Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy
Sales under government and commercial fixed-price contracts and government fixed-price-incentive contracts are recorded at the time deliveries are made or, in some cases, on a percentage-of-completion basis. Sales under cost-reimbursement contracts are recorded as work is performed. Sales for elevators, escalators, installation and modernization contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method.
Losses, if any, on long-term contracts are provided for when anticipated. Loss provisions on original equipment contracts are recognized to the extent that estimated inventoriable manufacturing, engineering, product warranty and product performance guarantee costs, as appropriate, exceed the projected revenue from the products contemplated under the contractual arrangement. For new commitments, United Technologies Corp. generally records loss provisions at the earlier of contract announcement or contract signing except for certain requirements contracts under which losses are recorded upon receipt of the purchase order. For existing commitments, anticipated losses on contracts are recognized in the period in which losses become evident. Products contemplated under contractual arrangement include products purchased under contract and, in the large commercial engine business, future highly probable sales of replacement parts required by regulation that are expected to be purchased subsequently for incorporation into the original equipment. Revenue projections used in determining contract loss provisions are based upon estimates of the quantity, pricing and timing of future product deliveries. Losses are generally recognized on shipment to the extent that inventoriable manufacturing costs, estimated warranty costs and product performance guarantee costs, as appropriate, exceed revenue realized. Contract accounting requires estimates of future costs over the performance period of the contract as well as estimates of award fees and other sources of revenue. These estimates are subject to change and result in adjustments to margins on contracts in progress. The extent of progress toward completion on United Technologies Corp.'s long-term commercial aerospace equipment and helicopter contracts is measured using units of delivery. In addition, United Technologies Corp. uses the cost-to-cost method for elevator and escalator sales, installation and modernization contracts in the commercial businesses. For long-term aftermarket contracts, revenue is recognized over the contract period in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred in performing services under the contract. United Technologies Corp. reviews cost estimates on significant contracts on a quarterly basis, and for others, no less frequently than annually or when circumstances change and warrant a modification to a previous estimate. United Technologies Corp. records changes in contract estimates using the cumulative catch-up method in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC.
Service sales, representing aftermarket repair and maintenance activities, are recognized over the contractual period or as services are performed. In the commercial businesses, revenue is generally recognized on a straight line basis. In the aerospace businesses, revenue is generally recognized in proportion to cost.
Sales generated from engine programs, spare parts sales, and aftermarket business under collaboration arrangements are recorded as earned in United Technologies Corp.'s financial statements. Amounts attributable to United Technologies Corp.'s collaborative partners for their share of revenues are recorded as an expense in financial statements based upon the terms and nature of the arrangement. Costs associated with engine programs under collaborative arrangements are expensed as incurred. Under these arrangements, collaborators contribute their program share of engine parts, incur their own production costs and make certain payments to Pratt & Whitney for shared or joint program costs. The reimbursement of a collaborator's share of program costs is recorded as a reduction of the related expense item at that time.
Source: United Technologies Corp., Annual Report
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