Receivables

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2020

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables

Note 7. Receivables

We invoice customers based on a billing schedule as established in our contracts.  We sometimes have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables.  Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees. Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,216 and $2,828 at October 31, 2020 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of October 31, 2020 and May 2, 2020 was $621 and $687, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

In some contracts with customers, we agree to installment payments exceeding 12 months.  The present value of these contracts is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with GAAP, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of long-term contracts, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $3,033 and $4,633 as of October 31, 2020 and May 2, 2020, respectively.  Contract receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.0 to 9.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through 2024.  The face value of long-term receivables was $3,192 as of October 31, 2020 and $5,166 as of May 2, 2020.