XML 34 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stoneridge, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company analyzes its ownership interests in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810 (Consolidations) to determine whether they are VIE’s and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary.  

 

The Company’s investment in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”) at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was determined to be an unconsolidated entity and was accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on our 49% noncontrolling interest.

 

On December 31, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of an additional 24% controlling interest in PST Eletrônica Ltda. (“PST”) increasing its ownership to 74% of the outstanding equity of PST.  As a result, PST became a consolidated subsidiary and its results of operations were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

 

During the second quarter of 2014, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to divest its Wiring business including substantially all of its assets and liabilities. The sale was completed on August 1, 2014. The Wiring business has been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Wiring business is excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. All previously reported financial information has been revised to conform to the current presentation. The Wiring business designed and manufactured wiring harness products and assembled instruments panels for sale principally to the commercial, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including certain self-insured risks and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because actual results could differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are actively traded money market funds with short-term investments in marketable securities, primarily U.S. government securities. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the highly liquid nature and short-term duration of the underlying securities.

 

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Revenues are principally generated from the automotive, commercial, motorcycle, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets.  The Company’s largest customers were Ford Motor Company and Scania Group, primarily related to the Control Devices and Electronics reportable segments, respectively, and accounted for the following percentages of consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014 

 

2013 

 

2012 

Ford Motor Company

 

11 

%

 

10 

%

 

%

Scania Group

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice price, net of an estimate of allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected.  Additionally, the Company reviews historical trends for collectability in determining an estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts.  If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount.  The Company does not have collateral requirements with its customers.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (using either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods) or market.  The Company evaluates and adjusts as necessary its excess and obsolescence reserve on a quarterly basis.  Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period.  The Company has guidelines for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on hand compared to anticipated sales or usage.  Management uses its judgment to forecast sales or usage and to determine what constitutes a reasonable period.  Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

 

2014 

 

2013 

Raw materials

 

$

41,767 

$

47,099 

Work-in-progress

 

 

8,779 

 

10,622 

Finished goods

 

 

20,707 

 

21,807 

Total inventories, net

 

$

71,253 

$

79,528 

 

Inventory valued using the FIFO method was $34,636 and $33,220 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Inventory valued using the average cost method was $36,617 and $46,308 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Pre-production Costs Related to Long-term Supply Arrangements

 

Engineering, research and development and other design and development costs for products sold on long-term supply arrangements are expensed as incurred unless the Company has a contractual guarantee for reimbursement from the customer.  Costs for molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold on long-term supply arrangements for which the Company either has title to the assets or has the noncancelable right to use the assets during the term of the supply arrangement are capitalized in property, plant and equipment and amortized to cost of sales over the shorter of the term of the arrangement or over the estimated useful lives of the assets, typically three to five years.  Costs for molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold on long-term supply arrangements for which the Company has a contractual guarantee to a lump sum reimbursement from the customer are capitalized as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets within the consolidated balance sheets.  The amounts recorded related to these pre-production costs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $10,067 and $11,584 respectively.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Wiring Business

 

On May 26, 2014, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the former Wiring segment to Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd., an India-based manufacturer of diversified products for the global automotive industry and a limited company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of India, and MSSL (GB) LIMITED, a limited company incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom (collectively, “Motherson”), for $65,700 in cash and the assumption of certain related liabilities of the Wiring business.

 

On August 1, 2014, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its Wiring business to Motherson for $71,386 in cash that consisted of the stated purchase price and estimated working capital on the closing date. The final purchase price is subject to post-closing working capital and other adjustments, which impacts the loss on disposal recorded in discontinued operations. The disputed items regarding the working capital and other adjustments that have not been amicably resolved between the Company and Motherson are being determined by an independent accountant in accordance with the asset purchase agreement.

 

The Company recorded a loss on disposal, net of tax of $8,576 for the year ended December 31, 2014 which included the recognition of previously deferred foreign currency translation of $2,734, income tax on the sale of Wiring’s Mexican businesses of $1,621 and transaction costs of $1,384.  The loss on disposal increased by $795 from the previously reported amount as of September 30, 2014 primarily due to adjustments related to working capital and other adjustments as well as additional transaction costs.

 

The Company also entered into short-term transition services agreements with Motherson expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2015 associated with information systems, accounting, administrative, occupancy and support services as well as contract manufacturing and production support in Estonia.

