Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 26, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Period

We have a 5-4-4 quarterly accounting cycle with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in August. Fiscal 2023 refers to the fiscal year ended August 26, 2023, Fiscal 2022 refers to the fiscal year ended August 27, 2022, and Fiscal 2021 refers to the fiscal year ended August 28, 2021. The financial statements presented are all 52-week fiscal periods.

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 represent cash, demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are not legally restricted. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

Receivables

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from our dealer network for RVs and boats sold.

We record an allowance using a model to reduce receivables by the expected credit loss and consider factors such as financial condition of the dealer, specific collection issues, current and expected economic conditions, and other factors that may impact our ability to collect. If there is a deterioration of a dealer's financial condition, if we become aware of additional information related to credit worthiness, or if future actual default rates on receivables differ from those currently anticipated, we may adjust the allowance for doubtful accounts, which would affect earnings in the period the adjustments are made.

Inventories

Generally, inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined under the First-in, First-out basis ("FIFO"), except for the Winnebago Motorhome operating segment which is determined using the Last-in, First-out ("LIFO") basis. Manufacturing cost includes materials, labor, and overhead. Unallocated overhead and abnormal costs are expensed as incurred.

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 and improvements	5-30 years
Machinery and equipment	5-8 years
Software	3-10 years
Transportation equipment	5-6 years

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, during the fourth quarter and whenever events occur or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at a reporting unit level and all goodwill is assigned to a reporting unit. Our reporting units are the same as the operating segments as defined in Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of Part II in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We 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 value. If it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, we then perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. We also generally perform a quantitative impairment test of our reporting units at least once every five years. If we perform 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 involves significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). The fair value is determined by a blend of the income approach (discounted future cash flow) and market approach (guideline public company) using current industry information. 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 plans, business trends, prospects, market and economic conditions, and market-participant considerations. If the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment fails, an impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value will be recognized.

During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2023, we completed the annual goodwill impairment analysis. We elected to rely on a qualitative assessment for the Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Barletta, and Lithionics reporting units, and performed a quantitative analysis for the Newmar reporting unit. No impairment was identified for the years ended August 26, 2023, August 27, 2022, or August 28, 2021.

Trade names

We have indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the Newmar trade name within the Motorhome RV segment, the Grand Design trade name within the Towable RV segment, and the Chris-Craft and Barletta trade names within the Marine segment. We also have a finite-lived trade name intangible asset related to Lithionics within Corporate / All Other. Annually in the fourth quarter, or if conditions indicate an interim review is necessary, we test indefinite-lived trade names for impairment. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a trade name is “more likely than not” less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, we then perform the quantitative impairment test. If we perform the quantitative test, the carrying value of the asset is compared to an estimate of its fair value to identify impairment. The fair value is determined by the relief-from-royalty method, which requires significant judgment. Actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts utilized in the analysis. If we conclude an impairment exists, the asset's carrying value will be written down to its fair value.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances such as asset utilization, physical change, legal factors or other matters indicate the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted 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

Generally, we self-insure a portion of health insurance, product liability claims, and workers' compensation. Under these plans, liabilities are recognized for claims incurred, including those incurred but not reported. We use third-party administrators and actuaries who use historical claims experience and various state statutes to assist in the determination of the accrued liability balance. We review the valuations provided by the third-party administrators and actuaries to determine the adequacy of the reserves. We have a $75.0 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. Our self-insured health insurance policy includes an individual retention of $0.5 million per occurrence. We maintain 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 self-insurance (accrued expenses) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

In preparing these financial statements, we are required to estimate the income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. 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 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We then assess 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 we establish a valuation allowance or change this allowance in a period, an expense or a benefit is included within the tax provision on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Legal

Litigation expense, including estimated defense costs, is recorded when probable and reasonably estimable.

Revenue Recognition

Our primary source of revenue is generated through the sale of non-motorized towable RV units, motorhome RV units, and marine units to our independent dealer network (customers). Unit revenue is recognized at a point-in-time when the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer, which generally occurs when the unit is shipped to or picked-up from the manufacturing facilities by the customer. 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. We recognize revenue based on an amount that reflects the transaction price consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Our transaction price consideration is fixed, unless otherwise disclosed as variable consideration. The amount of consideration received and recorded to revenue can vary with changes in marketing incentives and discounts offered to customers. These marketing incentives and discounts are considered variable consideration. We adjust 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. Our payment terms are typically before or on delivery, and do not include a significant financing component.

Net revenue includes shipping and handling charges billed directly to customers, and we also generate income through the sale of certain parts and services, acting as the principal in these arrangements. We have 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. We also have made an accounting policy election to exclude from revenue sales and usage-based taxes collected.

Our contracts include some incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract. We have 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. 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 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.

We do not have material contract assets or liabilities.

Advertising

Advertising costs are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the change in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from sources other than shareholders.

Subsequent Events

In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of this filing noting no material subsequent events.

Recently Adopted and 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) which reduces the number of models used to account for convertible instruments, amends diluted earnings per share ("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. Certain disclosure requirements were also added to increase transparency and decision-usefulness regarding a convertible instrument's terms and features. Additionally, the if-converted method must be used for including convertible instruments in diluted EPS as opposed to the treasury stock method.We have reviewed all recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that such standards were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets that Fund Deferred Compensation

Our assets that fund deferred compensation are marketable equity securities measured at fair value using quoted market prices and primarily consist of equity-based mutual funds. These securities, used to fund the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, are classified as Level 1 as they are traded in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available. Refer to Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of Part II in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding this plan.

The proportion of the assets that will fund the deferred compensation payments within a year are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining assets are classified as non-current and are included in other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Certain financial instruments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets primarily include goodwill, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and right-of-use lease assets. These assets were originally recognized at amounts equal to the fair value determined at date of acquisition or purchase. If certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we will evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment. If an impairment has occurred, the asset will be written down to its current estimated fair value.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

Certain financial instruments are not measured at fair value but are recorded at carrying amounts approximating fair value based on their short-term nature. These financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and other payables. If these instruments were measured at fair value in the financial statements, they would be classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost but measured at fair value for disclosure purposes. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined using current quoted prices in active markets for our publicly traded debt obligations, which is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Repurchase Commitments

Generally, manufacturers in the same industries as us 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.

Our repurchase agreements generally provide that, in the event of default by the dealer on the agreement to pay the lending institution, we will repurchase the financed merchandise. The terms of these agreements, which generally can last up to 24 months, provide that our 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. Our liability cannot exceed 100% of the dealer invoice. In certain instances, we also repurchase 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 recreational vehicles or boats to repurchase current inventory if a dealership exits the business. The total contingent liability on all repurchase agreements was approximately $1,816.7 million and $1,783.7 million as of August 26, 2023 and August 27, 2022, respectively.

Our loss reserve for repurchase commitments contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding a number of factors. Our 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 our repurchase agreements represents all financed dealer inventory at the period-end 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 our historical loss experience, an associated loss reserve is established which is included in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our repurchase accrual was $1.3 million and $1.4 million as of August 26, 2023 and August 27, 2022, respectively. Repurchase risk is affected by the credit worthiness of our dealer network. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to establish the loss reserve for repurchase commitments.