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Summary of Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Accounting Policies Summary of Accounting Policies
Principles of consolidation and presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Snap‑on Incorporated and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Snap-on” or “the company”). The Consolidated Financial Statements do not include the accounts of the company’s independent franchisees. Snap-on’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal year accounting period: Snap-on’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday that is on or nearest to December 31. The 2024 fiscal year ended on December 28, 2024 (“2024”), the 2023 fiscal year ended on December 30, 2023 (“2023”), and the 2022 fiscal year ended on December 31, 2022 (“2022”). The 2024, 2023 and 2022 fiscal years each contained 52 weeks of operating results.
Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Financial instruments: The fair value of the company’s derivative financial instruments is generally determined using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities. The carrying value of the company’s non-derivative financial instruments either approximates fair value, due to their short-term nature, or the amount disclosed for fair value is based upon a discounted cash flow analysis or quoted market values. See Note 10 for additional information on financial instruments.
Revenue recognition: Snap-on recognizes revenue from the sale of tools, diagnostics, equipment, and related services based on when control of the product passes to the customer or the service is provided and is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such goods or services. See Note 2 for information on revenue recognition.
Financial services revenue: Snap-on generates revenue from various financing programs that include: (i) installment sales and lease contracts arising from franchisees’ customers and Snap-on customers who require financing for the purchase or lease of tools, diagnostics, and equipment products on an extended-term payment plan; and (ii) business and vehicle loans and leases to franchisees. These financing programs are offered through Snap-on’s wholly owned finance subsidiaries. Financial services revenue consists primarily of interest income on finance and contract receivables and is recognized over the life of the underlying contracts, with interest computed primarily on the average daily balances of the underlying contracts.
The decision to finance through Snap-on or another financing source is solely at the election of the customer. When assessing customers for potential financing, Snap-on considers various factors regarding ability to pay, including the customers’ financial condition, past payment experience, and credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on credit model information, as well as the value of the underlying collateral. For finance and contract receivables, Snap-on assesses quantitative and qualitative factors through the use of credit quality indicators consisting primarily of collection experience and related internal metrics. Delinquency is the primary indicator of credit quality for finance and contract receivables. Snap-on conducts monthly reviews of credit and collection performance for both the finance and contract receivable portfolios, focusing on data such as delinquency trends, nonaccrual receivables, and write-off and recovery activity.
Financial services lease arrangements: Snap-on accounts for its financial services leases as sales-type leases. The company recognizes the net investment in the lease as the present value of the lease payments not yet received plus the present value of the unguaranteed residual value, using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The difference between the undiscounted lease payments received over the lease term and the related net investment in the lease is reported as unearned finance charges. Unearned finance charges are amortized to income over the life of the contract. The default covenants included in the lease arrangements are usual and customary, consistent with industry practice, and do not impact the lease classification. Except in circumstances where the company has concluded that a lessee’s financial condition has deteriorated, the other default covenants under Snap-on’s lease arrangements are objectively determinable. See Notes 4 and 16 for additional information on finance and contract receivables and lessor accounting.
Research and engineering: Snap-on incurred research and engineering costs of $67.0 million, $64.7 million and $60.1 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Research and engineering costs are included in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Internally developed software: Costs incurred in the development of software that will ultimately be sold are capitalized from the time technological feasibility has been attained and capitalization ceases when the related product is ready for general release. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, Snap-on capitalized $13.3 million, $11.0 million and $10.2 million, respectively, of such costs. Amortization of capitalized software development costs, which is included in “Cost of goods sold” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings, was $10.7 million in 2024, $10.5 million in 2023 and $11.6 million in 2022. Unamortized capitalized software development costs of $44.0 million as of 2024 year end and $43.1 million as of 2023 year end are included in “Other intangible assets – net” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Internal-use software: Costs that are incurred in creating software solutions and enhancements to those solutions are capitalized only for the application development stage of the project.
Shipping and handling: Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of sales. Costs incurred by Snap-on for shipping and handling are included as a component of cost of goods sold when the costs relate to manufacturing activities. In 2024, 2023 and 2022, Snap-on incurred shipping and handling charges of $65.5 million, $72.0 million and $77.6 million, respectively, that were recorded in “Cost of goods sold” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Shipping and handling costs incurred in conjunction with selling or distribution activities are included as a component of operating expenses. Shipping and handling charges were $116.4 million in 2024, $107.8 million in 2023 and $104.9 million in 2022; these charges were recorded in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Other freight-related costs recorded in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings in 2023 and 2022 totaled $11.5 million and $11.0 million, respectively.
Advertising and promotion: Production costs of future media advertising are deferred until the advertising occurs. All other advertising and promotion costs are expensed when incurred. For 2024, 2023 and 2022, advertising and promotion expenses totaled $47.5 million, $44.5 million and $39.3 million, respectively. Advertising and promotion costs are included in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Warranties: Snap-on provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty costs in the period in which the sale is recorded. See Notes 2 and 15 for information on warranties.
Foreign currency: The financial statements of Snap-on’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at current rates of exchange, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly into “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign exchange transactions, net of foreign currency hedges, resulted in pretax losses of $7.4 million, $11.0 million and $7.5 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are reported in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Income taxes: Current tax assets and liabilities are based upon an estimate of taxes refundable or payable for each of the jurisdictions in which the company is subject to tax. In the ordinary course of business, there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying income tax positions. Snap-on assesses income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, Snap-on records the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements. When applicable, associated interest and penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences arising from differences in bases of assets and liabilities for tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are recorded on temporary differences using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 8 for additional information on income taxes.
Per share data: Basic earnings per share calculations were computed by dividing net earnings attributable to Snap‑on Incorporated by the corresponding weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The dilutive effect of the potential exercise of outstanding stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to purchase common shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. As of December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 there were no awards outstanding that were anti-dilutive. Performance-based equity awards are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation based on the attainment of the applicable performance metrics to date. Snap-on had dilutive securities totaling 905,610 shares, 1,060,072 shares and 945,250 shares, as of the end of 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 13 for additional information on equity awards.
Stock-based compensation: Snap-on recognizes the cost of employee services in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards. That cost, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the employee is required to provide the service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service. The grant date fair value of employee stock options and similar instruments is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
The Black-Scholes valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based award and stock price volatility. The assumptions used are management’s best estimates, but the estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, the recorded stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different from that depicted in the financial statements. See Note 13 for additional information on stock-based compensation.
Derivatives: Snap-on may utilize derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and prepaid equity forward agreements to manage its exposures to foreign currency exchange rate risks, interest rate risks, and market risk associated with the stock-based portion of its deferred compensation plans. Snap-on accounts for its derivative instruments at fair value. Snap-on does not use financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. See Note 10 for additional information on derivatives.
Cash equivalents: Snap-on considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of investments in money market funds and bank deposits at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023.

Receivables and allowances for credit losses: All trade, finance and contract receivables are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their amortized cost adjusted for any write-offs and net of allowances for credit losses. The amortized costs for finance and contract receivables is the amount originated adjusted for applicable accrued interest and net of deferred fees or costs, net of collections and write-offs.
Snap-on maintains allowances for credit losses, which represent an estimate of expected credit losses over the remaining contractual life of its receivables considering current conditions and supportable forecasts when appropriate. The estimate is a result of the company’s ongoing assessments and evaluations of collectability, historical loss experience, current conditions, and future expectations in estimating credit losses in each of its receivable portfolios (trade, finance and contract receivables). For trade receivables, Snap-on uses historical loss experience rates by portfolio and applies them to a related aging analysis while also considering customer and/or economic risk where appropriate. Snap-on uses a vintage loss experience methodology for finance receivables. For contract receivables, Snap-on primarily uses a Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity (“WARM”) methodology. Determination of the proper amount of allowances by portfolio requires management to exercise judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of credit losses that could materially affect the provision for credit losses and, as a result, net earnings. The allowances take into consideration numerous quantitative and qualitative factors that include receivable type, historical loss experience, delinquency trends, collection experience, current conditions, supportable forecasts, when appropriate, and credit risk characteristics.
Snap-on evaluates the credit risk of the customer when extending credit based on a combination of various financial and qualitative factors that may affect its customers’ ability to pay. These factors may include the customer’s financial condition, past payment experience, and credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on credit model information, as well as the value of the underlying collateral.
