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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Business
Business
Genuine Parts Company (the "company") is a distributor of automotive replacement parts and industrial parts and materials. We serve a diverse customer base through a network of more than 10,600 locations throughout North America, Australasia, and Europe and, therefore, have limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral.
We have reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
We have evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.
On June 30, 2020, we completed the divestiture of our Business Products Group. Refer to the Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations Footnote for more information. Our results of operations for the Business Products Group are reported as discontinued operations and all information related to the discontinued operations has been excluded from the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented. Net loss from discontinued operations includes all costs that are directly attributable to these businesses and excludes certain corporate overhead costs that were previously allocated.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to our consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
We primarily recognize revenue at the point the customer obtains control of the products or services and at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received for those products or services.
Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns, variable consideration and any taxes collected from customers that will be remitted to governmental authorities. Revenue recognized over time is not significant. Payment terms with customers vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of significant financing components based on the expectation that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less. Arrangements with customers that include payment terms extending beyond one year are not significant. Liabilities for customer incentives, discounts, or rebates are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Product Distribution Revenues
We generate revenue primarily by distributing products through wholesale and retail channels. For wholesale customers, revenue is recognized when title and control of the goods has passed to the wholesale customer. Retail revenue is recognized at the point of sale when the goods are transferred to customers and consideration is received. Shipping and handling activities are performed prior to the customer obtaining control of the products. Costs associated with shipping and handling to our customers are considered costs to fulfill a contract and are included in selling, administrative and other expenses in the period they are incurred.
Other Revenues
We offer software support, product cataloging, marketing, training and other membership program and support services to certain customers. This revenue is recognized as services are performed. Revenue from these services is recognized over a short duration and the impact to our consolidated financial statements is not significant.
Variable Consideration
Our products are generally sold with a right of return and may include variable consideration in the form of incentives, discounts, credits or rebates. We estimate variable consideration based on historical experience to determine the expected amount to which we will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. We recognize estimated variable consideration as an adjustment to the transaction price when control of the related product or service is transferred. The realization of variable consideration occurs within a short period of time from product delivery; therefore, the time value of money effect is not significant.
Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency TranslationThe consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of our foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful AccountsWe evaluate the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on various factors, including historical experience, current economic conditions and future expected credit losses and collectability trends. We will periodically adjust this estimate when we become aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While we have a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which we operate could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts.
Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors
Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for a majority of U.S. automotive and industrial parts, and generally by the weighted average method for non-U.S. and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used in place of LIFO, cost would have been approximately $835 million and $628 million higher than reported at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Reductions in certain industrial parts inventories resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers, which reduced cost of goods sold by immaterial amounts in 2021 and 2020. There were no liquidations of LIFO inventory layers in 2022.
We identify slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimate appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of our inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While we have no reason to believe our inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, our risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur.
We enter into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of our vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, we earn inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. We accrue for the receipt of these incentives as part of our inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While
management believes we will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2023 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current AssetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of amounts due from vendors, prepaid expenses, debt securities, and income and other taxes receivable.
Goodwill
Goodwill
We review our goodwill annually for impairment in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or a level below an operating segment (a component). A component is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information and operating results are available and management regularly reviews that information. However, we may aggregate two or more components of an operating segment into a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics.
To review goodwill at a reporting unit for impairment, we generally elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors include adverse macroeconomic, industry or market conditions, cost factors, or financial performance. If we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment or conclude from our assessment of qualitative factors that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we must perform a quantitative test to evaluate goodwill impairment.
To perform a quantitative test, we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that amount to the reporting unit's carrying value. We typically calculate the fair value by using a combination of a market approach and an income approach that is based on a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions used in the market approach generally include benchmark company market multiples and the assumptions used in the income approach generally include the projected cash flows of the reporting unit, which are based on projected revenue growth rates and EBITDA margins, the estimated weighted average cost of capital, working capital and terminal value. We use inputs and assumptions we believe are consistent with those a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. We recognize goodwill impairment (if any) as the excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill Long-Lived Assets Other Than GoodwillWe assess our long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, we project undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.
Other Assets Other AssetsOther assets consist primarily of cash surrender value of life insurance policies, equity method and other investments, guarantee fees receivable, and deferred compensation benefits.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of each asset: buildings, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years; and the shorter of lease term or useful life for leasehold improvements.
