Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 26, 2017

Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for Fiscal 2017 include the parent company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions with our subsidiaries have been eliminated.

Fiscal Period [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Period

We follow a 52-/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Saturday in August. The financial statements presented are all 52-week fiscal periods.

Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the US 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 periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of the investments.

Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Disclosures of Financial Instruments

All financial instruments are carried at amounts believed to approximate fair value.

Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We use derivative instruments to hedge our floating interest rate exposure. Derivative instruments are accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. We have designated these derivatives as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Changes in fair value, for the effective portion of qualifying hedges, are recorded in OCI. We review the effectiveness of our hedging instruments on a quarterly basis, recognize current period hedge ineffectiveness immediately in earnings, and discontinue hedge accounting for any hedge that we no longer consider to be highly effective.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical loss experience and any specific customer collection issues identified. Additional amounts are provided through charges to income as we believe 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 [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Substantially, all inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on the LIFO basis. Manufacturing cost includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Unallocated overhead and abnormal costs are expensed as incurred.

Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block]

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 Class	Asset Life
Buildings	10-30 years
Machinery and equipment	3-15 years
Software	3-10 years
Transportation equipment	4-6 years

We review our long-lived depreciable assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. We assess the potential impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. We also reviewed all other long-lived depreciable assets for impairment, noting no impairment.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset

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. Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments and one level below the reporting segment level.

Companies have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is not “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 we perform the quantitative test, we compare the carrying value of the reporting unit 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, we consider and apply certain estimates and judgments, including current and projected future levels of income based on management’s plans, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions and market-participant considerations. If we fail the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment, pursuant to our adoption of FASB ASU No. 2017–04 in Fiscal 2017, we would be required to recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its fair value.

As of August 26, 2017, we had an indefinite-lived intangible asset for the trade name of $148 million related to the Grand Design acquisition. Annually in the fourth quarter, or if conditions indicate an interim review is necessary, we assess 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 we perform a quantitative test, projections regarding estimated discounted future cash flows and other factors are made to determine if impairment has occurred. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. If we conclude that there has been impairment, we will write down the carrying value of the asset to its fair value.

During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2017, we completed our annual impairment tests. We elected not to rely on the qualitative assessment as of the testing date and rather performed the quantitative analysis. We elected to perform this analysis because Grand Design was acquired during Fiscal 2017 and the analysis resulted in setting foundational assumptions to be used to evaluate goodwill and the indefinite-lived trade name asset in the future. The result of the test was that the fair value far exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit and no impairment was indicated.

Other Intangible and Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]

Other Intangible 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. 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 dealer network is amortized over its estimated useful life of 12 years. The reasonableness of the useful lives of this asset and other long-lived assets is regularly evaluated.

There was no impairment loss for the period ended August 26, 2017 for goodwill, indefinite- or definite-lived intangible assets, or long-lived assets.

Debt Issuance Costs [Policy Text Block]

Debt Issuance Costs

We amortize debt issuance costs on a straight-line basis (which is not materially different from an effective interest method) over the term of the associated debt agreement. If early principal payments are made on the Term Loan, a proportional amount of the unamortized issuance costs will be expensed. As of August 26, 2017, we incurred $0.8 million of costs related to our revolving Credit Agreement that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the five year term of the agreement. We also incurred $10.2 million of costs as of August 26, 2017 related to the Term Loan that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the seven year term of the agreement.

Self-Insurance [Policy Text Block]

Self-Insurance

Generally, we self-insure for a portion of product liability claims and workers' compensation. Under these plans, liabilities are recognized for claims incurred, including those incurred but not reported. We determined the liability for product liability and workers' compensation claims with the assistance of a third party administrator and actuary using various state statutes and historical claims experience. We have a $50.0 million insurance policy that includes an SIR for product liability of $2.5 million per occurrence and $6.0 million in aggregate per policy year. We maintain excess liability insurance with outside insurance carriers to minimize our risks related to catastrophic claims in excess of our self-insured positions for product liability and personal injury matters. Any material change in the aforementioned factors could have an adverse impact on our operating results. Our product liability and workers' compensation accrual is included within accrued self-insurance on our balance sheet.

Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

In preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our 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 our balance sheet. We then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change this allowance in a period, we include an expense or a benefit within the tax provision in our Statements of Income.

Legal [Policy Text Block]

Legal

Our accounting policy regarding litigation expense is to accrue for probable and reasonably estimable exposure including estimated defense costs.

Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Generally, revenues for our RVs are recorded when the following conditions are met:


•	an order for a product has been received from a dealer


•	written or verbal approval for payment has been received from the dealer's floorplan financing institution (if applicable)


•	an independent transportation company has accepted responsibility for the product as agent for the dealer; and


•	the product is removed from our property for delivery to the dealer by the agent.

Our shipping terms are FOB shipping point. Products are not sold on consignment, dealers do not have the right to return products, and dealers are typically responsible for interest costs to floor plan lenders.

