Description of Business (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Prior-period amounts will differ from amounts previously reported because certain immaterial amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation. These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of Zebra and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Calendar

Fiscal Calendar. Zebra operates on a 4 week/4 week/5 week fiscal quarter, and each fiscal quarter ends on a Saturday. The fiscal year always begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. This fiscal calendar results in some fiscal quarters being either greater than or less than 13 weeks, depending on the days of the week those dates fall. During the 2012 fiscal year, our quarter end dates were as follows:

• March 31,

• June 30,

• September 29, and

• December 31.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. These consolidated financial statements were prepared using estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash consists primarily of deposits with banks. In addition, Zebra considers highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months to be cash equivalents. These highly liquid short-term investments are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of a change in value because of changes in interest rates.

Investments and Marketable Securities

Investments and Marketable Securities. Investments and marketable securities at December 31, 2012, consisted of U.S. government and agency securities, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and other security interests. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those debt securities that Zebra has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of discounts or premiums. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized, unless we determine them to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

Zebra’s investments and marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities except for securities held in Zebra’s deferred compensation plan which are considered trading securities. Investments in marketable debt securities are classified based on intent and ability to sell investment securities. Zebra’s available-for-sale securities are used to fund further acquisitions and other operating needs and therefore can be sold prior to maturity. Investments in marketable debt securities for which Zebra intends to sell within the next year are classified as current and those that we intend to hold in excess of one-year are classified as non-current.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to us from our normal business activities. Collateral on trade accounts receivable is generally not required. Zebra maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The allowance is based on our assessment of known delinquent accounts. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Manufactured inventories consist of the following costs: component, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Purchased inventories consist of purchased costs and purchasing overhead.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property and equipment, which are 30 years for buildings and range from 3 to 10 years for other property. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Zebra’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. During 2012 Zebra recognized an increase of $680,000 in the liability for tax benefits related to the foreign restructuring.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance at January 1, 2011	$	4,000
Additions based on tax positions related to 2011		0
Additions based on tax positions related to 2012		680
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	4,680

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring a business over the fair values of the net assets received at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill of a reporting unit should be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:

• Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,

• Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,

• Unanticipated competition,

• Loss of key personnel,

• More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,

• Testing for recoverability under ASC 360 of a significant asset group within a reporting unit,

• Recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statement of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit, or

• Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.

We evaluate the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered that might trigger an impairment review consist of:

• Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,

• Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business,

• Significant negative industry or economic trends,

• Significant decline in Zebra’s stock price for a sustained period, and

• Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.

If we believe that one or more of the above indicators of impairment have occurred, we perform an impairment test. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting units using three valuation methods: Income Approach – Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Market Approach – Guideline Public Company Method, and Market Approach – Comparative Transactions Method. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill.

We performed our annual impairment test in June 2012 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of the end of May 2012. Zebra has two reporting units required for its annual goodwill impairment test. As of our May 2012 testing date, the larger of the two reporting units’ fair value exceeded its carrying value by a significant amount. The fair value amount by which the second smaller reporting unit exceeded the carrying value ranged from approximately 8% under the Income Approach and 31% under the Market Approach. Key assumptions used in the first step of the goodwill impairment test were determined by management utilizing the internal operating plan. The key assumptions utilized included forecasted growth rates for revenues and operating expenses as well as a discount rate which is determined by looking at current risk-free rates of capital, current market interest rates, and the evaluation of a risk premium relevant to the business segment. Due to the deterioration in the smaller reporting unit’s operating results during the third quarter our fair value calculation for the smaller reporting unit changed and we determined our goodwill associated with the smaller reporting unit to be impaired. The above impairment indicators led us to conclude an interim goodwill test was necessary. Zebra performed the first step of the impairment test which failed. As a result, Zebra also performed a second step analysis and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $9,114,000 as of September 29, 2012. After this impairment charge, there is no remaining goodwill in the smaller reporting unit.

Other intangible assets capitalized consist primarily of current technology, customer relationships, patents and patent rights. These assets are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average life of 5.3 years, which approximates the estimated useful lives. Weighted average lives remaining by intangible asset class are as follows: Current technology 4.0 years; Patent and patent rights 4.4 years; Customer relationships 7.3 years.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Revenue includes sales of hardware, supplies, software and services (including repair services, extended service contracts, and professional services). Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: (1) we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exits; (2) delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; (3) the price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. We provide for an estimate of product returns based on historical experience. Revenue related to extended warranty and service contracts is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the life of the contract. Professional services revenue is recorded when performed. Zebra enters into sales transactions that include more than one product type. This bundle of products might include printers, current or future supplies, and services. When this type of transaction occurs, we allocate the purchase price to each product type based on the fair value of the individual products determined by vendor specific objective evidence. The revenue for each individual product is then recognized when the earning process for that product is complete. We enter into post-contract maintenance and support agreements. Revenues are recognized ratably over the service period and the cost of providing these services is expensed as incurred.

Zebra records payments to resellers of its product as reductions to revenue unless these payments meet the requirements for operating expense treatment under ASC 605. See the market development funds accounting policy for further details.

