Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

Superior Industries International, Inc.’s (referred to herein as the “Company,” “Superior,” or “we” and “our”) principal business is the design and manufacture of aluminum wheels for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in North America and Europe and to the aftermarket in Europe. We employ approximately 6,600 full-time employees, operating in seven manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. We are one of the largest aluminum wheel suppliers to global OEMs and one of the leading European aluminum wheel aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers. Our OEM aluminum wheels accounted for approximately 94 percent of our sales in 2023 and were primarily sold for factory installation on vehicle models manufactured by BMW (including Mini), Ford, GM, Honda, Jaguar-Land Rover, Lucid Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz Group, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Stellantis, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, VW Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche) and Volvo. We sell aluminum wheels to the European aftermarket under the brands ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC and ANZIO. North America and Europe represent the principal markets for our products, but we have a diversified global customer base consisting of North American, European and Asian OEMs. We have determined that our North American and European operations should be treated as separate reportable segments as further described in Note 5, “Business Segments.”

Presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Accounting estimates are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. These estimates require the use of judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in the periods presented. We believe that the accounting estimates employed are appropriate and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in developing estimates, actual results could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to these balances in future periods.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash, certificates of deposit, fixed deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our derivatives are over-the-counter customized derivative instruments and are not exchange traded. We account for our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and adjust them to fair value each period. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in shareholders’ equity or deficit until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, at which point accumulated gains or losses are recognized in earnings and classified with the underlying hedged transaction. Derivatives that do not qualify or have not been designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings in the financial statement line item to which the derivative relates (refer to Note 4, “Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information pertaining to our derivative instruments).

We enter into contracts to purchase certain commodities used in the manufacture of our products, such as aluminum, natural gas and electricity. These contracts are considered to be derivative instruments under U.S. GAAP; however, these purchase contracts are not accounted for as derivatives because they qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exemption.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts that are due and payable from our customers for the sale of aluminum wheels. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the expected term of the receivables. In estimating current expected credit losses, the Company applies a loss rate to receivables aging categories by region and market, OEM or aftermarket, based on historical write-offs. Historical loss rates are adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, as necessary. Specific reserves are recognized for individual accounts whenever the Company becomes aware of circumstances indicating that a loss may be incurred on a particular customer account, such as in the event of a customer bankruptcy or significant deterioration in customer operating results or financial condition. Provision adjustments to the allowance for credit losses are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. Accounts receivable are reflected net of a reserve for uncollectible amounts (including the estimated allowance for credit losses) of $0.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Changes in expected credit losses were not significant during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Inventory

Inventories, which are categorized as raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is measured using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method or the average cost method. Inventories are reviewed to determine if inventory quantities are in excess of forecasted usage or if they have become obsolete.

Aluminum is the primary material component in our inventories. The Company had four aluminum suppliers in 2023 and three aluminum suppliers in 2022 which individually exceeded 10 percent of total aluminum purchases and, in the aggregate, represented 73.2 percent and 61.4 percent of our total aluminum purchases, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of additions, improvements and interest during construction, if any, are capitalized. Our maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation is calculated generally on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.


Classification		Expected Useful Life
Buildings		15 to 50 years
Machinery and equipment		3 to 20 years
Leasehold Improvements		Lease term

When property, plant and equipment is replaced, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss on the disposition of an operating asset is included in income or loss from operations and is classified as a part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Any gain or loss on the disposition of a nonoperating asset, as well as any casualty gain or loss, is included in other income or expense.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The carrying amount of long-lived assets to be held and used in the business is evaluated for impairment whenever facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss occurs when the carrying value of an asset group (including the carrying value of liabilities associated with the long-lived assets within the asset group) exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected to be realized from the use and eventual disposition of the respective long-lived assets. An asset group is the unit of accounting for a long-lived asset or group of long-lived assets which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other asset groups. Fair value is determined primarily by discounting the estimated expected cash flows. If the carrying amount of an asset group is impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds fair value. The Company’s asset groups consist of the North American and European reportable segments.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are finite-lived assets consisting of customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (since the pattern in which the asset will be consumed cannot be reliably determined).

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that use local currency as their functional currency are translated to U.S. dollars based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date and any resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose local currency is not their functional currency are remeasured from their local currency to their functional currency and then translated to U.S. dollars. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates prevailing for each period presented.

Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions and the effects of remeasurement discussed in the preceding paragraph are recorded in other income or expense. We recognized a foreign currency transaction and remeasurement loss of $0.1 million in 2023 and a gain of $1.35 million in 2022.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under our contracts are satisfied. Generally, this occurs upon shipment when control of products transfers to our customers. At this point, revenue is recognized in an amount reflecting the consideration we expect to be entitled to under the terms of our contract.

The Company maintains long-term business relationships with our OEM customers and aftermarket distributors; however, there are no definitive long-term volume commitments under these arrangements. Volume commitments are limited to near-term customer requirements authorized under purchase orders or production releases generally with delivery periods of approximately one month. Sales do not involve any significant financing component since customer payment is generally due 40-60 days after shipment. Contract assets and liabilities consist of customer receivables and deferred revenues related to tooling.

At contract inception, the Company assesses goods and services promised in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each promise to deliver a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct. Principal performance obligations under our customer contracts consist of the manufacture and delivery of aluminum wheels, including production wheels, service wheels and replacement wheels. As a part of the manufacture of the wheels, we develop tooling necessary to produce the wheels. Accordingly, tooling costs, which are explicitly recoverable from our customers, are capitalized as preproduction costs and amortized to cost of sales over the average life of the vehicle wheel program. Similarly, customer reimbursement for tooling costs is deferred and amortized to net sales over the average life of the vehicle wheel program.

