2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of Garmin Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

The Company has adopted a 52–53-week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Due to the fact that there are not exactly 52 weeks in a calendar year and there is slightly more than one additional day per year (not including the effects of leap year) in each calendar year as compared to a 52-week fiscal year, the Company will have a fiscal year comprising 53 weeks in certain fiscal years, as determined by when the last Saturday of the calendar year occurs.

In those resulting fiscal years that have 53 weeks, the Company will record an extra week of sales, costs, and related financial activity. Therefore, the financial results of those fiscal years, and the associated 14-week fourth quarter, will not be entirely comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years and the associated quarters having only 13 weeks. Fiscal years 2013 and 2012 included 52 weeks while fiscal year 2011 included 53 weeks.

Foreign Currency

Many Garmin Ltd. subsidiaries utilize currencies other than the United States Dollar (USD) as their functional currency. As required by the Foreign Currency Matters topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), the financial statements of these subsidiaries for all periods presented have been translated into USD, the functional currency of Garmin Ltd., and the reporting currency herein, for purposes of consolidation at rates prevailing during the year for sales, costs, and expenses and at end-of-year rates for all assets and liabilities. The effect of this translation is recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Cumulative translation adjustments of $85,363 and $128,972 as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, have been included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the approximate rate of exchange at the transaction date. Assets and liabilities resulting from these transactions are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. All differences are recorded in results of operations and amounted to exchange gains/(losses) of $35,538, ($20,022), and ($12,100) for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. The gain in fiscal 2013 was due primarily to the strengthening of the USD against the Taiwan Dollar and the USD weakening against the Euro and the British Pound Sterling. The loss in fiscal 2012 was due primarily to the weakening of the USD against the Taiwan Dollar and was partially offset by the USD weakening against the Euro and the British Pound Sterling. The loss in fiscal 2011 was primarily the result of the slight strengthening of the USD against the Euro and the slight weakening of the USD against the Taiwan Dollar.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. For purposes of diluted earnings per share, the number of shares that would be issued from the exercise of dilutive stock options has been reduced by the number of shares which could have been purchased from the proceeds of the exercise at the average market price of the Company’s stock during the period the options were outstanding. See Note 10.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, operating accounts, money market funds, and securities with maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value, given the short maturity of those instruments.

Trade Accounts Receivable

The Company sells its products to retailers, wholesalers, and other customers and extends credit based on its evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Potential losses on receivables are dependent on each individual customer’s financial condition. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. Typically, its accounts receivable are collected within 80 days and do not bear interest. The Company monitors its exposure to losses on receivables and maintains allowances for potential losses or adjustments. The Company determines these allowances by (1) evaluating the aging of its receivables and (2) reviewing its high-risk customers. Past due receivable balances are written off when its internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due. Beginning in 2011, the Company has maintained trade credit insurance to provide security against large losses.

Loan Receivable

On March 14, 2013, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Bombardier, Inc. (“Bombardier”). The Company is the supplier of the avionics system for the Lear 70 and Lear 75 aircraft currently in development for Learjet, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Bombardier (the “Program”). In order to assist Bombardier in connection with delayed cash flows from the Program partially related to the certification of avionics for the Program exceeding the planned delivery date, the Company agreed to provide Bombardier a short term, interest free, loan of $173,708 in cash in seven installments beginning on March 22, 2013 and ending on September 20, 2013 pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Bombardier will repay the loan in five installments beginning in November 2013 and ending in April 2014 pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and subsequent amendment signed December 6, 2013. As of December 28, 2013, the Company had a loan receivable balance of $137,369 from Bombardier, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Inventories consisted of the following:

	December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012

Raw Materials	$	131,408	$	119,142
Work-in-process		50,110		53,656
Finished goods		229,089		243,238
Inventory Reserves		(28,381)		(26,105)
Inventory, net of reserves	$	382,226	$	389,931

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements		39
Office furniture and equipment		3-5
Manufacturing and engineering equipment		5
Vehicles		5

Long-Lived Assets

As required by the Property, Plant and Equipment topic of the FASB ASC, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. That assessment is based on the carrying amount of the asset at the date it is tested for recoverability. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.

The Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic of the FASB ASC requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives should not be amortized but rather be tested for impairment at least annually or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. The Company did not recognize any goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges in 2013, 2012, or 2011. The accounting guidance also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with finite lives over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years.

Dividends

Under Swiss corporate law, dividends must be approved by shareholders at the general meeting of our shareholders.

