SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of the Business and Segments

The Company manufactures, distributes and services high quality tractor-mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, excavators, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment, pothole patchers, zero turn radius mowers, agricultural implements and related aftermarket parts and services.

The Company manages its business through three principal reporting segments: Agricultural, Industrial and European, which are discussed in Note 16.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alamo Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Alamo Group”), all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Judgments related to asset impairment and certain reserves are particularly subject to change. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, allowance for doubtful accounts, reserve for sales discounts, estimated realizable value on obsolete and slow-moving inventory; warranty reserve, estimates related to pension accounting; estimates related to fair value for purposes of assessing goodwill, long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment; estimates related to income taxes; and estimates related to contingencies.

Foreign Currency

The Company translates the assets and liabilities of foreign-owned subsidiaries at rates in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to limit its exposure to certain foreign currency transactions. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. On December 31, 2015, the Company had a notional amount of $4,309,000 in outstanding forward exchange contracts related to sales.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was no restricted cash.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The credit risk is limited because of the large numbers and types of customers and their geographic dispersion.

Inventories

Inventories of U.S. operating subsidiaries are stated at the lower of cost (last-in, first-out method) (“LIFO”) or market, and the Company’s international subsidiaries’ inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) (“FIFO”) or market. Inventory costs include those costs directly attributable to products, including raw materials, labor and overhead.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. Major renewals and betterments are charged to the property accounts while replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed to the current period. Depreciation is provided at amounts calculated to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful economic lives using the straight-line method.

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, rental equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an non-discounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.

Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We test goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, at the reporting unit level, and whenever events or circumstances make it likely that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell all or a portion of a reporting unit. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company changed its annual goodwill and intangible assets impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. Management considers this accounting change preferable because it allows the Company additional time to complete the annual goodwill test. This change does not accelerate, delay, avoid, or cause an impairment charge, nor does this change result in adjustments to previously issued financial statements. We perform our annual goodwill and intangible assets impairment test and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. We have an option to make a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit's goodwill and intangible assets for impairment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. For reporting units where we perform the two-step process, the first step requires us to compare the fair value of each reporting unit, which we primarily determine using an income approach based on the present value of discounted cash flows, to the respective carrying value, which includes goodwill and intangible assets. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill and intangible assets are not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, there is an indication that an impairment may exist and the second step is required. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill and intangible assets are calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities. If the implied fair value of goodwill and intangible assets are less than the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.

The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis. This analysis requires the Company to make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The cash flows are estimated over a significant future period of time, which makes those estimates and assumptions subject to an even higher degree of uncertainty. The Company also utilizes market valuation models and other financial ratios, which require the Company to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding the applicability of those models to its assets and businesses. As of December 31, 2015, goodwill was $75,509,000, which represents 13% of total assets.

The Company recognized no goodwill impairment in 2015, 2014, or 2013. During the 2015 impairment analysis review, we performed a sensitivity analysis for goodwill impairment with respect to each of our reporting units and determined that a hypothetical 15% decline in the fair value of each reporting unit as of October 1, 2015 would not result in an impairment of goodwill for any of the reporting units.

Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company's components. However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future. For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach. If the Company's projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach. If the market price of the Company's stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations. If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach. And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company's components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach. The Company's annual impairment test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Given the current market conditions and continued economic uncertainty, the fair value of the Company's components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods. The Company also monitors potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, volatility in the capital markets, the Company's market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company's recent operating performance, and the Company's financial projections. The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in future impairment charges.

See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding goodwill.

Intangible Assets

The Company has intangible assets with both definite and indefinite useful lives. The definite-lived assets are trade names and trademarks, customer and dealer relationships, and patents and drawings that are subject to amortization with useful lives ranging from 12 years to 25 years. The net book value of these assets at December 31, 2015 was $47,450,000 and $51,484,000 at December 31, 2014.

The indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization consist of trade names. The net book value of these trade names was $5,500,000 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. This consisted of the Gradall trade name with a carrying value of $3,600,000 and the Bush Hog trade name with a carrying value of $1,900,000. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis at year-end, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, determined using the relief from royalty method, with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value.

