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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Reportable Segments Reportable SegmentsThe Company has two reportable segments: (1) Towable and (2) Motorhome. The Towable segment includes all products which are not motorized and are generally towed by another vehicle. The Motorhome segment includes products that include a motorized chassis as well as other related manufactured products. Certain corporate administration expenses and non-operating income and expense are recorded in a Corporate / All Other category.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for Fiscal 2020 include the parent company and the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions with our subsidiaries have been eliminated.
Fiscal Period
Fiscal Period

The Company follows a 52-/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Saturday in August. Fiscal 2020 is a 52-week year, Fiscal 2019 was a 53-week year, and 2018 was a 52-week year. The extra (53rd) week in Fiscal 2019 was recognized in our fourth quarter.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include all investments with original maturities of three months or less or which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are not legally restricted. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the investments. Accounts at each banking institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000, while the remaining balances are uninsured.
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging ActivitiesThe Company used derivative instruments to hedge their floating interest rate exposure. Derivative instruments were accounted for at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. These derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Changes in fair value, for the effective portion of qualifying hedges, were recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company reviewed the effectiveness of the hedging instruments on a quarterly basis, recognized current year hedge ineffectiveness and the impact of the termination of the underlying instrument immediately in earnings, and discontinued hedge accounting for any hedge that was no longer considered to be highly effective.
Receivables
Receivables

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from the Company's dealer network for RVs and boats sold.
The Company establishes allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical loss experience and any specific customer collection issues identified. Additional amounts are provided through charges to income as the Company deems necessary, after evaluation of receivables and current economic conditions. Amounts which are considered to be uncollectible are written off, and recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the allowance upon recovery.
Inventories
Inventories

Generally, inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, valued using the First-in, First-out basis ("FIFO"), except for the Company's Winnebago Motorhome operating segment, which is valued using the Last-in, First-out ("LIFO") basis. Manufacturing cost includes materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. Unallocated overhead and abnormal costs are expensed as incurred.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment

Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method on the cost of the assets, less allowance for salvage value where appropriate, at rates based upon their estimated service lives as follows:
Asset ClassAsset Life
Buildings
10-30 years
Machinery and equipment
3-15 years
Software
5-10 years
Transportation equipment
5-6 years
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually in the fourth quarter of each year and is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amounts may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level and all goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit. The Company's reporting units are the same as the operating segments as defined in Note 3, Business Segments.

Companies have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is “more likely than not” less than its carrying amount. If it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, companies then perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company performs the quantitative test, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared to an estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value to identify impairment. The estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value is determined by weighting a discounted cash flow model and a market-related model using current industry information that involve significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). In determining the estimated future cash flow, the Company considers and applies certain estimates and judgments, including current and projected future levels of income based on management plans, business trends, prospects, market and economic conditions, and market-participant considerations. If the Company fails the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment, an impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value will be recognized.

Trade names

The Company has indefinite-lived intangible assets for trade names related to Newmar within the Motorhome segment, Grand Design within the Towable segment, and to Chris-Craft within the Corporate / All Other category. Annually in the fourth quarter, or if conditions indicate an interim review is necessary, the Company assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company performs a quantitative test, the relief from royalty method is used to determine the fair value of the trade name. This method uses assumptions, which require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. If the Company concludes that there has been impairment, the asset's carrying value will be written down to its fair value.
During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company completed the annual impairment tests. The Company elected to rely on a qualitative assessment for the Grand Design business, and performed the quantitative analysis for the Chris-Craft and Newmar businesses.
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets, primarily the dealer network, are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows. The impairment test involves comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows generated by that asset. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. In the event the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows generated by that asset and the carrying amount is not considered recoverable, an impairment exists. An impairment loss is
measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value and is recognized in the statement of income in the period that the impairment occurs. The reasonableness of the useful lives of the asset and other long-lived assets is regularly evaluated.
Self-Insurance
Self-Insurance