Delivery Revenues and Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Delivery Revenues and Expenses

Delivery revenues for products delivered are included within net sales, while delivery expenses are included within cost of goods sold.

Concentration of Risk [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Risk

One of our dealer organizations accounted for 10.0%, 13.0% and 15.0% of our net revenue for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016, and Fiscal 2015, respectively. A second dealer organization accounted for 9.9%, 16.6%, and 17.9% of our consolidated net revenue in Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These dealers declined on a relative basis due to the growth of other dealers and due to the addition of Grand Design revenue in Fiscal 2017.

Sales Promotions and Incentives [Policy Text Block]

Sales Promotions and Incentives

We accrue for sales promotions and incentive expenses, which are recognized as a reduction to revenues, at the time of sale to the dealer or when the sales incentive is offered to the dealer or retail customer. Examples of sales promotions and incentive programs include dealer and consumer rebates, volume discounts, retail financing programs and dealer sales associate incentives. Sales promotion and incentive expenses are estimated based upon then current program parameters, such as unit or retail volume and historical rates. Actual results may differ from these estimates if market conditions dictate the need to enhance or reduce sales promotion and incentive programs or if the retail customer usage rate varies from historical trends. Historically, sales promotion and incentive expenses have been within our expectations and differences have not been material.

Repurchase Commitments [Policy Text Block]

Repurchase Commitments

It is customary practice for manufacturers in the RV industry to enter into repurchase agreements with financing institutions that provide financing to their dealers. Our repurchase agreements generally provide that, in the event of a default by a dealer in its obligation to these lenders, we will repurchase vehicles sold to the dealer that have not been resold to retail customers. The terms of these agreements, which can last up to 18 months, provide that our liability will be the lesser of remaining principal owed by the dealer or dealer invoice less periodic reductions based on the time since the date of the original invoice. Our liability cannot exceed 100% of the dealer invoice. In certain instances, we also repurchase inventory from our dealers due to state law or regulatory requirements that govern voluntary or involuntary relationship terminations.

Based on these repurchase agreements and our historical loss experience, we establish an associated loss reserve which is included in "Accrued expenses - Other" on the consolidated balance sheets. 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. Our loss reserve for repurchase commitments contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding a number of factors. See Note 10.

Reporting Segment [Policy Text Block]

Reporting Segment

We have two reportable segments: (1) Motorized products and services and (2) Towable products and services. The Towable segment includes all products which are not motorized and are generally towed by another vehicle. The Motorized segment includes all products that include a motorized chassis as well as other related manufactured products. See Note 3.

Advertising [Policy Text Block]

Advertising

Advertising costs, which consist primarily of literature and trade shows, were $5.7 million, $4.9 million, and $5.5 million in Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Advertising costs are included in selling expense and are expensed as incurred with the exception of trade shows which are expensed in the period in which the show occurs.

Earnings Per Common Share [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of dilutive stock awards and options. See Note 13.

Subsequent Events [Policy Text Block]

Subsequent Events

We evaluated events occurring between the end of our most recent fiscal year and the date the financial statements were issued. There were no material subsequent events, except those described in Note 16.

New Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Topic 835), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. We adopted the standard during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and, accordingly, have presented unamortized debt issuance costs as a direct reduction allocated between Current maturities of long-term debt and Long-term debt, less current maturities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 26, 2017.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments in a business combination. Under the new standard, an acquirer must recognize adjustments to provisional amounts in a business combination in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, rather than retrospectively adjusting the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill as under current guidance. We adopted this standard on August 28, 2016 and have accounted for all adjustments to provisional amounts in accordance with this guidance.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350), which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment change. ASU 2017-04 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (our Fiscal 2021). We early adopted this standard as of the beginning of Fiscal 2017. There was no impact on our consolidated financial statements as there was no impairment indicated.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which establishes a comprehensive new model for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. This model is based on the core principle that revenue should be recognized 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 or services. Entities have the option of using either retrospective transition or a modified approach in applying the new standard. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 (our Fiscal 2019).

We have performed an evaluation which included a review of representative contracts with key customers and the performance obligations contained therein, as well as a review of our commercial terms and practices across each of our segments. Based on our preliminary review, we do not expect adoption to have a material impact but further work to substantiate this preliminary conclusion is underway. We will determine the transition method to apply and the implications of using either the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach after this additional work is concluded.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330), which requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Under this ASU, subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. ASU 2015-11 will become effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (our Fiscal 2018). We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and do not expect adoption to have a material impact.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires an entity to recognize both assets and liabilities arising from financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The new standard is effective retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (our Fiscal 2020), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718), which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for the related income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our Fiscal 2018), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We will be adopting this standard in our forthcoming first quarter of our Fiscal 2018, and we do not expect adoption to have a material impact.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230), which provides guidance for eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our Fiscal 2019), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and do not expect adoption to have a material impact.

In August 2017, the FASB issued 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. ASU 2017-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our Fiscal 2020), including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.