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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Standard Motor Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (referred to hereinafter in these notes to the consolidated financial statements as “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of replacement parts for motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with a complementary focus on the heavy duty, industrial equipment and original equipment service markets. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and all domestic and international companies in which we have more than a 50% equity ownership, except in instances where the minority shareholder maintains substantive participating rights, in which case we follow the equity method of accounting. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for on the equity method, as we do not have a controlling financial interest but have the ability to exercise significant influence. All significant inter-company items have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

In conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements. Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, cash discounts, valuation of inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, product liability exposures, asbestos, environmental and litigation matters, valuation of deferred tax assets, share based compensation and sales returns and other allowances. We can give no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates. Although we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimate or in the assumptions that we use in calculating the estimate, unforeseen changes in the industry, or business could materially impact the estimate and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Cash Discounts

We do not generally require collateral for our trade accounts receivable. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. These allowances are established based on a combination of write-off history, aging analysis, and specific account evaluations. When a receivable balance is known to be uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Cash discounts are provided based on an overall average experience rate applied to qualifying accounts receivable balances.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in first-out basis. Where appropriate, standard cost systems are utilized for purposes of determining cost; the standards are adjusted as necessary to ensure they approximate actual costs. Estimates of lower of cost and net realizable value of inventory are determined by comparing the actual cost of the product to the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation of the inventory.

We also evaluate inventories on a regular basis to identify inventory on hand that may be obsolete or in excess of current and future projected market demand. For inventory deemed to be obsolete, we provide a reserve on the full value of the inventory. Inventory that is in excess of current and projected use is reduced by an allowance to a level that approximates our estimate of future demand. Future projected demand requires management judgment and is based upon (a) our review of historical trends and (b) our estimate of projected customer specific buying patterns and trends in the industry and markets in which we do business. Using rolling twelve month historical information, we estimate future demand on a continuous basis. As such, the historical volatility of such estimates has been minimal. We maintain provisions for inventory reserves of $45.8 million and $44 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We utilize cores (used parts) in our remanufacturing processes for air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps. The production of air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps involves the rebuilding of used cores, which we acquire either in outright purchases from used parts brokers, or from returns pursuant to an exchange program with customers. Under such exchange programs, at the time of sale of air conditioning compressors, diesel injectors, and diesel pumps, we estimate the core expected to be returned from the customer and record the estimated return as unreturned customer inventory.

In addition, many of our customers can return inventory to us based upon customer warranty and overstock arrangements within customer specific limits. At the time products are sold, we accrue a liability for product warranties and overstock returns and record as unreturned customer inventory our estimate of anticipated customer returns. Estimates are based upon historical information on the nature, frequency and probability of the customer return. Unreturned core, warranty and overstock customer inventory is recorded at standard cost. Revision to these estimates is made when necessary, based upon changes in these factors. We regularly study trends of such claims.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives as follows:

	Estimated Life
Buildings	25 to 33-1/2 years
Building improvements	10 to 25 years
Machinery and equipment	5 to 12 years
Tools, dies and auxiliary equipment	3 to 8 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 12 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Costs related to maintenance and repairs which do not prolong the assets useful lives are expensed as incurred. We assess our property, plant and equipment to be held and used for impairment when indicators are present that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. For operating leases, we include and report operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, sundry payables and accrued expenses, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet for leases with a term longer than twelve months. Finance leases are reported on our consolidated balance sheets in property, plant and equipment, current portion of other debt, and long-term debt.

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the total lease payments over the lease term. Our ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying leased asset over the existing lease term, and the corresponding lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease agreement. As most of our leases do not provide for an implicit rate, we use our secured incremental borrowing rate based on the information available when determining the present value of our lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to terminate, or extend, our lease when it is reasonably certain that we will execute the option. Lease agreements may contain lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Valuation of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill

At acquisition, we estimate and record the fair value of purchased intangible assets, which primarily consist of customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, patents and non-compete agreements. The fair values of these intangible assets are estimated based on our assessment. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets having indefinite lives are not amortized to earnings, but instead are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over their remaining useful lives.

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, identifiable intangibles assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. With respect to goodwill and identifiable intangible assets having indefinite lives, we test for impairment on an annual basis or in interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that may indicate the fair value is below its carrying amount. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment review, include the following: (a) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (b) significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and (c) significant negative industry or economic trends. We review the fair values using the discounted cash flows method and market multiples.