On June 7, 2013, the shareholders approved a dividend of $1.80 per share (of which, $0.90 was paid in the Company's 2013 fiscal year) payable in four equal installments on dates determined by the Board of Directors. The dates determined by the Board were as follows: $0.45 on June 28, 2013 to shareholders of record on June 18, 2013, $0.45 on September 30, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 16, 2013, $0.45 on December 31, 2013 to shareholders of record on December 16, 2013 and $0.45 on March 31, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 17, 2014. The Company paid dividends in 2013 in the amount of $351,707. Both the dividend paid and the remaining dividend payable were reported as a reduction of retained earnings.

On June 1, 2012, the shareholders approved a dividend of $1.80 per share (of which, $0.90 was paid in the Company's 2012 fiscal year) payable in four installments as follows: $0.45 on June 29, 2012 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2012, $0.45 on September 28, 2012 to shareholders of record on September 14, 2012, $0.45 on December 31, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012 and $0.45 on March 29, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2013. The Company paid dividends in 2012 in the amount of $253,386. Both the dividend paid and the remaining dividend payable were reported as a reduction of retained earnings.

On June 3, 2011, the shareholders approved a dividend of $2.00 per share (of which, $1.60 was paid in the Company's 2011 fiscal year) payable in four installments as follows: $0.80 on June 30, 2011 to shareholders of record on June 15, 2011, $0.40 on September 30, 2011 to shareholders of record on September 15, 2011, $0.40 on December 30, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2011 and $0.40 on March 30, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2012. The Company paid dividends in 2011 in the amount of $310,763. The dividends were reported as a reduction of retained earnings.

Approximately $265,880 and $254,986 of retained earnings are indefinitely restricted from distribution to stockholders pursuant to the laws of Taiwan at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.

Intangible Assets

At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had patents, customer related intangibles and other identifiable finite-lived intangible assets recorded at a cost of $183,431 and $181,918, respectively. Identifiable, finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over three to ten years. Accumulated amortization was $143,227 and $125,380 at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 respectively. Amortization expense on these intangible assets was $17,847, $21,437, and $24,831 for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. In the next five years, the amortization expense is estimated to be $16,085, $8,326, $6,115, $2,848, and $2,234, respectively.

The Company’s excess purchase cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) was $179,290 at December 28, 2013 and $176,059 at December 29, 2012.

	December 28,		December 29,
	2013		2012
Goodwill balance at beginning of year	$	176,059	$	179,475
Acquisitions		2,726		3,470
Finalization of purchase price allocations and effect of foreign currency translation		505		(6,886)
Goodwill balance at end of year	$	179,290	$	176,059

The decrease in net identifiable intangible assets is principally related to amortization, partially offset by acquisitions completed in 2013 and other purchases of intangible assets.

Marketable Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.

All of the Company’s marketable securities were considered available-for-sale at December 28, 2013. See Note 3. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive gain/(loss). At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, cumulative unrealized gains/(losses) of ($47,322) and $9,582, respectively, were reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related taxes.

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, or in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization is included in interest income from investments. Realized gains and losses, and credit declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in other income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with the FASB ASC 740 topic Income Taxes. The liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount for financial reporting purposes as measured based on the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.

The Company adopted the applicable guidance included in the FASB ASC 740 topic Income Taxes related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes on December 31, 2006, the beginning of fiscal year 2007. We recognize liabilities for tax audit issues in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves not to be required, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If our estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company grants credit to certain customers who meet the Company’s pre-established credit requirements. Generally, the Company does not require security when trade credit is granted to customers. Credit losses are provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and typically have been within management’s expectations. Certain customers are allowed extended terms consistent with normal industry practice. Most of these extended terms can be classified as either relating to seasonal sales variations or to the timing of new product releases by the Company.

The Company’s top ten customers have contributed between 24% and 29% of net sales since 2011. None of the Company’s customers accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales in the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011. Beginning in 2011, the Company has maintained trade credit insurance to provide security against large losses.

Revenue Recognition

Garmin recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. For the large majority of Garmin’s sales, these criteria are met once product has shipped and title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of hardware products and software bundled with hardware that is essential to the functionality of the hardware in accordance with general revenue recognition accounting guidance. The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with industry specific software accounting guidance for standalone sales of software products and sales of software bundled with hardware not essential to the functionality of the hardware. The Company generally does not offer specified or unspecified upgrade rights to its customers in connection with software sales.