 

The Company’s Electronics segment had post-disposition sales (August 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014) to the Wiring business acquired by Motherson of $12,230 for the five months ended December 31, 2014. Post-disposition purchases by the Company’s Electronics segment from the Wiring business acquired by Motherson were $269 for the five months ended December 31, 2014.

 

The following tables display summarized activity in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for discontinued operations during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, related to the Wiring business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31

 

 

 

2014 (A)

 

2013 

 

2012 

Net sales

 

 

$

167,434 

$

288,344 

$

326,047 

Cost of goods sold (C)

 

 

 

154,787 

 

268,278 

 

286,670 

Selling, general and administrative (C)

 

 

 

12,697 

 

22,765 

 

30,553 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

69 

 

250 

 

164 

Other expense (income), net

 

 

 

(58)

 

(357)

 

289 

Income (loss) from operations of discontinued

 

 

 

 

operations before income taxes (C) (D)

 

 

 

(61)

 

(2,592)

 

8,371 

Income tax provision on discontinued operations

(750)

 

(1,429)

 

(845)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

(811)

 

(4,021)

 

7,526 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal (B)

 

 

 

(6,955)

 

 -

 

 -

Income tax provision on loss on disposal

 

 

 

(1,621)

 

 -

 

 -

Loss on disposal, net of tax

 

 

 

(8,576)

 

 -

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

$

(9,387)

$

(4,021)

$

7,526 

 

 

(A)

The operations of the Wiring business were presented only for the seven months ended July 31, 2014 as the sale was

completed on August 1, 2014.

 

 

(B)

Included in loss on disposal for the year ended December 31, 2014 were transaction costs of $1,384 and $2,734 in previously

deferred foreign currency translation.

 

 

(C)

The assets and liabilities of the Wiring business were reclassified as held for sale effective May 26, 2014. Accordingly,

depreciation and amortization for the related Wiring assets were not recorded after that date.

 

 

(D)

    Management fees, which had been reported in the Wiring business in prior periods, of $7,482 and $8,659 for the years ended

     December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, have been excluded as they are not directly attributable to the business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31

 

 

 

2014 

 

2013 

 

2012 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

$

2,111 

$

4,978 

$

5,054 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

1,238 

 

3,768 

 

3,443 

 

Intercompany sales to Wiring were $17,448,  $25,353 and $30,857 for the periods ended July 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

Intercompany purchases from Wiring were $4,025,  $7,593 and $5,670 for the periods ended July 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

The following table displays a summary of the Wiring assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 31, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, less reserves

 

 

$

31,287 

Inventories, net

 

 

 

34,530 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

1,786 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

24,549 

Goodwill

 

 

 

4,173 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

 

344 

Other assets

 

 

 

300 

Current assets of discontinued operations

 

 

$

96,969 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

27,413 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

 

9,341 

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

$

36,754 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net assets of discontinued operations

 

 

$

60,215 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

 

2014 

 

2013 

Land and land improvements

 

$

4,036 

$

4,236 

Buildings and improvements

 

 

34,517 

 

35,804 

Machinery and equipment

 

 

154,204 

 

155,790 

Office furniture and fixtures

 

 

6,247 

 

7,147 

Tooling

 

 

67,135 

 

70,050 

Information technology

 

 

22,132 

 

22,589 

Vehicles

 

 

65 

 

303 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

2,207 

 

2,242 

Construction in progress

 

 

16,933 

 

10,566 

  Total property, plant, and equipment

 

 

307,476 

 

308,727 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

(222,165)

 

(222,404)

  Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

85,311 

$

86,323 

 

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $22,299,  $24,099 and $23,674, respectively. Depreciable lives within each property classification are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings and improvements

 

 

10-40 years

Machinery and equipment

 

 

3-10 years

Office furniture and fixtures

 

 

3-10 years

Tooling

 

 

2-5 years

Information technology

 

 

3-5 years

Vehicles

 

 

3-5 years

Leasehold improvements

shorter of lease term or 3-10 years

 

Maintenance and repair expenditures that are not considered improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property, plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred.  Expenditures for improvements and major renewals are capitalized.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss on the disposition is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived or Finite-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.  Factors the Company considers important that could trigger testing of the related asset groups for an impairment include current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses, significant adverse changes in the business climate within a particular business or current expectations that a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.  To test for impairment, the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use and disposal of the asset or asset group is compared to its carrying value.  An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the group of assets that are largely independent of cash flows of other assets.  If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify projected cash flows.  If these undiscounted cash flows are less than their respective carrying values, an impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying values exceed estimated fair values.  The estimation of undiscounted cash flows and fair value requires us to make assumptions regarding future operating results.  The results of the impairment testing are dependent on these estimates which require judgment.  The occurrence of certain events, including changes in economic and competitive conditions, could impact cash flows eventually realized and management’s ability to accurately assess whether an asset is impaired.

