allowance for doubtful accounts in any accounting period. The amount and timing of our bad debt expense and
cash collection could change significantly as a result of a change in any of the evaluation factors mentioned
above.
value of a particular item in order to fairly present our financial statements. Without an independent market or
another representative transaction, determining the fair value of a particular item requires us to make several
assumptions that are inherently difficult to predict and can have a material impact on the accounting.
market transactions for identical or comparable assets or liabilities are used to determine the fair value, (2) the
income approach, which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, future cash flows or
future earnings) to a single present value amount, and (3) the cost approach, which is based on the amount that
would be required to replace an asset. For many of our fair value estimates, including our estimates of the fair
value of acquired intangible assets, we use the income approach. Using the income approach requires the use of
financial models, which require us to make various estimates including, but not limited to (1) the potential future
cash flows for the asset or liability being measured, (2) the timing of receipt or payment of those future cash
flows, (3) the time value of money associated with the expected receipt or payment of such cash flows, and
(4) the inherent risk associated with the cash flows (risk premium). Making these cash flow estimates is
inherently difficult and subjective, and if any of the estimates used to determine the fair value using the income
approach turns out to be inaccurate, our financial results may be negatively impacted. Furthermore, relatively
small changes in many of these estimates can have a significant impact to the estimated fair value resulting from
the financial models or the related accounting conclusion reached. For example, a relatively small change in the
estimated fair value of an asset may change a conclusion as to whether an asset is impaired.
transactions, the following areas are the most sensitive to these assessments:
assessment of the estimated fair value of each of these can have a material effect on our reported results as
intangible assets are amortized over various estimated useful lives. Furthermore, a change in the estimated fair
value of an asset or liability often has a direct impact on the amount we recognize as goodwill, which is an asset
that is not amortized. Determining the fair value of assets acquired requires an assessment of the highest and best
use or the expected price to sell the asset and the related expected future cash flows. Determining the fair value
of acquired in-process technology also requires an assessment of our expectations related to the use of that asset.
Determining the fair value of an assumed liability requires an assessment of the expected cost to transfer the
liability. Determining the fair value of contingent consideration requires an assessment of the probability-
weighted expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and
applying a discount rate that appropriately captures the risk associated with the obligation. The significant
unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration payable are forecasted
earnings. Significant changes in forecasted earnings would result in significantly higher or lower fair value
measurement. This fair value assessment is also required in periods subsequent to a business combination. Such
estimates are inherently difficult and subjective and can have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the remaining value of the assets
recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets is potentially impaired. In order to determine if a potential
impairment has occurred, management must make various assumptions about the estimated fair value of the asset