Warranties
We provide for the estimated costs that may be incurred under product warranties to remedy deficiencies of quality or performance of our products. Warranty costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized. These product warranties extend over either a specified period of time, units of production or machine hours depending on the product subject to the warranty. We accrue a provision for estimated future warranty costs based on the historical relationship of warranty costs to sales. We periodically review the adequacy of the accrual for product warranties and adjust the warranty percentage and accrued warranty reserve for actual experience as necessary.
The following table reconciles the changes in the product warranty reserve:
|
| | | | | | | |
In thousands | October 25,
2013 | | October 26,
2012 |
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 100,646 |
| | $ | 82,737 |
|
Accrual for warranty expensed during the year | 57,610 |
| | 49,268 |
|
Settlements made during the year | (72,981 | ) | | (52,736 | ) |
Effect of foreign currency translation | 457 |
| | (520 | ) |
Adjusted acquired warranty accrual | — |
| | 21,897 |
|
Balance, end of year | $ | 85,732 |
| | $ | 100,646 |
|
Adjustments were made in fiscal 2012 to reflect a $16.1 million increase in the liability for pre-existing warranties related to the mining equipment business of LeTourneau.
