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BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

1. BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business

Allied Motion Technologies Inc. (“Allied Motion” or the “Company”) is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and selling precision and specialty controlled motion components and systems, which include integrated system solutions as well as individual controlled motion products, to a broad spectrum of customers throughout the world primarily for the vehicle, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial markets.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

For business combinations, we record net assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include instruments which are readily convertible into cash (original maturities of three months or less) and which are not subject to significant risk of changes in interest rates.

Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The provision for credit losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable; however, changes in circumstances relating to accounts receivable may result in a requirement for additional provisions in the future. Activity in the provision for credit losses for 2020 and 2019 was as follows (in thousands):

    

December 31, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

Beginning balance

$

405

$

530

Additional reserves

 

91

 

(5)

Write-offs

 

(123)

 

(132)

Effect of foreign currency translation

9

12

Ending balance

$

382

$

405

Inventories

Inventories include costs of materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value, as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

Parts and raw materials

$

44,750

$

35,849

Work-in-process

 

6,186

 

6,951

Finished goods

 

12,042

 

10,585

$

62,978

$

53,385

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is classified as follows (in thousands):

    

    

December 31, 

    

December 31, 

Useful lives

2020

2019

Land

$

999

$

977

Building and improvements

 

5 - 39 years

 

14,169

 

13,366

Machinery, equipment, tools and dies

 

3 - 15 years

 

79,738

 

58,358

Construction work in progress

6,821

15,536

Furniture, fixtures and other

 

3 - 10 years

 

16,313

 

15,797

 

118,040

 

104,034

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(62,612)

 

(51,026)

Property, plant and equipment, net

$

55,428

$

53,008

Depreciation expense is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Amortization of building improvements is provided using the straight-line method over the life of the lease term or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to operations as incurred. Major additions and improvements are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of retired or sold property are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in earnings.

Depreciation expense was $10,057, $9,139 and $7,921 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives using an accelerated or straight-line method which approximates the pattern of expected cash flows over the remaining useful lives of the intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are carried at historical cost if the projected cash flows from their use will recover their carrying amounts on an undiscounted basis and without considering interest. If projected cash flows are less than their carrying value, the long-lived assets must be reduced to their estimated fair value. Considerable judgment is required to project such cash flows and, if required, estimate the fair value of the impaired long-lived assets. The Company did not record any impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination.

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Company has defined one reporting unit that is the same as its operating segment. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative goodwill test is necessary. If it is determined, based on qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit may be more likely than not less than carrying amount, or if significant adverse changes in the Company’s future financial performance occur that could materially impact fair value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test would be required. Additionally, the Company can

elect to forgo the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative test. If the qualitative assessment indicates that the quantitative analysis should be performed, or if management elects to bypass a qualitative assessment, the Company then evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill.

At October 31, 2020, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test and determined, after performing a qualitative test of the reporting unit, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment and the quantitative impairment test was not performed. The Company did not record any impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets include securities that the Company has purchased with the intent of funding the deferred compensation arrangements for certain executives of the Company. These items are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. Any changes in value are included in net income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Warranty

The Company offers warranty coverage for its products. The length of the warranty period for its products is generally three months to two years and varies significantly based on the product sold. The Company estimates the costs of repairing products under warranty based on the historical average cost of the repairs. The assumptions used to estimate warranty accruals are re-evaluated periodically in light of actual experience and, when appropriate, the accruals are adjusted. Estimated warranty costs are recorded at the time of sale of the related product, and are considered a cost of goods sold.

Changes in the Company’s reserve for product warranty claims during 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 

December 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Warranty reserve at beginning of the year

$

1,075

$

971

$

922

Warranty reserves acquired

 

465

 

 

117

Provision

 

34

 

210

 

(13)

Warranty expenditures

 

(97)

 

(101)

 

(34)

Effect of foreign currency translation

 

94

 

(5)

 

(21)

Warranty reserve at end of year

$

1,571

$

1,075

$

971

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Compensation and fringe benefits

$

11,184

$

12,967

Warranty reserve

 

1,571

 

1,075

Income taxes payable

1,459

2,231

Right of use liabilities

4,666

3,203

Other accrued expenses

 

5,982

 

3,525

$

24,862

$

23,001

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using end of period exchange rates. Changes in reported amounts of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that occur as a result of changes in exchange rates between foreign subsidiaries’ functional currencies and the U.S. dollar are included in foreign currency translation adjustment. Foreign currency translation adjustment is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Revenue and expense transactions use an average rate prevailing during the month of the related transaction. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of each of the operating locations are included in the results of operations as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Refer to Note 3, Revenue Recognition, for description of the Company’s policies regarding revenue recognition.

Engineering and Development Costs

The Company is engaged in a variety of engineering and design activities as well as basic research and development activities directed to the substantial improvement or new application of the Company’s existing technologies. Engineering and design as well as research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Basic and Diluted Income per Share

Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted income per share is determined by dividing the net income by the sum of (1) the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and (2) if not anti-dilutive, the effect of stock awards determined utilizing the treasury stock method.

Basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

9,495

 

9,398

 

9,265

Dilutive effect of equity awards

 

60

 

63

 

105

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

9,555

 

9,461

 

9,370

For 2020, 2019 and 2018, the anti-dilutive common shares excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share were immaterial.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders.

Fair Value Accounting

Authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value, which utilizes observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. Preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following three-level fair value hierarchy:

Level 1:    Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2:    Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3:    Significant inputs to the valuation model that are unobservable.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, debt obligations, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these assets approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Assets (liabilities)

Pension plan assets

$

6,347

$

$

Deferred compensation plan assets

 

5,386

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

 

(1,889)

 

December 31, 2019

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Assets (liabilities)

Pension plan assets

$

6,099

$

$

Deferred compensation plan assets

 

4,690

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

 

(363)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow

hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply, or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

Income Taxes

The current provision for income taxes represents actual or estimated amounts payable or refundable on tax return filings each year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The change in deferred tax assets and liabilities for the period measures the deferred tax provision or benefit for the period. Effects of changes in enacted tax laws on deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected as adjustments to the tax provision or benefit in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance may be provided to the extent management deems it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income, in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions, during the periods in which temporary differences, net operating losses and tax credits become realizable. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, net of valuation allowances.

It is the Company's policy to include interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive Income. In addition, the Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, ("ASC 740"). ASC 740 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. There were no uncertain tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and no amounts were recorded for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Pension and Postretirement Welfare Plans

The Company records the service cost component of net benefit costs in Cost of goods sold, Selling, and General and administrative expenses. The interest cost component of net benefit costs is recorded in Interest expense and the remaining components of net benefit costs, amortization of net losses and expected return on plan assets is recorded in Other expense, net.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Trade receivables subject the Company to the potential for credit risk. To reduce this risk, the Company performs evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and creditworthiness at the time of sale, and updates those evaluations when necessary. See Note 13, Segment Information, for additional information regarding customer concentration.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In June 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 applying the modified retrospective approach and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance in ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which modifies the disclosures on fair value measurements by removing the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the policy for timing of such transfers. The ASU expands the disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, primarily focused on changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss). The ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has not historically had any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 or assets or liabilities measured at fair value under Level 3. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This guidance provides relief for impacted areas as it relates to impending reference rate reform and contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other areas or transactions, subject to meeting certain criteria, that are impacted by reference rate reform. This ASU is effective upon issuance for all entities and elections of certain optional expedients are required to apply the provisions of the guidance. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis, and the Company has elected the expedients related to the probability of hedged interest payments, regardless of any expected future modification in terms related to reference rate reform, as well as the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Should the Company elect further optional expedients as it relates to reference rate reform, disclosure of those elections will be done in the fiscal period in which the elections are made. The adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.