Garmin introduced nüMaps Lifetime™ in January 2009, which is a single fee program that, subject to the program’s terms and conditions, enables customers to download the latest map and point of interest information every quarter for the useful life of their PND. The revenue and associated cost of royalties for sales of nüMaps Lifetime™ products are deferred at the time of sale and recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the estimated 36-month life of the products. With the acquisition of Navigon AG in 2011, products marketed under the Navigon brand have a FreshMaps program that enables customers to download the latest map and point of interest information for two years. The revenue and associated cost of royalties for sales of FreshMaps products are deferred at the time of sale and recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the two year period.

For multiple-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software essential to the tangible product’s functionality and undelivered software elements that relate to the tangible product’s essential software, the Company allocates revenue to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. In such circumstances, the accounting principles establish a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables as follows: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (VSOE), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (TPE), and (iii) best estimate of the selling price (ESP). VSOE generally exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately, on more than a limited basis, at prices within a relatively narrow range. In addition to the products listed below, the Company has offered certain other products including mobile applications, aviation subscriptions and extended warranties that involve multiple-element arrangements that are immaterial.

In 2010, Garmin began offering PNDs with lifetime map updates (LMUs) bundled in the original purchase price. Similar to nüMaps Lifetime™, LMUs enable customers to download the latest map and point of interest information every quarter for the useful life of their PND. In addition, Garmin offers PNDs with premium traffic service bundled in the original purchase price in the European market. The Company has identified multiple deliverables contained in arrangements involving the sale of PNDs which include the LMU and/or premium traffic service. The first deliverable is the hardware along with the software essential to the functionality of the hardware device delivered at the time of sale. The second deliverable and potentially third deliverables are the LMU and/or premium traffic service. The Company has allocated revenue between these deliverables using the relative selling price method. Amounts allocated to the delivered hardware and the related essential software are recognized at the time of sale provided the other conditions for revenue recognition have been met. The revenue and associated cost of royalties allocated to the LMU or the subscription for premium traffic service are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated 36-month life of the products.

Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2011, Garmin determined its estimate of selling price using the dealer/distributor price for nüMaps Lifetime or premium traffic subscriptions sold separately, and the prices for products bundled with and without the LMU and premium traffic service when comparable models were available, as inputs to the relative selling price method in a manner similar to VSOE. The estimated selling price determined in this manner was used to defer revenues for all products bundled with the LMU and premium traffic service, as the number of bundled units sold as a percentage of total units sold was less significant and other indicators of selling price were not readily available.

During 2011, sales of products bundled with LMUs and premium traffic service increased significantly as a percentage of total product sales. Concurrently, market conditions caused decreases in the ASP and margins of comparable models year over year, new bundled products were introduced at lower ASPs, and the difference in pricing of bundled units and comparable unbundled models decreased considerably. Due to these changes, the Company determined it was appropriate to change its estimate of the per unit revenue and cost deferrals during the third quarter of 2011.

As the sales of nüMaps Lifetime and premium traffic subscriptions as a percentage of total unit sales or in the aggregate decreased significantly in mid-2011, the Company determined that the previous estimate of selling price based on more limited stand-alone sales of nüMaps Lifetime or premium traffic was no longer a sole determinant of its value as determined under VSOE, and that third party evidence of selling price was not available. Management determined that the price differential between bundled and unbundled products and the royalty cost of the LMU or premium traffic subscription plus an approximate margin were both additional indicators of estimated selling price. These estimates are also reflective of how the Company establishes product pricing based in part on customer perception of value of the added LMU or premium traffic service capability. As such, beginning in the third quarter of 2011, the Company changed its estimate of selling price of the undelivered element to be based on the relative selling price method using a weighted average of the stand-alone sales price, the price differential between bundled and unbundled units, and the royalty or subscription cost plus a normal margin.

The impact in 2011 of the change in estimate for lifetime map updates and premium traffic service, as described above, was an increase in revenue, gross profit, net income, basic net income per share, and diluted net income per share of $77.8 million, $66.5 million, $59.3 million, $0.31, and $0.30, respectively.

Garmin records estimated reductions to revenue for customer sales programs, returns and incentive offerings including rebates, price protection (product discounts offered to retailers to assist in clearing older products from their inventories in advance of new product releases), promotions and other volume-based incentives. The reductions to revenue are based on estimates and judgments using historical experience and expectation of future conditions. Changes in these estimates could negatively affect Garmin’s operating results. These incentives are reviewed periodically and, with the exceptions of price protection and certain other promotions, accrued for on a percentage of sales basis. If market conditions were to decline, Garmin may take actions to increase customer incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time the incentive is offered.

The Company records revenue net of sales tax, trade discounts and customer returns. The reductions to revenue for expected future product returns are based on Garmin’s historical experience.

Deferred Revenues and Costs

At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had deferred revenues totaling $427,920 and $445,422, respectively, and related deferred costs totaling $98,525 and $96,307, respectively.

The deferred revenues and costs are recognized over their estimated economic lives of two to three years on a straight-line basis. In the next three years, the gross margin recognition of deferred revenue and cost for the currently deferred amounts is estimated to be $199,540, $98,671 and $31,184, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Product Warranty

The Company provides for estimated warranty costs at the time of sale. The Company’s standard warranty obligation to retail partners generally provides for a right of return of any product for a full refund in the event that such product is not merchantable, is damaged or defective. The Company’s historical experience is that these types of warranty obligations are generally fulfilled within 5 months from time of sale. The Company’s standard warranty obligation to its end-users provides for a period of one to two years from date of shipment while certain aviation products have a warranty period of two years from the date of installation. The Company’s estimate of costs to service its warranty obligations are based on historical experience and expectations of future conditions and are recorded as a liability on the balance sheet. The following reconciliation provides an illustration of changes in the aggregate warranty reserve:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	December 28,		December 29,		December 31,
	2013		2012		2011

Balance - beginning of period	$	37,301	$	46,773	$	49,885
Change in accrual for products sold in prior periods⁽¹⁾		(8,709)		-		-
Accrual for products sold⁽²⁾		41,309		38,421		52,305
Expenditures		(43,134)		(47,893)		(55,417)
Balance - end of period	$	26,767	$	37,301	$	46,773

⁽¹⁾	Our expected future cost is estimated based upon historical trends in the volume of product returns and the related warranty costs incurred. In 2013 we updated these assumptions and shortened the estimated time horizon in which we settle claims with our retail partners.
⁽²⁾	Minor changes in cost estimates related to pre-existing warranties are aggregated with accruals for new warranty contracts in the ‘accrual for products sold’ line.

Sales Programs

The Company provides certain monthly and quarterly incentives for its dealers and distributors based on various factors including dealer purchasing volume and growth. Additionally, from time to time, the Company provides rebates to end users on certain products. Estimated rebates and incentives payable to dealers and distributors are regularly reviewed and recorded as accrued expenses on a monthly basis. In addition, the Company provides dealers and distributors with product discounts to assist these customers in clearing older products from their inventories in advance of new product releases. Each discount is tied to a specific product and can be applied to all customers who have purchased the product or a special discount may be agreed to on an individual customer basis. These rebates, incentives, and discounts are recorded as reductions to net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the period the Company has sold the product.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to approximately $112,905, $138,757, and $145,024 for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Research and Development

A majority of the Company’s research and development is performed in the United States. Research and development costs, which are expensed as incurred, amounted to approximately $364,923, $325,773, and $298,584 for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Customer Service and Technical Support

Customer service and technical support costs are included as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Customer service and technical support costs include costs associated with performing order processing, answering customer inquiries by telephone and through Web sites, e-mail and other electronic means, and providing free technical support assistance to customers. The technical support is provided within one year after the associated revenue is recognized. The related cost of providing this free support is not material.

Software Development Costs

The FASB ASC topic entitled Software requires companies to expense software development costs as they incur them until technological feasibility has been established, at which time those costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Capitalized software development costs are not significant as the time elapsed from working model to release is typically short. As required by the Research and Development topic of the FASB ASC, costs incurred to enhance our existing products or after the general release of the service using the product are expensed in the period they are incurred and included in research and development costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company currently sponsors four stock based employee compensation plans. The FASB ASC topic entitled Compensation – Stock Compensation requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expenses for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and restricted stock based on estimated fair values. See Note 9.

Accounting guidance requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As stock-based compensation expenses recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income are based on awards ultimately expected to vest, they have been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Accounting guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience and management’s estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02 “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” (ASU 2012-02), which is included in ASC Topic 350 (Intangibles—Goodwill and Other). ASU 2012-02 provides an option for companies to use a qualitative approach to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if certain conditions are met. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (ASU 2013-02), which is included in ASC Topic 220 (Comprehensive Income). The objective of ASU 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has implemented this amendment and has included the required disclosure in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (ASU 2013-11), which is included in ASC Topic 740 (Income Taxes). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to net its liability for unrecognized tax positions against a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law. The provisions of this new guidance are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements.