SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. This reclassification has no impact on previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.

Translation of Foreign Currencies. All balance sheet accounts of non–U.S. subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the year and translation adjustments of foreign currency balance sheets are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of gains related to our net investment hedges, as of October 31, 2021, were a net loss of $1.7 million, net of tax, and are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded as income or expense as incurred and are recorded in Other expense, net.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the first–in, first–out method. Provisions are made to reduce excess or obsolete inventories to their estimated realizable value.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. We design, manufacture, and sell computerized machine tools. Our computer control systems and software products are primarily sold as integral components of our computerized machine tool products. We also provide machine tool components, automation integration equipment and solutions for job shops, software options, control upgrades, accessories and replacement parts for our products, as well as customer service, training, and applications support.

We recognize revenues from the sale of machine tools, components and accessories and services, and reflect the consideration to which we expect to be entitled. We record revenues based on a five-step model in accordance with FASB guidance codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). In accordance with ASC 606, we have defined contracts as agreements with our customers and distributors in the form of purchase orders, packing or shipping documents, invoices, and, periodically, verbal requests for components and accessories. For each contract, we identify our performance obligations, which is delivering goods or services, determine the transaction price, allocate the contract transaction price to each of the performance obligations (when applicable), and recognize the revenue when (or as) the performance obligation to the customer is fulfilled. A good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control of that good or service. Our computerized machine tools are general purpose computer-controlled machine tools that are typically used in stand–alone operations. Prior to shipment, we test each machine to ensure the machine’s compliance with standard operating specifications. We deem that the customer obtains control upon delivery of the product and that obtaining control is not contingent upon contractual customer acceptance. Therefore, we recognize revenue from sales of our machine tool systems upon delivery of the product to the customer or distributor, which is normally at the time of shipment.

Depending upon geographic location, after shipment, a machine may be installed at the customer’s facility by a distributor, independent contractor, or by one of our service technicians. In most instances where a machine is sold through a distributor, we have no installation involvement. If sales are direct or through sales agents, we will typically complete the machine installation, which consists of the reassembly of certain parts that were removed for shipping and the re-testing of the machine to ensure that it is performing within the standard specifications. We consider the machine installation process for our three-axis machines to be inconsequential and immaterial within the context of the contract. For our five-axis machines that we install, we estimate the fair value of the installation performance obligation and recognize that installation revenue on a prorata basis over the period of the installation process.

From time to time, and depending upon geographic location, we may provide training or freight services. We consider these services to be immaterial within the context of the contract, as the value of these services typically does not rise to a material level as a component of the total contract value. Service fees from maintenance contracts are deferred and recognized in earnings on a prorata basis over the term of the contract and are generally sold on a stand-alone basis. Customer discounts and estimated product returns are considered variable consideration and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the same period that the related sales are recorded. We have reviewed the overall sales transactions for variable consideration and have determined that these amounts are not significant.

Product Warranty

Product Warranty. Expected future product warranty claims are recorded to expense when the product is sold. Product warranty estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. Warranty claims are influenced by factors such as new product introductions, technological developments, the competitive environment, and the costs of component parts. Actual payments for warranty claims could differ from the amounts estimated, requiring adjustments to the liabilities in future periods. See Note 12 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of warranties.

Software Development Costs

Software Development Costs. We sell software products that are essential to our machine tools. Costs incurred to develop computer software products and significant enhancements to software features of existing products to be sold or otherwise marketed are capitalized, after technological feasibility is established. Software development costs are amortized on a straight–line basis over the estimated product life of the related software, which ranges from three to five years. We capitalized costs related to software development projects of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021, $1.0 million in fiscal 2020, and $1.8 million in fiscal 2019. Amortization expense for software development costs was $1.4 million, $1.5 million, and $1.0 million, for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Accumulated amortization at October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $22.0 million and $21.0 million, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for the remaining unamortized software development costs for the fiscal years ending October 31, is as follows (in thousands):


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
2022	$	1,575
2023		1,856
2024		1,685
2025		1,089
2026 and thereafter		1,348

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long–Lived Assets. Annually, or when there are indicators of impairment, we evaluate the carrying value of long–lived assets to be held and used, including property and equipment, software development costs, and intangible assets, including goodwill, when events or circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset (or group of assets) to be held and used is considered impaired when the anticipated separately identifiable undiscounted cash flows from such an asset (or group of assets) are less than the carrying value of the asset (or group of assets). We determined that we have a single asset group due to the interdependent nature of our operations. We estimated the cash flows during the remaining useful life of the primary asset, and our undiscounted cash flow was in excess of the book value of our single asset group, and therefore, there was no impairment indications for our long-lived assets for the period ended October 31, 2021. Thus, there was no impairment recognized with respect to the carrying values of long-lived assets for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – We account for income taxes and the related accounts under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in each jurisdiction in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. These deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current in the consolidated financial statements. Our judgment regarding the realization of deferred tax assets may change due to future profitability and market conditions, changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets and an accompanying reduction or increase in net income in the period when such determinations are made.

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex federal, state and foreign tax laws. Our provision for income taxes reflects a combination of income earned and taxed at the federal and state level in the U.S., as well as in various foreign jurisdictions.

In addition to the risks to the effective tax rate described above, the future effective tax rate reflected in forward–looking statements is based on currently effective tax laws. Significant changes in those laws could materially affect these estimates.

We operate in multiple jurisdictions through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and our global structure is complex. The estimates of our uncertain tax positions involve judgments and assessment of the potential tax implications. We recognize uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by relevant taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Our tax positions are subject to audit by taxing authorities across multiple global jurisdictions, and the resolution of such audits may span multiple years. Tax law is complex and often subject to varied interpretations. Accordingly, the ultimate outcome with respect to taxes we may owe may differ from the amounts recognized.

Estimates

Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts presented and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements require the exercise of judgment and are used for, but not limited to, allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of future cash flows and other assumptions associated with goodwill, intangible and long–lived asset impairment tests, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, warranty programs, stock compensation, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, and contingencies. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be different from these estimates.