Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday falling on or between March 26 and April 1 to allow the financial year to better reflect the Company's natural weekly accounting and business cycle. The fiscal year ended April 1, 2012 contains 53 weeks while the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and March 27, 2011 contain 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company uses estimates to determine the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts necessary to reduce accounts receivable to their expected net realizable value. The Company estimates the amount of the required allowance by reviewing the status of past-due receivables and analyzing historical bad debt trends and current economic conditions. Actual collection experience has not varied significantly from estimates, due primarily to consistent credit policies, collection experience, as well as the Company's stability as it relates to its current customer base. Typical payments from a large majority of commercial customers are due 30 days from the date of the invoice. The Company charges-off receivables deemed to be uncollectible to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances are not collateralized.

Product Inventory

Product inventory, consisting primarily of finished goods, is stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method and includes certain charges directly and indirectly incurred in bringing product inventories to the point of sale. Inventory is written down for estimated obsolescence equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value, based upon specifically known inventory-related risks (such as technological obsolescence and the nature of vendor terms surrounding price protection and product returns), and assumptions about future demand. At fiscal year-end 2013 and 2012, the Company has a reserve for excess and/or obsolete inventory of $3,336,700 and $3,268,900, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

	Useful lives

Information technology equipment and software	1-5 years
Configuration, Fulfillment and Delivery technology system	7 years
Furniture, telephone system, equipment and tooling	3-10 years
Building, building improvements and leasehold improvements	2-40 years

The Configuration, Fulfillment and Delivery (CFD) technology system, which is still in use, was initially implemented during fiscal year 2005 and is a major automated materials-handling system that is integrated with the Company's product planning and procurement system. This original CFD system has an estimated useful life that is longer than the Company's other software assets, and thus, the Company depreciated the system over a seven-year life. As of March 31, 2013 the original CFD system was fully depreciated.

The Company capitalizes computer software costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and when management authorizes and commits to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed. Development and acquisition costs are capitalized when the software project is either for the development of new software, to increase the life of existing software or to add significantly to the functionality of existing software. Capitalization ceases when the software project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the remaining lease term.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration of operating results, changes in business plans, or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, the Company evaluates recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows generated by other asset groups. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate required for a similar investment of like risk.

Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair values, less estimated costs of disposal.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill amounts and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment at least annually or whenever an impairment indicator is identified. The Company performs its annual impairment test on the first day of its fourth quarter. Intangible assets that are not considered to have an indefinite useful life are amortized over their useful life of 4 to 6 years using the straight-line method. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded within other long-term assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The goodwill impairment test involves an initial qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that an intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount. If qualitative factors suggest a possible impairment the company then performs an additional two-step approach. Under the first step, the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit to which goodwill has been assigned. The Company then compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of each reporting unit using various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow or income approach, under which the Company estimates the present value of the reporting unit's future cash flows. Key assumptions used to determine the present value of a reporting unit's future cash flows in fiscal year 2013 include (a) a cash flow period; (b) a terminal value based on a growth rate; and (c) a discount rate, which is based on the Company's weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with our operations. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered potentially impaired and the second step is completed in order to measure the impairment loss. Under the second step, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including any unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in the first step. The Company then compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, the Company recognizes an impairment loss equal to the difference.

The indefinite lived intangible asset impairment test requires the determination of the fair value of the intangible asset. If the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for an amount equal to the difference. The intangible asset is then carried at its new fair value. Fair value is determined using estimates of discounted cash flows. These estimates of discounted cash flows will likely change over time as impairment tests are performed. Estimates of fair value are also adversely affected by increases in interest rates and the applicable discount rate.

Based on the Company's qualitative and/or impairment testing performed, the Company did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets in fiscal years 2013, 2012 or 2011.

The methods of assessing fair value for reporting units with goodwill as well as for indefinite lived assets require significant judgments to be made by management, including future revenues, expenses, cash flows and discount rates. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenues when 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and 4) collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company's revenue recognition policy includes evidence of arrangements for significant revenue transactions through either receipt of a customer purchase order or a web-based order. The Company records revenues when risk of loss has passed to the customer. In most cases, shipments are made using FOB shipping terms. FOB destination terms are used for a portion of sales, and revenue for these sales is recorded when the product is received by the customer. Prices are always fixed at the time of sale. Historically, there have not been any material concessions provided to or by customers, future discounts, or other incentives subsequent to a sale. The Company sells under normal commercial terms and, therefore, only records sales on transactions where collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenues net of sales tax.

Because the Company's sales transactions meet the conditions set forth in the FASB standard on revenue recognition, it recognizes revenues from sales transactions containing sales returns provisions at the time of the sale. These conditions require that 1) the price be substantially fixed and determinable at the date of sale, 2) the buyer is obligated to pay, and is not contingent on their resale of the product, 3) the buyer's obligation to the Company does not change in the event of theft or physical destruction or damage of the product, 4) the buyer has economic substance apart from the Company, 5) the Company does not have significant obligations for future performance to directly bring about resale of the product by the buyer, and 6) the amount of future returns can be reasonably estimated. Because the Company's normal terms and conditions of sale are consistent with conditions 1-5 above, and the Company is able to perform condition 6, it makes a reasonable estimate of product returns in sales transactions and accrues a sales return reserve based on this estimate.