 

Due to the impairment of the PST goodwill in 2014, the Company performed an evaluation of PST’s long-lived assets and concluded that there was no impairment resulting from the lower forecasted undiscounted future cash flows.

 

There we no material impairment charges recorded for long-lived or finite-lived intangible assets in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

The total purchase price associated with acquisitions is allocated to the acquisition date fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the excess purchase price assigned to goodwill.  Goodwill is subject to an annual assessment for impairment (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) by applying a fair value-based test. 

 

The Company recorded goodwill related to the acquisition of controlling interest in PST in 2011, all of which was deemed to be impaired in 2014.  The remaining goodwill balance at December 31, 2014 relates to the acquisition of two European aftermarket distributors, which is included within the Electronics segment.

 

Goodwill and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years then ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronics

 

Devices

 

PST

 

Total

Balance at January 1, 2013

$

598 

$

 -

$

61,610 

$

62,208 

Currency translation

 

 

 -

 

(7,866)

 

(7,860)

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

604 

 

 -

$

53,744 

$

54,348 

Acquisition of aftermarket business

 

664 

 

 -

 

 -

 

664 

Goodwill impairment

 

 -

 

 -

 

(51,458)

 

(51,458)

Currency translation

 

(190)

 

 -

 

(2,286)

 

(2,476)

Balance at December 31, 2014

$

1,078 

$

 -

$

 -

$

1,078 

 

The Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test for its majority owned subsidiary, PST Eletrônica Ltda. (“PST”) on October 1, 2013 without a need to expand the impairment test to “step two” of ASC 350 as PST’s calculated fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 10% and no indicators of impairment were identified as disclosed in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K.

 

During the second quarter of 2014, however, indicators of potential impairment required the Company to conduct an interim impairment test. Those indicators included a decline in recent operating results and lower growth expectations primarily due to the weakening of the Brazilian economy and automotive market. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company completed “step one” of the impairment analysis and concluded that, as of June 30, 2014, the fair value of the PST reportable segment was below its carrying value, including goodwill. As a result, “step two” of the impairment test was initiated in accordance with ASC 350. The Company recorded its best estimate of $29,300 as a non-cash goodwill impairment charge (of which $6,436 was attributable to noncontrolling interest) as of June 30, 2014. Based on the Company’s completed “step two” analysis in the third quarter of 2014, the final goodwill impairment as of June 30, 2014 was $23,498 (of which $5,162 was attributable to noncontrolling interest). As such, the Company recorded an adjustment to reduce the goodwill impairment by $5,802 (of which $1,274 was attributable to noncontrolling interest) as of September 30, 2014.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test for PST and completed “step one” of the impairment test concluding that as of October 1, 2014 the fair value of the PST reportable segment was less than its carrying value, including goodwill.  PST’s fair value decreased further due to significantly lower sales and earnings growth expectations which were a result of lower forecasted growth in the Brazilian economy and automotive market and a forecasted decline in currency exchange rates thereby increasing PST’s material costs.  Based on the completed “step two” analysis, a goodwill impairment charge of $27,960 (of which $6,142 was attributable to noncontrolling interest) was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 which represented all of the remaining PST goodwill.  The aggregate goodwill impairment for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $51,458 (of which $11,304 was attributable to noncontrolling interest).

 

The fair value measurement of the reporting unit under the “step one” analysis and the “step two” analysis (a non-recurring fair value measure) in their entirety are classified as Level 3 inputs. The estimates and assumptions underlying the fair value calculations used in the Company's impairment test are uncertain by their nature and can vary significantly from actual results. Factors that management must estimate include, but are not limited to, industry and market conditions, sales volume and pricing, raw material costs, capital expenditures, working capital changes, cost of capital, debt-equity mix and tax rates. The estimates and assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are sales volume and the associated cash flow assumptions, market growth and weighted average cost of capital. The estimates and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning.

 

The “step two” of the PST goodwill impairment test utilized the following methodologies in determining fair value. Buildings and machinery were valued at an estimated replacement cost for an asset of comparable age and condition. PST finite lived identified intangible assets are customer relationships, tradenames and technology. Customer relationships were valued using an excess earnings method, using various inputs such as the estimated customer attrition rate, future earnings forecast, the amount of contributory asset charges, and a discount rate. Tradenames and technology intangibles are valued using a relief from royalty method, which is based upon comparable market royalty rates for tradenames of similar value. Other working capital items are generally recorded at carrying value, unless there were known conditions that would impact the ultimate settlement amount of a particular item.

