FORM 10-K - Harman

Harman International Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data and unless otherwise indicated)
(x) accounting for business combinations; (xi) sales discounts and sales allowances, (xii) pension, postretirement
and other employee benefits and (xiii) losses on Automotive supply arrangements. Various assumptions go into
the determination of these estimates. The process of determining significant estimates requires consideration of
factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, and actuarial methods. We
reevaluate these significant factors and makes changes and adjustments where facts and circumstances indicate
that changes are necessary. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained
and as our operating environment changes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences
could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Changes in Estimates: In the ordinary course of accounting for items discussed above, we make changes in
estimates as appropriate, and as we become aware of circumstances surrounding those estimates. Such changes
and refinements in estimation methodologies are reflected in reported results of operations in the period in which
the changes are made and, if material, their effects are disclosed in the Notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
Subsequent Events: We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through August 19,
2009, which was the date we filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC.
Revenue Recognition: Revenue is generally recognized at the time of product shipment or delivery,
depending on when the passage of title to goods transfers to unaffiliated customers, when all of the following
have occurred: a firm sales agreement is in place, pricing is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably
assured. Sales are reported net of estimated returns, discounts, rebates and incentives. Substantially all of our
revenue transactions involve the delivery of a physical product.
Sales Discounts: We offer product discounts and sales incentives including prompt payment discounts,
volume incentive programs, rebates and dealer order incentives. We report revenues net of discounts and other
sales incentives in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-09, “Accounting for
Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).”
Cost of Sales: Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead for products manufactured by us and cost
of goods produced for us on a contract basis. Expenses incurred for manufacturing depreciation and engineering,
warehousing, shipping and handling, sales commissions, warranty and customer service are also included in cost
of sales.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: We reserve an estimated amount for accounts receivable that may not
be collected. Methodologies for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts are primarily based on specific
identification of uncollectible accounts. Historical collection rates and customer credit worthiness are considered
in determining specific reserves. At June 30, 2009 and 2008, we had $11.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively,
reserved for possible uncollectible accounts receivable. As with many estimates, management must make
judgments about potential actions by third parties in establishing and evaluating our allowance for doubtful
accounts.
Automotive Supply Arrangements: We have arrangements with our Automotive customers to provide
products that meet predetermined technical specifications and delivery dates. In the event we do not satisfy the
performance obligations under these arrangements, we may be required to indemnify the customer. We accrue
for any loss that we expect to incur under these arrangements when the loss is probable and can be reasonably
estimated.
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