Certain companies have turned to TESSCO to implement supply chain solutions, including purchasing inventory, assisting in demand forecasting, configuring, packaging, kitting and delivering products and managing customer and vendor relations, from order taking through cash collections. In performing these solutions, the Company assumes varying levels of involvement in the transactions and varying levels of credit and inventory risk. As the Company's solutions offerings continually evolve to meet the needs of its customers, the Company constantly evaluates its revenue accounting based on the guidance set forth in accounting standards generally accepted in the United States. When applying this guidance in accordance with the FASB standard regarding revenue recognition for principal-agent considerations, the Company looks at the following indicators: whether it is the primary obligor in the transaction; whether it has general inventory risk; whether it has latitude in establishing price; the extent to which it changes the product or performs part of the service; whether it has discretion in supplier selection; whether it is involved in the determination of product and service specifications; whether it has physical inventory risk; whether it has credit risk; and whether the amount it earns is fixed. Each of the Company's customer relationships is independently evaluated based on the above guidance and revenues are recorded on the appropriate basis. Based on a review of the factors above, in the majority of the Company's sales relationships, the Company has concluded that it is the principal in the transaction and records revenues based upon the gross amounts earned and booked. However, the Company has several relationships where it is not the principal and records revenues on a net fee basis, regardless of amounts billed (less than 2% of total revenues). If applying this revenue recognition guidance resulted in recording revenues on a different basis from which the Company has previously concluded, or if the factors above change significantly, revenues could increase or decrease; however, gross profit and net income would remain constant.

Service revenue associated with training and other services is recognized when the training or work is complete and the four criteria discussed above have been met. Service revenues have represented less than 1% of total revenues for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Other than sales relating to the Company's private brands, we offer no product warranties in excess of original equipment manufacturers' warranties. The Company's warranty expense is estimated and accrued at the time of sale. Warranty expense was immaterial for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Vendor Programs

Funds received from vendors for price protection, product rebates and marketing/promotion are recorded to revenue, cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income depending on the nature of the program. The Company accrues rebates or vendor incentives as earned based on the contractual terms with the vendor.

Classification of Expenses

Cost of goods sold includes cost of products and freight from vendors to our distribution centers. Product management, distribution, purchasing, receiving/inspection, warehousing, freight from our distribution centers to our customers' sites, and corporate overhead costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain selling, general and administrative expenses related to direct and indirect labor and certain freight-in expenses are included in inventory. As of March 31, 2013 and April 1, 2012, the amount of selling, general and administrative expenses and freight in expenses included in inventory was $1,839,000 and $1,736,000, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping costs incurred to ship products from our distribution centers to our customers' sites are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and totaled $13,674,300, $13,325,100, and $15,044,100 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, April 1, 2012 and March 27, 2011, respectively.

Stock Compensation Awards Granted to Team Members

The Company records stock compensation awards in accordance with the FASB standard regarding stock compensation and share-based payments, which requires the Company to include in its calculation of periodic stock compensation expense an estimate of future forfeitures. The standard also requires stock awards granted or modified after the adoption of the standard that include both performance conditions and graded vesting based on service to the Company to be amortized by an accelerated method rather than the straight-line method.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities arise from differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax balances are determined by using the enacted tax rate to be in effect when the taxes are paid or refunds received. A valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In accordance with the FASB standard on accounting for uncertainty in income tax, the Company recognizes a provision for tax uncertainties in its financial statements. See Note 11 for further discussion of the standard and its impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews and evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to, those that relate to tax reserves, stock-based compensation, accounts receivable reserves, inventory reserves and future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill and other long-lived assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimates.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance, which among other requirements, prohibits the use of the block discount factor for all fair value level hierarchies; permits an entity to measure the fair value of its financial instruments on a net basis when the related market risks are managed on a net basis; states the highest and best use concept is no longer relevant in the measurement of financial assets and liabilities; clarifies that a reporting entity should disclose quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in Level 3 measurements and that the application of premiums and discounts is related to the unit of account for the asset or liability being measured at fair value; and requires expanded disclosures to describe the valuation process used for Level 3 measurements and the sensitivity of Level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs. In addition, entities are required to disclose the hierarchy level for items which are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but for which fair value is required to be disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard which simplifies how entities test goodwill for impairment. Similar guidance was issued in relation to other indefinite lived intangible assets in July 2012. The accounting standard permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. The accounting standard was effective for the Company beginning April 2, 2012 for goodwill and September 15, 2012 for other indefinite lived intangible assets. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements and eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. This guidance was amended in December 2011 to defer the requirements that companies present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2011. In February 2013, the FASB finalized the requirement that the Company must disclose information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated and other comprehensive income by component. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2012. While the adoption of this guidance impacted the Company's disclosures, it did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

In October 2012, the FASB issued a Technical Corrections and Improvements update which relates to various topics throughout the FASB Codification and provides technical corrections, clarification, and limited-scope improvements. This guidance was effective upon issuance of the update, with the exception of sections that include transition guidance, which become effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.