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Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Background Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (“VPG” or the “Company”) is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of sensors, and sensor-based measurement systems, as well as specialty resistors and strain gages based upon the Company's proprietary technology. The Company provides precision products and solutions, many of which are “designed-in” by its customers, specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the individual entities in which the Company maintained a controlling financial interest. For those subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All transactions, accounts, and profits between individual members comprising the Company have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, which generally occurs with the transfer of control of our products. For certain contracts with post-shipment obligations, revenue is recognized when the post-shipment obligation is satisfied. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing post-shipment obligations. Sales, value add and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Given the specialized nature of the Company's products, the Company generally does not allow product returns. Shipping and handling costs are recorded to Costs of product sold when control of the product has transferred to the customer. The Company offers standard product warranties. Warranty related costs continue to be recognized as expense when the products are sold. Research and Development Expenses Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amount charged to expense for research and development was $11.8 million, $11.7 million, and $11.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes such assets will "more likely than not" be realized. In making this determination, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, including historic earnings, projected future income, and cost-effective tax-planning strategies. When the Company determines that its ability to realize deferred tax assets is not "more likely than not", the Company adjusts its deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which increases income tax expense. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which the Company first determines whether it is "more likely than not" that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and then measures those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheets. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued SAB 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have all the necessary information available to prepare and analyze the accounting treatment for the proper recognition of the tax impact of the 2017 Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118 guidance, the Company had recorded the provisional tax impacts related to the deemed distribution of foreign earnings and the expense for the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. In accordance with SAB 118, the financial reporting impact of the 2017 Tax Act was completed in the fourth quarter of 2018 resulting in a net increase in tax expense of $0.8 million. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than three months are classified as short-term investments. There were no investments classified as short-term investments at December 31, 2018 or 2017. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.5 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Bad debt expense was $0.0 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market based on net realizable value. Inventories are adjusted for estimated excess and obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is carried at cost and is depreciated principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Machinery and equipment are being depreciated over useful lives of seven to ten years. Buildings and building improvements are being depreciated over useful lives of twenty to forty years or the lease term. Software is being depreciated over useful lives of three to five years. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are placed in service. Depreciation expense was $8.9 million, $8.7 million, and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, which included software depreciation expense of $0.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Business Combinations The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired company, including when applicable, the fair value of contingent consideration between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired businesses based on estimated fair values, with any residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. Third party appraisal firms and other consultants are engaged to assist management in determining the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Estimating fair values requires significant judgments, estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to: discount rates, future cash flows and the economic lives of trade names, technology, customer relationships, property, plant and equipment, as well as income taxes. These estimates are based on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies, and are inherently uncertain. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived trademarks are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is "more likely than not" impairment may have been incurred. We have the option 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 if it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. However, if we conclude otherwise, then we are required to perform the quantitative impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it against its carrying amount. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units by considering both an income approach and a market approach to valuation. The income approach to valuation uses our estimates of the future cash flows of the reporting unit discounted to their net present value using a discount rate determined using the capital asset pricing model and adjusted for the forecast risk inherent in our projections of future cash flows. The income approach to valuation is dependent on inputs from management such as expected revenue growth, profitability, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements. The market approach to valuation uses the market capitalization of public companies similar to the reporting unit to calculate an implied EBITDA multiple, and we apply that calculated EBITDA multiple to the expected EBITDA of the reporting unit to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit, after consideration of appropriate control premiums. We weigh the results of the income approach and the market approach to arrive at the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is required and no impairment loss is recognized. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the reporting unit fair value. The Company's required goodwill annual impairment test is completed as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter each year. As more fully described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the 2018 annual impairment test resulted in an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2018. The 2017 and 2016 annual impairment tests resulted in no impairment. The indefinite-lived trade names are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the fair value based on current revenue projections of the related operations, under the relief from royalty method. Any excess carrying value over the applicable fair value is recognized as impairment. Any impairment would be recognized in the reporting period in which it has been identified. As more fully described in Note 4, the 2018 annual impairment test resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2018. The 2017 and 2016 annual impairment tests resulted in no impairment. Definite-lived intangible assets, such as customer relationships, patents and acquired technology, non-competition agreements, and certain trade names are amortized on a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Patents and acquired technology are being amortized over useful lives of seven to twenty years. Customer relationships are being amortized over useful lives of five to fifteen years. Trade names are being amortized over useful lives of seven to ten years. Non-competition agreements are being amortized over periods of five to ten years. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. Additionally, the Company reviews the carrying values of these assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets held-and-used, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group. Fair market value is determined primarily using present value techniques based on projected cash flows from the asset group. Losses on long-lived assets held-for-sale, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for disposal costs. Foreign Currency Translation The Company has significant operations outside of the United States. The Company's operations in Europe, Canada, and certain locations in Asia primarily generate and expend cash in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. The Company’s operations in Israel and certain locations in Asia primarily generate cash in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Translation adjustments do not impact the consolidated statements of operations and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the statement of comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Share-Based Compensation Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an officer, employee, or non-employee director provides service in exchange for the award. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. For performance based awards, the Company recognizes compensation cost for awards that are expected to vest based on whether performance criteria are expected to be met. For options and restricted stock units subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes expense over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was comprised of multiple awards. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation. Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment and/or remediation can be reasonably estimated. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and modified the standard thereafter. The objective of the ASU is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. The basis of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” This ASU is intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash receipts and payments within the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.” This ASU requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The income tax consequences from the sale of inventory from one member of the consolidated entity to another will continue to be deferred until the inventory is sold to a third party. The Company’s adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 resulted in a $0.2 million cumulative effect adjustment to the 2018 beginning retained earnings. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” This ASU provides a more robust framework to determine when a set of assets and activities constitutes a business. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (second step) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Under the guidance, an impairment charge will be measured based on the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (first step). The Company early adopted this standard effective September 30, 2018, the date of the Company's annual impairment test for 2018. The Company's annual goodwill impairment test resulted in an impairment charge of $2.5 million utilizing the guidance in this ASU. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." This ASU requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs. All other components of the net periodic benefit cost are presented outside of operating income. The Company adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2018 and recorded the non-service cost component of $1.7 million to Other income (expense) - other for the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, the non-service cost component of $0.9 million and $0.6 million was reclassified from Operating income to Other income (expense) - other for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Scope of Modification Accounting." This ASU clarifies which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award will require modification accounting. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." This ASU amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit and pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820)." This ASU modifies the disclosures on fair value measurements by removing the requirements to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the policy for timing of such transfers. The ASU expands the disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, primarily focused on changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("2017 Tax Act") related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the 2017 Tax Act is recognized in the period of adoption. The Company must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including the period during which the 2017 Tax Act was enacted. The guidance, when adopted, will require new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in AOCI and permit the company the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Act that are stranded in AOCI. The Company is evaluating the standard to determine the impact on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” a comprehensive new lease standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of this ASU will require lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. The ASU is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company anticipates the adoption of the new standard will result in establishing approximately $10.5 million to $11.5 million of lease assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to its consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows.

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