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Significant Accounting Policies
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Dec. 31, 2014
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Significant Accounting Policies |
Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements of Brunswick Corporation (Brunswick or the Company) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. As indicated in Note 2 – Discontinued Operations, Brunswick's results as discussed in the financial statements reflect continuing operations only, unless otherwise noted.
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements of Brunswick include the accounts of all majority owned and controlled domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. These estimates affect:
•The reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements;
•The reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to:
•Allowances for doubtful accounts;
•Inventory valuation reserves;
•Reserves for dealer allowances;
•Reserves related to repurchase and recourse obligations;
•Warranty related reserves;
•Losses on litigation and other contingencies;
•Environmental reserves;
•Insurance reserves;
•Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
•Impairments of long-lived assets;
•Reserves related to restructuring activities;
•Postretirement benefit liabilities;
•Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets; and
•Income tax reserves.
The Company records a reserve when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company establishes its reserves based on its best estimate within a range of losses. If the Company is unable to identify the best estimate, the Company records the minimum amount in the range.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These investments include, but are not limited to, investments in money market funds, bank deposits, federal government and agency debt securities and commercial paper.
Investments in Marketable Securities. The Company classifies investments in debt securities that are not considered to be cash equivalents as Short-term investments in marketable securities as discussed in Note 9 – Investments. Short-term investments in marketable securities have a stated maturity of twelve months or less from the balance sheet date. These securities are considered as available for sale and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses would be recorded net of tax as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in Unrealized investment losses within Shareholders' equity. Declines in market value from the original cost deemed to be "other-than-temporary" are charged to Other income, net, in the period in which the loss occurs. The Company considers both the duration for which a decline in value has occurred and the extent of the decline in its determination of whether a decline in value has been “other than temporary.” Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method and are included in Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Restricted Cash. The Company considers the cash deposited in a trust that is pledged as collateral against certain workers' compensation related obligations to be restricted cash. Refer to Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies for more information.
Accounts and Notes Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company carries its accounts and notes receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, the Company records an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon known bad debt risks and past loss history, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account.
The Company treats the sale of receivables in which the Company retains an interest as a secured obligation. Accordingly, the short-term portion of the receivables sold that are subject to recourse is recorded in Accounts and notes receivable and Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with market based on replacement cost or net realizable value. Approximately 47 percent and 48 percent of the Company's inventories were determined by the first-in, first-out method (FIFO) at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Remaining inventories valued at the last-in, first-out method (LIFO), were $122.4 million and $118.0 million lower than the FIFO cost of inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has reclassified certain prior year work-in-process inventory balances to raw materials to conform to the current period presentation. Additionally, certain prior year LIFO reserves have been reclassified from finished goods to work-in-process and raw materials to reflect a proportional allocation between inventory categories to conform to the current period presentation. Inventory cost includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. There were no liquidations of LIFO inventory layers in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Property. Property, including major improvements and product tooling costs, is recorded at cost. Product tooling costs principally comprise the cost to acquire and construct various long-lived molds, dies and other tooling owned by the Company and used in its manufacturing processes. Design and prototype development costs associated with product tooling are expensed as incurred. Maintenance and repair costs are also expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated service lives of the related assets, principally using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over a useful life of five to forty years. Equipment is depreciated over a useful life of two to twenty years. Product tooling costs are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the tooling or the anticipated life of the applicable product, for a period not to exceed eight years. Gains and losses recognized on the sale and disposal of property are included in either Selling, general and administrative expenses or Restructuring, exit and impairment charges as appropriate. The amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
Software Development Costs. The Company expenses all software development and implementation costs incurred until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefit and management has committed to funding the project. Once this is determined, external direct costs of material and services, payroll-related costs of employees working on the project and related interest costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. These capitalized costs are amortized over three to seven years. All other related costs, including training costs and costs to re-engineer business processes are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets primarily result from business acquisitions. The excess of cost over net assets of businesses acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company reviews these assets for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The reporting units with goodwill balances are the Company's Fitness and Marine Engine segments.
For 2014, the impairment test for goodwill was a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In this second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.
The Company calculates the fair value of its reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which the Company believes reasonably approximate market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined by applying market multiples for that reporting unit’s comparable public companies to the unit’s financial results. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in a reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts, and selecting representative market multiples.
During 2011, the Company early adopted an amendment to the Intangibles - Goodwill and Other topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. The Company determined through its qualitative assessment during 2013 and 2012 that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair values of its reporting units are less than their carrying values. As a result, the Company was not required to perform the two-step impairment test for 2013 or 2012. As part of the qualitative assessment process, the Company calculates the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach as described above. The Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount to support its qualitative assessment conclusions.
The fair value of the Company's reporting units was significantly above their carrying values as of December 31, 2014. The Company did not record any goodwill impairments in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
The Company's primary intangible assets are customer relationships and trade names acquired in business combinations. The costs of amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of trade names is measured using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the value of the trade name is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid to third parties had the Company not owned the trade name and instead licensed the trade name from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. The basis for future cash flow projections is internal revenue forecasts by brand, which the Company believes represent reasonable market participant assumptions, to which the selected royalty rate is applied. These future cash flows are discounted using the applicable Discount Rate, which considers the annual goodwill impairment testing process noted above, as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. The key uncertainties in this calculation are the selection of an appropriate royalty rate and assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth forecasts, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in developing the Discount Rate.
The Company did not record any indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments during 2014 and 2013. In 2012, the Company recorded $0.8 million of indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments during the annual impairment testing. An additional $0.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were recorded in 2012 for trade names connected with brands experiencing continued weakness in the fiberglass sterndrive boat market segments as well as the refinement of its North American boat product portfolio. Refer to Note 3 – Restructuring Activities for further discussion.
Equity Investments. For investments in which Brunswick owns or controls from 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting shares, which includes all of Brunswick's unconsolidated joint venture investments, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of net earnings or losses from equity method investments is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company accounts for other investments, over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the cost method of accounting.
The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments, and at December 31, 2014 and 2013, such investments were recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a $20.2 million impairment charge in order to reflect the fair value of the Company’s equity method investment in Bella-Veneet Oy (Bella), a Finnish boat manufacturer, as discussed in Note 9 – Investments.
Long-Lived Assets. The Company continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of its definite-lived intangible assets--excluding goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names--and other long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. Once an impairment indicator is identified, the Company tests for recoverability of the related asset group using an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the remaining asset group's life. If an asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, the Company records an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over the long-lived asset group's fair value. Fair value is determined using observable inputs, including the use of appraisals from independent third parties, when available, and, when observable inputs are not available, based on the Company's assumptions of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset, based on the best information available in the circumstances. Specifically, the Company uses discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of the asset when observable inputs are unavailable. The Company tested its long-lived asset balances for impairment as indicators presented themselves during 2014, 2013 or 2012, resulting in impairment charges of $1.5 million, $7.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively, which are recognized in Restructuring, exit and impairment charges and Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Other Long-Term Assets. Other long-term assets are mainly long-term receivables originated by the Company and assigned to third parties, deferred debt issuance costs and other long-term notes receivable. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, amounts assigned to third parties totaled $19.6 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The assignment of these instruments does not meet sale criteria as a result of the Company's contingent obligation to repurchase the receivables in the event of customer non-payment and therefore is treated as a secured obligation. Accordingly, these amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under Other long-term assets and Long-term liabilities – Other. Fees and expenses related to acquiring the Company's debt are capitalized and then amortized over the life of the corresponding debt. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred debt issuance costs were $7.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
Revenue Recognition. Brunswick's revenue is derived primarily from the sale of boats, marine engines, marine parts and accessories, fitness equipment and billiards tables. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the terms of the sale, primarily upon shipment to customers, once the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Brunswick offers discounts and sales incentives that include retail promotions, rebates and manufacturer coupons that are recorded as reductions of revenues in Net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated liability and reduction in revenue for sales incentives is recorded at the later of when the program has been communicated to the customer or at the time of sale. Revenues from freight are included as a part of Net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, whereas shipping, freight and handling costs are included in Cost of sales.
Advertising Costs. The Company records advertising and promotion costs in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period when the advertising first takes place. Advertising and promotion costs were $31.2 million, $30.6 million and $30.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Foreign Currency. The functional currency for the majority of Brunswick's operations is the U.S. dollar. All assets and liabilities of operations with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at period end current rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Revenues and expenses of operations with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the average exchange rates for the period.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes prior service costs and credits and net actuarial gains and losses for defined benefit plans, currency translation adjustments and unrealized derivative and investment gains and losses, all net of tax. The net effect of these items reduced Shareholders' equity on a cumulative basis by $480.5 million and $401.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change from 2013 to 2014 was primarily due to changes in Net actuarial losses related to unfavorable adjustments to defined benefit plan liabilities resulting from decreases in the discount rate and changes to assumptions regarding mortality, partially offset by better than expected return on plan assets, the amortization of net actuarial losses and the impact of lump sum payout actions during 2014. Additionally, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies resulted in unfavorable currency translation adjustments.
Stock-Based Compensation. The Company records amounts for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options and the compensatory elements of employee stock purchase plans over the vesting period in the income statement based upon their fair values at the date of the grant. Share-based employee compensation costs are recognized as a component of Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 18 – Stock Plans and Management Compensation for a description of the Company's accounting for stock-based compensation plans.
Derivatives. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its risk associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. These instruments are used in accordance with guidelines established by the Company's management and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 14 – Financial Instruments for further discussion.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. The Company evaluates the pronouncements of various authoritative accounting organizations, primarily the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the SEC, and the Emerging Issues Task Force, to determine the impact of new pronouncements on GAAP and the impact on the Company. The following are recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during 2014, or will be adopted in future periods.
Going Concern: In August 2014, the FASB amended the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) to provide guidance on determining when and how an entity must disclose going concern uncertainties in its financial statements. The amendment requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of an entity's financial statements. If there is substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, an entity must provide certain footnote disclosures. The amendment is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods thereafter, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASC amendment, but does not expect it will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition: In May 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a final standard on revenue recognition which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This standard will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. Under the new standard, entities are required to identify the contract with a customer; identify the separate performance obligations in the contract; determine the transaction price; allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract; and recognize the appropriate amount of revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies each performance obligation. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2017. Entities have the option of using either retrospective transition or a modified approach in applying the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the approach it will use to apply the new standard and the impact that the adoption of the new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Discontinued Operations: In April 2014, the FASB amended the ASC to raise the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations, including new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The amendment is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company did not early adopt this ASC amendment and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASC amendment, but does not expect it will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Unrecognized Tax Benefit: In July 2013, the FASB amended the ASC to provide guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance states that entities should present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for an NOL or tax credit carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. The amendment is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this amendment in 2014 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
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