Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Snap-on provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. Snap-on calculates its accrual requirements based on historic warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience, including the timing of claims during the warranty period and actual costs incurred.

Snap-on’s product warranty accrual activity for the three months ended March 30, 2019, and March 31, 2018, is as follows:



	Three Months Ended
(Amounts in millions)	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
Warranty reserve:
Beginning of period	$	17.1		$	17.2
Additions	4.0			3.8
Usage	(3.8		)	(3.5		)
End of period	$	17.3		$	17.5

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2018 included an accrual of $30.9 million related to a judgment, in the fourth quarter of 2017, for a patent-related litigation matter that was being appealed. During the first three months of 2019, that matter was settled and the company recognized an $11.6 million benefit in “Operating expenses” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as of March 30, 2019, as a result of the settlement.

Snap-on is involved in various legal matters that are being litigated and/or settled in the ordinary course of business. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these legal matters, management believes that the results of all legal matters will not have a material impact on Snap-on’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.