Other Current Liabilities Other Current LiabilitiesOther current liabilities consist primarily of current lease obligations, allowances for sales returns expected within the next year, accrued compensation, accrued income and other taxes, and other reserves for expenses incurred.
Other Long-term Liabilities Other Long-term LiabilitiesOther long-term liabilities consist primarily of allowances for sales returns expected after the next year, guarantee obligations, accrued taxes and other non-current obligations.
Self-Insurance
Self-Insurance
We are self-insured for the majority of our group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by our claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year.
Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for our workers’ compensation program. We carry high deductible policies for a majority of these liabilities. We record our reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis involves calculating loss development factors and applying them to reserves supplied by our insurance providers. While we believe the assumptions used in these calculations are appropriate, significant changes in actual experience or our assumptions could materially affect the worker’s compensation costs and reserves recorded.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
When we acquire businesses, we apply the acquisition method of accounting and recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their fair values on the acquisition date, which requires significant estimates and assumptions. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition method requires us to record provisional amounts for any items for which the accounting is not complete at the end of a reporting period. We must complete the accounting during the measurement period, which cannot exceed one year. Adjustments made during the measurement period could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We typically measure customer relationships and other intangible assets using an income approach. Significant estimates and assumptions used in this approach include discount rates and certain assumptions that form the basis of the forecasted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset (e.g., future revenue growth rates and EBITDA Margin). If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, we could record impairment charges. In addition, we have estimated the economic lives of certain acquired tangible and intangible assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If our estimates of the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired.
Legal and Product Liabilities
Legal and Product Liabilities
We accrue for potential losses related to legal disputes, litigation, product liabilities, and regulatory matters when it is probable (the future event or events are likely to occur) that we will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
The product liability amount reflects our reasonable estimate of losses based upon currently known facts. To calculate the liability, we estimate potential losses relating to pending claims and also estimates the likelihood of additional, similar claims being filed against us in the future. To estimate potential losses on claims that could be filed in the future, we consider claims pending against us, claim filing rates, the number of codefendants and the extent to which they share in settlements, and the amount of loss by claim type. The estimated losses for pending and potential future claims are calculated on a discounted basis using risk-free interest rates derived from market data about monetary assets with maturities comparable to those of the projected product liabilities. We use an actuarial specialist to assist with measuring our product liabilities.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Additionally, ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines levels within a hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs.
Level 1- Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2- Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3- Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the fair value of our senior unsecured notes was approximately $2.9 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, which are designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Our valuation technique is based primarily on prices and other relevant information generated by observable transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
Derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. They are valued using inputs other than quoted prices, such as foreign exchange rates and yield curves.
Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analyses of goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived assets. These involve fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings under the line of credit approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments.
Fair value measurement using unobservable inputs is inherently uncertain, and the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the methodologies used since December 31, 2021.
Derivatives and Hedging
Derivatives and Hedging
We are exposed to various risks arising from business operations and market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates and certain foreign currencies. When deemed appropriate, we use derivative and non-derivative instruments as risk management tools to mitigate the potential impact of interest rate and foreign exchange rate risks. The objective of using these tools is to reduce fluctuations in our earnings, cash flows and net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries associated with changes in these rates. Derivative financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. We have not historically incurred, and do not expect to incur in the future, any losses as a result of counterparty default related to derivative instruments.
We formally document relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow to be paid. We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivative and non-derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items. When a designated instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and totaled approximately $407 million, $350 million, and $302 million, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $236 million, $211 million, and $194 million in the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Restructuring Costs Restructuring CostsIn October 2019, we approved certain restructuring actions (the "2019 Cost Savings Plan") across our subsidiaries primarily targeted at simplifying organizational structures and distribution networks. Among other things, the 2019 Cost Savings Plan resulted in workforce reductions and facility closures and consolidations.
Accounting for Legal Costs
Accounting for Legal Costs
We expense legal costs related to loss contingencies as they are incurred.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation
We maintain various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of our common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to three years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. We issue new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes. In addition, valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. In making this determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence including projected future taxable income, future reversals of existing temporary differences, recent financial operations and tax planning strategies.
We recognize a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.