In the normal course of business, the Company’s warranties are limited to product specifications and the Company does not accept product returns unless the item is defective as manufactured. Accordingly, warranty costs are treated as a cost of fulfillment subject to accrual, rather than a performance obligation. The Company establishes provisions for both estimated returns and warranty when revenue is recognized. In addition, the Company does not typically provide customers with the right to a refund but provides for product replacement.

Prices allocated to production, service and replacement wheels are based on prices established in our customer purchase orders which represent the standalone selling price. Prices for service and replacement wheels are commensurate with production wheels with adjustment for any special packaging. In addition, prices are subject to adjustment for changes in commodity prices for aluminum, alloy premium and silicon, as well as production efficiencies and wheel weight variations from specifications used in pricing. These price adjustments are treated as variable consideration. Customer tooling reimbursement is generally based on quoted prices or cost not to exceed quoted prices.

We estimate variable consideration by using the “most likely” amount estimation approach. For commodity prices, initial estimates are based on the commodity index at contract inception. Changes in commodity prices are monitored and revenue is adjusted as changes in the commodity index occur. Prices incorporate the wheel weight price component based on product specifications. Weights are monitored, and prices are adjusted as variations arise. In North America OEM price adjustments due to manufacturing efficiencies are generally recognized as and when negotiated with customers. Contracts with European OEMs generally include annual price reductions based on expected manufacturing efficiencies over the life of the vehicle wheel program which are accrued as revenue is recognized. Customer contract prices are generally adjusted quarterly to incorporate price adjustments.

Under the Company’s policies, shipping costs are treated as a cost of fulfillment. In addition, the Company does not disclose remaining performance obligations under its contracts since contract terms are substantially less than a year (generally less than one month). Our revenue recognition practices and related transactions and balances are further described in Note 2, “Revenue.”

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation using the estimated fair value recognition method. We recognize these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of three years (refer to Note 18, “Stock-Based Compensation” for additional information concerning our stock-based compensation awards).

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of our assets and liabilities. We calculate current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from actual results reflected on the income tax returns filed during the following years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified in the subsequent years.

The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the future. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax assets when, in our judgment, based upon currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted is based on an evaluation of possible sources of taxable income and considers all available positive and negative evidence. Our accounting for the valuation of deferred tax assets represents our best estimate of future events. We believe that the determination to record a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred income tax asset is a significant accounting estimate because it is based, among other things, on an estimate of taxable income, which is susceptible to change and may or may not occur, and because the impact of adjusting a valuation allowance may be material. In determining when to release the valuation allowance established against our net deferred income tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative.

We account for uncertain tax positions utilizing a two-step approach to evaluate tax positions. Step one, recognition, requires evaluation of the tax position to determine if based solely on technical merits it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step two, measurement, is addressed only if a position is more likely than not to be sustained. In step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities. If a position does not meet the more likely than not threshold for recognition in step one, no benefit is recorded until the first subsequent period in which the more likely than not standard is met, the issue is resolved with the taxing authority, or the statute of limitations expires. Positions previously recognized are derecognized when we subsequently determine the position no longer is more likely than not to be sustained. Evaluation of tax positions, their technical merits, and measurements using cumulative probability are highly subjective management estimates. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

In 2023 and 2022, we have provided deferred income taxes for the estimated U.S. federal and state income tax, foreign income tax and applicable withholding taxes on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries.

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes and Noncash Investing Activities

Cash paid for interest was $62.2 million and $38.2 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Cash paid for income taxes was $14.5 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had purchased but not yet paid for equipment of $4.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, using a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-13 amends several aspects of the measurement of credit losses related to certain financial instruments, including the replacement of the existing incurred credit loss model with the current expected credit loss model. Under ASU 2016-13, credit losses are estimated based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and associated assumptions. The Company did not recognize a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption as the adjustment was immaterial.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-04, “Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations.” On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-04 which requires that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose the key terms of the program, including a description of the payment terms. For the obligations that the buyer has confirmed as valid to the finance provider or intermediary, the buyer must disclose: the amount outstanding that remains unpaid by the buyer as of the end of each period, a description of where those obligations are presented in the balance sheet and a roll forward of those obligations during the period, including the amount of obligations confirmed and the amount of obligations subsequently paid. In adopting ASU 2022-04, disclosures which had been included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of previously filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q regarding supply chain financing have now been included as Note 11, “Supplier Finance Program” to the consolidated financial statements along with disclosure of payment terms under the program and a roll forward of the amounts owed to the financial institution.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, “Segment Reporting.” In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures," which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses, allowing financial statement users to better understand the components of a segment's profit or loss to assess potential future cash flows for each reportable segment and the entity as a whole. The amendments expand a public entity's segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), clarifying when an entity may report one or more additional measures to assess segment performance, requiring enhanced interim disclosures, providing new disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and requiring other new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740).” In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures," which is intended to enhance the transparency, decision usefulness and effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require a public entity to disclose a tabular tax rate reconciliation, using both percentages and currency, with specific categories. A public entity is also required to provide a qualitative description of the states and local jurisdictions that make up the majority of the effect of the state and local income tax category and the net amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes and also disaggregated by individual jurisdictions. The amendments are effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.