 

The Company’s accumulated goodwill impairment loss was $300,083 and $248,625 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In addition to PST’s 2014 goodwill impairment, the accumulated goodwill impairment loss includes the goodwill impairment recorded by the Company’s Control Devices segment in 2008 and 2004.

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets, net at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

Accumulated

 

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

cost

 

amortization

 

Net

Customer lists

$

33,686 

$

(6,687)

$

26,999 

Tradenames

 

22,224 

 

(3,338)

 

18,886 

Technology

 

13,327 

 

(2,575)

 

10,752 

Other

 

50 

 

(50)

 

 -

Total

$

69,287 

$

(12,650)

$

56,637 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition

 

Accumulated

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

cost

 

amortization

 

Net

Customer lists

$

37,736 

$

(5,031)

$

32,705 

Tradenames

 

25,143 

 

(2,514)

 

22,629 

Technology

 

15,111 

 

(1,947)

 

13,164 

Other

 

57 

 

(57)

 

 -

Total

$

78,047 

$

(9,549)

$

68,498 

 

Other intangible assets, net at December 31, 2014 include customer lists, tradenames and technology of $26,625,  $18,848 and $10,752, respectively, related to the PST segment with the remaining amounts related to the Electronics segment.

 

The Company recognized $4,784,  $5,187 and $5,731 of amortization expense in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Amortization expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statements of operations.  Annual amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $4,500 for the years 2015 through 2020.  The weighted-average remaining amortization period is approximately 14 years.

 

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

2014 

 

2013 

Compensation related liabilities

$

17,431 

$

19,054 

Product warranty and recall obligations

 

6,397 

 

5,395 

Other (A)

 

18,238 

 

22,861 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

$

42,066 

$

47,310 

 

(A)“Other” is comprised of miscellaneous accruals, none of which contributed a significant portion of the total.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that these assets are more likely than not to be realized (See Note 5).  In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations.  Reversal of some or all of the U.S. valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense for the period the reversal is recorded.

 

The Company's policy is to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2014, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits (see Note 5). To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

 

Currency Translation

 

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for the results of operations.  Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. 

 

Foreign currency transactions are remeasured into the functional currency using translation rates in effect at the time of the transaction with the resulting adjustments included on the consolidated statements of operations within other expense, net.  These foreign currency transaction losses, including the impact of hedging activities, were $1,212,  $2,109 and $3,979 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments

 

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns, at the point of passage of title, which is either at the time of shipment or upon customer receipt based upon the terms of the sale.  The Company collects certain taxes and fees on behalf of government agencies and remits such collections on a periodic basis.  The taxes are collected from customers but are not included in net sales. Estimated returns are based on historical authorized returns.  The Company often enters into agreements with its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life.  Once such agreements are entered into, it is the Company’s obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle.  These agreements are subject to potential renegotiation from time to time, which may affect product pricing.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Product Warranty and Recall Reserves

 

Amounts accrued for product warranty and recall claims are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates.  These accruals are based on several factors including past experience, production changes, industry developments and various other considerations.  The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to defend or settle such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what the Company may recover from its suppliers.  The current portion of the product warranty and recall reserve is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.  Product warranty and recall includes $1,204 and $1,019 of a long-term liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included as a component of other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The following provides a reconciliation of changes in the product warranty and recall reserve:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31

 

2014 

 

2013 

Product warranty and recall at beginning of period

$

6,414 

$

5,651 

Accruals for products shipped during period

 

4,484 

 

4,760 

Aggregate changes in pre-existing liabilities due to claim developments

 

692 

 

2,010 

Settlements made during the period

 

(3,989)

 

(6,007)

Product warranty and recall at end of period

$

7,601 

$

6,414 

 

Design and Development Costs

Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred and are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as a separate component of costs and expenses.  These product development costs amounted to $41,609,  $40,372 and $38,945 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, or 6.3%,  6.1% and 6.4% of net sales for these respective periods.    

