NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business

 

Communications Systems, Inc. (herein collectively called “CSI” or the “Company”) is a Minnesota corporation organized in 1969 which operates directly and through its subsidiaries located in the United States, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom and China. CSI is principally engaged through its Suttle business unit in the manufacture and sale of modular connecting and wiring devices for voice and data communications, digital subscriber line filters, and structured wiring systems and through its Transition Networks business unit in the manufacture of media and rate conversion products for telecommunications networks. CSI also provides through its JDL Technologies (“JDL”) business unit IT solutions including network design, computer infrastructure installations, IT service management, change management, network security and network operations services.

 

Financial Statement Presentation

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2013 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared by Company management.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments, except where noted) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at March 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the periods then ended have been made.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  We recommend these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s December 31, 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the periods ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

 

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the time of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Except to the extent updated or described below, the significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s manufacturing operations (Suttle and Transition Networks) recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete, evidenced by persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized for domestic and international sales at the shipping point or delivery to customers, based on the related shipping terms. Risk of loss transfers at the point of shipment or delivery to customers, and the Company has no further obligation after this time. Sales are made directly to customers and through distributors. Payment terms for distributors are consistent with the terms of the Company’s direct customers. The Company records a provision for sales returns, sales incentives, and warranty costs at the time of the sale, based on historical experience and current trends.

 

JDL generally records revenue on hardware, software and related equipment sales and installation contracts when the revenue recognition criteria are met and products are installed and accepted by the customer. JDL records revenue on service contracts on a straight-line basis over the contract period, unless evidence suggests the revenue is earned in a different pattern. Each contract is individually reviewed to determine when the earnings process is complete.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows: