Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2015

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Raven Industries, Inc. (the Company or Raven) is a diversified technology company providing a variety of products to customers within the industrial, agricultural, energy, construction, and military/aerospace markets. The Company conducts this business through the following direct and indirect subsidiaries: Aerostar International, Inc. (Aerostar); Vista Research, Inc. (Vista); Raven International Holding Company BV (Raven Holdings); Raven Industries Canada, Inc. (Raven Canada); SBG Innovatie BV; Navtronics BVBA; Raven Industries GmbH (Raven GmbH); Raven Industries Australia Pty Ltd (Raven Australia) and Raven Do Brazil Participacoes E Servicos Technicos LTDA (Raven Brazil). The Company and these subsidiaries comprise three unique operating units, or divisions, classified into reportable segments (Applied Technology, Engineered Films, and Aerostar).

The consolidated financial statements for the periods included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interests represent capital contributions, income and loss attributable to the owners of less than wholly-owned and consolidated entities. The Company owns 75% of a business venture to pursue potential product and support services contracts for agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government. The business venture, Aerostar Integrated Systems (AIS), is included in the Aerostar business segment. No capital contributions were made by the noncontrolling interest since the initial capitalization in fiscal year 2012. Given the Company's majority ownership interest, the accounts of the business venture have been consolidated with the accounts of the Company, and a noncontrolling interest has been recorded for the noncontrolling investor's interests in the net assets and operations of the business venture.

Investments in Affiliate

An affiliate investment over which the Company has significant influence, but neither a controlling interest nor a majority interest in the risks or rewards of the investee, is accounted for using the equity method. The investment balance is included in “Other assets, net,” while the Company's share of the investee's results of operations is included in “Other income (expense), net.” The Company considers whether the value of any of its equity method investments has been impaired whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate's industry), an impairment loss would be recorded.

Use of Estimates

Preparing the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Foreign Currency

The Company's subsidiaries that operate outside the United States use the local currency as their functional currency. The functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using the period-end exchange rates and average exchange rates for the statement of income and comprehensive income. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are included as foreign currency translation adjustments in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within shareholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized in the period incurred and are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three or fewer months to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalent balances are principally concentrated in checking, money market and savings accounts. Certificates of deposit that mature in over 90 days but less than one year are considered short-term investments. Certificates of deposit that mature in one year or more are considered to be other long-term assets and carried at cost.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, do not bear interest and are considered past due based on invoice terms. Unbilled receivables arise when revenues have been earned, but not billed, and are related to differences in timing. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. This is based on historical write-off experience by segment and an estimate of the collectability of any known problem accounts.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Market value encompasses consideration of all business factors including price, contract terms, and usefulness.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment held for use is carried at the asset's cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets primarily using accelerated methods. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation are as follows:



Building and improvements	15 - 39 years
Manufacturing equipment by segment
Applied Technology	3 - 5 years
Engineered Films	5 - 12 years
Aerostar	3 - 5 years
Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other	3 - 7 years

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense in the period incurred, and renewals and betterments are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or disposed are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

The Company capitalizes certain internal costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software in accordance with the accounting guidance for such costs. These capitalized software costs totaled $0 in fiscal 2015, $203 in fiscal 2014 and $7 in fiscal 2013. The costs are included in “Property, plant and equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed as incurred. Amortization expense related to capitalized software is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated lives ranging from 3 to 5 years and is included in depreciation.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as an exit price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company uses the established fair value hierarchy, which classifies or prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These classifications include:

Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company's financial assets required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company determines fair value of its cash equivalents and short-term investments through quoted market prices.

The Company's goodwill and long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable. Our accounting policy and methodology for assessing impairment of these assets is further described below and in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis in Part 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K).

For all acquisitions, the Company is required to measure the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, excluding goodwill and deferred income taxes. In addition, the Company determines the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period. These valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable. Fair value measurements associated with acquisitions, including acquisition-related contingent liabilities, are described in Note 5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, primarily comprised of technologies acquired through acquisition, are recorded at cost and are presented net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed either on a straight-line basis or under the undiscounted cash flows method

over the estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. The straight-line method of amortization is used when it reflects an appropriate allocation of the cost of the intangible assets to earnings in each reporting period.

Goodwill

The Company recognizes goodwill as the excess cost of an acquired business over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Earn-out payments are accrued at fair value as of the purchase date and payments reduce the accrual without affecting goodwill. Any change in the fair value of the contingent consideration after the acquisition date is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever a triggering event indicates there may be an impairment. Impairment tests of goodwill are performed at the reporting unit level. A qualitative impairment assessment over relevant events and circumstances may be assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If events and circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the fair values are estimated based on discounted cash flows and are compared with the corresponding carrying value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the amount of the impairment loss must be measured and then recognized to the extent the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically assesses the recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the assets. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.

Insurance Obligations

The Company utilizes insurance policies to cover workers' compensation and general liability costs. Liabilities are accrued related to claims filed and estimates for claims incurred but not reported. To the extent these obligations are expected to be reimbursed by insurance, the probable insurance policy benefit is included as a component of “Other current assets.”

Contingencies

The Company is involved as a defendant in lawsuits, claims, regulatory inquiries, or disputes arising in the normal course of business. An estimate of the loss on these matters is charged to operations when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. While the settlement of any claims cannot be determined, management believes that any liability resulting from these claims will be substantially covered by insurance. Accordingly, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these matters will have a significant impact on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and has been earned. Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and shipment or delivery has occurred (depending on the terms of the sale). The Company sells directly to customers or distributors who incur the expense and commitment for any post-sale obligations beyond stated warranty terms. Estimated returns, sales allowances or warranty charges are recognized upon shipment of a product.

For certain service-related contracts, the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, whereby contract revenues are recognized on a pro-rata basis based upon the ratio of costs incurred compared to total estimated contract costs. Contract costs include labor, material, subcontracting costs, as well as allocation of indirect costs. Revenues including estimated profits are recorded as costs are incurred. Losses estimated to be incurred upon completion of contracts are charged to operations when they become known.

Certain contracts contain provisions for incentive payments that the Company may receive based on performance criteria related to product design, development and production standards. Revenue related to the incentive payments is recognized when ultimate realization by the Company is assured, which generally occurs when the provisions and performance criteria required by the contract are met.

Operating Expenses

The primary types of operating expenses are classified in the income statement as follows:



Cost of sales	Research and development expenses	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Direct material costs Material acquisition and handling costs Direct labor Factory overhead including depreciation and amortization Inventory obsolescence Product warranties Shipping and handling cost	Personnel costs Professional service fees Material and supplies Facility allocation	Personnel costs Professional service fees Advertising Promotions Information technology equipment depreciation Office supplies Facility allocation

The Company's gross margins may not be comparable to industry peers due to variability in the classification of these expenses across the industries in which the Company operates.

Warranties

Accruals necessary for product warranties are estimated based on historical warranty costs and average time elapsed between purchases and returns for each division. Additional accruals are made for any significant, discrete warranty issues.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company records compensation expense related to its share-based compensation plans using the fair value method. Under this method, the fair value of share-based compensation is determined as of the grant date and the related expense is recorded over the period in which the share-based compensation vests.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting basis of the Company's assets and liabilities measured using enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods when the temporary differences will affect taxable income. When necessary, deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to reflect realizable value. Accruals are maintained for uncertain tax positions.

Accounting Standards Adopted

Pending Accounting Standards

In January 2015 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (ASU 2015-01). The amendments in ASU 2015-01 eliminate the GAAP concept of extraordinary items and no longer requires that transactions that met the criteria for classification as extraordinary items be separately classified and reported in the financial statements. ASU 2015-01 retains the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently and expands them to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In August 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" (ASU 2014-15). The amendments in ASU 2014-15 require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. ASU 2014-15 requires certain financial statement disclosures when there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern" within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In June 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period" (ASU 2014-12). ASU 2014-12 affects entities that grant their employees stock-based payments in which terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and specifies that a reporting entity should apply existing guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the guidance applies to any awards that have been granted under the Company's share-based compensation plan. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive new recognition model that requires recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This guidance will be effective for the Company for fiscal 2018 and interim periods therein. The guidance may be applied using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In April 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" (ASU No. 2014-08). ASU No. 2014-8 changes the criteria for determining which disposals should be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Additionally, the new guidance requires that a business that qualifies as held for sale upon acquisition should be reported as discontinued operations. The new guidance is effective for the Company on February 1, 2015 and applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-05, "Service Concession Arrangements" (ASU No. 2014-05). ASU No. 2014-05 specifies that an operating entity entering into a service concession arrangement with a public-sector entity grantor within the scope of this guidance should not account for such arrangement as a lease in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840, "Leases." This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.