 

Research and Development Activities

 

The Company enters into research and development contracts with certain customers, which generally provide for reimbursement of costs.  The Company incurred and was reimbursed for contracted research and development costs of $12,319,  $16,982 and $16,369 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

At December 31, 2014, the Company had two types of share-based compensation plans: (1) Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, for employees and (2) the Amended Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan, for non-employee directors. The Long-Term Incentive Plan is made up of the Long-Term Incentive Plan that was approved by the Company's shareholders on September 30, 1997, which expired on June 30, 2007, and the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, that was approved by shareholders on May 17, 2010, and expires on April 24, 2016. 

 

Total compensation expense recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $5,406,  $4,974 and $4,890 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Of these amounts, $243,  $155 and $47 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were related to the Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan “Phantom Shares” discussed in Note 8.  There was no share-based compensation expense capitalized in inventory during 2014, 2013 or 2012. 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt, an interest rate swap, fixed price commodity contracts and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  See Note 9 for fair value disclosures of the Company’s financial instruments.

 

Common Shares Held in Treasury

 

The Company accounts for Common Shares held in treasury under the cost method and includes such shares as a reduction of total shareholders’ equity.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share was calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive Common Shares that were outstanding during the periods presented.  However, for all periods in which the Company recognized a net loss from continuing operations, the Company did not recognize the effect of the potential dilutive securities as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

Actual weighted-average Common Shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31

 

2014 

 

2013 

 

2012 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

 

26,923,809 

 

26,670,501 

 

26,377,352 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

-

 

522,984 

 

 -

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

 

26,923,809 

 

27,193,485 

 

26,377,352 

 

There were no outstanding options at December 31, 2014. Options not included in the computation of diluted net income per share to purchase 20,000 and 59,000 Common Shares at an average price of $15.73 and $12.20 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  These outstanding options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average closing market price of Company Common Shares and the effect would be anti-dilutive. 

 

There were 466,650,  663,750 and 635,850 performance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were also 374,400 performance-based right to receive Common Shares outstanding at December 31, 2014. These restricted and right to receive Common Shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012 as the Company had a net loss from continuing operations for 2014 and 2012, and as such they would be anti-dilutive. These performance-based shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 because all performance-based vesting conditions were not achieved.  Certain of these shares may be dilutive based on the Company’s ability to achieve future performance targets.

 

Deferred Finance Costs

 

Deferred finance costs are amortized over the life of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.  The 2.5% discount to the initial purchasers of the Company’s senior secured notes was accreted using the effective interest rate of 10.0% through October 18, 2014, the date the senior notes were redeemed. During 2014, the Company redeemed the senior secured notes resulting in the acceleration of the remaining deferred financing costs of $597 which were included in loss on early extinguishment of debt in the statement of operations in 2014. Deferred finance cost amortization and debt discount accretion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $850,  $908 and $855, respectively, and is included as a component of interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred financing costs, net were $1,767 and $1,168, respectively and were included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net. 

 

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

Unrealized

 

Benefit

 

 

 

 

currency

 

gain (loss)

 

plan

 

 

 

 

translation

 

on derivatives

 

liability

 

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

(30,335)

$

(111)

$

(12)

$

(30,458)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

(18,002)

 

(454)

 

 -

 

(18,456)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive loss

 

2,734 

 

566 

 

141 

 

3,441 

Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(15,268)

 

112 

 

141 

 

(15,015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

$

(45,603)

$

$

129 

$

(45,473)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2013

$

(12,410)

$

2,140 

$

(12)

$

(10,282)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

(17,925)

 

(325)

 

 -

 

(18,250)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive loss

 

 -

 

(1,926)

 

 -

 

(1,926)

Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

(17,925)

 

(2,251)

 

 -

 

(20,176)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

(30,335)

$

(111)

$

(12)

$

(30,458)

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2014

In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting standard update (“ASU”) 2015 – 01 “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)” that eliminates the concept of extraordinary items and their segregation from the results of ordinary operations and expands presentation and disclosure guidance to include items that are both unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company will adopt as of January 1, 2016.  The new accounting standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014 – 12 “Stock Compensation - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” that requires performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award.  The new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company will adopt as of January 1, 2016 which is not expected to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements or financial statement disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which is the new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this principle, an entity identifies the contract with a customer, identifies the separate performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and recognizes revenue when each separate performance obligation is satisfied.  This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted.  As such, the Company will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360)”, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued-operations criteria. The new standard changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. This ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this ASU in May 2014 and has applied it prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale including the Wiring business.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)”, which requires entities to present in the financial statements an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except to the extent such items are not available or not intended to be used at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. In such instances, the unrecognized tax benefit is required to be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not be combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2014 which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.