Pensions

The Company records annual amounts relating to its pension and post-retirement plans based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. The Company reviews its assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications to those assumptions is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized to net periodic cost over future periods using the corridor method. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience and market conditions.

The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the

post-retirement benefits.

Related Party Transactions

There were no reportable relationships or related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when each of the following four criteria are met: 1) a contract or sales arrangement exists; 2) products have been shipped per agreed terms and title has been transferred or services have been rendered; 3) the prices of the products or services are fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. Pre-season sales orders are solicited in the fall in advance of the dealer’s sales season in the spring and summer. Pre-season sales orders are shipped beginning in the fall and continuing through the spring and represent an opportunity for the Company’s factories to level their production/shipping volumes through the winter months. These pre-season shipments carry descending discounts in conjunction with delayed payment terms of up to six months from the dealer’s requested delivery date. Revenue from sales is recorded net of a provision for discounts that are anticipated to be earned and deducted at time of payment by the customer. These approximated discounts are estimated using an average of historical discounts taken and are adjusted as program terms are changed. The reserves for discounts are reviewed and adjusted quarterly. The Company enters into operating lease agreements with customers related to the rental of certain equipment. The rental income is recognized ratably over the term of the leases. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Rental Equipment

The Company enters into operating lease agreements with customers related to the rental of certain equipment. In accounting for these leases, the cost of the equipment purchased or manufactured by the Company is recorded as an asset, and is depreciated over its estimated useful life. Accumulated depreciation relating to the rental equipment was $8,322,000 and $3,435,000 on of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company’s policy is to include shipping and handling costs in costs of goods sold.

Advertising

We charge advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense related to operations for fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $7,670,000, $7,368,000 and $6,646,000, respectively. Advertising and marketing expenses are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”).

Research and Development

Product development and engineering costs charged to SG&A amounted to $8,590,000, $8,427,000, and $7,164,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Commitments, Contingencies and Legal Costs

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company's policy is to accrue for legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies.

Federal Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the future years in which deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, available tax carrybacks and tax planning strategies in making this assessment other than those which we have reserved. Based upon projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.

We do not provide for a U.S. income tax liability on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which reflect full provision for non-U.S. income taxes, are currently indefinitely reinvested in non-U.S. operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted options to purchase its common stock to certain employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates under various stock option plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company or one of its affiliates other than by retirement or death. These options generally vest over five years. All option plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization. Excess tax benefits or awards that are recognized in equity related to stock option exercises are reflected as cash flows from financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation method with the following assumptions noted:


1.	The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life of the option at the time of the grant.


2.	The dividend yield is calculated as the ratio of dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of the grant.


3.	The expected volatility factors are based on the historical movement of the Company’s common stock price over the expected life of the option.


4.	The expected life is the average length of time in which officers, other employees, and non-employee directors are expected to exercise their options, and which are primarily based on historical experience.

The Company calculated the fair value for options with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2015, 2014, and 2013:



	December 31,
	2015		2014		2013

Risk-free interest rate	2.00	%	2.24	%	1.38	%
Dividend yield	0.6	%	0.5	%	0.8	%
Volatility factors	48.8	%	48.2	%	47.9	%
Weighted-average expected life	8.0 years		8.0 years		8.0 years

Earnings per common share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The treasury stock method is used to compute diluted EPS which gives effect to the potential dilution of earnings that could have occurred if additional shares were issued for awards granted under the Company’s incentive stock option plans. The treasury stock method assumes proceeds that would be obtained upon exercise of awards granted under the incentive stock option plans are used to purchase outstanding common stock at the average market price during the period.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In fair value, measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:

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

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.

The Company uses quoted market prices, when available, to determine fair value, and the Company classifies such measurements within Level 1. In some cases where market prices are not available, the Company makes use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified with Level 2. If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves, currency rates, etc. These measurements are classified within Level 3.

The carrying values of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying value of our debt approximates the fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, as the floating rates on our outstanding balances approximate current market rates. This conclusion was made based on Level 2 inputs.