Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lear, a Delaware corporation, and the wholly owned and less than wholly owned subsidiaries controlled by Lear. In addition, Lear consolidates all entities, including variable interest entities, in which it has a controlling financial interest. Investments in affiliates in which Lear does not have control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for under the equity method.

Fiscal period reporting

The Company’s annual financial results are reported on a calendar year basis, and quarterly interim results are reported using a thirteen week reporting calendar.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in the quarter ended March 31, 2018

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs include employee termination benefits, fixed asset impairment charges and contract termination costs, as well as other incremental costs resulting from the restructuring actions. These incremental costs principally include equipment and personnel relocation costs. In addition to restructuring costs, the Company incurs incremental manufacturing inefficiency costs at the operating locations impacted by the restructuring actions during the related restructuring implementation period. Restructuring costs are recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Generally, charges are recorded as restructuring actions are approved and/or implemented.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Finished goods and work-in-process inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs.

Pre-production costs related to long-term supply arrangement

The Company incurs pre-production engineering and development ("E&D") and tooling costs related to the products produced for its customers under long-term supply agreements. The Company expenses all pre-production E&D costs for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer. In addition, the Company expenses all pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the Company does not have a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of the Company’s property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with improvements which extend the life, increase the capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the Company’s property, plant and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Depreciable property is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, using principally the straight-line method.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company monitors its long-lived assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis in accordance with GAAP. If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs the required impairment analysis by comparing the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. Except as discussed below, the Company does not believe that there were any indicators that would have resulted in long-lived asset impairment charges as of March 31, 2018. The Company will, however, continue to assess the impact of any significant industry events on the realization of its long-lived assets.

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In conducting its annual impairment testing, the Company may first perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If not, no further goodwill impairment testing is required. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company elects not to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, the Company then compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. The Company conducts its annual impairment testing as of the first day of its fourth quarter.

Revenue recognition

The Company enters into contracts with its customers to provide production parts at the beginning of a vehicle’s life cycle. Contracts do not provide for a specified quantity of products, but once entered into, the Company is generally required to fulfill its customers’ purchasing requirements for the production life of the vehicle. These contracts may be terminated by the Company’s customers at any time. Historically, terminations of these contracts have been minimal. The Company receives annual purchase orders from its customers, which provide the annual terms for a particular production part, including price (but not quantities). Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, and prices are adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors.

Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer under standard commercial terms, as the Company does not have an enforceable right to payment prior to such transfer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products based on the annual purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments (some of which is accounted for as variable consideration). The Company does not believe that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration. The Company's customers pay for products received in accordance with payment terms that are customary within the industry. The Company's contracts with its customers do not have significant financing components.

The Company records a contract liability for advances received from its customers. As of March 31, 2018, there were no significant contract liabilities recorded. Further, there were no significant contract liabilities recognized in revenue during the first quarter of 2018.

Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in net sales in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the Company from a customer are excluded from revenue.

Net income per share attributable to Lear

Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders is computed using the two-class method by dividing net income attributable to Lear, after deducting the redemption adjustment related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest, by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Common shares issuable upon the satisfaction of certain conditions pursuant to a contractual agreement are considered common shares outstanding and are included in the computation of basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders.

Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders is computed using the two-class method by dividing net income attributable to Lear, after deducting the redemption adjustment related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest, by the average number of common shares outstanding, including the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents computed using the treasury stock method and the average share price during the period.

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

In accordance with GAAP, the Company records redeemable noncontrolling interests at the greater of (1) the initial carrying amount adjusted for the noncontrolling interest holder’s share of total comprehensive income or loss and dividends ("noncontrolling interest carrying value") or (2) the redemption value as of and based on conditions existing as of the reporting date. Required redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments are recorded as an increase to redeemable noncontrolling interests, with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings.

Marketable equity securities

Unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the marketable equity securities are recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income as a component of other (income) expense, net. The fair value of the marketable equity securities is determined by reference to quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1 input based on the GAAP fair value hierarchy).

Fair value of financial instruments

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis, which are not included in the table above. As these non-recurring fair value measurements are generally determined using unobservable inputs, these fair value measurements are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

GAAP provides that fair value is an exit price, defined as a market-based measurement that represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value measurements are based on one or more of the following three valuation techniques:



Market:		This approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

Income:		This approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount based on current market expectations.

Cost:		This approach is based on the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).

Further, GAAP prioritizes the inputs and assumptions used in the valuation techniques described above into a three-tier fair value hierarchy as follows:



Level 1:		Observable inputs, such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

Level 2:		Inputs, other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly for the asset or liability.