Generally, the Company self-insures for a portion of product liability claims, workers' compensation, and health insurance. Under these plans, liabilities are recognized for claims incurred, including those incurred but not reported. The Company uses third party administrators and actuaries using historical claims experience and various state statutes to assist in the determination of the accrued liability balance. The Company has a $50.0 million insurance policy that includes a self-insured retention for product liability of $1.0 million per occurrence and $2.0 million in aggregate per policy year. The Company's self-insured health insurance policy includes an individual retention of $0.3 million per occurrence and an aggregate retention of 125% of expected annual claims. The Company maintains excess liability insurance with outside insurance carriers to minimize the risks related to catastrophic claims in excess of self-insured positions for product liability, health insurance, and personal injury matters. Any material change in the aforementioned factors could have an adverse impact on operating results. Balances are included within Accrued expenses: Self-insurance on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income Taxes Income TaxesIn preparing these financial statements, the Company is required to estimate the income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating the current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the balance sheet. The Company then assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. To the extent the Company establishes a valuation allowance or changes this allowance in a period, an expense or a benefit is included within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Legal
Legal

Litigation expense, including estimated defense costs, is recorded when probable and reasonably estimable.
Revenue Recognition Revenue RecognitionThe Company's primary source of revenue is generated through the sale of non-motorized towable units, motorized units, and marine units to the Company's independent dealer network (customers). Unit revenue is recognized at a point-in-time when the performance obligation is satisfied, which generally occurs when the unit is shipped to or picked-up from the manufacturing facilities by the customer. The Company's payment terms are typically before or on delivery, and do not include a significant financing component. The amount of consideration received and recorded to revenue varies with changes in marketing incentives and offers to customers. These marketing incentives and offers to customers are considered variable consideration. The Company adjusts the estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration expected to be received changes or when the consideration becomes fixed.The Company generates all operating revenue from contracts with customers. The Company's primary source of revenue is generated through the sale of manufactured motorized units, non-motorized towable units, and marine units to the Company's independent dealer network (customers). The Company also generates income through the sale of certain parts and services, acting as the principal in these arrangements. The revenue standard requirements are applied to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics for transactions where it is expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying the revenue recognition guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the transaction price consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Control refers to the ability of the customer to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of, the remaining benefits from the goods or services. The Company's transaction price consideration is fixed, unless otherwise disclosed below as variable consideration. The Company made an accounting policy election to exclude from revenue sales and usage-based taxes collected.
Unit revenue

Unit revenue is recognized at a point-in-time when control passes, which generally occurs when the unit is shipped to or picked-up from the Company's manufacturing facilities by the customer. The Company's payment terms are typically before or on delivery, and do not include a significant financing component. The amount of consideration received and recorded to revenue varies with changes in marketing incentives and offers to customers. These marketing incentives and offers to customers are considered variable consideration. The Company adjusts the estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration expected to be received changes or when the consideration becomes fixed.

The Company's contracts include some incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract. The Company has made an accounting policy election to not assess whether promised goods or services are performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer. The Company has made an accounting policy election to account for any shipping and handling costs that occur after the transfer of control as a fulfillment cost that is accrued when control is transferred. Warranty obligations associated with the sale of a unit are assurance-type warranties that are a guarantee of the unit’s intended functionality and, therefore, do not represent a distinct performance obligation within the context of the contract. Contract costs incurred related to the sale of manufactured units are expensed at the point-in-time when the related revenue is recognized.

The Company does not have material contract assets or liabilities. The Company establishes allowances for uncollectible receivables based on historical collection trends and write-off history.
Advertising
Advertising

Advertising costs, which consist primarily of literature and trade shows, were $12.5 million, $8.3 million, and $7.4 million in Fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Advertising costs are included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events occurring between the end of the most recent fiscal year and the date the financial statements were issued. There were no material subsequent events except as disclosed in Note 14 Stock-Based Compensation Plans.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as of September 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective basis as of the beginning of the period of adoption. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance with the new standard, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification, and the Company elected the hindsight practical expedient. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of net lease assets and lease liabilities of $33.8 million and $33.4 million, respectively, as of September 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not materially impact the Company's consolidated net earnings and had no impact on the Company's cash flows. See Note 10 Leases for more information regarding our operating and financing leases.