When performing our evaluation of goodwill for impairment, if we conclude qualitatively that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test is not required. If we are unable to reach this conclusion, then we would perform the two-step impairment test. Initially, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit; we are required to perform a second step, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In this step, we compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill and recognize a charge for impairment to the extent the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. On January 1, 2020, we will adopt Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 removes the second step of the impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Instead, under ASU 2017-04, goodwill impairment is the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively.

Identifiable intangible assets having indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis using a methodology similar with that used to evaluate goodwill. Intangible assets having definite lives and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events such as product discontinuance, plant closures, product dispositions or other changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In reviewing intangible assets having definite lives and other long-lived assets for impairment, we compare the carrying value of such assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. When the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference between the assets fair value and their carrying value.

There are inherent assumptions and estimates used in developing future cash flows requiring our judgment in applying these assumptions and estimates to the analysis of identifiable intangibles and long-lived asset impairment including projecting revenues, interest rates, tax rates and the cost of capital. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside our control and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. These changes can result in future impairments. In the event our planning assumptions were modified resulting in impairment to our assets, we would be required to include an expense in our statement of operations, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and remains there until the underlying foreign operation is liquidated or substantially disposed of. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recorded in the statement of operations under the caption “other non-operating income (expense), net.”

Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenue primarily from sales of replacement parts for motor vehicles from both our Engine Management and Temperature Control Segments. We recognize revenues when our performance obligation has been satisfied and the control of products has been transferred to a customer which typically occurs upon shipment. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transfer of goods or providing services. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize depends on the marketing incentives, product warranty and overstock returns we offer to our customers. For certain of our sales of remanufactured products, we also charge our customers a deposit for the return of a used core component which we can use in our future remanufacturing activities. Such deposit is not recognized as revenue at the time of the sale but rather carried as a core liability. At the same time, we estimate the core expected to be returned from the customer and record the estimated return as unreturned customer inventory. The liability is extinguished when a core is actually returned to us, or at period end when we estimate and recognize revenue for the core deposits not expected to be returned. We estimate and record provisions for cash discounts, quantity rebates, sales returns and warranties in the period the sale is recorded, based upon our prior experience and current trends. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in estimating sales returns and allowances relating to revenue recognized in any accounting period.

Product Warranty and Overstock Returns

Many of our products carry a warranty ranging from a 90-day limited warranty to a lifetime limited warranty, which generally covers defects in materials or workmanship and failure to meet industry published specifications and/or the result of installation error. In addition to warranty returns, we also permit our customers to return new, undamaged products to us within customer-specific limits (which are generally limited to a specified percentage of their annual purchases from us) in the event that they have overstocked their inventories. At the time products are sold, we accrue a liability for product warranties and overstock returns as a percentage of sales based upon estimates established using historical information on the nature, frequency and average cost of the claim and the probability of the customer return. At the same time, we record an estimate of anticipated customer returns as unreturned customer inventory. Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the sales returns and other allowances in any accounting period. Revision to these estimates is made when necessary, based upon changes in these factors. We regularly study trends of such claims.

New Customer Acquisition Costs

New customer acquisition costs refer to arrangements pursuant to which we incur change-over costs to induce a new customer to switch from a competitor’s brand. In addition, change-over costs include the costs related to removing the new customer’s inventory and replacing it with our inventory commonly referred to as a stocklift. New customer acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction to revenue when incurred.

Selling, General and Administration Expenses

Selling, general and administration expenses include shipping costs and advertising, which are expensed as incurred. Shipping and handling charges, as well as freight to customers, are included in distribution expenses as part of selling, general and administration expenses.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in conjunction with our debt financing activities. Deferred financing costs related to our revolving credit facility are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related financing arrangement. If the debt is retired early, the related unamortized deferred financing costs are written off in the period the debt is retired and are recorded in the statement of operations under the caption other non-operating income (expense), net.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by the current enacted tax rates.

We maintain valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance is intended to provide for the uncertainty regarding the ultimate utilization of our U.S. foreign tax credit carryovers and foreign net operating loss carryovers. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider all positive and negative evidence and all sources of taxable income such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to realize the deferred tax asset. The assessment of the adequacy of our valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or we adjust these estimates in future periods for current trends or expected changes in our estimating assumptions, we may need to modify the level of valuation allowance which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The valuation allowance of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2019 is intended to provide for the uncertainty regarding the ultimate realization of our U.S. foreign tax credit carryovers and foreign net operating loss carryovers. Based on these considerations, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset of $37.3 million as of December 31, 2019, which is net of the remaining valuation allowance.