Level 3:		Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the exit price of the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may be used if there is little or no market data for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The Company discloses fair value measurements and the related valuation techniques and fair value hierarchy level for its assets and liabilities that are measured or disclosed at fair value.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company has used derivative financial instruments, including forwards, futures, options, swaps and other derivative contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates and the resulting variability of the Company’s operating results. The Company is not a party to leveraged derivatives. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are subject to master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of contracts, by counterparty, in the event of default or termination. On the date that a derivative contract for a hedging instrument is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of the exposure of a forecasted transaction or of the variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge), (3) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge) or (4) a contract not designated as a hedging instrument.

For a fair value hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in earnings and reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the same line as the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For a cash flow hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded in earnings and reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the same line as the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For a net investment hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of contracts not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in earnings and reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income as other expense, net.

The Company determines the fair value of its derivative contracts using quoted market prices to calculate the forward values and then discounts such forward values to the present value. The discount rates used are based on quoted bank deposit or swap interest rates. If a derivative contract is in a net liability position, the Company adjusts these discount rates, if required, by an estimate of the credit spread that would be applied by market participants purchasing these contracts from the Company’s counterparties. If an estimate of the credit spread is required, the Company uses significant assumptions and factors other than quoted market rates, which would result in the classification of its derivative liabilities within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company uses forwards, swaps and other derivative contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on known foreign currency exposures. Gains and losses on the derivative instruments are intended to offset gains and losses on the hedged transaction in an effort to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

New accounting pronouncements

Standards Adopted in 2018

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the ASUs summarized below:



Standard Adopted	Description	Effective Date
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	The standard replaces existing revenue recognition guidance and requires additional financial statement disclosures. See Note 9, "Revenue Recognition."	January 1, 2018
ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-03, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities	The standard requires equity investments and other ownership interests in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value through earnings. A practicability exception exists for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The effects of adoption were not significant.	January 1, 2018
ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments	The standard addresses the classification of cash flows related to various transactions, including debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration and proceeds from insurance claims. The effects of adoption were not significant.	January 1, 2018
ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory	The standard requires the recognition of the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers (other than inventory) when the sales and transfers occur. See Note 11, "Income Taxes."	January 1, 2018
ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash	The standard provides guidance on the presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. See Note 16, "Financial Instruments."	January 1, 2018
ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business	The standard provides a new framework to use when determining if a set of assets and activities is a business. The effects of adoption were not significant.	January 1, 2018
ASU 2017-05, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets	The standard provides guidance for recognizing gains and losses on nonfinancial assets (including land, buildings and intangible assets) to noncustomers. Adoption must coincide with ASU 2014-09. The effects of adoption were not significant.	January 1, 2018
ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	The standard was issued to address the net presentation of the components of net benefit cost. The standard requires that service cost be presented in the same line item as other current employee compensation costs and that the remaining components of net benefit cost be presented in a separate line item outside of any subtotal for income from operations. See Note 8, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans."	January 1, 2018
ASU 2017-09, Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting	The standard provides guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice when accounting for a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. The effects of adoption were not significant.	January 1, 2018
ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities	The standard contains changes intended to better portray the economic results of hedging activities, as well as targeted improvements to simplify hedge accounting. The Company elected to early adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018. See Note 16, "Financial Instruments."	January 1, 2018 (early adopted)
ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118	The standard provides guidance for companies that may not have completed their accounting for the income tax effects of the Act in the period of enactment. See Note 11, "Income Taxes."	January 1, 2018

Standards Effective After 2018

The Company has considered the ASUs summarized below, effective after 2018, which could significantly impact its financial statements:

The Company has considered the ASUs summarized below, effective after 2018, none of which are expected to significantly impact its financial statements:



Standards Pending Adoption	Description	Effective Date
ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The new standard allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, "stranded" tax effects resulting from the Act.	January 1, 2019
ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The standard changes the impairment model for most financial instruments to an "expected loss" model. The new model will generally result in earlier recognition of credit losses.	January 1, 2020
ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	The standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments and allows a goodwill impairment charge to be based on the amount of a reporting unit's carrying value in excess of its fair value. This eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill or what is known as "Step 2" under the current guidance.	January 1, 2020

Standards Pending Adoption

Description

Anticipated Impact

Effective Date

ASU 2016-02 and 2018-01, Leases

The standard requires that a lessee recognize on its balance sheet right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities resulting from leasing transactions, as well as additional financial statement disclosures. Currently, GAAP only requires balance sheet recognition for leases classified as capital leases. The provisions of this update apply to substantially all leased assets.

The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update. For additional information on the Company’s operating lease commitments, see Note 11, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

January 1, 2019