Net Income from Continuing Operations per Common Share
Net Income from Continuing Operations per Common Share
Basic net income from continuing operations per common share is computed by dividing net income from continuing operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income from continuing operations per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 4 thousand, 186 thousand, and 1.6 million shares of common stock ranging from $72 - $179 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income from continuing operations per common share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of common stock in each respective year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of Accounting Standard Updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). We consider the
applicability and impact of all ASUs and any not listed below were assessed and determined to be not applicable or are expected to have a minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Credit Losses (Topic 326)
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, the ASU and its amendments replace the incurred loss impairment model for receivables and loan guarantees with a current expected credit loss model. The new model measures impairment based on expected credit losses over the remaining contractual life of an asset, considering available information about the collectability of cash flows, past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures are required. We adopted ASU 2016-13 and its amendments as of January 1, 2020, which included recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by $11 million, net of taxes.
Income Taxes (Topic 740)
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The updated accounting guidance removes certain exceptions for performing intraperiod tax allocations, recognizing deferred taxes for investments, and calculating income taxes in interim periods. The guidance also simplifies the accounting for franchise taxes, transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, and the effect of enacted changes in tax laws or rates in interim periods. The company adopted ASU 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021, and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to increase opening retained earnings by $6 million.
Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50)
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, Liabilities-Supplier Finance Programs. This standard requires disclosure of the key terms of outstanding supply chain finance programs and a rollforward of the related amounts due to vendors participating in these programs. The new standard does not affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of any amounts due. The ASU becomes effective January 1, 2023, except for the rollforward requirement, which becomes effective January 1, 2024.
Segment Reporting Our reportable segments consist of the Automotive Parts Group ("Automotive") and Industrial Parts Group ("Industrial"). Within the reportable segments, certain of our operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S., Canada, and Europe who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory, and we implemented a hard freeze for the U.S. qualified defined benefit plan as of December 31, 2013. No further benefits were provided after this date for additional credited service or earnings, and all participants became fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The Canadian plan is contributory, and benefits are based on career average compensation. Our funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. For the plans in the U.S. and Canada, we may increase our contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to our tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. The European plans are funded in accordance with local regulations.
We also sponsor supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada. We use a measurement date of December 31 for our pension and supplemental retirement plans.
Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic income. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan is calculated using a bond matching approach to select specific bonds that would satisfy the projected benefit payments. The bond matching approach reflects the process that would be used to settle the pension obligations. The discount rate for non U.S. plans are set by using Willis Towers Watson's RATE:Link model. For each plan, this approach reflects yields available on high quality corporate bonds that would generate the cash flow necessary to pay the plan's benefits when due. The expected return on plan assets is based on a calculated market-related value of plan assets, where gains and losses on plan assets are amortized over a five year period and accumulate in other comprehensive income. Other non-investment unrecognized gains and losses are amortized in future net income based on a “corridor” approach, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The unrecognized gains and losses in excess of the corridor criteria are amortized over the average future lifetime or service of plan participants, depending on the plan. These assumptions are updated at each annual measurement date.
Our benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The plans in Europe are unfunded and, therefore, there are no plan assets. The pension plan strategy implemented by our management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary investment objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rates of return. Our investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (38% US Large-cap stocks, 9% US Mid-cap stocks, 10% International stocks, 3% Emerging Market stocks and 40% Barclays U.S. Gov/Credit Index).
The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of our pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including our own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). Certain investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. 
The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year.
Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on our asset allocations and future expectations, our expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2023 pension income is 7.09% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of our benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships.We have one defined contribution plan in the U.S. that covers substantially all of our domestic employees. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity We guarantee the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores and businesses (“independents”) and certain other affiliates in which we have a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (“affiliates”). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have controlling financial interests through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independents. We have no voting interest or equity conversion rights in any of the independents. We do not control the independents or the affiliates but receive a fee for the guarantees. We have concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that we are not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, we concluded that the affiliates are not variable interest entities. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to our guarantees. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, we are required to maintain compliance with certain covenants. At December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all such covenants.In the event that we are required to make payments in connection with these guarantees, we would obtain and liquidate certain collateral pledged by the independents or affiliates (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a substantial portion of the amounts paid under the guarantees. We recognize a liability equal to current expected credit losses over the lives of the loans in the guaranteed loan portfolio, based on a consideration of historical experience, current conditions, the nature and expected value of any collateral, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. To date, we have had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings and the current expected credit loss reserve is not material. As of December 31, 2022, there are no material guaranteed loans for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and recovery is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral.