Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 18. Commitments and contingencies

Woodward is currently involved in claims, pending or threatened litigation or other legal proceedings, investigations or regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including, among others, those relating to product liability claims, employment matters, workman's compensation claims, contractual disputes, product warranty claims and alleged violations of various laws and regulations. Woodward has accrued for individual matters that it believes are likely to result in a loss when ultimately resolved using estimates of the most likely amount of loss.

Woodward is partially self-insured in the U.S. for healthcare and workman's compensation up to predetermined amounts, above which third party insurance applies. Management regularly reviews the probable outcome of these claims and proceedings, the expenses expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the insurance coverage, and the established accruals for liabilities.

While the outcome of pending claims, proceedings and investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that any liabilities that may result from these claims, proceedings and investigations will not have a material adverse effect on Woodward's liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations.

In connection with the sale of the Fuel & Pneumatic product line during fiscal year 2009, which was acquired as part of Woodward's acquisition of HR Textron, Inc., Woodward assigned to a subsidiary of the purchaser its rights and responsibilities related to certain contracts with the U.S. Government. Woodward provided to the U.S. Government a customary guarantee of the purchaser's subsidiary's performance obligations under the contracts. The purchaser and its affiliates have agreed to indemnify Woodward for any liability incurred with respect to the guarantee.

In the event of a change in control of Woodward, as defined in change-in-control agreements with its current corporate officers, Woodward may be required to pay termination benefits to such officers.