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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Management of the Company has discussed the selection of significant accounting policies and the effect of estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.
REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenues are reported on a net sales basis, which is computed by deducting from gross sales the amount of actual product returns received, discounts, incentive arrangements with retailers and an amount established for anticipated product returns. Our practice is to accept product returns from retailers only if properly requested, authorized and approved. In accepting returns, we typically provide a credit to the retailer against accounts receivable from that retailer. As a percentage of gross sales, returns were 4.4%, 4.4% and 4.2% in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our sales return accrual is a subjective critical estimate that has a direct impact on reported net sales. This accrual is calculated based on a history of actual returns, estimated future returns and information provided by authorized retailers regarding their inventory levels. Consideration of these factors results in an accrual for anticipated sales returns that reflects increases or decreases related to seasonal fluctuations. Experience has shown a relationship between retailer inventory levels and sales returns in the subsequent period, as well as a consistent pattern of returns due to the seasonal nature of our business. In addition, as necessary, specific accruals may be established for significant future known or anticipated events. The types of known or anticipated events that we have considered, and will continue to consider, include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment and our decision to continue or support new and existing products. In the ordinary course of business, we have established an allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions based upon the evaluation of accounts receivable aging, specific exposures and historical trends. Our allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions is a subjective critical estimate that has a direct impact on reported net earnings. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $41.4 million and $26.3 million as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts was reduced by $14.1 million, $10.2 million and $18.2 million for customer deductions and write-offs in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and increased by $29.2 million, $13.2 million and $14.4 million for additional provisions in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
INVENTORY We also record an inventory obsolescence reserve, which represents the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated realizable value, based on various product sales projections. This reserve is calculated using an estimated obsolescence percentage applied to the inventory based on age, historical trends and requirements to support forecasted sales. In addition, and as necessary, we may establish specific reserves for future known or anticipated events.
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT COSTS The amounts needed to fund future payouts under these plans are subject to numerous assumptions and variables. Certain significant variables require us to make assumptions that are within our control such as an anticipated discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets and future compensation levels. We evaluate these assumptions with our actuarial advisors and select assumptions that we believe reflect the economics underlying our pension and post-retirement obligations. While we believe these assumptions are within accepted industry ranges, an increase or decrease in the assumptions or economic events outside our control could have a direct impact on reported net earnings. The discount rate for each plan used for determining future net periodic benefit cost is based on a review of highly rated long-term bonds. For fiscal 2009, we used a discount rate for our Domestic Plans of 6.75% and varying rates on our international plans of between 2.00% and 9.00%. The discount rate for our Domestic Plans is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. We believe the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds included in this portfolio is expected to match the estimated defined benefit payment streams of our Domestic Plans. For fiscal 2009, we used an expected return on plan assets of 7.75% for our U.S. Qualified Plan and varying rates of between 3.25% and 9.00% for our international plans. In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, we consider the historical rates of return, the nature of the plan's investments and an expectation for the plan's investment strategies. The U.S. Qualified Plan asset allocation as of June 30, 2009 was approximately 32% equity investments, 51% debt securities and 17% other investments. The asset allocation of our combined international plans as of June 30, 2009 was approximately 19% equity investments, 59% debt securities and 22% other investments. The difference between actual and expected return on plan assets is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Those gains/losses that are subject to amortization over future periods will be recognized as a component of the net periodic benefit cost in such future periods. For fiscal 2009, our pension plans had actual negative return on assets of $60.5 million as compared with expected return on assets of $52.2 million, which resulted in a net deferred loss of $112.7 million, of which approximately $48 million is currently subject to be amortized over periods ranging from approximately 4 to 22 years. The actual negative return on assets was primarily related to the performance of equity markets during the past fiscal year. A 25 basis-point change in the discount rate or the expected rate of return on plan assets would have had the following effect on fiscal 2009 pension expense:
Our post-retirement plans are comprised of health care plans that could be impacted by health care cost trend rates, which may have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates for fiscal 2009 would have had the following effects:
For fiscal 2010, we are using a discount rate for the Domestic Plans of 6.50% and varying rates for our international plans of between 1.75% and 8.75%. We are using an expected return on plan assets of 7.75% for the U.S. Qualified Plan and varying rates for our international pension plans of between 2.75% and 8.75%. The net change in these assumptions from those used in fiscal 2009 will result in an increase in pension expense of approximately $1.5 million in fiscal 2010. We will continue to monitor the market conditions relative to these assumptions and adjust them accordingly.
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