(in thousands)August 31, 2019
As Reported
ASU 2016-02 Adjustment on
September 1, 2019
September 1, 2019
As Adjusted
Assets
Other intangible assets, net256,082 $(1,310)$254,772 
Lease assets— 33,811 33,811 
Total assets$1,104,231 $32,501 $1,136,732 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accrued expenses: Other$13,678 $1,258 $14,936 
Total current liabilities197,744 1,258 199,002 
Lease liabilities— 31,243 31,243 
Total non-current liabilities274,275 31,243 305,518 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity1,104,231 $32,501 $1,136,732 

Also, in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). ASU 2020-06 reduces the number of models used to account for convertible instruments, amends diluted EPS calculations for convertible instruments, and amends the requirements for a contract (or embedded derivative) that is potentially settled in an entity's own shares to be classified in equity. The amendments add certain disclosure requirements to increase transparency and decision-usefulness about a convertible instrument's terms and features. Under the amendment, the Company must use the if-converted method for including convertible instruments in diluted EPS as opposed to the treasury stock method. ASU 2020-06 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021 (the Company's Fiscal 2023). Early adoption is allowed under the standard with either a modified retrospective or full retrospective method. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2023. While it will change the Company's diluted EPS reporting, the extent to which the standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements is uncertain at this time.

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU 2020-04 provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments in this update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. These amendments are not applicable to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and may be applied to contract modifications and hedging relationships from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020.
The Company will adopt this standard when LIBOR is discontinued, and does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of Topic 740. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020 (the Company's Fiscal 2022), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2022, and does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and has since issued additional amendments. ASU 2016-13 will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our Fiscal 2021), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, and does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company accounts for fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measurement, and expands disclosure about fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in nonactive markets;
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
Debt Issuance Costs The Company amortizes debt issuance costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated debt agreement. If early principal payments are made on the Senior Secured Notes, a proportional amount of the unamortized issuance costs is expensed.
Repurchase Commitments
Repurchase Commitments

Generally, manufacturers in the RV, motorhome, and boat industries enter into repurchase agreements with lending institutions which have provided wholesale floorplan financing to dealers. Most dealers are financed on a "floorplan" basis under which a bank or finance company lends the dealer all, or substantially all, of the purchase price, collateralized by a security interest in the units purchased.

The Company's repurchase agreements generally provide that, in the event of default by the dealer on the agreement to pay the lending institution, Winnebago Industries will repurchase the financed merchandise. The terms of these agreements, which generally can last up to 24 months, provide that the Company's liability will be the lesser of remaining principal owed by the dealer to the lending institution, or dealer invoice less periodic reductions based on the time since the date of the original invoice. The Company's liability cannot exceed 100% of the dealer invoice. In certain instances, the Company also repurchases inventory from dealers due to state law or regulatory requirements that govern voluntary or involuntary relationship terminations. Although laws vary from state to state, some states have laws in place that require manufacturers of RVs or boats to repurchase current inventory if a dealership exits the business. The Company's total contingent liability on all repurchase agreements was approximately $798.9 million and $874.9 million at August 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively.

Repurchased sales are not recorded as a revenue transaction, but the net difference between the original repurchase price and the resale price are recorded against the loss reserve, which is a deduction from gross revenue. The Company's loss reserve for repurchase commitments contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding a number of factors. The Company's risk of loss related to these repurchase commitments is significantly reduced by the potential resale value of any products that are subject to repurchase and is spread over numerous dealers and lenders. The aggregate contingent liability related to the Company's repurchase agreements represents all financed dealer inventory at the period reporting date subject to a repurchase agreement, net of the greater of periodic reductions per the agreement or dealer principal payments. Based on these repurchase agreements and the Company's historical loss experience, an associated loss reserve is established which is included in accrued expenses-other on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company's repurchase accrual was $1.0 million and $0.9 million as of August 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively. Repurchase risk is affected by the credit worthiness of the Company's dealer network and it is not believed that there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to establish the loss reserve for repurchase commitments.