Tax benefits are recognized for an uncertain tax position when, in management's judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is judged to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances and when new information becomes available. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we did not establish a liability for uncertain tax positions.

Environmental Reserves

We are subject to various U.S. Federal and state and local environmental laws and regulations and are involved in certain environmental remediation efforts. We estimate and accrue our liabilities resulting from such matters based upon a variety of factors including the assessments of environmental engineers and consultants who provide estimates of potential liabilities and remediation costs. Such estimates are not discounted to reflect the time value of money due to the uncertainty in estimating the timing of the expenditures, which may extend over several years. Potential recoveries from insurers or other third parties of environmental remediation liabilities are recognized independently from the recorded liability, and any asset related to the recovery will be recognized only when the realization of the claim for recovery is deemed probable.

Asbestos Litigation

In evaluating our potential asbestos-related liability, we use an actuarial study that is prepared by a leading actuarial firm with expertise in assessing asbestos-related liabilities. We evaluate the estimate of the range of undiscounted liability to determine which amount to accrue. Based on the information contained in the actuarial study and all other available information considered by us, we have concluded that no amount within the range was more likely than any other and, therefore, in assessing our asbestos liability we compare the low end of the range to our recorded liability to determine if an adjustment is required. Legal costs are expensed as incurred.

Loss Contingencies

We have loss contingencies, for such matters as legal claims and legal proceedings. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires estimates, judgment of risk exposure and ultimate liability. We record provisions when the liability is considered probable and reasonably estimable. Significant judgment is required for both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated. We maintain an ongoing monitoring and identification process to assess how the activities are progressing against the accrued estimated costs. As additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability related to these matters. Adjustments to the liabilities are recorded in the statement of operations in the period when additional information becomes available. Such revisions of the potential liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. Although we are directly affected by developments in the vehicle parts industry, management does not believe significant credit risk exists.

With respect to accounts receivable, such receivables are primarily from warehouse distributors and major retailers in the automotive aftermarket industry located in the U.S. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions. Our five largest individual customers accounted for approximately 69% of our consolidated net sales in 2019, and approximately 70% of our consolidated net sales in 2018 and 2017. During 2019, O’Reilly, Advance, NAPA, and AutoZone accounted for 22%, 16%, 15% and 11% of our consolidated net sales, respectively. Net sales from each of the customers were reported in both our Engine Management and Temperature Control Segments. The loss of one or more of these customers or, a significant reduction in purchases of our products from any one of them, could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Cash Balances

Substantially all of the cash and cash equivalents, including foreign cash balances, at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were uninsured. Foreign cash balances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $8.5 million and $11.1 million, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Standards that were adopted

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, (“ASU 2016-02”) using the modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach provides a method for recording existing leases at adoption. The most significant impact in adopting the new standard was the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet for operating leases, while the accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. The adoption of the new standard did not materially impact our consolidated statements of operations or cash flows.

In adopting ASU 2016-02, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease identification and lease classifications. In addition, upon adoption, we evaluated all of our leases, and in particular our real estate leases, to determine the appropriate lease term. In evaluating our leases, we determined that the lease term for one of our leases should be lengthened, as we concluded that it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the five-year renewal option in the lease. The lease term for all of our other leases remained unchanged.

Additionally, we elected to apply the provisions of ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements, which allows us to initially apply the new lease requirements as of the effective date. Comparative financial information for the prior periods presented were not restated but instead are reported under the accounting standards in effect in those prior periods.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in the following changes in our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 (in thousands):

	Balance at December 31, 2018		Adjustments Due to Adoption of ASU 2016-02		Balance at January 1, 2019
Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$	—	$	38,580	$	38,580
Sundry payables and accrued expenses		31,033		7,232		38,265
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities		—		31,348		31,348

See Note 2 for further information regarding our adoption of ASU 2016-02.

Standards that are not yet adopted as of December 31, 2019

The following table provides a brief description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that have not yet been adopted as of December 31, 2019, and that could have an impact on our financial statements:

Standard	Description	Date of adoption	Effects on the financial statements or other significant matters

ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	This standard is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.	January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted	We will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2020. The new standard will be applied prospectively. We anticipate that the adoption of this standard will not materially impact the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, when performing our annual impairment test.

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses	This standard creates a single model to measure impairment on financial assets, which includes trade accounts receivable. An estimate of expected credit losses on trade accounts receivable over their contractual life will be required to be recorded at inception, based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.	January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted	We will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2020. We anticipate that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the manner in which we estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable, or on our consolidated financial statements.