Management performs detailed reviews of its receivables on a monthly and/or quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of the allowances and to determine if any impairment has occurred. Monthly reviews of credit and collection performance are conducted for both its finance and contract receivable portfolios focusing on data such as delinquency trends, non-performing assets, and write-off and recovery activity. These reviews allow for the formulation of collection strategies and potential collection policy modifications in response to changing risk profiles in the finance and contract receivable portfolios. A receivable generally has credit losses when it is expected that all amounts related to the receivable will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the agreement. Amounts determined to be uncollectable are charged directly against the allowances, while amounts recovered on previously written off accounts increase the allowances. For both finance and contract receivables, write-offs include the uncollectable principal amount of the receivable as well as the uncollectable accrued interest and fees, net of repossessions. For finance receivables only, write-offs are partially offset by recourse from franchisees. Recovered interest and fees previously written off are recorded through the allowances for credit losses and increase the allowances.
Absent a repossession, finance receivables are generally written off when an account becomes 120 days past due. Repossessed accounts are typically written off within 60 days of asset repossession. Contract receivables related to equipment leases are generally written off when an account becomes 150 days past due, while contract receivables related to franchise finance and van leases are generally written off no later than when the receivable becomes 180 days past the asset return date. For finance and contract receivables, customer bankruptcies are generally written off upon notification that the associated debt is not being reaffirmed or, in any event, no later than when the receivable becomes 180 days past due. Changes to the allowances for credit losses are maintained through adjustments to the provisions for credit losses.
Actual amounts as of the balance sheet dates may be materially different than the amounts reported in future periods due to the uncertainty in the estimation process. Also, future amounts could differ materially from those estimates due to changes in circumstances after the balance sheet date.
Snap-on does not believe that its trade, finance or contract receivables represent significant concentrations of credit risk because of the diversified portfolio of individual customers and geographical areas. See Note 4 for additional information on receivables and allowances for credit losses.

Other accrued liabilities: Supplemental balance sheet information for “Other accrued liabilities” as of 2024 and 2023 year end is as follows:
(Amounts in millions)20242023
Income taxes$39.3 $35.3 
Operating lease liabilities25.0 23.8 
Deferred subscription revenue59.0 58.4 
Accrued new tool return51.2 59.1 
Accrued property, payroll and other taxes28.5 31.2 
Accrued selling and promotion expense37.5 37.2 
Other217.2 202.4 
Total other accrued liabilities$457.7 $447.4 

Inventories: Snap-on values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value and adjusts for the value of inventory that is estimated to be excess, obsolete or otherwise unmarketable. Snap-on records allowances for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and estimated future demand and market conditions. Allowances for raw materials are largely based on an analysis of raw material age and actual physical inspection of raw material for fitness for use. As part of evaluating the adequacy of allowances for work-in-progress and finished goods, management reviews individual product stock-keeping units (SKUs) by product category and product life cycle. Cost adjustments for each product category/product life-cycle state are generally established and maintained based on a combination of historical experience, forecasted sales and promotions, technological obsolescence, inventory age and other actual known conditions and circumstances. Should actual product marketability and raw material fitness for use be affected by conditions that are different from management estimates, further adjustments to inventory allowances may be required.
Snap-on adopted the “last-in, first-out” (“LIFO”) inventory valuation method in 1973 for its U.S. locations. Snap-on’s U.S. inventories accounted for on a LIFO basis consist of purchased product and inventory manufactured at the company’s heritage U.S. manufacturing facilities (primarily hand tools and tool storage). Since the 1990s, the company has used the “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) inventory valuation methodology for acquisitions; the company does not adopt the LIFO inventory valuation methodology for new acquisitions. See Note 5 for additional information on inventories.
Property and equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. Major repairs that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized, while routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized internal-use software is depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. Long-lived assets, including operating lease right-of-use assets, are evaluated for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable. See Note 6 for additional information on property and equipment.
Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Annual impairment tests are performed by the company in the second quarter of each year using information available as of April month end. Snap‑on evaluates the existence of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment on the basis of whether the assets are fully recoverable from projected, discounted cash flows of the related reportable unit or asset. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. See Note 7 for additional information on goodwill and other intangible assets.
New accounting standards: Snap-on adopted ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires the disclosure of additional segment information at the end of fiscal year 2024. The adoption of this ASU resulted in new disclosures, including comparative information for all years presented, but otherwise had no impact on the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 19 for additional information on segments.
The following new accounting pronouncements, and related impacts on adoption, are being evaluated by the company:
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disaggregated expense information in the notes to the financial statements related to purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization and selling expenses for each statement of earnings line item that contains those expenses. ASU No. 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively; this ASU allows for early adoption. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on Snap-on’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. ASU No. 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively; this ASU allows for early adoption. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on Snap-on’s Consolidated Financial Statements.