Revenue includes all customer billings for shipping and handling charges. The related costs of shipping and handling revenue are recorded as cost of goods sold.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These costs include:

• Salaries, benefits, and other R&D personnel related costs,

• Consulting and other outside services used in the R&D process,

• Engineering supplies,

• Engineering related information systems costs, and

• Allocation of building and related costs.

Advertising

Advertising. Advertising is expensed as incurred. Advertising costs totaled $8,983,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012, $8,070,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $6,836,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Market Development Funds

Market Development Funds. Zebra makes market development funds available to its resellers to support demand generation activity by the resellers. These funds require the reseller to provide specific services or benefits to Zebra and substantiate the fair value of such services rendered. Zebra reimburses resellers for agreed activities up to the amounts approved by Zebra. These payments are treated as marketing costs consistent with the requirements of ASC 605. Any payments to resellers that do not meet these requirements are recorded as reductions to revenue.

Warranty

Warranty. In general, Zebra provides warranty coverage of one year on printers against defects in material and workmanship. Printheads are warranted for nine months and batteries are warranted for twelve months. Battery based products, such as location tags, are covered by a 30 day warranty. A provision for warranty expense is recorded at the time of sale and adjusted quarterly based on historical warranty experience. The following table is a summary of Zebra’s accrued warranty obligation (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
Warranty Reserve	2012		2011		2010
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	4,613	$	4,554	$	3,813
Warranty expense		6,828		5,856		6,427
Warranty payments		(7,189)		(5,797)		(5,686)
Balance at the end of the period	$	4,252	$	4,613	$	4,554

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Zebra estimates the fair value of its financial instruments as follows:

Instrument	Method for determining fair  value
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable	Cost, which approximates fair value due to the short- term nature of these instruments
Investments in marketable debt securities	Market quotes from independent pricing services
Investments in auction rate securities	Broker quotations, discounted cash flow analysis or other types of valuation adjustment methodologies
Foreign currency forward contracts	Estimated using market quoted rates for foreign currency at the balance sheet date
Foreign currency option contracts	Estimated using market quoted rates for foreign currency at the balance sheet date and application of such rates subject to the option terms

In accordance with ASC 815 we recognize derivative instruments and hedging activities as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure them at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. See Note 11 for additional information on our derivatives and hedging activities.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation. At December 31, 2012, Zebra had a general equity-based compensation plan and a stock purchase plan under which shares of our common stock were available for future grants and sales, and which are described more fully in Note 16. We account for these plans in accordance with ASC 505 and ASC 718. Zebra recognizes compensation costs using the straight-line method over the vesting period of upon grant to up to 5 years.

The compensation expense and the related income tax benefit for share-based payments were included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as follows (in thousands):

	For the years ended December 31,
Compensation costs and related income tax benefit:	2012		2011		2010
Cost of sales	$	1,061	$	1,029	$	882
Selling and marketing		1,792		1,463		1,368
Research and development		1,593		1,387		1,282
General and administration		10,281		9,228		6,580
Total compensation expense	$	14,727	$	13,107	$	10,112
Income tax benefit	$	5,132	$	4,522	$	3,489

ASC 505 and ASC 718 requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) to be classified as cash flows from financing activities. Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows in the statement of cash flows. The tax benefits classified as financing cash flows was $1,578,000 as of December 31, 2012, $1,392,000 as of December 31, 2011, and $244,000 as of December 31, 2010.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred Compensation Plan. Zebra has a deferred compensation plan that permits directors, management and highly compensated employees to defer portions of their compensation. Zebra immediately pays deferred amounts into a Rabbi Trust, and plan participants select a method of investing these funds into hypothetical investments. Zebra tracks the performance of these hypothetical investments in order to determine the value of each participant’s deferral. Zebra accrues the deferred compensation liability in other long-term liabilities as the amount that is actually owed to the participants.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The consolidated balance sheets of Zebra’s foreign subsidiaries, not having a U.S. dollar functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange rate, and statement of earnings items are translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition Costs. Zebra expenses acquisition costs as incurred.

Concentration risks

Concentration risks. Final assembly of our thermal printers is performed by Jabil Circuit, a third-party electronics manufacturer. We are now dependent on Jabil for the manufacture of such printers. A failure by Jabil to provide manufacturing services to Zebra as Zebra now requires, or any disruption in such manufacturing services, may adversely affect Zebra’s business results. Because we rely on a third-party provider such as Jabil to manufacture its products, Zebra may incur increased business continuity risks.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. Zebra accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350. The statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See Note 8 for further information related to impairment charges.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued update 2011-05, ASC 220, Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income and in December 2011, the FASB issued update 2011-12, ASC 220, Comprehensive Income: Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-12 is to defer only those changes in ASU No. 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before ASU No. 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU No. 2011-05 are not affected by ASU No. 2011-12, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard moved the Other Comprehensive Income statement disclosure from our footnote to its own financial statement for our 10-Q filings in 2012.

In September 2011, the FASB issued update 2011-08, ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This updated guidance simplifies how companies test goodwill for impairment. Essentially, companies are no longer required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more-likely-than-not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount using a qualitative assessment. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have any effect upon our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued update 2012-03, ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This updated guidance provides entities with the option to make qualitative assessments about the likelihood that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired to determine whether it should perform a quantitative impairment test. This standard is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have any effect upon our consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events. We have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued.