, earnout liabilities, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and postretirement accruals, self-insurance accruals, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, and future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill and other long-lived assets. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgments. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, including the current economic environment. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. A number of these factors are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of this report, which include, among others, economic conditions, including consumer spending and confidence levels; foreign currency exchange rate impact; commodity costs; and credit conditions, all of which may increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual amounts could differ significantly from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Changes in those estimates will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   The company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. As of October 31, 2012, cash and short-term investments held by the company's foreign subsidiaries that are not available to fund domestic operations unless repatriated were $12,963.

Receivables

Receivables

   The company's financial exposure to collection of accounts receivable is reduced due to its Red Iron Acceptance, LLC ("Red Iron") joint venture with TCF Inventory Finance, Inc. ("TCFIF"), as further discussed in Note 3. For receivables not serviced through Red Iron, the company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business and performs on-going credit evaluations of customers. Receivables are recorded at original carrying amount less reserves for estimated uncollectible accounts, as described below.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   The company estimates the balance of allowance for doubtful accounts by analyzing the age of account and note receivable balances and applying historical write-off trend rates. The company also estimates separately specific customer balances when it is deemed probable that the balance is uncollectible. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when all collection efforts have been exhausted.

Inventory Valuations

Inventory Valuations

   Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for most inventories. The first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method is used for all other inventories, constituting 31 and 33 percent of total inventories as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The company establishes a reserve for excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory that is equal to the difference between the cost and estimated net realizable value for that inventory. These reserves are based on a review and comparison of current inventory levels to the planned production, as well as planned and historical sales of the inventory. During fiscal 2012 and 2011, no LIFO inventory layers were reduced.

Property and Depreciation

Property and Depreciation

   Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. The company provides for depreciation of plant and equipment utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings, including leasehold improvements, are generally depreciated over 10 to 45 years, and equipment over two to seven years. Tooling costs are generally depreciated over three to five years using the straight-line method. Software and web site development costs are generally amortized over two to five years utilizing the straight-line method. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements, which substantially increase the useful lives of existing assets, are capitalized, and maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Interest is capitalized during the construction period for significant capital projects. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the company capitalized $256, $230, and $131 of interest, respectively.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets

   Goodwill represents the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. Goodwill and some trade names, which are considered to have indefinite lives, are not amortized; however, the company reviews them for impairment annually during each fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if changes in circumstances or occurrence of events suggest the remaining value may not be recoverable.

   The company reviewed the fair value of its reporting units that have goodwill on their respective balance sheets with their corresponding carrying amount (with goodwill) during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The company determined that it has eight reporting units, which are the same as its eight operating segments. Six reporting units contain goodwill on their respective balance sheets. As of August 31, 2012, the company performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on the company's analysis of qualitative factors, the company determined that is was not necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for any of its reporting units.

   As of August 31, 2012, the company also performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that its indefinite-life intangible assets, which consist of certain trade names, are impaired. Based on the company's analysis of qualitative factors, the company determined that is was necessary to perform a quantitative impairment analysis of its indefinite-life intangible assets. Based on the company's impairment analysis, the company wrote down $400 of an indefinite-life intangible asset during fiscal 2012. There was no indefinite-life intangible asset impairment in fiscal 2011 and 2010.

Other Long-Lived Assets

Other Long-Lived Assets

   Other long-lived assets include property, plant, and equipment and definite-life intangible assets, which are identifiable assets that arose from purchase acquisitions consisting primarily of patents, non-compete agreements, customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 1.5 to 13 years. The company reviews other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the operation or disposition of the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. Asset groups have identifiable cash flows and are largely independent of other asset groups. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. Fair value is measured using a discounted cash flow model or independent appraisals, as appropriate. For long-lived assets to be abandoned, the company tests for potential impairment. If the company commits to a plan to abandon a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, depreciation estimates are revised.

Accounts Payable

Accounts Payable

   The company has a customer-managed services agreement with a third party to provide a web-based platform that facilitates participating suppliers' ability to finance payment obligations from the company with a designated third party financial institution. Participating suppliers may, at their sole discretion, make offers to finance one or more payment obligations of the company prior to their scheduled due dates at a discounted price to a participating financial institution.

   The company's obligations to its suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment dates, are not affected by suppliers' decisions to finance amounts under this arrangement. However, the company's right to offset balances due from suppliers against payment obligations is restricted by this arrangement for those payment obligations that have been financed by suppliers.

Insurance

Insurance

   The company is self-insured for certain losses relating to medical, dental, and workers' compensation claims, and product liability occurrences. Specific stop loss coverages are provided for catastrophic claims in order to limit exposure to significant claims. Losses and claims are charged to operations when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Self-insured liabilities are based on a number of factors, including historical claims experience, an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, demographic and severity factors, and utilizing valuations provided by independent third-party actuaries.

Accrued Warranties

Accrued Warranties

   The company provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs at the time of sale. The company also establishes accruals for major rework campaigns. The amount of warranty accruals is based primarily on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, and the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim. The company periodically assesses the adequacy of its warranty accruals based on changes in these factors and records any necessary adjustments if actual claim experience indicates that adjustments are necessary.

Derivatives

Derivatives

   Derivatives, consisting mainly of forward currency contracts, are used to hedge most foreign currency transactions, including forecasted sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The company also utilizes cross currency swaps to offset foreign currency intercompany loan exposures. Derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity, and recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Derivatives that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting are adjusted to fair value through other income, net in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

   The functional currency of the company's foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the fiscal year. The translation adjustments are deferred as a component of other comprehensive income within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in other income, net in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

   Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years that those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when, in management's judgment, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The company has reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management believes the future tax deductions will be realized principally through carryback to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and future taxable income.

   The company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The company also records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

   The company recognizes revenue for product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of ownership passes to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. These criteria are typically met at the time product is shipped, or in the case of certain agreements, when product is delivered. A provision is made at the time the related revenue is recognized for estimated product returns, floor plan costs, rebates, and other sales promotional expenses. Sales, use, value-added, and other excise taxes are not recognized in revenue. Freight revenue billed to customers is included in net sales.

   Retail customers may obtain financing through third-party financing companies to assist in their purchase of the company's products. Most of these leases are classified as sales-type leases. However, based on the terms and conditions of the financing agreements, some transactions are classified as operating leases, which results in recognition of revenue over the lease term on a straight-line basis.

   The company ships some of its products to a key retailer's seasonal distribution centers on a consignment basis. The company retains title of its products stored at the seasonal distribution centers. As the company's products are removed from the seasonal distribution centers by the key retailer and shipped to the key retailer's stores, title passes from the company to the key retailer. At that time, the company invoices the key retailer and recognizes revenue for these consignment transactions. The company does not offer a right of return for products shipped to the key retailer's stores from the seasonal distribution centers. From time to time, the company also stores inventory on a consignment basis at other customers' locations. The amount of consignment inventory as of October 31, 2012 and 2011 was $20,339 and $14,874, respectively.

   Revenue earned from service and maintenance contracts is recognized ratably over the contractual period. Revenue from extended warranty programs is deferred at the time the contract is sold and amortized into net sales using the straight-line method over the extended warranty period.

Sales Promotions and Incentives

Sales Promotions and Incentives

   At the time of sale, the company records an estimate for sales promotion and incentive costs. Examples of sales promotion and incentive programs include rebate programs on certain professional products sold to distributors, volume discounts, retail financing support, cooperative advertising, commissions, and other sales discounts and promotional programs. The estimates of sales promotion and incentive costs are based on the terms of the arrangements with customers, historical payment experience, field inventory levels, volume purchases, and expectations for changes in relevant trends in the future. The expense of each program is classified either as a reduction from gross sales or as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales

   Cost of sales primarily comprises direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense, and direct overhead expense necessary to convert purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes inbound freight costs, outbound freight costs for shipping products to customers, obsolescence expense, cost of services provided, and cash discounts on payments to vendors.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

   Selling, general, and administrative expense primarily comprises payroll and benefit costs, occupancy and operating costs of distribution and corporate facilities, warranty expense, depreciation and amortization expense on non-manufacturing assets, advertising and marketing expenses, selling expenses, engineering and research costs, information systems costs, incentive and profit sharing expense, and other miscellaneous administrative costs, such as legal costs for internal and outside services that are expensed as incurred.

Cost of Financing Distributor/Dealer Inventory

Cost of Financing Distributor / Dealer Inventory

   The company enters into limited inventory repurchase agreements with a third party financing company and Red Iron. The company has repurchased immaterial amounts of inventory under these repurchase agreements over the last three fiscal years. However, an adverse change in retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require the company to repurchase a portion of financed product. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the company's repurchase arrangements.

   Included as a reduction to net sales are costs associated with programs under which the company shares the expense of financing distributor and dealer inventories, referred to as floor plan expenses. This charge represents interest for a pre-established length of time based on a predefined rate from a contract with third party financing sources to finance distributor and dealer inventory purchases. These financing arrangements are used by the company as a marketing tool to assist customers to buy inventory.

Advertising

Advertising

   General advertising expenditures and the related production costs are expensed in the period incurred or the first time advertising takes place. Cooperative advertising represents expenditures for shared advertising costs that the company reimburses to customers. These obligations are accrued and expensed when the related revenues are recognized in accordance with the programs established for various product lines. Advertising costs were $46,947, $49,362, and $39,281 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

   The company's stock-based compensation awards are generally granted to executive officers, other employees, and non-employee members of the company's Board of Directors, and include performance share awards that are contingent on the achievement of performance goals of the company, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock awards. Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value is recognized for these awards over the vesting period. See Note 10 for additional information regarding stock-based compensation plans.

Net Earnings Per Share

Net Earnings Per Share

   Basic net earnings per share is calculated using net earnings available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year plus the assumed issuance of contingent shares. Diluted net earnings per share is similar to basic net earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the assumed issuance of contingent shares is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of all potentially dilutive shares, such as common stock to be issued upon exercise of options, contingently issuable shares, and restricted common stock.

Cash Flow Presentation

Cash Flow Presentation

   The consolidated statements of cash flows are prepared using the indirect method, which reconciles net earnings to cash flow from operating activities. The necessary adjustments include the removal of timing differences between the occurrence of operating receipts and payments and their recognition in net earnings. The adjustments also remove from operating activities cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which are presented separately from operating activities. Cash flows from foreign currency transactions and operations are translated at an average exchange rate for the period. Cash paid for acquisitions is classified as investing activities.